Forget that divided pyramid. Now there are “power foods.”

Edibles in every food group, from fruits to proteins, have been deemed so powerful that we should eat several servings every day. They’re high in all the right things and low in all the bad stuff.

The USDA recently put together a list of power foods and just about every health organization out there has added to it. They have some pretty good suggestions for healthy eating in areas that we’re probably all deficient. And it’s actually not hard to whip up some power meals. You’d be surprised.

So, the next several installments of “One Teaspoon from Disaster” will showcase dishes loaded with power foods.

First up, a wonderful vegetarian pasta recipe. This dish is so easy and delicious, although admittedly the sauce does look a little scary. However, it features three power foods: spinach, broccoli and nuts. It’s best served warm over pasta, but is also great as a cold veggie dip.

Power Pasta
Ingredients:
1 carton fat-free cottage cheese
1 bag baby spinach
1 large head/cluster of broccoli
1 ½ C. walnuts
penne noodles

Directions: Toast walnuts until dark brown. Steam broccoli and spinach until softened. Mix nuts and veggies in a food processor with cottage cheese. Top cooked pasta.