• 2/3 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¼  tsp black pepper
• 1 cup thick style salsa
• ½  can black beans, drain and rinse for best taste
• ¼ cup sliced roasted red pepper
• ¼ cup sliced roasted green pepper
• ½ cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Bring rice, water, and black pepper to boil. Then you reduce the heat down to low and cover and simmer for approximately 25-40 minutes depending on the oven.  You’re looking for all the water to be absorbed into the rice.  After this, stir in the thick salsa, beans, red peppers, and green peppers.  Stir constantly until the entire mix is heated through.  Add the ½ cup of cheese, let it melt and then enjoy, sprinkling fresh parsley on top!

• 1 tsp raw gingerroot, minced
• 1 medium pear, quartered
• 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup nuts, chopped, unsalted
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Stevia, organic (optional)

Directions:

1. Mince ginger and slice/core pear. 
2. Place cottage cheese in a bowl.
3. Top with pear slices and nuts.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon and fresh ginger on top.
5. Add 1 pinch Stevia (optional).

Nutrition info : 399 calories, 16 grams total fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams transfat, 42 gms carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 27 grams protein.