Artichoke and Spinach Dip

After the spinach has thawed, drain it well, pressing all of the liquid out through a sieve into a bowl. Do not discard the liquid as you will use some of this liquid later.

Drain the artichoke hearts and place them in a food processor. Add the spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, salt, nutmeg and mayonnaise. Process until almost smooth. Add some of the spinach liquid, 1 Tablespoon at a time, to help achieve that smoothness. One to two Tablespoons is usually enough.

When ready to serve, place the dip in a microwave-safe bowl. Put the dip in the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring well in between each 30 second interval. The dip should be hot enough to let the cheese melt and add to the creaminess of the dip, but not too hot or you will overcook the spinach. Serve immediately.

Ajvar (Eggplant Dip)

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Place the eggplant, peppers and garlic on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Roast for about 30 minutes.

Turn occasionally.

Remove from the oven and place the vegetables in a large brown paper bag.

When cool peel the skins away.

Place the vegetables in a food processor with the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika.

Process until smooth.

Fold in the parsley and chill before serving.

Tropical Melon Smoothie

Place the yogurt, melon, banana and papaya juice in a blender and blend on high until smooth.

Easy Granola

Preheat over to 300°F.

Place the water in a large sauce pan over high heat. When the water is boiling add the oats and quinoa. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes.

Drain and rinse with cold water.

Place the drained oats and quinoa in a large bowl with the almonds, walnuts, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, maple syrup, raisins and cranberries.

Fold together until well blended.

Place on a large cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. Spread as flat as possible and place in the oven.

Bake for 45 minutes. Stir with a fork every 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove and let cool fully before storing.