Two Recipes from my Noon News appearance on WTNH-Channel 8 on Friday, December 9, 2005

Black Bean and Pineapple Salsa, by Chef Claire Criscuolo, RN Serve this delicious and protein and fiber rich salsa with good corn tortilla chips or over a veggie burger or Quorn Cutlets, or any grilled foods for a healthful treat. Serves 6

• 1 12 ounce can organic black beans, drained, rinsed under cold water, and drained again
• 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes
• 1 10 ounce bag frozen organic sweet corn, set in a colander, run under hot tap water to defrost, drained again
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 - 1 small jalapeno, cut in half
• 1/2 cup cilantro juice from 1/2 temple orange or other, about 3-4 tablespoons

Place the black beans, pineapple, and the corn in a bowl, and toss gently using two spoons to combine. Place the garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Cover and process for about 15 seconds until finely minced. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the contents of the food processor bowl over the bean mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Pour the orange juice evenly over the bean mix, and toss well to coat. Serve with trans fat free tortilla chips.

Vegetable Cream Cheese Spread for Wraps or for Dipping
by Chef Claire Criscuolo, RN

This Spread is a delicious way to add vegetables and Omega-3 fatty acids to your otherwise ordinary cream cheese spread. Try it as a filling for a whole wheat wrap or as a dip for baby organic carrots. And, your children will love it, too. Serves 6

• 1/4 red bell pepper, seeded
• 1/4 green bell pepper, seeded
• 10-12 leaves baby organic spinach
• 3 baby organic carrots
• 12 ounces light cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon organic flax/lemon oil

Place the bell peppers, spinach, and carrots into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Cover and process for about 8-10 seconds until finely minced. Turn into a bowl, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl clean. Add the cream cheese, and using a fork, mix to combine. Drizzle with the flax oil.