Two good recipes

You know how it goes: a new year comes and then we all pledge to eat better... Well, here are two recipes that are healthy, but also very tasty. We have enjoyed them and maybe you will, too. Enjoy!



Apple Nut Oatmeal

Measure 1/4 cup plain oatmeal and enough water to cover it into a bowl and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.

Add about 1/4-1/2 cup chopped apple, some sliced almonds, chopped pecans, a bit of ground flaxseed, a dash of cinnamon, and a spoonful of brown sugar. Microwave again for abou 30 seconds.

Add a bit of milk and stir until it is the consistency you like.



Rigatoni with kidney beans and sausage

Ingredients

2 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 lean beef sausages (ground sausage is just as good)
2 x 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes (the fire roasted kind is excellent)
14 oz. can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp. chopped basil
1 tbsp. chopped sage
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 lb. rigatoni
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese (optional), to serve

*We also added some sliced orange and yellow mini sweet peppers, maybe 1/2-3/4 cup.

Serves 4-6

Directions

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove the sausages, chop and return to the saucepan.

Add the tomato, beans, basil, sage, and parsley and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well. Divide among bowls and top with the sauce. If you like, sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

I even have the nutrition information from the cookbook if you are interested.

This recipe is from Healthy Eating: Using the Glycemic Index for optimal health.