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Category: Starches

Monterey Jack Mashed Potatoes

Monterey Jack Mashed Potatoes

2-1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 teaspoon hot paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups (5 ounces) reduced-fat shredded Monterey jack cheese (Or Pepper Jack)

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Reserving 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid, drain and transfer the potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic to a large bowl. Add the reserved cooking liquid, the paprika, and salt to the bowl. With a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes until well combined but still a bit chunky.. Sprinkle the cheese on top and mash into the potatoes until melted, about 3 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 218
Fat: 4.5g
Fiber: 3g

Baked Beets w/ Sour Cream

Baked Beets w/ Sour Cream

8 medium beets
1/4 C. plain nonfat yogurt
3 T. light sour cream
3 T. cider vinegar
1 T. whole-grain prepared mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
2 small Granny Smith apples (about 4 oz. each), cored and diced
4 oz. cooked potato, pared and diced
8 romaine lettuce leaves

Preheat oven to 425oF. Cut a 24″ sheet of foil. Thoroughly wash beets; cut stems and leaves 1″ above beet crowns. Arrange beets on foil; securely seal ends to make a tight packet. Transfer packet to baking sheet. Bake 1 1/2 hours, until beets are soft when pierced by a knife. Unwrap; let stand until cool enough to handle. Slip off skins; cut each beet into 8 wedges. Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt and all- spice; stir in baked beets, apples and potato. To serve, line 4 plates with 2 lettuce leaves each. Arrange one-fourth of the beet mixture on each plate.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: ~ 1/2 C.

Calories: 141
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Santa Fe Spicy Baked Black Beans

Santa Fe Spicy Baked Black Beans

1 tablespoon oil
1 large white onion, diced
1 tablespoon pureed chipotles chiles, in adobo sauce OR double that amount, to taste
1/2 cup catsup
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
1 tomato, seeded and diced
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
2 dried ancho chiles, softened in hot water, drained and stemmed
salt
1/2 cup water, or more
45 ounces cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

Heat oil in 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add onion and stir-fry until softened, about 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon chipotle puree, catsup, tomato juice, brown sugar, 1 diced tomato, cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, molasses, ancho chiles, salt to taste and 1/2 cup water and stir well. Taste and add more chipotle puree if desired. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Puree in food processor. Pour into 2-quart casserole and stir in beans. Cover and bake at 350 degrees 1 hour. Taste and add salt if needed. Add up to 1/2 cup more water if mixture is too thick. Serve hot in warm corn tortillas if desired. Garnish with remaining diced tomato, cilantro, green onions and sour cream if desired.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories (without garnishes): 185
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 6.3g

Legumes with Vegetables

Legumes with Vegetables

2 T. olive oil
1 cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 cups cooked garbanzo beans
1 cup cooked kidney beans
1 cup cooked black beans
3 cups cooked lentils
5 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

In a large pot, add olive oil and sauté the onions, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery until tender (about 15 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a low boil. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for at least 30 minutes or until the mixture is thick.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 203
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 8g

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 C. buttermilk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 T. horseradish

Boil the potatoes until very soft, about 20 minutes. Drain, cover with a clean dish towel and leave on the stove with the heat off for 5 minutes or until thoroughly dried out and floury on top. Mash and stir in the buttermilk, salt and horseradish.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 74
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Quick Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits

Quick Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits

1 1/2 C. Ham (About 1/2 lb.) 96% Fat-Free, diced
2 C. All Purpose Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 C. (4 oz.) reduced fat sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 C. 1% Low-Fat Milk
Dash of Ground Red Pepper

Preheat oven to 400° F. Coat a medium-size non-stick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot. Add ham and sauté 3 minutes. In a bowl, combine ham, flour, cheese, baking powder and ground red pepper. Add milk. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Drop batter by heaping T. onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° F for 22 minutes.

