It’s Time to Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue

These easy 4^th of July recipes will tickle your taste buds and declare independence from boring burgers and unhealthy hotdogs. Let’s hear it for the red, white, and blue!

Red Chile Penne

Choosing the right foods—like the black beans in this recipe—will boost your energy levels all day long, so you’ll still be sizzling by the time the fireworks start.

Ingredients:

4 ounces penne pasta

2 tablespoons Garlic Aioli*

¼ teaspoon of ground red pepper

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 cup rinsed and drained black beans

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Dash of dried oregano

¼ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pan, then add the aioli and red pepper and stir until the pasta is well coated. Toss in the beans, cilantro, oregano, salt, and pepper. (Yield: 2 servings.)

*To make the Garlic Aioli, combine 6 cloves of garlic, minced, and 2 egg yolks in a blender. Blend on high, then add 1½ teaspoons of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ground pepper mélange to taste. Slowly add 5 tablespoons each of peanut oil and olive oil, blending until incorporated. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and blend.

White Bean and Garlic Pizza

Garlic, herbs, and spices help keep fat down so carbs can fuel your day.

Ingredients:

1 individual pizza crust

2 teaspoons minced garlic

½ cup rinsed and drained cannellini beans

4 thin slices of tomato

Dash of oregano

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 ounce shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly mist the crust with olive oil spray and spread the garlic evenly over crust. Place the beans on top, then mash lightly and spread to cover the crust. Lay the tomato slices over the beans. Sprinkle with the oregano and pepper and mist with olive oil spray, then top with the cheese. Bake on an oven rack for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. (Yield: 1 serving.)

Blue Caesar Salad

Caesar’s traditional anchovy paste is the secret ingredient for a healthy heart.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon anchovy paste

1 tablespoon walnut oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

⅛ teaspoon salt

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 tablespoon chopped toasted walnuts

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

In a small bowl, combine the anchovy paste, oil, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Blend with a wire whisk until smooth. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce and dressing and toss until well coated. Divide between two salad plates and top each with ½ tablespoon of the walnuts and 1 tablespoon of the cheese. (Yield: 2 servings.)

Happy 4^th of July!