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Europe Rejects U.S. Peace Framework Demanding Ukrainian Concessions

Ukraine suffered one of the worst Russian attacks in months when drones and missiles hit Ternopil.  European leaders have firmly rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and scale back its military capabilities. The plan, reportedly drafted by Washington and discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been described by European officials as tantamount to forcing Kyiv into capitulation. According to reports, the framework envisions Ukraine giving up land to Russia and partially disarming its armed forces. This approach has sparked alarm across Europe, where officials insist that any peace plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve both Kyiv and European partners in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” underscoring the bloc’s position that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its direct involvement. German...

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Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch Dip

 


Ingredients

Crudité

  • 8 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, strings removed
  • ½ bunch curly kale, washed
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 9 cherry tomatoes

Dip

  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 4 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions

To prepare crudité:

  1. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Set a large bowl of ice water by the stove.
  2. Blanch broccoli for 1 to 2 minutes in the boiling water. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to chill. Drain well.
  3. Blanch Brussels sprouts, green beans and snap peas in the same way.

To prepare dip:

  1. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, shallot, dill, vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Transfer to a serving bowl; set it in the center of a large circular platter or decorative serving board.
  3. Arrange kale around the bowl, with the frilly edges on the outside.
  4. Top with the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, snap peas and cauliflower.
  5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes.

This recipe is a stunner with white cauliflower, red tomatoes and green broccoli, green beans, snap peas, kale and Brussels sprouts. It’s also a delicious way to start your celebration with veggies (which there are rarely enough of at parties and holidays). The homemade ranch dip, which uses nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, takes just a few minutes to make, or you can use a healthy store-bought dip. 

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