Boy, did we have trouble with getting Grandma's big party planned this year! For years we made the party easy. Year after year we simply planned Grandma's birthday party at The Makahiki Luau Dinner Show at Sea World Orlando. Think exotic hula girls, partially clothed male Hawaiian dancers, festive Hawaiian music, much drum banging and a cool fire show. There's a feast of pineapples, coconuts, tantalizing fresh fish, savory roast pork and mixed vegetables. But this year was different since Grandma was turning 70.



This year we were going to have a family cruise, changed it to a party in Biloxi, again changed that to a get together at Gaylord Palms and finally, to make a long story short, we ended up having the party at The Columbian Restaurant in Celebration, Florida. All the gang was there with Grandma Jeanie's children, grandchildren and even three great grandchildren! What a great get together we had with food, fun and gifts!

The Columbia Restaurant is Florida's oldest restaurant and the world's largest Spanish restaurant. To me, The Columbia Restaurant is a jewel with delicious unique food you just can't find anywhere else. While you're waiting for your food, the waiter brings each patron a big ole hunk of Cuban bread that is to die for; crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Crumbs get everywhere, but that's the fun of it! When dining at The Columbia Restaurant, you just gotta have The Spanish Bean Soup, Columbia's Original "1905" Salad?, Arroz con Pollo "Valencianna" (a fancy name for chicken and yellow rice) and Boliche "Criollo".

Today I have a special treat for all my friends out there, 100 calorie RECIPES from The Columbia Restaurant Cookbook! Enjoy!

Spanish Bean Soup

? lb. Uncooked Garbanzo Beans, Dried - 400 Calories

1 Ham Bone - 50 Calories

1 Beef Bone - 50 Calories

2 Quarts Water- FREE

1 Tablespoon Salt - FREE

? lb. Salt Pork, Cut In Thin Strips - 500 Calories

1 Onion, Finely Chopped - FREE

1 Chorizo (Spanish Sausage) Sliced In Thin Rounds - 300 Calories

2 Potatoes, Peels and Cut In Quarters - 300 Calories

Pinch Of Saffron - FREE

? Teaspoon Paprika - FREE

Wash garbanzo beans. Soak overnight with 1 tablespoon in enough water to cover beans. Drain the salted water from the beans. Place beans in 4-quart soup kettle; add 2 quarts water and ham and beef bones. Cook for 45 minutes over low heat, skimming foam from the top. Fry salt pork slowly in a skillet. Add chopped onion and saute lightly. Add to beans along with potatoes, paprika, and saffron. Add salt to taste. When potatoes are tender, remove from heat and add chorizo. Serve hot in deep bowls. Serves four.

Makes Four 400 Calorie Servings.

Columbia's Original "1905" Salad

Salad Ingredients

? Head Iceberg Lettuce - FREE

2 Ripe Tomatoes, Cut In Eights - FREE

? Cup Swiss Cheese, Cut In Julienne Strips - 250 Calories

? Cup Ham, Cut In Julienne Strips - 200 Calories

(Or Turkey or Shrimp)

? Cup Green Spanish Olives, Pitted - 50 Calories

2 Teaspoons Grated Romano Cheese - 50 Calories

Salad Dressing Ingredients

1/8 Cup White Wine Vinegar - FREE

? Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 950 Calories

4 Garlic Cloves, Minced - FREE

1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce - FREE

Salt and Pepper To Taste - FREE

1 Teaspoon Oregano - FREE

2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice - FREE

Toss together all salad ingredients in a bowl, except Romano Cheese.

Mix garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Beat until smooth with a wire whisk. Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and season with sat and pepper.

Add dressing to salad and toss well. Add Romano Cheese and toss one more time. Serves 4.

Makes Four 400 Calorie Servings.

Arroz con Pollo "Valencianna" (Chicken and Yellow Rice YUM!)

2 lb. Chicken Fryer, Cut In Quarters - 1050 Calories

2 Onions, Chopped - FREE

1 Green Pepper, Chopped - FREE

2 Medium Tomatoes, Peeled, Seeded and Chopped - FREE

2 Garlic Cloves, Minced - FREE

? Cup Olive Oil - 900 Calories

1 Bay Leaf - FREE

4 Cups Chicken Broth - FREE

2 Cups Long Grain White Rice, Uncooked - 1400 Calories

? Teaspoon Saffron - FREE

? Teaspoon Salt - FREE

? Cup Small Green Peas, Cooked - FREE

4 Asparagus Tips - FREE

2 Roasted Red Peppers, Cut In Strips - FREE

? Cup White Wine - 50 Calories

In a skillet, saute chicken in heated oil until skin is golden. Remove chicken and place in casserole dish. In same oil in the skillet, saute onion, green pepper, tomatoes and garlic for 5 minutes. Pour over chicken. In same skillet, add chicken broth, white wine, saffron, salt, bay leaf and rice. When mixture begins to boil, pour over casserole, cover and bake in oven at 350 for 20 minutes or until chicken is done. Sprinkle with a splash of wine and garnish with peas, roasted red peppers and asparagus tips. Serves 4.

Makes Four 800 Calorie Servings.