| Every meal of the day can be interesting and exciting, | | | | Alright, so that's the entree taken care of. Now for the |
| but if there is one meal that I tend to be most creative | | | | main course. You'll notice that these carefully selected |
| with, it is dinner. I suppose the setting of the sun has an | | | | ingredients come together in rather unusual but |
| energy about it that encourages one to draw inwards | | | | delightful ways... |
| and create from within a space of mystery and | | | | Creamy pasta (Soft and fluffy) |
| wonder. At least, it seems to have that effect on me! | | | | - Oat-bran pasta (star or small shell-shaped ones are |
| Being a health-conscious vegetarian, I am always on | | | | particularly attractive) |
| the look-out for low-calorie vegetarian recipes that | | | | - ½ cup mushrooms, sliced small (optional) |
| excite me in the first instance and impress my guests. I | | | | - 1 tablespoon olive oil |
| get a real buzz out of seeing their faces break out in | | | | - ½ teaspoon honey |
| awe and delight when they sit down to a meal that | | | | - 1 teaspoon apple vinegar (or your favorite vinegar) |
| offers a rich assortment of colors and textures. And I | | | | - ½ cup low-fat ricotta (strained for a smoother |
| am almost instantly forgiven for counting my calories | | | | texture) |
| and refraining from meat! | | | | - Garlic, pressed |
| Besides, have you noticed how satisfying it is when | | | | - Fresh (or dried) chopped herbs eg basil, parsley and |
| you have a meal that is made up of different textures | | | | coriander |
| - smooth and creamy, soft and fluffy and crunchy and | | | | - Sea salt to taste |
| crumbly? Well, as you can see, the four, low-calorie, | | | | Cook the pasta till quite soft. When nearly done add |
| vegetarian recipes below provide all those textures to | | | | the mushrooms if used. Drain. Add all the other |
| satisfy all those taste-buds. | | | | ingredients and toss. Serve warm with the salad |
| For an entrée, you can't go wrong with the | | | | below. |
| versatile avocado. Prepare this dish ahead of time, | | | | Salad delight (Crunchy and crumbly) |
| leaving it in the fridge to set and cool. | | | | - 150g spinach or lettuce |
| Avocado Tantalizer (Smooth and creamy) | | | | - ½ cup pre-cooked chickpeas (or canned if you |
| - 1 avocado | | | | must) |
| - Fresh herb e.g. chocolate mint or mint | | | | - 2 tablespoons olive oil |
| - ½ teaspoon honey | | | | - ½ red onion, chopped |
| - 1 cup low-fat yoghurt, ricotta or thickened cream | | | | - 3 tablespoons almond flakes or walnuts |
| - Salt to taste | | | | - Garlic, pressed |
| - Herb and glazed cherries to decorate | | | | - 1 dried red chilled, roughly chopped (optional but |
| - Fresh ginger for that extra zing! | | | | provides a lovely kick) |
| Put everything in a blender. Pour into cocktail glasses. | | | | - 2 tablespoons apple vinegar or fresh lemon juice |
| Decorate with herb and glazed cherries. Cool in fridge! | | | | - Sea salt to taste |
| Another great favorite entrée of mine is this | | | | - 1 teaspoon dry roasted sesame seeds (optional but |
| drop-dead gorgeous, made-in-no-time teaser! I've | | | | ever so nice!) |
| never seen anyone able to resist it! | | | | - 2 tablespoons coconut cream (optional but such a |
| Pineapple Blush | | | | treat) |
| Fresh or canned pineapple cut into 1-inch squares. | | | | Mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl and serve with |
| Fresh mint | | | | the pasta above! |
| Glazed cherries | | | | Now, if you're wondering about dessert, be sure to |
| Simply stack each pineapple square with one mint leaf, | | | | keep your eye out for a sweet low calorie and |
| followed by half a cherry. Spike through with a | | | | vegetarian recipe to amaze them. |
| toothpick. Arrange on a plate and keep cool. | | | | |