Yield: 1 Dozen
Calories: 148
Fat: 5.5g
Fiber: .5g

Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet Potato Hash

1 1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/3 C. water
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
2 (1-oz.) links turkey breakfast sausage
1 1/4 C. chopped onion
3/4 tsp. salt, divided
1 1/2 T. maple syrup
1 T. water
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

Place sweet potatoes and 1/3 C. water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at HIGH 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Carefully uncover; drain and keep warm. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Add onion to pan; sauté 6 minutes or until tender. Add sausage and 1/4 tsp. salt; cook 4 minutes or until sausage is done, stirring to crumble. Stir in sweet potatoes, 1/2 tsp. salt, syrup, 1 T. water, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until liquid is absorbed and sweet potatoes begin to brown (about 5 minutes).

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: about 1 C.

Calories: 200
Fat: 3.6g
Fiber: 4.5g

Lemon-Basil Bowties

Lemon-Basil Bowties

1 T. olive oil
1 medium-size clove garlic, minced
1 (8-oz.) package medium-size bowties
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1/2 bunch basil (about 12 large leaves)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly grated black pepper
1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowties and cook according to package instructions. Stack 5 to 6 basil leaves at a time, roll them up tight and slice across the roll, spacing cuts 1/8-inch apart or less. Repeat with more leaves until quantity reaches firmly packed 1/2 C. Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat for 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté, stirring often, 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add well-drained bowties and toss well until coated with garlic-oil mixture. Add lemon juice and zest, basil, salt, and pepper, and toss until basil wilts. Divide pasta among 4 large heated plates, top each portion with 1 T. grated cheese and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 305
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1.6g

Herbed Vegetable Spiral Bread

Herbed Vegetable Spiral Bread

1/2 C. shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 C. canned Mexicorn, drained
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 C. minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 loaf (1 lb.) frozen bread dough, thawed
1T. cornmeal
1 egg, lightly beaten

In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, corn, Parmesan, parsley, garlic and seasonings; set aside. In a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. Spread cheese mixture over dough to within 3/4 inch of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams and ends to seal. Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal. Place dough seam side down on baking sheet; tuck ends under. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled; about 35 minutes. Brush with egg. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Yield: 16 slices
Calories: 107
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Black Bean Bow Tie Salad

Black Bean Bow Tie Salad

8 oz. uncooked bow tie pasta
2/3 C. reduced sodium boullion or veg. broth
3 garlic cloves, sliced
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided
3 T. lime juice
2 T. olive oil
1 T. tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. salt
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/3 C. chopped red onion.

Cook pasta and rinse. In saucepan, bring broth and garlic to boil, reduce heat and simmer until garlic is tender (5 min). Transfer to food processor and add 1/4 C. beans, lime juice, oil, tomato paste, oregano and salt. Blend well and add to cooled pasta, remaining beans and vegetables. Toss and serve.

Serving Size: 1 C.
Calories: 159
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 4g

Ginger Noodles with Sesame Egg Strips

Ginger Noodles with Sesame Egg Strips

5 egg whites
6 tsp. teriyaki sauce, divided
3 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp. dark sesame oil
1/2 C. defatted low-sodium chicken broth
1 T. minced fresh ginger
6 oz. uncooked Chinese rice noodles or vermicelli, cooked and well drained
1/3 C. sliced green onions

Beat together egg whites, 2 tsp. teriyaki sauce and 1 tsp. sesame seeds. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add oil; heat until hot. Pour egg mixture into skillet; cook 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until bottom of omelet is set. Turn omelet over; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute. Slide out onto plate; cool and cut into 1/2-inch strips. Add broth, ginger and remaining 4 tsp. teriyaki sauce to skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium. Add noodles; heat through. Add omelet strips and onions; heat through. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tsp. sesame seeds.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 111
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallots

Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallots

3 C. (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
1 T. dark brown sugar
1 1/2 T. olive oil, divided
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
8 shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise (about 1/2 pound)
1 T. chopped fresh or 1 tsp. dried rubbed sage
4 oz. uncooked pappardelle (wide ribbon pasta) or fettuccine
1/4 C. (1 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 475°. Combine the squash, sugar, 2 1/2 tsp. oil, salt, pepper, and shallots in a jelly roll pan; toss well. Bake at 475° for 20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage. While the squash mixture bakes, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Place cooked pasta in a bowl. Add 2 tsp. oil; toss well. Serve the squash mixture over pasta. Sprinkle with cheese.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 3/4 C. pasta, 3/4 C. squash mixture, and 1 T. cheese

