Citrus Berry Salad with Lime Honey Mint Dressing

This is a beautiful salad that takes advantage of the citrus and berries that are everywhere right now. A light honey, mint and lime dressing brings it all together. I served this at a brunch, but it's good anytime of day as a side dish or snack. Did I mention it's pretty? Here's what you'll need.

  • 1 C grapefruit sections
  • 1 pint blackberries
  • 1 pint blueberries
  • 1 pint raspberries
  • 1/4 C orange juice
  • 1/4 C Key lime honey (or regular honey with lime zest added)
  • 3 TBL fresh mint, chopped

Add all the fruit to a bowl and mix.

In a separate bowl, make the dressing by combining the honey, orange juice and chopped mint.

Pour the dressing over the fruit and stir to coat the fruit.

Enjoy!

Lynn

Hot Chocolate Mix

I'm not a coffee drinker, so when it's cold outside and everyone is enjoying their hot coffee, I feel a little left out. That's why I decided to make up a batch of this hot chocolate mix. I can make a single serving whenever I want a hot beverage, and it's so much better than the stuff that you get out of an envelope. It's delicious mixed with water, and if I want something a little more rich, I use milk. Add a few marshmallows and you're set! I made a triple batch for a large meeting and served it with heart shaped marshmallows and everyone loved it. Even the coffee drinkers were excited to have something different. With only 5 ingredients and a food processor you can whip it up in under 5 minutes. Store it in a zip top bag in the pantry or a cute container on the counter. Her's what you'll need:

  • 3 C nonfat dry milk
  • 2 C powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 bag white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until the it's a smooth powder.

To serve, add about 1/3 cup of the mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk and stir.

Makes about 22 servings.

Enjoy!

Lynn

Roasted Broccoli and Pecans

I first made this broccoli a couple of years ago and when I did, we were all so crazy about it that I served it a couple of times a week.  Yes, I am talking about broccoli. And yes, my family actually asked for it. That should be reason enough for you to try it, but if I need to entice you further, I will say that it only take 15 minute to cook. Everyone loves it and it cooks up in a flash. So, what are you waiting for? Here's what you'll need:

  • fresh broccoli florets
  • olive oil
  • pecans
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt & pepper

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Start by putting the broccoli in a single layer in a baking dish. It's important that it's in a single layer so that it roasts and doesn't steam. If your florets are vastly different in size, cut the bigger ones up to make them all a similar size.  They don't have to be exactly the same size, just close.

Roughly chop the pecans and toss them in with the broccoli. Drizzle the broccoli with olive oil until all of the pieces have some on them. Don't drown them, just a little is enough. For this pan I used about 3 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on the red pepper flakes. 

Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. That's it. I love the way the tips of the broccoli get crunchy and the flavor of the roster pecans blends perfectly.