Cranberry Almond Salad

The cooking class is over, and it was a success. It's the first cooking class I've done in awhile, and it was definetely one of the larger crowds I've had. Definetely preparing me for cooking on Good Things Utah in a few weeks! A lot of great recipes--all simple. A weeknight's worth of meals came in at only $50 for a family of four so it was also a great deal! We also tried a taco meal recipe with TVP--textured vegetable protein. This great meat substitute is made from soy flour and is fat free, and packed with protein and other great vitamins. A little goes a long way. At $3 a bag, it's way more affordable than regular meat. Look for our TVP recipe at the end of this article!

CRANBERRY ALMOND SALAD

This delicious recipe is one that is packed full of good stuff, and has just enough sweetness to it that the kids will love eating it. I presented this one at my cooking class last night and it was well received. Try it out for yourself!!


1 bag spinach lettuce (or one head spinach lettuce, torn into pieces)
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh okay)
1 cup shredded reduced fat Swiss cheese
Reduced fat creamy poppy seed dressing (I used Brianna's all natural creamy poppyseed)*

Place lettuce in a bowl or on a salad plate. Sprinkle almonds, cranberries, cheese and dressing on top to taste. If serving as a meal, put chicken slices on top and serve with a whole wheat roll.

*Can use other dressings if desired.
TVP TACO MEAT
 
1/2 cup TVP flakes (found at health food stores)
2 cups water
2 tbsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos (can substitute soy sauce if desired)
1 packet Taco Seasoning
 
In a pan, place 1/2 cup TVP flakes, 2 cups of water and Bragg's Liquid Aminos. Turn heat to low-med and cook until water is mostly absorbed. (About 30 minutes). Stir occasionally. When water is mostly absorbed, add packet of taco seasoning. Stir until well incorporated, and continue to cook an additional 5-10 minutes until rest of water is absorbed. Remove from heat, serve by spooning meat into taco shells or serving over tortilla chips.