Calories: 248
Fat: 7.9g
Fiber: 5.2g

Oven Baked Country Fries

Oven Baked Country Fries

2 egg whites
1/4 cup flour
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
2 T. grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp. onion salt
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 medium baking potatoes, unpeeled (1 pound)

In a shallow bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. In another shallow bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Cut each potato lengthwise into 8 wedges. Dip potatoes into egg whites, then coat with crumb mixture. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Spray wedges with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 375, for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 4 servings, 6 wedges each
Calories: 185
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Potato Cheese Casserole

Potato Cheese Casserole

3 cups cooked, mashed potato
1 egg separated
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded low-fat processed American cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 egg white
vegetable spray

Combine mashed potato and egg yolk, stirring until well blended. Stir in cheese, green onions, celery salt, and green pepper. Beat 2 egg whites (at room temperature) at high speed of electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into potato mixture. Spoon mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle paprika evenly over top of casserole. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Calories: 103
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Seed-Spiced Potato Salad

Seed-Spiced Potato Salad

1 1/2 lb. thin-skinned potatoes
3/4 lb. carrots
2 tsp. salad oil
1 tsp. black or yellow mustard seed
1 tsp. cumin seed
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 C. plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 C. chopped parsley
Salt

Peel potatoes and carrots and cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Place vegetables on a rack at least 1 inch above boiling water in a 5- to 6-quart pan. Cover and steam over medium heat until vegetables are tender when pierced, 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand until cool, or to cool quickly, immerse vegetables in cold water. When vegetables are cold, drain well. Meanwhile, pour oil into a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over high heat. When oil is hot, stir in mustard and cumin seeds. Cover pan, remove from heat, and shake (holding lid on) until popping subsides, about 40 seconds. Add garlic and pepper. In a wide bowl, combine seed mixture, yogurt, drained vegetables, and parsley; mix gently. Add salt to taste. Serve salad, or cover and chill up to 6 hours.

Yield: 5 servings
Calories: 188
Fat: 2.6g
Fiber: 4.7g

Cheesy Green Onion Corn Sauté

Cheesy Green Onion Corn Sauté

1T. oil
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen whole kernel corn, thawed, drained
1/4 C. chopped green onions
1/2 C. 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add corn and green onions; cook and stir 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Cook 20 seconds or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Yield: 5 servings
Calories: 140
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Sweet-and-Savory Squash Rings

Sweet-and-Savory Squash Rings

2 acorn squash, 3 lbs.
3 T. honey
2 tsp. packed dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Trim 1″-2″ off each end of squash. Slice each squash into 4 rings; remove seeds. Coat jellyroll pan with cooking spray; arrange rings in single layer on pan. Combine honey, sugar, thyme, salt and pepper. Brush half of mixture onto rings. Bake until beginning to soften, 15 min. Brush with remaining honey mixture; bake until tender, 15 min.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 143
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 4g

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

3 T. balsamic vinegar
4 1/2 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 T. extravirgin olive oil, divided
2 C. chopped leek
1 1/2 C. Arborio rice or other medium-grain rice
1/3 C. dry white wine
1/4 C. half-and-half
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 C. halved grape tomatoes
1/4 C. chopped fresh basil
5 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced

Place vinegar in a small, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 T. (about 4 minutes). Set aside. Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm. Heat 1 T. oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, and cook 1 minute or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 C. broth; cook 5 minutes or until the liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining broth, 1/2 C. at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half-and-half, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil, and cheese. Place about 1 C. risotto evenly into 6 shallow serving bowls, and drizzle each with 1/2 tsp. balsamic syrup and 1/2 tsp. olive oil.

Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: about 1 C.

