Main Course: Spinach and Mandarin Orange Salad

on Apr 7, 2004

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Spinach and Mandarin Orange Salad

2 lbs. fresh spinach leaves torn into bite sized pieces.
2 large cans (about 8 oz. each) mandarin oranges drained
1/4 cup almonds, slivered
3 oz. real bacon bits
2 eggs hard-boiled and diced
1/4 cup green onions chopped

Dressing

1/4 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dry mustard

Toss salad ingredients together. Combine dressing ingredients together. Shake well and serve dressing with salad.

The Skinny: You could omit the almonds, bacon and eggs but your salad will suffer as a result. Maybe just cut down on the goodies on your own individual salad.

Southern Beef Stew

2 lbs. stew beef cut into 1 inch cubes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 ribs celery, chopped
2 carrots, shredded
6 small new potatoes, cubed
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup cold water
1/4 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper

In a large saucepan heat oil and brown beef, add garlic and onion and cook until tender. Add celery, carrots, potatoes, thyme, red wine, beef broth and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 2 hours or until vegetables are tender. If needed mix cold water and cornstarch together until smooth and add to stew to thicken. Feel free to use a crock pot or other slow cooker for this recipe. We sometimes put a dash of hot sauce into the stew immediately before serving to spice things up a bit.

The Skinny: Use low fat beef broth and lean beef.

Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Sift flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add oil, buttermilk and cheese and stir well. Knead dough with some extra flour on a smooth surface, roll out with rolling pin. Cut dough with a cookie cutter or top of a glass. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.

The Skinny: Only eat one.