A Healthy, Quick and Easy Meal

This recipe, from my vintage collection I received from my mother's estate, was in an old newspaper column at the first of a year. It was in a column about dieting and eating better in the new year. It makes a good soup for anytime of the year but especially on cool or cold days when you want to be warmed from the inside out. Serve with a crusty whole grain bread, if desired. The fruity stuffed cantaloupe recipe below is perfect for a light dessert or for a breakfast treat.

SUPER HAMBURGER SOUP

1 lb lean hamburger

2/3 cup diced celery

1 bay leaf, crushed

dash of cayenne pepper

1 cup diced onions

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 tsp thyme

1 1/2-quarts water

1/2 cup cubed raw potato

8-oz can tomato sauce

2 tsp salt

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 cup sliced carrots

1/4 cup raw rice

2 beef bouillon cubes

Brown hamburger and onion in Pam sprayed soup pot. Brain off all fat. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, water and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients, except peas. Cover and simmer 50 minutes. Add peas and cook another 5 to 10 minutes. Put into soup bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings of about 200 calories each.

To continue on a light and healthy theme, here is a delightful fruit dessert.

FRUITY CANTALOUPE

1 large cantaloupe

1 cup fresh strawberry halves

1/4 cup blueberries

1/4 cup chunked kiwi (peeled)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sugar

Cut cantaloupe in half and remove seeds. Prick cavity with fork. Combine remaining ingredients, toss, and spoon into cantaloupe halves.