Calories: 378
Fat: 12.1g
Fiber: 1.6g

Marinated Tomato-and-“Smoked” Mozzarella Salad

Marinated Tomato-and-“Smoked” Mozzarella Salad

2 C. water
1 1/2 tsp. barbecue smoked seasoning (such as Hickory Liquid Smoke)
1 C. (4 oz.) cubed fresh mozzarella cheese
3 T. rice vinegar
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 T. honey
1/2 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. five-spice powder
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 C. coarsely chopped tomato (about 1/2 lb.)
1 1/2 C. coarsely chopped yellow tomato (about 1/2 lb.)
5 C. (1-inch) cubed French bread (about 8 [1-oz.] slices)

Combine water and smoked seasoning in a zip-top bag, and add mozzarella. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 2 hours. Remove the cheese from bag, discarding the marinade. Combine vinegar and next 7 ingredients (vinegar through garlic) in a large zip-top bag, and add tomatoes. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 2 hours. Drain tomato mixture, reserving marinade. Preheat oven to 400°. Place bread cubes in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until toasted. Combine cheese, tomatoes, reserved tomato marinade, and croutons in a large bowl. Serve immediately.

Yield: 7 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 167
Fat: 5.4g
Fiber: 1.9g

Marinated Tomato-and-“Smoked” Mozzarella Salad

Marinated Tomato-and-“Smoked” Mozzarella Salad

2 C. water
1 1/2 tsp. barbecue smoked seasoning (such as Hickory Liquid Smoke)
1 C. (4 oz.) cubed fresh mozzarella cheese
3 T. rice vinegar
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 T. honey
1/2 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. five-spice powder
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 C. coarsely chopped tomato (about 1/2 lb.)
1 1/2 C. coarsely chopped yellow tomato (about 1/2 lb.)
5 C. (1-inch) cubed French bread (about 8 [1-oz.] slices)

Combine water and smoked seasoning in a zip-top bag, and add mozzarella. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 2 hours. Remove the cheese from bag, discarding the marinade. Combine vinegar and next 7 ingredients (vinegar through garlic) in a large zip-top bag, and add tomatoes. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 2 hours. Drain tomato mixture, reserving marinade. Preheat oven to 400°. Place bread cubes in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until toasted. Combine cheese, tomatoes, reserved tomato marinade, and croutons in a large bowl. Serve immediately.

Yield: 7 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 167
Fat: 5.4g
Fiber: 1.9g

Spicy Slippery Noodles

Spicy Slippery Noodles

4 oz. uncooked cellophane noodles (bean threads)
2 C. boiling water
4 green onions
1/2 lb. lean ground pork
4 1/2 T. soy sauce, divided
1 tsp. vegetable oil
2 T. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp. chile paste
10 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 C. thinly sliced leek
1/2 C. finely shredded carrot
3 1/2 T. mirin (sweet rice wine), divided
1 1/2 C. low-salt chicken broth
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. dark sesame oil

Combine noodles and boiling water in a bowl; let stand 5 minutes or until soft. Drain; set aside. Remove tops from green onions; chop to measure 1 T. Set aside. Mince white part of green onions to measure 3 T.; set aside. Combine pork and 1 T. soy sauce in a bowl; stir well. Cook pork mixture in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain in a colander. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Heat vegetable oil in skillet over high heat. Add 3 T. minced green onions, ginger, chile paste, and garlic, and stir-fry 1 minute. Add leek, carrot, and 2 T. mirin; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add 3 1/2 T. soy sauce, 1 1/2 T. mirin, chicken broth, sugar, and sesame oil; bring to a boil. Return pork to skillet. Add noodles; cook 4 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Spoon noodle mixture onto serving platter; sprinkle with 1 T. chopped green onion tops.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 1/2 C.

Calories: 324
Fat: 10.4g
Fiber: 1.5g

Sweet Corn and Roasted Garlic Custards

Sweet Corn and Roasted Garlic Custards

1 whole garlic head
2 tsp. butter
3 C. fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears)
1/2 C. chopped green onions
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Cooking spray
11/2 C. fat-free milk
3 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Thyme sprigs (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°. Remove white papery skin from garlic head (do not peel or separate cloves). Wrap head in foil. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes, and cool 10 minutes. Separate cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp. Discard skins. Mash pulp. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add corn; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove 1 C. corn, and set aside. Add onions and thyme to remaining corn in pan; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Coat 6 (6-oz.) custard C. with cooking spray. Combine mashed roasted garlic, green onion mixture, milk, eggs, egg yolk, salt, and pepper, stirring with a whisk. Divide the egg mixture evenly among prepared custard. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center of custard comes out clean. Remove C. from pan; cool 5 minutes on a wire rack. Loosen edges of custards with a knife or rubber spatula. Place a plate, upside down, on top of each C.; invert onto plates. Sprinkle reserved corn evenly around each custard. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 162
Fat: 5.4g
Fiber: 2g

