Y is for Yam

Ok I admit I'm not a yam fan. It has some sort of aftertaste that I quite frankly don't care for. However yams are fairly healthy so I know I should be eating them more than plain old potatoes. I have not tried this recipe so I can't give my honest opinion on it but it seems to be really yummy. This is a recipe my sister gave me. I imagine she got it from cooking light or the like as it seems to be a rather healthy recipe.





Split Pea and Yam Soup
6 cups water
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups dry split peas
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium yam, peeled and diced
1 medium white potato, peeled and diced
4 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground celery seed
1/2 -1 bunch fresh greens chopped


 1. Fill a large pot with stock and split peas and bring to a boil. Turn down medium-low. Heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the onion, yams, potatoes, celery and dried herbs/spices, and continue to cook at a medium boil for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.

3.Use immersion blender to smooth and thicken soup. (if it is too thick you may add more water/broth). Add in the greens and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.

K is for Kiwi

                                                                               Today's food is Kiwi. Did you know that the kiwi fruit has the highest levels of vitamin C than any other fruit? Even more than oranges. It has over 250% the daily recommended allowance. It is also high in Vitamin E and Folic acid. And 1 cup is just a little over 100 calories. Making it a sweet healthy snack that's sure to help keep colds at bay.

When I was younger I never really cared for Kiwis. I enjoyed the taste but was not a fan of the seeds. Now as an adult I'm a bit better about them but still not completely sold on the texture of those seeds.

 The following recipe is great in the summertime for a healthy desert. Kids will love them as they are fun to eat.

Fruit Kabobs
Berries (ie strawberry, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries etc)
Kiwi
Pineapple
Melon (ie watermelon, cantaloup, honeydew, casaba etc)
Bananas
Grapes
Any other of your favorite fruits (ie apples, pears, oranges,grapefruit).


Be sure to peel and remove all stems. Wash berries/grapes. Slice larger fruit into bite size chunks. Using long wooden kabob sticks begin to layer fruits on the sticks.. Place a grape or berry at the sharp end. Can serve plain, use chocolate fountain, or serve with your favorite fruit dip.