Disease Proof

Acorn Squash w/ Apples and Pecans

1 acorn squash
1 medium apple, chopped
1/2 cup raw pecans, chopped
1/4 cup raisins or currants
cinnamon, to taste

Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Place face down in a baking pan. Add 1/8 inch of water. Cover pan loosely with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix apples, pecans and raisins together in a small bowl. Take squash out of oven and place apple mixture in hollowed out bowl of squash. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover loosely with foil and bake another 30 minutes, or until squash and apples are soft. Serves 4.

Green Beans Almondine

1 pound green beans, washed with tips removed
1 teaspoon almond oil
1/4 cup almond meal
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon slivered almonds

Steam green beans until crisp tender. Meanwhile, toast slivered almonds for two minutes in a 200 degree oven or on the lightest setting in a toaster oven. When green beans are done toss with almond oil, almond meal, and garlic powder. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serves 4.

Asparagus with Orange Dressing and Walnuts

2 pounds asparagus
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated organic orange zest
4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
4 tablespoons V-8® vegetable juice, low sodium
1/2 tablespoon Dr. Fuhrman's VegiZest
2 teaspoons date sugar
1/4 teaspoon arrowroot powder
1/2 orange, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons walnuts, finely chopped

Break off woody ends from asparagus. Steam asparagus until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, over low heat, whisk together remaining ingredients, except orange and nuts, until slightly thickened. Drain asparagus well in a colander. Transfer hot asparagus to plates. Spoon orange sauce over top and sprinkle with nuts. Serves 4.