Spicy Peppercorn and Pecorino Breadsticks

Spicy Peppercorn and Pecorino Breadsticks

1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp.)
1 1/3 C. warm water (100° to 110°)
3 1/2 C. bread flour, divided
2 T. extravirgin olive oil
2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 C. (4 oz.) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
Cooking spray
2 T. ground semolina (can sub cornmeal)

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring C.; level with a knife. Add 1/2 C. flour to yeast mixture, stirring with a whisk. Let stand 30 minutes. Add remaining 3 C. flour, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and red pepper; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); cover and let rest 10 minutes. Knead in half of cheese; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Knead in remaining cheese. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down. Roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Preheat oven to 450°. Sprinkle 1 T. semolina onto each of 2 baking sheets. Cut dough in half lengthwise to form 2 (12 x 4-inch) rectangles. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 12 (1-inch-wide) strips. Working with 1 strip at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), gently roll each strip into a 15-inch-long rope. Place rope on prepared pan, and repeat procedure with remaining strips, placing 12 on each pan. Cover and let dough rise 20 minutes. Uncover dough; bake each pan at 450° for 12 minutes. Remove breadsticks from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

Yield: 24 servings
Serving size: 1 breadstick

Calories: 99
Fat: 2.4g
Fiber: .7g

Scalloped Potatoes with Shallots, Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, and Thyme

Scalloped Potatoes with Shallots, Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, and Thyme

4 whole garlic heads
2 tsp. olive oil
2 1/3 C. minced shallots (about 15 medium)
3 C. chopped mushrooms (8 oz.)
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 1/2 C. 2% reduced-fat milk
2 T. all-purpose flour
2 T. chopped fresh or 2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
1/2 C. (2 oz.) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove white papery skins from garlic heads (do not peel or separate cloves). Wrap each head separately in foil. Bake at 350° for 1 hour; cool 10 minutes. Separate cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp (you should have about 1/4 C.). Discard skins. Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sauté 3 minutes or until softened. Add mushrooms; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar; cook 1 minute or until liquid almost evaporates. Remove from heat. Place milk, garlic pulp, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in a food processor; process until smooth. Arrange one-third of potatoes in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread half of the shallot mixture over potatoes. Repeat procedure with remaining potato slices and shallot mixture, ending with potato slices. Pour milk mixture evenly over potatoes. Cover with foil; bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; bake 15 minutes or until cheese is golden. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 163
Fat: 4.7g
Fiber: 3.5g

Southwest Flavors Bread

Southwest Flavors Bread

1 1/2 C. whole wheat buckwheat flour
1 1/2 C. cornmeal
2 tsp. dry yeast
2 C. warm water
3/4 C. lowfat yogurt
1/2 C. honey
1 C. black beans – drained
1/2 C. frozen corn – thawed
1/2 C. red onion – chopped
1/4 C. cilantro – chopped
1/4 C. garlic – chopped
1/4 C. sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed – halved
1 T. chili powder
3 T. Anaheim chili pepper – seeded and chopped
3 T. margarine – melted
1 T. jalapeño – seeded and chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. vinegar
4 3/4 C. all-purpose flour
vegetable cooking spray

In a very large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and yeast. Stir well. Add water, yogurt, and honey. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. Add beans and the next twelve ingredients (beans thru vinegar); stir. Stir in 4 1/2 C. of the flour to form a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured board. Knead until smooth and elastic (8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, a T. at a time, to prevent the dough from sticking to hands. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray (or two medium ones). Place dough in bowl(s), turning as to coat the top of the dough with oil. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft free place until double in bulk (45 minutes). Punch dough down. Divide dough into 4 equal portions, and shape each into a six-inch loaf. Make 4 (1/8n inch deep) diagonal cuts across tops of loaves. Dust loaves with flour. Cover and lets rise until doubled in bulk (45 minutes). Bake at 375 degrees F until loaves sound hollow when tapped (25 minutes).

