Orange Jello Salad

8 oz Cool Whip
4 oz dry orange jello powder
1 pint cottage cheese
1 10-oz can mandarin oranges, drained

Mix all ingredients and chill before serving.

Fruit Pizza

1 cup flour
1/4 c powdered sugar
½ cup cold butter
1 8-oz pkg cream cheese
1/3 c sugar
1 t vanilla
2 cups halved fresh strawberries
1 11-oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1 c fresh blueberries

Glaze: 5 t cornstarch, 1 1/4 c unsweetened pineapple juice, 1 t lemon juice

In a large bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto an ungreased 12-in pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust. Arrange strawberries, oranges and blueberries on top.

To make glaze, combine in a small saucepan the cornstarch, pineapple juice and lemon juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool slightly. Drizzle over fruit. Refrigerate until chilled.

Cut into 16 servings. 1 slice equals 170 calories, 9 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 ½ fat, 1 starch, ½ fruit.

Turkey Potato Pancakes

3 eggs
3 cup shredded potatoes
1 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked turkey
1/4 cup sliced green onions
2 T flour
1 1/2 t salt

Beat eggs.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Heat about 1/4" oil in large skillet.  Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls into hot oil.  Fry 5-6 minutes on each side or until potatoes are tender and golden.

Corn / Bean Salad

2 cups frozen corn
1 can black beans
1 small chopped zucchini
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 T olive oil
1/2 cup finely sliced red onion
1 fresh tomato, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Garlic powder and salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and chill at least one hour before serving.

To make the salad a main dish, add 1 cup chopped cooked chicken and/or 1/2 cup finely chopped cheese.

Energy Bars

2 1/2 cups oatmeal
2 1/2 cups rice krispies
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 10-oz pkg marshmellows (or 5 cups mini)

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.  Melt the peanut butter, butter, and marshmellows in the microwave for 1 minute.  If not melted completely, keep microwaving in 10-second times until melted.  Add dry ingredients and stir quickly.  Spread onto greased or waxed-paper-lined cookie sheet.  Use a buttered spoon to spread.  Cool and cut into squares.  These freeze well for later use.

Marinated Tomatoes

4 medium tomatoes
1/2 cup vinegar
3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 t pepper
1 t salt
2 t sugar

Drop tomatoes in boiling water for 10 seconds.  Remove peelings and core.  Slice thin and layer in baking dish.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.  Add chopped onions on top.  Pour vinegar and oil over and let marinate in frig for one hour.

Chicken Quesadillas

4 8-inch flour tortillas
2 t melted butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium chopped tomato
1 cup chopped, cooked chicken

Brush one side of each tortilla with butter.  Place 2 of them, buttered side down, on hot griddle.  Sprinkle with cheese, onion, tomato, and chicken.  Top with remaining tortillas, buttered side up.  Cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes per side.  Cut into wedges and serve.