With 21 participants in ARF/5-A-Day #4, we’ve surpassed last week’s number of 17 – that’s fantastic! I’m really enthused that not only are you guys joining me on this adventure, but that the word is spreading. Living with The Husband and Nicholas, who are pretty particular about their veggies, let alone their ARFs, this has been terrific inspiration for me, and I’m already looking forward to next week.
Had to go out after work today, so didn’t have dinner at home, and driving through McDonalds doesn’t exactly count towards this event, so I was careful with my lunch choices. I had spinach, red potatoes and sweet potatoes; and then, during that mid-afternoon wall where a munchie MUST be had, I had some of the Spinach, Artichoke and Bacon Dip leftover from this weekend, with carrots and celery, taking care of 4 veggies there – good, right?
Before we get to tonight’s round-up, thought you might be interested in a fun fact I uncovered today, which, considering our ARF/5-A-Day theme, is very timely. Did you know that 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder contains as many antioxidants as 2/3 cup of fresh blueberries? Astonishing, but true. That should make Stacey happy! ;)
OK, let’s get this started.
Cookin’ with Cyndi offers up a great entree with vegetables with her Steak and Veggie Spaghetti, getting an added boost from whole wheat spaghetti to boot.
Susan from 5 Recipes a Week took advantage of a lazy Sunday and made Artichoke and Red Pepper Whole Wheat Pizza.
Jennifer from Weekly Dish has both her ARFs and fruits covered with a delicious sounding homemade applesauce. You can’t go wrong with an Ina recipe, and I can’t wait to try this one – Nicholas will love it!
Pat from Up a Creek without a Patl shares her very simple, but satisfying soup with us, using whole wheat pasta and edamame, something I’ve never actually cooked with, let alone had!
Bake My Day in the Netherlands joins us for the first time with her recipe for Chili Con Carne, and with tomatoes, carrots and THREE kinds of beans, it definitely qualifies for my round-up. Thanks for joining in!
Sailaja from Sailu’s Food Blog brings one of my favorite ethnic cuisines to the round-up – Indian food! She made Curried Red Kidney Beans with Cumin Rice – looks great!
Alanna from A Veggie Venture has a new twist on good old-fashioned green peas with her Peas with Chili Lime Butter, which would be a great accompaniment to her Watercress Sandwiches from last week.
From the Gluten-Free Goddess, another ARF/5-A-Day first-timer, we have a dish I will definitely be trying, Peanut Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.
From Sinfully Yours, we have a fruit entry, with her Pineapple Bakes – they look scrumptious, and to think, she made 2000 of them! Geesh – I’m tired just thinking of that!
For a dish that just “kind of happened,” I think Faith from Blog Appetit came up with a winner with her Caramelized Sweet Potato Batons, definitely one of my favorite vegetables.
Patti from tantalizes us with Mark Bittman’s take on Creamy Mushroom Soup. It looks divine, and I’m a sucker for mushroom soup.
From Bucaio, another entry with something I have yet to taste or even hear of, Baked Buchi. It sounds very unique, combining sweet and savory, and I love how this ARF/5-A-Day event is becoming a trip around the world.
From In Mol Araan, The Chocolate Lady presents a great comforting soup, perfect for these chilly Winter months. Also check out the gorgeous radish she used for this past weekend’s Weekend Herb Blogging.
Featuring gorgeously vibrant colors, Kalyn shares her Arugula and Sweet Pepper Mini Salad (see left) – truly a showstopper, and the photo spot of the week.
From Food, in the Main, we have a veggie-filled Broccoli, Carrot and Potato Masala. Using Garam Masala, one of my favorite Indian spices, I’m excited to try this one out.
Paula from The Cookbook Junkie makes a grilled potato recipe with olive oil and thyme that I know The Husband will love!
With a healthier take on Spinach Dip, Chef Michele shares one she made and served with pita chips. I don’t think I can replace our favorite one, but this is definitely a great alternative when we want to save some calories!
Making two of our favorite shellfish, Stacey from Just Braise surprises us with an entree entry this time, instead of a dessert, with her Mussels in Tomato White Bean Sauce and Fried Calamari. But true to form, she throws in a casual mention ;) of an ARF she had for breakfast this weekend, Blueberry Stuffed French Toast … oh man, kill me now.
Zabeena from A Lot on My Plate didn’t get to load her contribution in time, but promises it’s coming, so keep an eye out for it on her site.
OK, if Clare says this is absolutely the best salad ever and that we have to try it, I think we do. A unique mix of flavors, but trust her and give it a whirl.
Taking the route of Stacey at Just Braise, Kit from Mango and Ginger shares a dessert with us, and heck, there’s ARFs in it, so it must be healthy! Now she since wasn’t bowled over by this recipe, perhaps that’s a good thing … more taste-testing of new apple pie recipes!
That’s a wrap … until tomorrow…
Hi Sweetnicks, thanks for including my post. I’ve put up the link from the post to your blog :)
I was actually thinking green tea is very rich in anti-oxidants too!
I am glad to know how rich in antioxidents cocoa is thanks! That salad really is awesome
What a great round up this week! Wow! Love it. Thanks for including my peanut stir fry! Now I’m off to check out all these wonderful sounding recipes…
Great job again. Thanks for including my salad photo. I love arugula so much, although my sisters tell me it’s an acquired taste (one they have not yet acquired) and the mini peppers are just yummy. There are a lot of dishes here that sound just wonderful.
So does that mean that chocolate counts for ARF/5-a-day Tuesdays?! And I was just thinking that this event was my excuse to eat healthier…! Maybe I’ll strategically only remember that little tidbit when I’m eating chocolate, not when I’m trying to come up with dinner ideas!
Great round-up, again–it looks to me like the fare around here is getting better and better!
Maybe I should have sent in the sweet potato brownies I made a few days ago. They had 1/2 cup of cocoa in the recipe, and sweet potatoes which are good for you too. And oatmeal – good brain food!
I’m going to make another batch of them this weekend, they were so good. They actually get better everyday (I keep them in the fridge.)
Sweet Potato Brownies
Yay SN-
Thanks for the shout outs! I’m glad someone was able to take my place on the dessert front! Let us eat cake! Everyone’s dishes looks so good, can’t wait to try many! Keep it up!
Wow! This is a great idea. I’m constantly looking for new veggie recipes that my hubby will eat. You’ll definitely be in my bookmark list to check out from now on. And I’ll have to come up with something to submit next go around.
Thanks for including me in the roundup Sweetnicks. Everything looks and sounds so good!
I think this ARF/5-A-Day is an excellent idea. Count me in to join next week!! Thanks, your round up is a gold mine of inspirational cooking ideas.
forgive my ignorance– how might i send you a recipe for next week?
Lin – I would think green tea is definitely good antioxidants wise.
Clare – nice to know we can have our chocolate and still feel good about it.
karina – I agree, lots and lots of great inspiration.
Kalyn – you’re welcome! I agree, arugula is definitely an aquired taste with its peppery bite, but we like it here. Our Costco doesn’t have those mini peppers, but I’ll have to look out for them.
Jennifer – I think we can now factually say a little bit is ok, but I don’t think we can start having completely all-chocolate dinner. ;)
The Cookbook Junkie – sweet potato brownies sounds like it good be good! Thanks for the link.
stacey – anytime we can justify dessert, it’s a good thing. ;)
theWebSorceressCooks – thanks! I hope you’ll join in the fun sometime. Thanks for visiting.
Patti – thanks for joining in the round-up.
Garam Masala – can’t wait to see what you come up with!
t – I’d love to have you join in. Just go here for more info.