Steamed green beans are tasty

One appliance I could just as well leave out on my counter is my vegetable steamer. We steam vegetables at least a couple of times a week.

We love steamed vegetables, especially green beans. By steaming vegetables, they keep most of their nutrients. I'm always experimenting with different ways to steam vegetables and have found one of my favorites is Garlic Green Beans with Mushrooms. They are so quick to prepare and I only steam them until they still have a crunch to them. Tossed with garlic and mushrooms, ohhhh, what a flavor that enhances any meal.

Steamed Green Beans

with Garlic and Mushrooms

Serving size: 8

2 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed

2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 teaspoons butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with water: bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until crisp tender. (I use my steamer according to manufacturer's directions.) Meanwhile, in a large, nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender. Drain beans; add to skillet. Stir in the salt, onion powder and pepper; heat through. Serve immediately.

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

Serving size: 4

1 pound small red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered

2 tablespoons diced onion

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Pinch of salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat an 11x7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Lay potatoes in a single layer in prepared dish. Sprinkle with diced onion. Combine the melted butter, honey, mustard, salt and pepper; drizzle over potatoes. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until tender, stirring halfway through cooking time.

Batter Dipped Fish

Serving size: 6

2 eggs

2/3 cup milk

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 pounds fish fillets

Beat eggs in small bowl for one minute. Add milk and beat one minute more. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; add to milk mixture. Add oil and beat until blended. Dip fish into batter; allow to drain slightly. Fry in preheated oil. Drain on paper towels.

GARY'S TIP: To prevent rust on tools in your toolbox, place a piece of charcoal, chalk or several mothballs in your toolbox to attract any moisture.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If you want to feel rich, just count all the things in your life that money can't buy.