Foodie Friday: Three Cheers for Food!

Welcome back to our second edition of Foodie Friday. A few months ago, I came across an article with recipes that were inspired by The Hunger Games, and I thought it was awesome. I could picture myself on my patio eating the goat cheese appetizer while reading about Prim and her pet. The idea combining two of my favorite things — food and books — was absolute brilliance. And I thought it would be figure out my own combinations.

The latest editions to our Team Cheer series will be coming out this summer — with a whole new look for the cover! Focused on the lives of four cheerleaders, the books often give glimpses of the girls favorite foods — both that rich in nutrition and that rich in sugar! So to celebrate the set, the cheerleaders, and of course, food, here are a few recipes inspired by the new books.

Faith is heading to her first school dance, and she better not forget to eat something before she goes! Here is a light, but filling sandwich, perfect for a quick bit before she goes.

Faith's Chicken Pita Sandwich
(serves one)

1 whole wheat pita bread
1-2 T plain Greek yogurt
3 oz. sliced cooked chicken breast
5 cucumber slices
2 tomato slices
5 banana pepper slices
1-2 T feta cheese crumbles

Spread 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt on the pita bread. Top with chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, banana peppers, and feta cheese. If you would like, add another tablespoon of yogurt on top.

Lissa injures her tailbone and is stuck in bed for a few days. Her mom feeds her chicken noodle soup, but since Lissa really likes her food spicy, these poppers might be the faster way to recovery.

Lissa's Pepper Poppers
(Serves 4 to 6)

4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
6 large jalapenos, halved and seeded
4 strips of bacon, cut in thirds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Fill each jalapeno half with about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Wrap a piece of bacon around each pepper and secure with a tooth pick. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is browned.

Sweet-toothed Gaby is feeling down about budget problems that are threatening to cut the cheer program at Greenview. Maybe one of her famous smoothies would cheer her up!

Gaby's Famous Smoothie (some would call it a shake)
(Serves 1-2)

1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1 cup crumbled chocolate chip cookies
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 chocolate chip cookie

Blend the ice cream, milk, crumbled cookies and chocolate chips. Pour into a glass and top with cookie.

Brooke is facing a huge decision: Does she head off to a new private high school or follow her friends to Greenview High? The best way to make any decision is with a full belly! Brooke's family specializes in Italian dishes like this one.

Brooke's Stuffed Shells
(Serves approximately 8)

20-30 large pasta shells
1 can spaghetti sauce
16 oz. cottage cheese
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1 T. parsley flakes
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook shells according to package. Empty sauce into large 9 x 13 pan. Combine all the cheeses, the eggs, and parsley in a large boal. Once shells are cooked, stuff them wiht the cheese mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.