To leave "A to Z Recipes Newsletter" see instructions at the end.
Publisher's Desk Ramblings Did You Know? Monthly Theme Reader Support Birthday Babies Discussion Forum Crazy Corner Recipe Favorites Heart Healthy Diabetic Choices For Two Publisher's Choice
 It's a special day for LaDonna in Corvallis, OR. Happy birthday wishes to LaDonna and hopes for many enjoyable returns. LaDonna has been an a2z'er for a while and has sent me some super recipes in the past. I believe she has at least a couple of kids at home still which is perfect for the topic of today's issue. Please drop by the QT to send a personal birthday greeting to LaDonna. Thanks. Today's topic is the result of a request made by Twain and Brenda F. of Milton, PA. I first got an email from them in which I discovered they both work outside the home, have 2 kids and 2 grands. They are looking for lunchbox meals as they find the daily lunch boring. I suggested they post in the A to Z Recipes Discussion Forum QT. Our pal Jessica responded by sending me a slew of recipes. What better way to share them than in an issue? So, most of the recipes here are from Jessica (thanks, honey!). I have added a few, as well as some other goodies from others to round things out. If you have any suggestions for them, please post them directly to the QT site. I know Twain and Brenda (and those kiddos!) will appreciate it. We'll see you here tomorrow. I have a little treat planned. Help make us NUMBER ONE ! 
Cookbooks, Recipes, Gourmet Cooking from Amazon
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! Eight Gifts You Can Give at No Cost Shared by Aafrin, Pune, India 1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING... But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. 2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION... Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. 3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER... Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you." 4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE... It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. 5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT... A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day. 6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR... Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. 7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE... There are times when we want nothing better, than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. 8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION... The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! Tips on Lunch Sandwiches Spread a very thin layer of margarine on bread before putting mayo. This will help to keep the bread from getting soggy. After making your sandwich, cut it into quarters. Then place it on a paper towel, wrap it, and place it in a sandwich baggie. That way, if you're eating on the run, you just have to "juggle" one-fourth a sandwich at a time. Save those extra packets of condiments from fast-food restaurants. They come in handy for dressing sandwiches at lunch away from home. Keeping Food Cool If food is not stored properly bacteria in and on food can grow and make us sick. That’s why it is important to keep lunches cool. Lunches usually kept in bags/boxes all day, and are likely to get warm. Foods such as meat or cheese sandwiches, milk, cheese and yogurt need to be kept cool. Here are some ideas: -Freeze a juice or non-carbonated beverage; place it in lunchbox alongside you meal. When time to eat, the food will be cold and your drink ready for enjoying! -Purchased "blue ice packs" are available at the dollar store and work really well. My kids and I use them every day. Pop them back in the freezer every evening for use the next day. -To keep food fresh, wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap or put in snap-lock plastic bags. -Get a lunch box that includes a small water bottle. Fill bottle with water and freeze it. Place in lunch box to keep food cold. -Freeze small tetra packs of milk or juice -If you make lunches the night before, keep them in the fridge overnight.
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! Sensational Salads Here's the scoop on the current theme: Whether it's a concoction of fresh salad greens and your tasty homemade dressing, or a sumptuous mixture of seafood, not much pleases more people than a tasty salad. I love seafood salads, as well as those delicious fruit or pasta salads. And who can resist a plate of crisp lettuce mixed with fresh vegetables and a garlicky vinnaigrette? What is your secret recipe for a meal-sized or side salad? Is your potato salad a hit at family gatherings? How about a Waldorf salad using crisp, fresh fruits? Send us those family keepers for Sensational Salad recipes for all to share here at A to Z Recipes. Make sure to view the rules section to ensure your submissions are acceptable. Please use this email link to submit a recipe for theme recipes: Sensational Salads A to Z Recipes continues with its popular Theme Issues. We will share theme recipes and post them on the first Sunday of each month. Send your recipes no later than the last Friday of each month to have them posted in the next monthly theme issue. You may send in your favorite theme recipes in ONE email. If the number of recipes submitted by readers exceeds those needed in the issue, the publisher will post as many from every submitter as possible and save the remaining recipes for the following Sundays of that month. The rules for recipe submissions for the monthly theme issues are the same as ALL recipes submitted for posting. The rules are: As a service to your fellow readers, please send only recipes that are in a form that others could easily copy and save for their own use. Recipes that would require a lot of editing or cleaning up (ALL caps or NO caps) or use non-standard measurements should not be submitted. Recipes without a name and location of sender may NOT be posted or posted without any credit given. There will be NO recipes posted that are from other recipe-zines. A to Z Recipes protects the privacy of its readers and does NOT publish email addresses. There will be no exceptions. See the A to Z Recipes Theme Issues collection here: A to Z Recipes Theme Issues The theme issue for Sensational Salads has a deadline of August 26, 2005, and will be posted on September 4, 2005. Please use this email link to submit a recipe for theme recipes: Sensational Salads As usual, only recipes are to be sent to: A to Z Recipes Inbox.
