Treat your Family to the Fruit & Veggie of the Month - pears and spinach

Introducing a new vegetable or fruit at dinner or taking a classic dish and trying something new are great ways to transform a meal.

Pear Nog
This holiday season, break from the ordinary and try this new twist on a traditional festive beverage.

Ingredients
1 pear, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 tsp brown sugar
2 ice cubes, cracked
Large pinch of cinnamon

Directions
Place all above ingredients in blender and blend on high for about 15 seconds. Drink with holiday cheer!

Spinach Pesto Pasta

Popeye knew what was up when he ate his spinach. Spinach has incredible nutritional value, is low in calories and an excellent source of vitamins A and C. When eaten with vitamin-C enriched foods, such as orange juice, tomatoes or citrus fruits, the mixture enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron and calcium also found in spinach. Try this tasty and healthy recipe.

Ingredients

8 ounces of fettuccine

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

3 cups fresh spinach

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup low-fat, low sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 15 oz can of cannelloni (white beans), rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

ve article in no way

Directions

Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain and place in large mixing bowl. In a blender, add olive oil, garlic, spinach, basil, parmesan cheese and chicken broth. Mix well. Pour sauce over pasta. Mix until pasta is well coated. Add beans and red bell peppers. Lightly toss and serve.