<h1>Fresh Ideas for Easter</h1>

At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read more>>
The word Atonement describes the setting “at one” of those who have been estranged, and denotes the reconciliation of man to God. Sin is the cause of the estrangement, and therefore the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin.
Jesus Christ, as the Only Begotten Son of God and the only sinless person to live on this earth, was the only one capable of making an atonement for mankind.
BIBLE DICTIONARY - Atonement

Celebrate spring with these easy healthy Easter recipes. Spring holidays are here and sometimes we need a little something special when we gather with friends and family.

Ham, Gruyere & Spinach Bread Pudding

Ingredients

For the custard:

4 large egg whites

4 large eggs

1 cup skim milk

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

For the bread and filling:

4 cups (4-6 slices) whole-grain bread, crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes

5 cups chopped spinach, wilted

1/2 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers

1 cup (5 ounces) diced ham steak

For the topping:

3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat an 11” x 7” glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.

2. To prepare the custard whisk egg whites, eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, pepper and rosemary and whisk to combine.

3. Toss bread, spinach, roasted red peppers and ham in a large bowl. Add the custard and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.

4. Bake until the custard has set, 40-45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15-20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Spinach Benefits:

Health Benefits of Spinach: Better Vision

Eating Spinach is Good for the Heart

The Cancer Fighting Benefits of Eating Spinach

Eating Spinach Builds Better Blood Cells

Italian Ham Cold Plate

6 slices Deli Fresh Shaved Smoked Ham

1/2 cup  baby spinach

1 tomato, halved

1 slice  honeydew melon (2-inch wedge)

5 RITZ Crackers

1/4 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese

2 Tbsp. Zesty Italian Dressing

Make It!

ARRANGE ham, spinach, tomatoes, melon and crackers on plate. Top tomato halves with cheese.

DRIZZLE with dressing or use dressing as a dipping sauce.

Honeydew Melon Health Benefits:

Contain potassium, this mineral helps keep your muscles from cramping.

Great source of folic acid for women of childbearing age because it is known to prevent birth defects.

Ideal food for people who want to lose weight and for those who want to improve their health because it is low in sodium, fat-free, cholesterol free and low calories. One cup of honeydew contains 60 calories.

Contain plenty of water which keeps us hydrated.

It is a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent many diseases.

Crisp-and-Creamy Baked Chicken

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

6 Tbsp.  (1/2 of 1 pouch) Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix

2 cups instant white rice, uncooked

2/3 cup  (1/2 of 10-3/4-oz. can) condensed cream of celery soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup  Shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese

Make It!

HEAT oven to 400°F.

COAT chicken with coating mix as directed on package; place in greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Discard any remaining coating mix.

BAKE 20 min. or until chicken is done (165°F). Meanwhile, cook rice as directed on package.

MIX soup and milk until well blended; pour over chicken. Top with cheese. Bake 5 min. or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Serve with rice and hot steamed carrots.

Health Benefits of Carrot:
   1. Carrot can enhance the quality of breast milk.
   2. Carrot can improve the appearance of the skin, hair and nails.
   3. When taken daily it can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
   4. Raw contain beta-carotene, a strong antioxidant that can prevent cancer.
   5. Carrot juice when taken everyday prevent bodily infections and is claimed to be valuable for the adrenal glands (the small endocrine glands situated above the kidneys).
   6. Carrot can help improve eyesight.
   7. Carrot can help increase menstrual flow.
   8. Carrots can regulate blood sugar.
   9. Carrot can promote colon health, because carrot is rich in fiber.

Carrot Cake

Ingredients

Cake 
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple  
2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour, (see Ingredient Note)  
2 teaspoons baking soda  
1/2 teaspoon salt  
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon  
3 large eggs  
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar  
3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk, (see Tip)  
1/2 cup canola oil  
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
2 cups grated carrots, (4-6 medium)  
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut  
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (see Tip)

Frosting 
12 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel), softened  
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted  
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract  
2 tablespoons coconut chips, (see Ingredient Note) or flaked coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Drain pineapple in a sieve set over a bowl, pressing on the solids. Reserve the drained pineapple and 1/4 cup of the juice.
3. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and the 1/4 cup pineapple juice in a large bowl until blended. Stir in pineapple, carrots and 1/4 cup coconut. Add the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until blended. Stir in the nuts. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
4. Bake the cake until the top springs back when touched lightly and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
5. To prepare frosting and finish cake: Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Enjoy with your Family and Friends!