Placing a vote takes only a moment and helps promote A to Z Recipes.
Having trouble using the method above for placing your vote? Vote for this Ezine at the Cumuli Ezine Finder. A to Z Recipes operates solely through reader support. Your donation helps to defray the expenses involved with publishing this newsletter and the web site. There is no monetary gain involved, only the opportunity for you to offset the Publisher's expenses thereto. You may donate through PayPal, or other methods listed. To make donations using other methods, go here.
Shop Better Homes and Gardens 50% Off Show your support by voting for this ezine. Would you like to celebrate your birthday with us here at A to Z Recipes? We would love to help you strike up the band and light the candles on that cake. Please send your request using this link. Tell us some basic information: Your Name Where you live Your birthdate You may include anything else you would like to share such as: How long you have been with A to Z Recipes Something about your job and family Your hobbies Any special recipe requests This information will help us get to know you as well as help celebrate your special day. Knowing our a2z family, I am sure it will help others find shared interests and make new friendships. Because of time constraints, only birthdays shared using the appropriate link and basic information will be considered.
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! Our discussion forum at QuickTopic is where a2z’ers go to meet others, swap recipes and give feedback about what is going on in A to Z Recipes. It is expected that opinions, suggestions, etc. posted there be done with kindness and respect for all involved*. To join in at QT (or just to read) use your web browser to go to: A to Z Recipes Discussion Forum You don't have to register or sign in, and you can choose to receive email for newly posted messages -- just select the button when you get there. NOTE: Maybe once you get to the site, you could add it to favorites. Links that are easy to find are more likely to be used again. *Offensive postings will be deleted by the publisher. Family Reunion Photos! Our first one was June 2004. Check out Leslie and Rusty's pics from December 2004. The most recent gathering was held May 2005.
Help make us NUMBER ONE !  Naked For Lunch Joan, who was a rather well-proportioned secretary, spent almost all of her vacation sunbathing on the roof of her hotel. She wore a bathing suit the first day, but on the second, she decided that no one could see her way up there, and she slipped out of it for an overall tan. She'd hardly begun when she heard someone running up the stairs. She was lying on her stomach, so she just pulled a towel over her rear. "Excuse me, miss," said the flustered assistant manager of the hotel, out of breath from running up the stairs. "The Hilton doesn't mind your sunbathing on the roof, but we would very much appreciate your wearing a bathing suit as you did yesterday." "What difference does it make?" Joan asked rather calmly. "No one can see me up here, and besides, I'm covered with a towel." "Not exactly," said the embarrassed man. "You're lying on the dining room skylight." Things to Say at a Job Interview See photo of interviewer's family on desk, point, start laughing uncontrollably. Ask if there is only one emergency exit, grin and say; 'Boy!, I bet this floor would be in trouble if someone barricaded that.' Constantly fidget with underwear waistband, then blurt: 'The strawberry ones are the stickiest, don't ya' think?' After detailing your greatest achievement, qualify with, 'Of course I was totally hammered at the time.' Inquire on office policy of friends staying over. Claim you wouldn't even need a sit-in job if Al Einstein hadn't stolen your secret patent for '2000 Flushes'. Over-emphasize your ability to use a copier. Ask if it's O.K. that you sit on the floor. Allow that you would little impact on the overhead budget, because you swiped all the supplies from your other job. Although parking was free, insist that they validate something or you're not leaving. Mention your resume would have been stronger, but you didn't feel like making anything else up. Ask the secretary if she'll sit on your lap during the interview. Walk into interviewer's office with a tape measure, measure office from a few angles, put away, declare; 'NOW we can begin.' Sniff two of your fingers hold out toward interviewer, ask; 'smell these, these smell funny to you???' Upon walking in to the office for first time, ask receptionist to hold all your calls. Have You Heard? Have you heard about the dyslexic, agnostic, existentialist, insomniac? He spent the whole night pondering the existence of dog.
