A Dozen Staple Recipes from 'The SparkPeople Cookbook'

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Thanks to each and every one of who has purchased "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight." I know I keep saying it, but it truly was a labor of love for Stepfanie and me.
 
Everyone, from the media and co-workers to friends and SparkPeople members, keeps asking the same questions: Which recipe is your favorite?
 
Ask a chef which recipes are her favorite, and like a mother, she’ll answer, "I love them all equally." This cookbook was like a baby to me and, as a result, it’s filled with recipes I love. While each and every one is satisfying and nutritious, here are a dozen I think will become staples in your household. You can take a sneak peek at some of them, but you'll have to buy the cookbook to get the rest.
 
  1. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. There’s a reason why this is the No. 1 recipe among SparkPeople members.

     
  2. Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken. Roasted chicken is like the little black dress of the kitchen.

  3. Multigrain Rolls. Good for any meal, anytime. Make a couple of batches a month and freeze them. To reheat just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or leave them on the counter all day, then warm in a toaster oven.

  4. Baked Lemon Spiced Rice. A versatile whole-grain side that turns into great leftovers.

  5. Quick Herbed Couscous with Vegetables. You’ll have a whole-grain side and two vegetables in less than 15 minutes.
  6. Black Bean and Corn Salad. Fast and full of fiber, serve it on the side or in a wrap to round out any meal.
  7. Minestrone Soup with Parmesan Crisps. This soup is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. We eat it all year round.

  8. Tuna Noodle Casserole. I never thought I’d say it, but this one-dish meal is hearty and delicious. Even the pickiest kid will eat it.
  9. Roasted Root Vegetables. Make two batches at a time and reheat these as omelet fillers, a quick side, or even a salad topper.

  10. Egg-White Omelet. Full of protein and ready in just a few minutes, this is a fast breakfast favorite.

  11. Baby Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Toasted Almonds. Ready in no time, it dresses up any meal. (Bulk it up with Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Multigrain Rolls.)
  12. Chicken-Vegetable Soup. Comfort food that’s perfect for even the busiest of nights.

     What are some staple recipes in your household? Will you try these?
Want to learn more about "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight"? Click here to read what others are saying. Order your copy today!
 Photos by Randall Hoover Photography; food styling by Lynne Morris

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