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Cheers To Everybody As We Begin New Year

Merri Lou Dobler Staff writer

Celebrations will be merry tonight as we plan a new year of promise. I lift a glass of sparkling cider to all of you.

Cheers to those who patiently feed our elderly family members living in nursing homes.

Cheers to those who bring nutritious snacks for active little ones at preschools.

Cheers to those who serve us a steaming hot cup of espresso on cold winter mornings.

Cheers to those who offer free samples of food in grocery stores.

Cheers to those creative chefs who make our eating-out experiences so pleasurable.

Cheers to those who so lovingly feed our premature babies at hospitals.

Cheers to those who bring their favorite dish to potlucks, picnics and block parties.

Cheers to those who serve us dinner in 15 minutes.

Cheers to those bringing goodies to our elementary school parties.

Cheers to those sharing a bag of bagels at work.

Cheers to those serving up popcorn at the movies.

Cheers to those who ring up and bag our groceries.

Cheers to those bringing a treat for our dogs and cats.

Cheers to those handing out cups of water at Bloomsday.

Cheers to those delivering pizzas and soda pop.

Cheers to those who offer us cough drops when we get a tickle in our throat, a stick of gum when we’re bored, and a breath mint when we need it.

Happy New Year!

Canadian Bacon Roll-Ups

From “Fast And Healthy Magazine” (Pillsbury, 1997).

6 (8- to 10-inch) fat-free flour tortillas

9 ounces thin Canadian bacon slices

1 green bell pepper, cut into strips

2 cups purchased nonfat chunky mushroom spaghetti sauce

8 ounces (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Warm tortillas in microwave for 20-30 seconds on HIGH. Spray a 13-by 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with nonstick spray.

Evenly divide Canadian bacon and bell pepper strips and place near one edge of tortillas. Top with 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce and 1/4 cup cheese. Lift topped side of tortilla and loosely roll towards opposite edge. Place crosswise, seam side down, in sprayed dish.

Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Cover with microwave-safe waxed paper and microwave on HIGH for 6 to 8 minutes, or until roll-ups are thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.

Yield: 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 320 calories, 10 grams fat (28 percent fat calories), 40 milligrams cholesterol, 33 grams carbohydrate, 24 grams protein, 1,400 milligrams sodium.

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