Fennel-Apple Slaw

I am a huge fennel fan so this recipe for Fennel-Apple Slaw is one of my new fall favorites. Fennel, which looks like a cross between an onion and a bunch of celery, has a slightly sweet anise (licorice) flavor. It has the perfect crunch to pair with shredded cabbage, and it makes a great addition to any salad or slaw recipe. I love it in this vegetarian combination with Greek yogurt, walnuts, dried cranberries and fresh dill. Fennel is also good for you, containing Vitamins A and C, fiber, folate, potassium and calcium.

Charoseth or Haroseth Traditional for Passover

I have to apologize that I am slightly behind on my Passover recipes to share with you. I was at the Mom 2 Summit conference last week in New Orleans attending and speaking, and I honestly got behind. Many friends have been asking me about traditional Passover foods and the Passover Seder, so I must share this simple recipe for Haroseth (also spelled and pronounced Charoseth). This mixture of wine, nuts and apples is a symbol of the mortar used by the Israelites to bond bricks while they were in slavery in Egypt. It is traditional to serve this with matzoh during the Seder meal with, and without, horseradish. It has an awesome flavor, and it is always is a hit!

My Television Appearance Recipes From January 11th

Yesterday, I did a cooking segment on my favorite station Fox 6 News in Birmingham, Alabama which was so much fun! Television work has been an added dimension to my business as I taped eight television cooking segments last month in Massachusetts. Back to yesterday, I have had enormous reponse to the recipes I made on the show, so I thought I would run the recipes one more time. For all of you loyal subscribers, I hope you will forgive me for seeing them again. Hopefully, you will be able to use them this time of year as they are so healthy, flavorful and delicious.

Here’s the link if you want to see my video: http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=8230072&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1

Spinach Apple Salad

Prep: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach

4 small Granny Smith apples, chopped

3/4 cup cashews, toasted (pecan halves may also be used)

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Preparation

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large salad bowl.

2. Whisk together sugar and next 4 ingredients until blended. Serve dressing with salad.

Note: You can chill dressing up to 1 day; whisk well before serving.

Lemon Herbed Chicken

This recipe is also fabulous when grilled.

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I like to use chicken cutlets)

1 lemon, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl, mixing well. Pour lemon marinade over the chicken in a zip-top resealable bag; marinate 1 to 4 hours, turning occasionally.

2. Place chicken on a lightly greased grill or saute pan over medium-high heat; cook 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until done. Garnish with with the lemon slices.

Note: You can also cook these the oven by placing them on a baking sheet (or cover baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup). Broil 51/2 inches from heat (with electric oven door partially open) 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until tender;

Holiday Spinach Salad For Thanksgiving

Sometimes the most difficult part about the Thanksgiving or holiday menus is figuring out what type of salad to serve. This recipe is perfect with the holiday turkey with the crunch of cashew nuts, the sweetness of golden raisins, and the tartness of Granny Smith Apples served over baby spinach leaves. It’s one of my holiday staples that friends and family look forward to every year. It’s also perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight salad served with chicken, fish or pork.

Spinach Apple Salad

Prep: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

2 (6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach

4 small Granny Smith apples, chopped

3/4 cup cashews, toasted (pecan halves may also be used)

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

Preparation

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large salad bowl.

2. Whisk together sugar and next 4 ingredients until blended. Serve dressing with salad.

Note: You can chill dressing up to 1 day; whisk well before serving.