First Word

  Peppery Celery Chicken is a crisp, clean tasting spring dish. It's easy to make and flavorful. As always, I try to keep these meals simple and fast. People are more likely to quit the Challenge if they have to invest too much time in the recommended dishes. Of course, some of the recipes will be a little more complicated than others, but this one is a quick and satisfying dish.  So let's get started...   INGREDIENTS 4 CHICKEN TENDER PIECES 2 PIECES OF CELERY 4 TBSP OLIVE OIL 1 TBSP BLACKENED CAJUN SPICE 1 TBSP BLACK PEPPER SALT TO TASTE 1/2 CUP FLOUR FRESH TOP RAMEN NOODLES  4 CUPS WATER 1. Cut up chicken tenders into small pieces.  2. Mix cajun spice, black pepper and flour into a small bowl.  3. Pour olive oil into a wok and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. 4. Take chicken pieces and coat in spice and flour mix. When the wok is sufficiently heated, pour chicken pieces into it and stir around until chicken is white on both sides. Then take the celery ...

Now the word "healthy" and French fries rarely go together. I can honestly tell you that any regular French fries from fast-food joints are definitely not healthy. You would be surprised (or maybe not) to know that not only do they add sugar to the fries, but way too much sodium, too.  Healthy (or more like "healthier") French Fries are so yummy! I have no idea why sugar would ever need to be added, because fresh potatoes don't need sugar to taste good. I made my garlic fries even healthier by adding asparagus! Yes! Ever eat garlic asparagus? It tastes absolutely wonderful with garlic fries. And here's a super secret: you can cheat and buy cut up garlic fries at Safeway! I know -- isn't that awesome! The fries are fresh, unsalted, unseasoned, and ready to go. For the rest of you who don't live near a Safeway, the recipe goes like this: INGREDIENTS 2 WHOLE POTATOES 2 CUPS OF ASPARAGUS 1 TBSP OF MINCED OR 1 CLOVE FRESHLY CUT GARLIC 1 TSP PARSLEY BLACK ...

By Syndee Hendricks The prevalence of obesity in the United States through 2018 was 42.4%, according to the Center for Disease Control. That is over a 12 percent increase since 2000! I am part of that statistic, and have struggled with weight since puberty! Darn that estrogen—it giveth and it taketh away!  When Michelle and I first discussed creating a healthy recipe book, I was all over that! One of the things I enjoy doing is having a meal at a restaurant, and going home and recreating a healthier recipe for that meal to enjoy at home. One of my favorite meals is a dinner salad with lots and lots of vegetables and a fruit with a light (well, most of the time) dressing. Check out your local farmer’s markets for organic and to find the freshest ingredients. Here is the Farmer’s Salad: 2 Cups of your favorite greens: Spring Mix, Romaine, Or the lettuce bag of your choice! One fruit of your choice: Mango, Berries, Pineapple, etc. Meat (optional): chicken strips  3 or 4 ...