Looking for a particular recipe, ingredient or submitter? Search A to Z Recipes Site and Newsletters: Kitchen Bestsellers from Amazon Help make us NUMBER ONE ! PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 lb. Longhorn cheese 1/4 c. chopped pickles 4 to 5 hard-cooked eggs 1 sm. jar pimentos, drained 1 tbsp. grated onion 1/4 c. mayonnaise or more Pepper Grind cheese, pickles, eggs and pimentos. Mix by hand with grated onion and 1/4 cup mayonnaise, enough to bind. Season with pepper. Use as a sandwich spread or with crackers. SIMPLE CHEESE SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1/2 lb. Colby cheese 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese 1/2 lb. American cheese 1 tsp. mustard, mixed with 1 cup real mayonnaise Grate cheeses. Mix in Mayo/Mustard mix. Add a dash of Accent. (optional) Add: 1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimientos. Great with crackers or as a sandwich spread. VEGGIE SANDWICH SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 3/4 c. grated carrots 1/4 c. minced cucumber 1/4 c. finely minced onion Dash of salt 1/4 c. finely minced bell pepper 1/4 c. minced or grated celery hearts 2 tbsp. lemon juice 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese Mayonnaise Mix cream cheese with just enough mayonnaise to give it a good spreading consistency, then add the mixed vegetables. Use thinly sliced sandwich bread, one slice of whole wheat, the other white. Makes ten generous full size or twenty sandwich triangles. CORNED BEEF SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 can corned beef 1 sm. carton sour cream 1 pkg. Lipton onion soup mix 2 tbsp. mayonnaise Mix all ingredients together in large bowl, until thoroughly blended. Chill, covered, in refrigerator. Use as sandwich spread on rye bread, or open faced on party-rye halves as appetizer. Serve with ice cold pickles onions as a garnish. CORNED BEEF SPREAD II ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 can corned beef 1/2 c. chopped onion 1/2 c. chopped dill pickles 3 hard cooked eggs 1/2 c. mayonnaise Lightly warm corned beef. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Chill before serving. This spread is tasty served with crackers or as a sandwich spread. YUMMY CHICKEN SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 2 c. minced cooked chicken breast 1/4 c. minced dill pickle 3 hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped 1/2 c. minced celery 1/2 c. minced apple 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained 3/4 c. mayonnaise 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Combine all ingredients; cover and chill at least 1 hour. Use as a sandwich filling or to stuff celery sticks. Yield: 3 1/2 cups (about 22 calories per tablespoon). VEGETARIAN CHICK PEA SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 can garbanzos, drained (save juice) Onion powder or fresh onion grated to taste 2/3 c. chopped olives 1/3 c. garbanzo juice 1 1/2 tbsp. Catsup (I like spicy) 4 drops lemon juice Mash garbanzos (or blend) and mix with rest of ingredients. Use as sandwich spread. Servings: 1 1/2 cups. [OPTIONAL: May use Mayonnaise and fresh chopped parsley seasoned with garlic powder instead of Catsup] PEANUT BUTTER DELIGHT ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 4 oz. soft cream cheese 1/2 c. peanut butter, plain or chunky 2 tbsp. milk 2 tbsp. honey 1/2 c. finely snipped raisins (opt.) Stir together cream cheese and peanut butter. Add milk gradually. Stir until blended. Stir in honey; add raisins last if desired. Tasty spread for on apple slices, crackers, or on a sandwich. OPTIONAL: May use applesauce instead of milk. CREAM CHEESE AND OLIVE SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 6 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1/2 c. nuts 1 c. green salad olives, chopped 2 tbsp. olive juice Dash of pepper Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix nuts, olives, olive juice and pepper. Mix the above 2 and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours. Delicious as a sandwich spread. BLUE CHEESE SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece Blue cheese Cream cheese, 1 pkg. Raisins, whole or chopped Walnuts, chopped sm. a little Cream or Mayo or Milk Crumble blue cheese into softened cream cheese. Add raisins and walnuts. Blend together. If too thick, thin with a little cream (or Mayo or Milk). Uses: Buffet serving, sandwich filler, appetizer. Excellent on thin crackers. FRUIT AND NUT SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 2 c. low - fat cottage cheese 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts 1/3 c. chopped raisins 