Salad Dressing

[Vera 7]

As some of you know from the Vegas bash, I'm a salad lover, even when I was very restricted, I would dice/chop/shred salads and still do. My problem is I like Blue cheese and Ranch dressings and they can be high in fat, calories and carbs. So, I was wondering if any of the wonderful bandsters on this board have any suggestions besides olive oil & vinegar, that tastes good and is good for you. I have spent time at the grocery store reading labels but wish I could just taste them all.

What are some of your favorites??? :lick

Also, with the rains starting and the colder weather it seems like I want stews and rich foods...anyone else feel a change in food cravings?

[Rebeccalee 2]

I have definitely been craving stew or some chunky Soup the last couple days. I think I'll make some today. Our heat wave was short and followed by cold rain. I think I'm starting to hibernate.

I use a locally made pesto ranch dressing that is probably not so good for weight loss.

[leatha_g 4]

I make chili Beans in the winter, which I love. High in Protein too. But, yea, I'm like you, with the colder months I have certain foods, like homemade vegetable Soup, that just seem to go with the season.

[New Hope 37]

Vera, have you tried Balsamic vinegars? (about 10 cal. tbl.) You can mix them w/ oil and spices for a marinade also. But I think it's the creaminess we're craving. Hidden Valley has a Ranch Lite w/ 40 cal. tbl.)

I love stews, Soups, or a pot of Beans any time of the year. I think it's wonderful comfort food. And aren't we getting our vegetables in that way? (Any excuse to try to make it right. LOL)

[cateringqueen 0]

Vera,

I to am a big blue cheese lover, Sometimes I mix my fresh blue cheese with the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olice oil or some times I mix it with some lo-fat mayo and buttermilk. I mix the dry ranch the same way.

[hagerteresa 3]

My newest wintertime type of food is acorn squash with a little butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg melted into it. SOOOO Good! I also have been in a stew mood and made one last week. I like to make split pea/ lentil Soup all winter long too with a big smoked ham bone. I am a ranch dressing nut too and find I avoid salads to avoid ranch calories. Sometimes I will have them and I have tried many other dressings but I guess I just prefer the ranch. I ussually do the mix my own variety and can make it with lowfat mayo and lowfat buttermilk. Teresa

[Rebeccalee 2]

I made chicken barley stew today and it was good! It's sitting in there uncomfortably, though, so I suppose I better be more careful with it. Sheesh! :speechles

[La_madam 20]

Hi Vera

I love the change of seasons..I too see a change in food ..I have been using my crock pot for the last week...pot roast, corned beef, stroganoff..chicken & rice...My fav salad dressing is Blue cheese ( Bob's Big Boy) I buy it at the grocery store but now I use the lite version of it and I mix it with Red Wine Vinegar ( seven seas)

And yes I can vouch for your love of salads, since I ate every meal with you atthe bash

P.S. I wore your Capris I got from the clothing exchange to work on SUnday and got many compliments ..Thanks again for them they are working out really good for me.

[Vera 7]

Thanks Becky, Pesto Ranch sounds good, even on a bean salad and marinated mushrooms or pickled beets. I love Balsamic vinegar Marie, as well as Bob's Big Boy Blue cheese Michelle! Now I want all your stew and Soup recipes, at least your favs!

That squash sound real good about now Teresa. Every time I get a ham, I always make a split pea/bean soup with carrots and celery with ta bone! I can almost smell it..

I'm glad your enjoying those Capris Michelle.