Melvin Cruser, DDS

Breakfast Parfait


 

 

Takes 5 minutes, serves 4

Ingredients:
* 2-3 cups mixed fruit (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apple, banana, pear, etc.)
* 1 quart yogurt (Plain yogurt and Greek yogurt have much less sugar than flavored yogurts)
* granola or whole grain cereal

Preparation:
Wash and dry fruit and slice if necessary. Spoon a layer of yogurt into 4 tall glasses. Add a layer of fruit, and then sprinkle your granola/cereal on top. Repeat the layering 1-2 more times.

 

 

Tuscan White Bean Salad

 

Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
1/4 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cups firmly packed spinach, washed, drained, and stems removed
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup pitted black olives, such as kalamata or niçoise
Italian Vinaigrette*
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. To quick-soak the beans: Place the beans in a large pot with water to cover by 3 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and rinse.
2. To cook the beans: Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover by 3 to 4 inches. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beans are tender but still firm. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set aside to cool.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook and stir until slightly brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Toss the beans, onion, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives in a large bowl with the vinaigrette until just combined. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use or up to 1 day. If refrigerating, add the spinach just before serving.

 

*Italian Vinaigrette

 

Makes about 1 cup


Ingredients:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation:
Combine the vinegar, garlic, mustard, and oregano in a small bowl. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly until all the oil is incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use or up to 1 week.

 

Melvin Cruser, DDS address