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6 cups fresh spinach, steamed lightly and chopped
1 lb. dry orzo (or other small-shaped pasta)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced chives
1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
Shaved Parmesan, Romano cheese or shredded vegan cheese, optional

Place spinach in a large bowl. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Stir orzo into water. Cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, but do not rinse. Add to the bowl of spinach. Allow to sit for 3 minutes before adding remaining ingredients. Toss well.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 6-8

Note: Can substitute fresh basil for the parsley.

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1 1/2 pounds zucchini
3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease an 8 x 8 inch square baking dish.

Slice zucchini in 1/4 inch rounds. Steam or microwave zucchini until done, but still firm.
Mix rice with lemon juice, parsley, seasonings and oil.
In the prepared dish, layer rice mixture, cottage cheese and
zucchini.
Top with the grated cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and top is browned. Remove from oven.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Serves 4-6

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1 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of dill weed
black pepper to taste
Coffee cream substitute, or plain, unsweetened soy milk, optional

In a bowl, blend the vegan mayonnaise through black pepper until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

Note: For best results add the cream after the dressing has been refrigerated to thin it, if too thick.

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1 whole eggplant, peeled and cubed (1″ pieces)
2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium tomato, diced
1 cup chickpeas

Salad Dressing
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic clove, small diced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped parsley

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

On a baking sheet, fitted with parchment paper, toss eggplant with salt, pepper and olive oil, until evenly coated. Bake about 30-40 minutes, turning once, until eggplant is evenly roasted.
Remove from oven and let cool.
Place eggplant, tomatoes and chickpeas in a medium size bowl.
Toss with some of the dressing. Taste to check seasonings.

Serve with warm pita and/or Greek yogurt.

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1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated, but not peeled
1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets
4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450ºF.

Bring small pot of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. Boil 15 seconds. Drain, peel, and cut off any brown parts. Cut the largest cloves in half lengthwise.

On a sheet pan, fitted with parchment paper, toss the cauliflower with the garlic, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Spread mixture out in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing twice, until the cauliflower is tender and the garlic is lightly browned.

Scrape the cauliflower into a large bowl with the garlic and pan juices. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, parsley, pine nuts and lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, toss well, and serve hot or warm.

Serves 6

Note: Can use 2 small heads of cauliflower instead of 1 large one. Can substitute brussels sprouts for the cauliflower.