Spicy, Quick, Economical Recipes that Are Good for You

6 Large (or 8 medium) cucumbers

1 sweet (or Hawaiian) onion, chopped fine

3 celery stalks

2 large jalapenos, chopped fine

One handful of cooked, chopped bacon (any variety or substitute)

1-1/4 cup of Italian Dressing

One Tbsp of pepper sauce (Tabasco, etc.)

2 cups of sour cream or plain nonfat yogurt

Seasonings- one teaspoon of the following

-Habanero or cayenne pepper

-Garlic Powder

-Peppercorns, coarse ground

-Paprika

-Sea Salt

Mix liquids in a medium bowl and let sit at room temperature. Slice each cucumber in quarters first, then across for desired thickness. Chop celery to no larger than one inch, then add onions, jalapenos together in large bowl. Pour half of your liquids and let sit overnight.

Mix seasonings together first and taste before adding to veggie mix. Afterwards, mix together bacon, cilantro and remaining liquid including sour cream.

Of course, if this is too powerful, add more cream until compatibility is met.

Mexican Meatloaf

Combine 1lb of ground turkey, diced onions and bell pepper (saute' lightly first), one cup of plain nonfat yogurt and your favorite Mexican seasonings in a large bowl until mixed well. Oven should be no higher than 375. Turn bowl over onto flat metal pan and mold to your liking. Cook for 40-45 minutes or until brown. Sauce can be made with either low-sodium ketchup or no-salt tomato sauce mixed with salsa of your choice. Once topped with sauce, place in oven for additional 15-20 minutes.

Easy Creamy Fruit Salad

Mix one drained can (32 oz,) of fruit cocktail (any variety will do) packed in juice or water with one cup of non-dairy whipped topping or plain yogurt*. Add one cup of walnuts or toasted almond slices if you like. Chill for one hour. One 8 oz (or small bowl) serving is less than 100 calories.

Apple D*Light
6 medium apples of your preference
3 cups of apple juice or cider
1/2 tsp of brown sugar
1 tsp of granulated (white) or raw sugar
1 tsp of apple (pumpkin) pie spice
1 tsp of cinnamon
2 tsp of butter (or butter alternative), melted

Clean, core and half apples, then place face down in a casserole dish. Pour half (1.5 cups) of the juice over them and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes. In the meantime, mix melted butter with spices and remaining juice. Remember that raw sugar does not dissolve easily so you may want to melt with butter. Afterwards, uncover flip over apples, pierce with fork and immediately pour or brush mixture over apples. DO NOT TURN OFF OVEN. Broil for 10 minutes or until brown.

Once cooled, add a scoop of low fat vanilla yogurt or use to top angel food cake.