Salsa Rice and Black Beans

1 1/4c water
1 1/2c minute brown rice, uncooked
1 16oz can black beans, rised and drained
1 lg tomato, chopped
1 4oz can chopped green chilies, undrained
1T fresh cilantro leaves or parsley, chopped
1T lime juice
1/8t hot pepper sauce
Optional: sour cream, lime slices, cilantro/parsley

Bring water to boil in large saucepan then stir in rice, beans, tomato and chilies. Return to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer 5 minutes then remove from heat.

Stir in cilantro, lime juice and pepper sauce; cover. Let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir and garnish if desired.

Apple Cinnamon Rice Crisp

Preheat oven to 350F

1c minute rice (white or brown) uncooked
1 can (20oz) apple pie filling
1c packed brown sugar, divided
1t ground cinnamon
1/2c raisins or craisins
1/2c walnuts, chopped
1 1/2c uncooked rolled oats
4T margarine of any kind
Optional: ice cream or cool whip

Prepare rice according to box directions. Spray 2qt baking dish with pam spray. Combine rice, pie filling, 1/2c brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins and walnuts in medium bowl. Pour into the prepared baking dish. In same bowl combine remaining 1/2c brown sugar and rolled oats. Cut in margarine mixing until mixture is moist. Sprinkle over rice mixture and bake 20 minutes.

Pizza Pasta Casserole

8oz whole wheat rotini pasta
1 16oz package lean ground turkey (regular or italian seasoned)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 chopped onion
low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
turkey pepperoni

Preheat oven to 350F

Cook pasta according to directions on box and set aside. Brown the ground turkey and onion in large pan. Then add spaghetti sauce and cooked pasta in with the ground turkey. Mix thoroughly then pour into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and add turkey pepperoni along top layer. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Serves 12  (204 calories and 4.2g fat per serving)