Recipes from Louise
By Louise McClain
Special to The True Citizen

If you are feeling rushed in the kitchen, then count to 10 and relax. These flavorful recipes can be prepared for your family to enjoy in just 10 minutes.

No-Fuss Meatballs

1 pkg. (14 oz.) frozen cooked
meatballs, thawed
1 TBSP soy sauce
½ cup chili sauce
½ cup grape jelly
¼ cup Dijon mustard

In a skillet, cook meatballs in soy sauce until heated through. Combine the chili sauce, jelly and mustard; pour over the meatballs. Cook and stir until jelly is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Yield: about 2 dozen.

Crunchy Coleslaw

1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 pkg. (3 oz.) beef-flavored ramen noodles
½ tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg. (16 oz.) shredded coleslaw mix
1 pkg. (5 oz.) sliced almonds

In a small saucepan, heat oil. Stir in contents of noodle seasoning packet and garlic salt; cook for 3- 4 minutes or until blended. Meanwhile, crush the noodles and place in a bowl. Add coleslaw mix and almonds. Drizzle with oil mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Fancy Ham 'N' Cheese

¼ cup butter or margarine softened
8 slices rye bread
12 fresh spinach leaves
16 slices cucumber
4 thin slices red onion
12 slices fully cooked ham
2 TBSP Dijon mustard
8 slices cheddar cheese

Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the other half of the slices, layer spinach, cucumber, onion, ham, mustard and cheese. Top with remaining bread. Yield: 4 servings

Cucumber Fruit Salad

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1 cup halved seedless green grapes
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
½ cup sour cream
1 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, optional

In a bowl, combine the cucumber, apple and grapes. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, sugar and parsley. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss to coat. Stir in walnuts if desired. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (prepared with nonfat sour cream and without walnuts) equals 87 calories, 19 mg sodium, 2 mg cholesterol, 20 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, trace fat, 2 g fiber.

Diabetic Exchange: 1½ fruit.