In todays society with high prices at the grocery store and unemployment numbers on the rise, good economical and healthy meals are again coming into focus.  Here are a couple of easy, inexpensive recipes that wont break the bank but will allow you to feed your family a healthy meal.  Lentils are especially healthy and should be a part of any familys healthy menus.

LENTILS WITH PASTA

1 cup dried lentils

1 cup finely chopped onions

1 tbsp olive oil

2 to 3 cloves of garlic minced, use amount to suit your taste

1 tsp ground coriander

8 oz pkg elbow macaroni

salt and pepper to suit your taste

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup fresh minced parsley OR 1 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Soak lentils overnight in water to cover. Add water if needed as lentils will absorb some of the water. Cook until lentils are soft. Drain thoroughly. In a large skillet, heat oil. Saute onions over medium heat until they are soft. Add the garlic and cook until soft. Add the coriander and stir in. Stir in the lentils and keep warm.

Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package directions until just barely soft. Drain. Mix the drained pasta with the lentil mixture. Season to suit your taste. Stir in the butter then sprinkle the parsley over the top. Serve hot.

SPICE CRUMB CAKE

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups packed brown sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp each ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

1 tsp salt

1 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 cups buttermilk

2 tbsp molasses

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, spices and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove and set aside 1 cup of mixture for topping. In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk and molasses. Add to the remaining flour mixture. Mix together well. Pour into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with the reserved topping. Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes.