Noodles & Tofu in Basil With Mint Dressing


Heart whole-wheat angel hair pasta cooks in just four minutes and makes this Asian-flavored dish much more satisfying than the standard rice noodle due to its filling whole grains and fiber. And, basil isn’t just for Italian food-paired with mint, it takes on an exotic spiciness.

 Ingredients

  • 16 oz extra-firm water-packed tofu (not silken)
  • 12 oz whole-wheat angel hair pasta
  • 4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 tsp raw honey
  • 2 tsp dark sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh spearmint, shredded
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper

Directions

  1. Drain tofu, then wrap in a kitchen towel. Put on a cutting board, place weight on top, such as a heavy pot, and let drain for 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain well.
  3. Cut tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix ginger, honey, oil, soy sauce, basil and spearmint. Add tofu & pepper, tossing to coat.
  5. Add pasta to bowl with tofu mixture and toss gently to coat pasta with dressing.
  6. Serve at room temperature or cover & chill in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tomato-Goat Cheese Bruschetta


Recipe courtesy of one my favorites, Betty Crocker

Organic tomatoes, goat cheese and thyme are the signature flavors of this classic Italian recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 logs (4 oz each) soft goat cheese, cut into 8 (1 inch) slices
  • 1 can* (14.5 oz) organic, diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 24 slices (1/2 inch thick) baguette (about 8 oz), toasted

Directions

  1. Heat over to 350F.
  2. In ungreased, 1-quart shallow ovenproof dish, place cheese in a single layer.
  3. Sprinkle tomatoes, olives, thyme leaves and pepper flakes over cheese.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Bake 15-20 minutes or until warm and serve with baguette slices.

*Unlike fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes contain more nutrients and lycopene because they are pre-cooked, which enhances their nutritional content.