Costco Connection - September 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 ;e Costco Connection 43 Chicken Caesar Wrap Use whole-grain tortillas or flatbreads to add fiber and important nutrients to these quick and tasty wraps. For any type of sandwich, chicken, turkey, cheese, peanut butter and hummus are better choices than processed lunch meats, which tend to be high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Use the dressing sparingly. 1½ cups shredded romaine lettuce 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing Salt and pepper 1½ pounds roasted chicken meat 6 (6-inch) whole-grain tortillas Toss the lettuce with the dressing. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. Place 4 ounces of chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top each with ¼ cup of salad. Fold in ends of each tortilla, roll and wrap in foil. Makes 6 servings. Used by permission of Ann Cooper, www.thelunchbox.org.

Fruity Turkey Kebabs

Get out of the sandwich routine by threading a variety of foods onto skewers. This version combines poultry, a good source of protein, and fruits that kids love. You could also use cheese or cubed raw vegetables. Pack with a natural fruit smoothie to round out the lunch.

8 ounces roasted deli turkey or chicken, sliced ¾-inch thick

16 green grapes

12 strawberries, cut in half lengthwise

8 (8-inch) wooden skewers

Cut the turkey into ¾-inch cubes. To make the kebabs, thread pieces of cubed turkey, 2 grapes and 2 strawberry halves onto each skewer in any order you and your children choose. Be sure to leave enough space at the bottom so the kids can hold the skewers comfortably. To wrap, lay 2 skewers on a sheet of aluminum foil and fold loosely over the kebabs.

Makes 4 servings.

Used by permission of Meal Makeover Moms,

www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Peach Smoothie

Substitute frozen blueberries, strawberries or a fruit blend in this nutritious drink, which provides calcium and is lower in sugar than packaged fruit drinks. Pour it into a freezer-safe plastic bottle, freeze overnight and pack frozen, along with a straw. It will help keep other foods cold and will be ready to drink by lunchtime.

1 10-ounce package frozen peaches, partially thawed

2 teaspoons honey or sugar

1½ cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

8 ounces nonfat or low-fat strawberry yogurt

Combine the peaches and honey in a blender or food processor and purée. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well.

Makes 2 servings.

Used by permission of University of Florida/ IFAS Sarasota County Extension.

RECIPE
Member

Ivy Larson is a Costco member in Palm Beach County, Florida. Her website, www.hotandhealthy living.com, offers free healthy “whole foods” recipes, video cooking demos, nutrition articles and more.

DEBBY GANS PHOTOGRAPHY

1½ cups Kirkland Signature™ Organic Vanilla Soymilk

2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks

1 cup frozen strawberries

2 tablespoons Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter

4 teaspoons strawberry jelly (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Drink cold.

Makes 2 servings.

Healthy PB & J Smoothie

Carrot Raisin Salad This colorful combination provides an excellent source of antioxidants. Pack it in a small container, or use it as a layer in a peanut butter or hummus wrap.

2 small carrots 3 tablespoons raisins 1 tablespoon fat-free creamy salad dressing 1 tablespoon nonfat plain yogurt

Grate the carrots into a small bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until cold.

Makes 2 servings.

Used by permission of the Vermont Department of Health.

Have a great recipe using Costco products? Send it to us and we’ll choose the best to feature in The Connection. Submissions should be sent via e-mail to smarttips@costco.com; put “Great recipes” in the subject line. Submissions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

Trail Mix

Swap processed, packaged snacks, which can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats, for this tasty combo that delivers healthy fats in nuts or peanuts, and antioxidants and fiber in dried fruit and cereal. Great substitutions or additions include dried pineapple, dried blueberries or cranberries, banana chips, coconut flakes, pecans, walnuts and sunflower seeds.

1½ cups round toasted cereal 1 cup honey-roasted peanuts ½ cup chewy fruit snacks ½ cup carob pieces ½ cup raisins

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently to mix. Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Put individual lunchbox servings in a self-sealing plastic bag.