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained Place the cottage cheese and lemon juice in a blender and blend smooth. Scrape mixture out of blender and into bowl. Stir in pecans or walnuts, raisins and pineapple. Spread 1/2 cup of mixture on 2 slices of bread to make a sandwich. TUNA SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 sm. can tuna 1 tbsp. diced onion 2 tbsp finely chopped celery 2 tbsp. salad dressing 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese (Cream, Mayo or Milk as needed) Mix all ingredients until smooth. Use as sandwich spread or with crackers or chips as a dip or roll in chopped nuts and shape into a ball. SHRIMP SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece 1 sm. can deveined shrimp, rinsed, drained & mashed 1 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese 1 tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tsp. cream 2 shakes Tabasco 1 tsp. grated onion Dash of Worcestershire sauce Place cream cheese in mixing bowl to soften to room temperature. Add all ingredients except shrimp, blending well with electric mixer. Chill 6 to 8 hours to let seasoning blend. Add shrimp; blend. Serve as spread on crackers or as a sandwich spread. SALMON SPREAD ~ Submitted by Jessica, Corfu, Greece Red Salmon (1 can) Fresh dill weed Grated onion 12 big tbsp. cottage cheese Mayonnaise one or two heaping tbsp. Squirt of lemon juice Drain most of juice from salmon. Chop dill into salmon. Add grated onion. Add cottage cheese, mayonnaise and lemon juice and mix well. Good as a sandwich spread or even better with crackers.
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! EGGLESS "EGG SALAD" SANDWICHES 1 cup liquid egg substitute 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/4 chopped onion 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise 12 slices whole wheat bread 6 lettuce leaves 1 large tomato, cut into 6 thin slices Pour egg substitute into an 8-inch nonstick skillet; cover tightly and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 10 minutes. Cool completely. Dice egg and place in a small bowl. Add celery, onion and mayonnaise; mix well. On each of 6 bread slices, place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice; top each with 2 to 4 tablespoons egg salad and finish with a remaining bread slice. Makes 6 servings.  VEGETABLE AND CHEESE BAGEL SANDWICH 4 whole wheat or other flavored bagels, cut in half 1/2 cup herb-flavored cream cheese 4 slices (3/4-ounce each) LAND O LAKES® Chedarella® or Cheddar Cheese 1 cup alfalfa sprouts 4 (1/4-inch) slices tomato 16 (1/8-inch) slices cucumber 4 (1/8-inch) slices red onion To assemble each bagel sandwich, spread 1 bagel half with 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 slice cheese, 1 slice tomato, 4 slices cucumber, 1 slice red onion and 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts. Top with remaining bagel half. Makes 4 sandwiches. Nutrition Facts (1 sandwich): Calories: 460 Fat: 11 g Cholesterol: 35 mg Sodium: 750 mg Carbohydrates: 66 g Dietary Fiber: 0 g Protein: 21 g Source: Land O Lakes
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! CUCUMBER-TOMATO SALAD 1/2 cup rice vinegar* 3 tablespoons Equal® Spoonful** 3 cups unpeeled 1/4-inch thick sliced cucumbers, quartered (about 2 medium) 2 cups chopped tomato (about 1 large) 1/2 cup chopped red onion Salt and pepper to taste Combine vinegar and Equal®. Add cucumbers, tomato and onion; mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, covered, 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to blend. Makes 6 servings. * Distilled white vinegar may be substituted for rice vinegar ** May substitute 4-1/2 packets Equal sweetener Nutrition information per serving: calories 26 protein 1 g carbohydrate 6 g fat 0 g cholesterol 0 mg sodium 3 mg Food Exchanges: 1 vegetable. Source: Equal®
Help make us NUMBER ONE ! DRIED TOMATO AND OLIVE SANDWICHES 2 - 3 portions Preparation Less than 15 minutes Cooking Less than 15 minutes 8 to 12 pieces of dried tomatoes 1 cup of (250 mL) light cream cheese 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) sour cream of plain yogurt 1/2 cup (125 mL) pitted and chopped black olives 4 Tbsp. (60 mL) finely chopped red onion 4 to 6 slices of whole grain bread, plain or lightly toasted Lettuce leaves to taste In a bowl, soak the tomatoes in boiling water for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender. Drain, dry and chop the tomatoes finely. Add the other ingredients to the tomatoes and mix well. Season to taste. Spread the tomato mixture on the bread, cover with lettuce leaves and close the sandwich. Serve with assorted raw vegetables (carrots, celery, red and green pepper, etc.)
