Spinach-Rice Casserole

Spinach-Rice Casserole by Edina
From: Better Homes and Gardens

Try a new comfort food--this easy meatless casserole is made with spinach, tofu, and rice.
Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep: 20 mins
Total: 50 mins

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped (1/3 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 14-1/2-ounce can peeled Italian-style tomatoes, cut up
1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil, crushed
8-ounces tofu (fresh bean curd), drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seed, toasted

Directions
1. In a large saucepan cook the onion and garlic in hot oil until onion is tender but not brown. Add undrained tomatoes, and oregano or basil. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 3 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place tofu in a food processor bowl or blender container. Cover and process or blend until smooth. Add to tomato mixture. Stir in cooked rice, spinach, half of the Swiss cheese, the salt, and pepper.
3. Grease 4 individual casseroles or one 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Spoon mixture into casseroles. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and sesame seed. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 301, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 13 mg, Sodium 701 mg, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 15 g.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Chicken With Toasted Couscous Salad

Chicken With Toasted Couscous Salad by Nancy (Saving Dinner by Leanne Ely)

3/4 pound couscous (whole wheat if available)
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/4 c. olive oil, divided
2 TB fresh parsley, chopped
4 TB fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 c. red onion, chopped
1 c. cherry tomatoes (I used grape), cut in half
Salt and pepper to taste
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (skip if going veggie)
1/2 c. green onions, chopped (I skipped)

Cook couscous according to package directions. In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, lime juice and 1/4 cup less 2 tablespoons of the olive oil together. Add couscous, parsley, cilantro, red onion, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill while you prepare the chicken.
In skillet, heat the reserved 2 TB oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken; add salt and pepper to taste. Cook chicken until browned, it needs to be cooked thoroughly. Slice the cooked chicken breast halves into strips. Place strips over the couscous salad and sprinkle with chopped green onio

Pumped Up Pumpkin Muffins

Pumped Up Pumpkin Muffins by Jen

3 1/2 c flour
3 c sugar (this can probably be reduced some)
2 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
1 1/2 t salt
4 eggs (beaten)
1 c (canola) oil
2/3 c water*
2 c mashed pumpkin
2 c peeled, grated zucchini
1-2 peeled, grated apples

Optional:
Chocolate chips

Sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, oil, water,
pumpkin and mix well. Add to dry ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20
minutes in a greased muffin pan. Bake mini muffins for approximately 10-13
minutes. Optional: Top each muffin with a few chocolate chips prior to
baking.

*because the zucchini and apple added water, I waited until the batter was
mixed then added water to thin the batter some. It was probably closer to
1/3 cup--batter should be somewhat thick, like between brownie and cake
batter

Tofu Pesto Pasta

Tofu Pesto Pasta by Cora (AllRecipes)
Ingredients

1 pound tri-colored spiral pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1.5 cups milk
1 (1.2 ounce) package creamy pesto sauce mix
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (16 ounce) package firm tofu, drained and cubed salt and pepper to taste
8oz fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon capers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in spiral pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

In a medium bowl, blend 1/4 cup olive oil, milk, and pesto sauce mix.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Place tofu in the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Remove from heat, and drain on paper towels.

Place mushrooms and onions into the skillet, and cook about 5 minutes. Stir in the olives, capers, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Mix in the tofu and pesto sauce. Continue cooking about 5 minutes before serving over the rotini. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and basil.

Raspberry Chicken Salad

Raspberry-Chicken Salad by Heather

6 Cups bite-size mixed salad greens
2 Cups cut-up cooked chicken breast
1 Cup fresh raspberries
1/3 Cup thinly slice celery
Freshly ground pepper, if desired

Raspberry Dressing
1 Cup plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 Cup fresh raspberries*
1 Tbsp. raspberry or red wine vinegar
2 tsp. sugar

* Frozen unsweetened raspberries can be substitues for the fresh raspberries in the dressing.