BEAN SALAD

1 can (15-16 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (16-oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (3-oz) sliced black olives, drained
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing:
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp Splenda Granulated
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar

Place alll dressing ingredients in a jar and tighten lid to seal. Shake jar well to combine all ingredients. Pour immediately over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.

Refrigerate several hours before serving. Stir occasionally during this time.

Note: This is a file photo

WILD RICE CHICKEN SOUP

1 large onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 celery rib, diced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup white whole-wheat or garbanzo bean flour
8 cups chicken broth
3 cups cooked wild rice
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of garlic powder
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup chopped chives for garnish, optional

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter; saute the onion, carrot, and celery until tender. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add broth while stirring. Stir in the remaining ingredients except the milk and chives. Bring soup to a boil over medium heat; cook, stirring for 2 - 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the milk and cook another 4 -5 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with the chives, if using.

Note: File Photo

FRUIT AND ALMOND TART

This is a Kraft Foods recipe I redid to make it diabetic-friendly.

1 1/2 cups Keebler Club Multi-Grain Crackers (important to use multi-grain), coarsely crumbled
1/4 cup Splenda Granulated
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup no salt added butter, melted
12-oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp +2 tsp packed Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup finely chopped toasted almonds
3 cups mixture of fresh fruits ie, strawberries, blueberries, red raspberries, kiwi, or fruit of your choice
1/4 cup sugar-free apricot jelly, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine the crackers, Splenda Granulated, and cinnamon; Add butter and toss to combine. Press firmly onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate (may use a 9-10 inch tart pan with removable bottom, if you prefer).

Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, Splenda Brown Sugar, milk and almond extract on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in almonds and spread over the crust.

Top with the fruit and drizzle with the melted jelly.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until set. Keep chilled and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

 Note: File Photo for reference only.

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