1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans.
4. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.
5. Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add dried cranberries and mix until evenly distributed.

Serves 6.

1. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, 2 tablespoons parsley, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Sauté until vegetables begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add tomato paste; stir 1 minute. Add squash; stir 1 minute. Add chopped tomatoes and all beans; stir 1 minute. Add wine and simmer 2 minutes. Mix in broth, cream, and reserved tomato juice. Simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and chill. Rewarm before using.)
2. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Return pasta to same pot. Add sauce; toss over medium heat until coated. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese and 1 tablespoon parsley. Serve, passing remaining 1 cup cheese separately.

Makes 4 servings.

1. Line a 3-qt or larger slow-cooker with liner. Mix all ingredients except cilantro in slow-cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended.
2. Stir in cilantro. Top with sour cream, cheese, and/or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Serves 6.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 323, Total fat 3g, Saturated fat N/A, Cholesterol N/A, Sodium 942mg, Total carbohydrates 62g, Dietary fiber 18g, Protein 16g

1. If you're using bay scallops, keep them whole. If you're using sea scallops, cut each 1 in half horizontally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss with flour, and shake off the excess.
2. In a very large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over high heat until sizzling and add the scallops in 1 layer. Lower the heat to medium and allow the scallops to brown lightly on 1 side without moving them, then turn and brown lightly on the other side. This should take 3 to 4 minutes, total.
3. Melt the rest of the butter in the pan with the scallops, then add the shallots, garlic, and parsley and saute for 2 more minutes, tossing the seasonings with the scallops. Add the wine, cook for 1 minute, and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serves 4.