Meatless Monday; Corn Dogs with Baked Beans

It's Meatless Monday and here are two recipes traditions for the family table, grand picnic, trip to the amusement park, sporting event or holiday event.

Go Meatless Monday is recognized by cities and countries all around the world. It's a day people unite around food.

Corn dogs were sold “for the first time in 1942 at the State Fair of Texas.” The Fletcher’s Corny Dog concession continues to sell the original corn dog at the fair to this day, and it is still operated by the same family from their mobile kitchen.

State Fair, a brand owned by the Sara Lee Corporation, offers many different varieties of frozen corn dogs that you can enjoy at home from the ‘Classic’ to the ‘Mini’ corn dog, and even ‘bacon-wrapped.’

This version of the classic corn dog by Morningstar Farms® is meatless, and the baked beans go-with are from Simply Organic. A healthy combination of yum. The corn dog and kitchup recipe has been tested and endorsed by Kellogg and MorningStar Farms®.

Corn Dogs with Chicago-Style Ketchup

4 Morningstar Farms® Veggie Corn Dogs
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers, divided
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons sliced green onion

Cook corn dogs according to package directions. In small bowl stir together ketchup, 1/4 cup of peppers, relish and onion. Place in small serving dish. Top with remaining peppers. Serve with corn dogs.

Corn Dogs Nutritional Information (amount per serving)
Calories 180; Carbohydrates 31g; Cholesterol 0mg; Fiber 4g; Fat 4; Sodium 1030mg; Protein 7g

Orange Ginger Baked Beans

Ginger is very good for you. Ir has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Researchers around the world report that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. It's tangy in taste and helps to reduce gas.

Cool, vivacious orange and warm, grounding ginger come together in a delightful pairing than enhances salads -- and provides adventure in marinades and vegetable dishes.
Cool, vivacious orange and warm, grounding ginger come together in a delightful pairing than enhances salads -- and provides adventure in marinades and vegetable dishes.

1 can (15 ounces) no salt added navy beans, drained
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 package Simply Organic Orange Ginger Vinaigrette Dressing Mix

Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart casserole dish. Stir until completely mixed. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. (Use 3/4 cup ketchup for thicker beans and stronger flavor.)

Can be prepared on stovetop or on the BBQ grill: Follow same directions, except simmer over low heat in large saucepan until thoroughly heated.

Baked Beans Nutritional Information (amount per serving)
Calories 120; Carbohydrates 0g; Cholesterol 27mg; Sodium: 61mg; Fat 12g; Protein 4g

Ginger Nutrition: One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller. Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu.

Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract. Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, about half your calories should come from carbohydrates, typically about 250 grams (g). For example, a person who eats approximately 2,000 calories per day should take in about 250 grams of carbohydrates (2,000 divided by half equals 1,000 -- and 1,000 calories divided by 4 grams = 250 grams). A teaspoon of sugar is 4 grams.

Carbs and diabetes: People with diabetes must always focus on carbohydrates. Depending on individual health challenges, reliable sources indicate that most people with diabetes should not consume more than about 130 grams of carbohydrate each day.

* Sources: Morningstar Farm, Simply Organic, Health Diaries, Driving Dining

Morningstar Farms is a division of the Kellogg Company that produces vegetarian food. Many of their offerings are meatless variations of traditionally meat-based products, including some that are vegan. Morningstar is currently the largest vegetarian food producer in the United States. From veggie burgers to meatless breakfast sausage, there are over 30 tasty ways to make feeling good deliciously uncomplicated.

Simply Organic®, a comprehensive 100% certified organic line of spices, seasoning mixes and baking flavors. Simply Organic continues to grow with innovative and affordable new products and an unrivaled selection of organic seasonings — just as Aura Cacia®, the third member of the Frontier family, has become America's favorite aromatherapy source. One percent of Simply Organic sales fund organic food and farm research.