PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Peel the eggplant with a peeler. Cut into “fry strips” using a sharp knife.

​Pour milk into a medium bowl. Place the eggplant strips into the milk, gently mix and set aside. Place salt, chili powder, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.

​Dip each of the milk-soaked eggplant strips into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to get all sides coated with the mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve warm. Suggest serving with nonfat greek yogurt to dip. Makes 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS
2 ½ cups coconut flour (you could also use whole wheat pastry flour (not gluten-free) or other gluten-free flours)
1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup dark chocolate chips, chopped fine
nonstick cooking spray

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

​Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 20 minutes in the dish. Cut into squares and enjoy! Makes 24 servings.

INGREDIENTS
8 ounces whole wheat orzo, prepared according to package directions
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced and chopped
1 shallot, peeled and chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons walnut oil
4 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1–2 Tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1 1/2 Tablespoons honey mustard
freshly ground pepper and salt to taste
Optional toppings: 2 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped and toasted, 1 Tablespoon lemon zest, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.

PREPARATION
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and heat for 2–3 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts, shallot, and garlic, and sauté for 8–10 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. (NOTE: You could skip the caramelizing and microwave to steam instead. I have made both ways, and both are delicious!)

While Brussels sprouts, shallots, and garlic are cooking, add walnut oil through honey mustard into the blender and process until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add pepper and salt to taste.

​In a large serving bowl, combine orzo, Brussels sprout mixture, and dressing. Stir until well combined. Taste to add any additional pepper. Top with walnuts and lemon zest, if desired. Makes 4 servings. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds ripe plum or Roma tomatoes, halved, core and seeds removed
1 medium cucumber, peeled, sliced into thick coins
1 medium red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, stem and seeds removed, sliced into large chunks
1/2 medium sweet yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 12-oz can low sodium V-8 juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
Optional toppings: hot sauce, fresh cilantro leaves, cucumbers

​PREPARATION
Place all of the ingredients in a large blender or food processor. Pureé for about 2 minutes, leaving it slightly chunky. Taste and season as desired. Place in a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, to give all of the flavors a chance to meld together. Serve chilled with suggested toppings. Makes 5–6 servings.