Help make us NUMBER ONE !  LUNCHTIME BAGELWICH 1/4 cup LAND O LAKES™ Fresh Buttery Taste™ Spread 4 herb or onion bagels, split in half 4 lettuce leaves 8 (1-ounce) slices deli turkey breast 4 green bell pepper rings 4 (3/4-ounce) slices deli LAND O LAKES® Chedarella® Cheese 4 tomato slices 1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts Spread bottom half of each bagel with 1 tablespoon Fresh Buttery Taste™ Spread. To assemble each sandwich, layer bottom half of bagel with 1 lettuce leaf, 2 slices turkey, 1 green pepper ring, 1 slice cheese, 1 slice tomato and 2 tablespoons alfalfa sprouts; cover with top half of bagel. Makes 4 sandwiches. Nutrition Facts (1 sandwich): Calories: 410 Fat: 21 g Cholesterol: 55 mg Sodium: 1030 mg Carbohydrates: 34 g Dietary Fiber: 2 g Protein: 23 g Source: Land O Lakes PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA AND DATE PITAS 1/2 cup chunky or smooth old-fashioned peanut butter 3 tablespoons honey 2 whole wheat pita breads (pocket bread) 8 pitted dates, chopped 2 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced In small bowl combine peanut butter and honey; mix well. Lightly toast pita breads; cut each in half crosswise. Open pita pockets and spread about 2 tablespoons peanut butter/honey mixture on both sides of the inside of each pita pocket. Divide banana slices and chopped dates evenly among pita pockets; close sandwiches, pressing slightly to adhere. Serves 4. SHRIMP SALAD FILLING 4 cups water 1 pound unpeeled, fresh medium shrimp 2 1/4 cups finely shredded cabbage 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup seed, chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced green onions 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Bring water to a boil; add shrimp, and cook 3 to 5 minutes. Drain well; rinse with cold water. Peel, devein and coarsely chop shrimp. Combine shrimp, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, green onions and water chestnuts in a large bowl; toss gently. Set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl; mixing well. Add mayonnaise mixture to shrimp mixture; toss gently to combine. Makes 6 servings.
A to Z Recipes Website Contact List Owner-Submit Article Submit a Recipe Sign up for Newsletter Be Removed from Newsletter A to Z Recipes Website Archives View recent issue archives at Zinester A to Z Recipes Theme Issues View vintage issue archives at Topica
The information contained in issues and the website are for use at your own discretion. Confer with health professionals for any special needs. Feel free to forward this publication to family and friends.  Brown Bag Success Making Healthy Lunches Your Kids Won't Trade by Sandra K. Nissenberg, Barbara N. Pearl  The Brown Bag Lunch Cookbook by Miriam Jacobs  The Brown Bag Cookbook Nutritious Portable Lunches for Kids and Adults by Sara Sloan  Travelers Club Luggage 11" Lunch Box Cooler w/ Water Bottle Make lunch special  Thermos Nissan Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Bottle We love soups so I am looking to buy this one! |
