Spotlight Recipes: Cucumber Madness

Did you realize these crunchy veggies contribute to your fluid needs? One medium cucumber is 96% water -- that's great for battling August's dehydrating temps. Cucumbers are pretty low in calories, too, with only 24 each and a good source of both vitamins C and K.
Sesame Seed Cucumber Salad

If you're a home gardener, you're probably knee-deep in cool cukes right now. Many varieties are in season and, if you aren't growing you're own, they're definitely available at your local farmers’ market or grocery store. Did you realize these crunchy veggies contribute to your fluid needs? One medium cucumber is 96% water -- chomp on some to help battle August's dehydrating temps. Cucumbers are also low in calories (24 calories each) and a good source of both vitamins C and K.

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Spotlight Recipes: Mardi Gras Madness

This Mardi Gras celebrate Southern-style food without sticks of butter, mounds of meat, and gobs of heavy cream. These top healthy picks will make your mouth water and have your guests begging for more.

Spotlight Recipe: Chilled Cucumber Soup

With 84 calories per serving, this dish offers spoonfuls of cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and fresh herbs with tons of vitamin A, folate and potassium.

Spotlight Recipe: Mean Green Cucumber Juice

This chilled drink features a few simple ingredients: cucumbers, water and sugar. They all mix up into a brightly colored, refreshing cooler.

Spotlight Recipe: Michelada

Want something more exciting than bottled beer for your game-day bash? If your friends are Bloody Mary fans, this Mexican cocktail might be a winner. Lime and hot sauce liven up the flavor without adding calories.

Spotlight Recipes: Granita

Dig in to these delicious frozen treats that are reminiscent of Italian ices. Granita’s are harder in texture than sorbets and contain less sugar. To make a granita, cook up a simple sugar (combo of sugar and water) and add flavors such as coffee, mint, juice and wine along with fruit. Once the mixture has begun to freeze (it takes about 3 hours), scrape the ice crystals every so often as they start to form. Once frozen, scoop and serve.

Spotlight Recipes: Chutney

Chutney is a simmered-down or pureed combo of fruit (or veggies), spices and herbs. Instead of deep frying or drowning your fish, pork or meat in heavy sauces, opt for a tangy bite of chutney instead.

Spotlight Recipes: Gazpacho

Enjoy a refreshingly cool (and super healthy) soup this summer. Traditional gazpacho is a pureed mixture of fresh tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, onions, celery and cucumbers but don’t be afraid to get creative. Shake things up—blend a batch of watermelon, red pepper or white grape gazpacho instead.

Spotlight Recipes: Hanukkah Menu

Each year for Hanukkah I serve up an Israeli-inspired dinner followed by traditional Hanukkah desserts. This menu is a big hit with all our friends (and http://blog.healthyeats.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=12333&message=1their kids).

Spotlight Recipes: Fruity Salsas

Use fruity salsas as an alternative to the classic tomato-based variety. Fruity salsas taste great as a topping to chicken, pork or fish.

Spotlight Recipes: Healthy Casseroles

Casseroles are an easy and tasty way to feed a crowd, but they're often very fattening. Check out our favorite healthy casserole recipes, including breakfast and dessert!