Yes… we did it!  First full work week of 2009 is coming to an end.  Happy Friday Zesty readers! I have been craving a salad for a long time now as it feels I have have not had green leafy vegetables since long before the Christmas holidays.

So for that I give you the Summer Chicken Salad in the Winter.  Most of the ingredients remind me of the summer but when fresh they still taste delicious in January.  I wanted to switch it up a bit and fool my taste buds.  To do that I went with toasted pecans, mozzarella cheese and a kicked up low fat homemade yogurt dressing.

Interested? I hope so! Check it out and let me know if this would be welcome at your table. But before you do, be sure to sign up for a great book giveaway.
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Well I thought I would share a typical breakfast in the life of me zestycook aka Cory. Now I don’t eat this all the time by any means but it is pretty common. I like to touch off most of the food groups for a balanced start to the day for sure.

Below I have 3 boiled eggs with fresh ground pepper. The only tip I have for boiled eggs is about 7 minutes ( if you like them soft as I do). If i am really in the mood for a treat I add a little homemade jam to the eggs and the spoon it on the toast.

Can you really enjoy toast without butter? For me, I usually always have butter on it unless I go with peanut butter or jam/jelly. What do you enjoy on your toast?

For my fruit selection I went with some peaches and blueberries mixed in with some vanilla yogurt as well as a tablespoon of ground flaz seeds. There is really no recipe here… just throw in what you like and enjoy.

Want a smoothie? Late for work? Too lazy to make a meal?

If so, I think I have a smoothie that will please your taste buds not too mention touch on a few food groups that will give you some much needed energy to get through those busy days.

Get it Together: Liquid Measures, measuring spoons, dry measures, blender, 2 glasses.

Ingredients

• Milk (11/4 Cups)
• Blueberries (1 Cup)
• Raspberry Yogurt (1 Cup)
• Orange Juice (1/3 Cup)
• Ground Flax Seed ( 2 Tbsp)
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Powder (2 Tbsp)

Method

Put all 5 ingredients in the blender. Cover with Lid. Blend until smooth.  Pour into glasses.  Makes about 3 1/2 cups - enough for 2.

I really hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your blender creations.

Zesty Smoothie Tips

Use your favorite berry or whatever berry you have kicking around or even a combination.  I like blueberries for the anti-oxidants and the consistency and color they give.

For a simple flavor switch change out the yogurt or leave it out altogether if you don’t like it or don’t have it on hand.