Here is another recipe I pull out in the fall that happens to be pretty healthy with some minor adjustments, lentil and sausage soup. Lentils are a great food for helping keep you full and are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a great source protein, iron, phosphorus and copper, and are a very good source of dietary fiber.  I think many people dismiss them either because they don't know what they are or how to prepare them. This is one of my favorites.

Lentil & Sausage Stew (recipe for double Crockpot)
1lb Lentils (rinsed & drained)
10c water
2 carrots cubed
1 onion diced
1lb ground sausage (chicken or turkey for low fat option)
2tsp garlic powder
1tsp cayenne
dash of cinnamon 
salt and pepper to taste

Combine lentils, water and seasoning in a large Crockpot, set for low and leave overnight, aprox. 10 hours. Add carrots and onion and any additional seasoning (thyme, rosemary, oregano) and cook till carrots are soft.

*I don't really measure anything except the water in my Crockpot recipes so all seasoning is really done to taste. Basically I smell the seasoning and say sure that would go well and add some then check it in a half an hour and see if it needs more. I encourage you to go to your local supermarket and find the bulk spices section, yes it will take some time to package them up yourself, but check the prices against pre-packaged spices and you'll see why. Get some of everything and go wild in you're cooking.

Hearty, Healthy, and Delicious!

Nik & David