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A Dozen Staple Recipes from 'The SparkPeople Cookbook'

By: , DailySpark Blogger
10/19/2011 10:00 AM   :  33 comments   :  14,464 Views

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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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Comments

  • 33
    i would love to own this yummy book... - 8/31/2012   3:19:58 PM
  • 32
    I hate to cook. - 10/24/2011   3:41:00 AM
  • SBNORMAL
    31
    I like all the recipes. Salsa has become my favorite side dish! I love Guacamole!! I am going to add all of these to my cookbook!! - 10/23/2011   11:38:57 PM
  • 30
    I plan on buying the cookbook, the egg white omlet looks great ! - 10/23/2011   8:27:29 PM
  • 29
    Okay, I've been convinced to purchase the cookbook now :)
    - 10/23/2011   11:22:33 AM
  • 28
    I've made one or two a week since receiving my cookbook. I can't believe the Creole Chicken isn't on the list. I made that tonight and it is FANTASTIC! - 10/22/2011   11:19:15 PM
  • AMBER461
    27
    Thanks for sharing some of the recipes from the cook book. I really do appreciate it. The tuna noodle casserole looks nice I have to try that soon. - 10/21/2011   8:36:39 PM
  • COROZALOVE
    26
    That Tuna Noodle Casserole is a time-saver and a people-pleaser for me, Thank You so much. - 10/21/2011   1:36:18 PM
  • 25
    This is a GREAT cookbook with lots of ideas! - 10/21/2011   9:57:34 AM
  • 24
    I love my new cookbook - 10/21/2011   6:23:14 AM
  • 23
    Staple recipes in my house include baked beans (from scratch), red lentil-coconut-cauliflower curry, Afghan pumpkin (SP recipe--is it in the book??), veggie stir-fry, vegetarian chili, tuna salad made with nonfat sour cream instead of mayo. Looking forward to perusing the new SP cookbook soon! - 10/20/2011   4:59:27 PM
  • JEWELRIA11
    22
    I would love to see more vegan recipes on this site. Read Dr Neal Barnard's books and DEFEAT DIABETES. We DON'T need to eat animals to satisfy ourselves. Please at least consider vegan substitutions. Thank you. - 10/20/2011   1:38:49 PM
  • 21
    My cookbook is on the way, and I can't wait to try some of these! Yummy!!! - 10/20/2011   11:05:46 AM
  • 20
    My husband is doing our cooking right now, but the next time he goes out of town, I know what I'm doing!
    Thanks. - 10/20/2011   9:33:09 AM
  • 19
    The TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE is not highlighted, so I don't know which one it is!!! - 10/20/2011   9:07:19 AM
  • 18
    I tried the herb chicken recipe and love it. I've ordered the recipe book and am eagerly awaiting its arrival :-) - 10/20/2011   7:34:13 AM
  • SUEMCBETHWELFEL
    17
    Thanks for the cookbook. I'm using it alot & have ordered two more for gift giving. Great job!!! - 10/20/2011   7:08:03 AM
  • 16
    Waiting for mine to be delivered . I have down loaded it but wanted a hard copy - 10/20/2011   6:44:40 AM
  • 15
    I love this cookbook. My daughters and I are always fighting over it. Two thumbs-up for the minestrone soup! - 10/20/2011   6:43:34 AM
  • LOSTLIME
    14
    My cookbook was delivered today. The recipes and pictures are wonderful. The stories that I've read so far are so inspirational. I loved seeing pictures of Chris
    Downie and his family. Also liked the ones of chef Meg and her family. I can't wait
    to make the pizza that is on the cover. My favorite recipe is the salsa chicken. Can't wait to try all the others. - 10/19/2011   11:21:30 PM
  • TIME_TO_LIVE
    13
    I ordered my copy yesterday and I can't wait to get it! - 10/19/2011   11:09:15 PM
  • 12
    looks awesome but every measurement is in american measurements ..LOL - 10/19/2011   4:16:23 PM
  • 11
    I tried the tuna noodle casserole last night and it was a hit in my house, even my picky 4 year old finished most of her food. What I really loved is that it didn't feel light, it was rich and creamy and tasted just right. I actually didn't feel like I needed to change anything about the recipe, something that I always think about when I am eating something I have made for the first time, this was good just as it was, it didn't need anymore seasonings, and I could taste the flavor of each ingredient in the recipe. - 10/19/2011   3:49:00 PM
  • 10
    You bet I'll try them! It was very generous of you to share some of your 'children'! Thanks for all the hard work. I hope sales of this book surprise even you! - 10/19/2011   3:03:06 PM
  • JLBRHW
    9
    I love the chicken salsa and cooked the Chef Meg's Loaded Potato Soup - smells yummy. Also tried the refrigerator muffins (good and not too calorie dense, good with a bit of peanut butter too!) I love the book and may actually end up being a decent cook after all - I'm having fun and getting healthier! - 10/19/2011   2:33:04 PM
  • 8
    I love this cookbook. Its hands down the BEST cookbook I've ever bought. And I love to cook and own a lotta cookbooks. Everything I've tried as been easy and taste great!! - 10/19/2011   1:01:50 PM
  • 7
    I love this cookbook! Out of these, I’ve tried the egg white omelet (last week I made it 4 days in a row), the slow cooker salsa chicken is amazing and the leftovers are great in tacos or wraps, and the baby spinach salad is my new “go to” side salad, and it shows you how to easily make your own dressing! I want to try the rest of these, especially the tuna noodle casserole. - 10/19/2011   12:39:42 PM
  • 6
    I might consider buying a vegetarian book, but I already have plenty of nonvegetarian cookbooks. - 10/19/2011   11:49:03 AM
  • 5
    Thank you, Chef Meg for the free recipes!!! These all look fabulous!!!
    I really don't buy cookbooks anymore but I am putting this one on my wishlist!

    I tried the strawberry and spinach salad recipe previously and it is fabulous, I add a little ranch dressing to it and it is like dessert to me!

    I love chicken so I am looking forward to trying the chicken recipes and anything with a kick of lemon gets my vote!



    Ps......You look fabulous in those jeans!!! ;-)

    - 10/19/2011   11:24:08 AM
  • 4
    I love the book! I have been reading it on the bus, I get funny looks but I don't care lol. I don't like to cook, but the way the book is written, makes these recipes so easy. I can't thank you enough for it. MERCI! SSJIGGER - Ontario - 10/19/2011   11:08:29 AM

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