An Herbal Holiday Dinner

AN HERBAL HOLIDAY DINNER

Want to serve up a delicious Holiday meal without all the calories? Why not spice up your dinner with herbs? Herbs are one of the main ingredients used in many of my dishes, because they are nutritious as well as delicious. Following are two recipes designed to go together. I just know they'll have your taste buds singing and your guests requesting more.

Herbed Green Beans

2 cups water

2 lbs. smoked or regular turkey ham

2 tsp salt

4 tbs herbed-seasoned oil

2 32 oz bg frozen green beans

2 cups shredded carrots

crushed red pepper (to taste)

a sprinkle of thyme (optional)

In a large pot, bring first three ingredients to a boil. Add green beans to boiling water mixture. Add remaining ingredients (except thyme) to beans after first boil. Cook until mixture comes to a second boil or until beans are tender-crisp and most water is absorbed. (Do not overcook). Thyme may be added during last five minutes of cooking time, if desired.

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Raisin Stuffing

Chicken

1 Whole Roasting Chicken (7-8 lbs)

4 tbs Vegetable Oil (or Olive Oil)

Salt-free Garlic & Herb seasoning

Season Salt

Wash chicken thoroughly and remove excess fat and giblets. Coat with oil. Evenly sprinkle with spices, and roast in shallow, foil-lined, foil-covered baking pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. Baste chicken with juices and roast for approx 2 more hours or until golden brown and thermometer rises. Set aside.

*Cornbread

Cooking Spray

2 cups Corn Meal

2 cups Flour

½ tbs Baking Powder

¼ tsp Salt

1 egg

¼ cup Margarine (melted) or

3 tbs Oil

1& 1/2 cup Skim Milk

Stuffing

2 Md bx Herb-seasoned Stuffing Mix

*Fresh Cornbread

2 cans Vegetable Broth

1/2 stick Margarine

½ cup Raisins

½ cup Walnuts

(Cornbread Preparation): Coat a small loaf pan with cooking spray. Place all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Fold in egg. Add margarine or oil and milk, stirring well. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.