Yield: 24 slices
Calories: 187
Fat: 2.2g
Fiber: 2.2g

Twiced-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Twiced-Baked Sweet Potatoes

2 medium Sweet Potatoes ( 8-10 oz. each)
3oz. diced Canadian Bacon
2 T. Reduced Fat Sour Cream
3 tsp. Chopped Fresh Chives
2 T. Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese

Microwave potatoes on paper towels on high 8 minutes; turn over after 4 minutes. Cut each in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp leaving 1/4″ shells. Mash pulp with canadian bacon, sour cream and 2 teaspooons of the chives. Spoon back into shells. Sprinkle with cheddar and microwave on high 2 minutes. Top with remaining chives and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 170 calories
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 3.5g

Spinach Mashed Potatoes

Spinach Mashed Potatoes

4-6 red or white potatoes, cut into 1 1/2” cubes
1/2 C. lowfat milk or soy milk
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 C. frozen or 2 C. fresh spinach
1 T. chopped fresh tarragon
salt to taste (optional)
2 tsp. parmesan cheese (optional)

Place potatoes in a large pot after a thorough scrubbing. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat & simmer 12 minutes or until tender. Drain. If using fresh spinach you can use the same water to quickly blanch spinach. If using frozen, just thaw. Return potatoes to the pot over medium heat. Add milk, pepper & salt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in spinach & tarragon. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 167
Fat: .7g
Fiber: 1.7g

Healthy Bean Side Dish

Healthy Bean Side Dish

1/2 C. canned black bean- drained
1/2 C. canned kidney beans- drained
1/2 C. chickpeas- drained
1 C. canned corn- drained
1 red pepper- cut into slices
1/2 small yellow onion- chopped
3 garlic cloves- chopped
1/4 C. rice vinegar
1/4 C. lemon juice
3 T. olive oil
Preparation

In a large bowl, combine first 7 ingredients. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. Pour mixture over bean and vegetable mixture. Toss together. Refrigerate for 1 or more hours. Toss again before serving. Serve cold.

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 C.

Calories: 158
Fat: 7.5g
Fiber: 5g

Chillin’ Out Pasta Salad

Chillin’ Out Pasta Salad

2 1/2 C (8oz) medium shell pasta
1 C. (8oz) plain nonfat yogurt
2 T. spicy brown mustard
2 T. salt free herb seasoning
1 1/2 C. celery, chopped
1 C. green onion, sliced
1 lb small shrimp, cooked
3 C. (about 3 large) tomatoes, coarsely chopped

Cook pasta according to directions—but do not add salt to water. Drain and cool. In large bowl, stir together yogurt, mustard, and herb seasoning. Add pasta, celery, and green onion, and mix well. Chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, carefully stir in shrimp and tomatoes.

Servings: 12
Serving size: 1/2 C.

Calories: 140
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Apple-Brie Braid with Almonds

Apple-Brie Braid with Almonds

1 (1-lb.) loaf frozen white bread dough
2 T. butter or stick margarine, divided
4 C. finely chopped peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1/2 C. packed brown sugar, divided
3 T. chopped slivered almonds
Cooking spray
4 oz. Brie cheese
1 tsp. all-purpose flour

Thaw dough in refrigerator 12 hours. Melt 1 T. butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples; sauté 10 minutes. Add 1/4 C. brown sugar; cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in almonds. Roll dough into a 15 x 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spread apple mixture lengthwise down center of dough. Remove rind from cheese; cube. Arrange cheese on top of apple mixture. Make diagonal cuts, 1 1/2 inches apart, on opposite sides of filling to within 1/2 inch of filling. Fold strips alternately over filling from each side, overlapping at an angle. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine 1/4 C. brown sugar and flour in a medium bowl; cut in 1 T. butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until combined. Sprinkle over top of loaf. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden.

Yield: 16 servings
Serving size: 1 slice

Calories: 162
Fat: 4.7g
Fiber: 1.3g

Scalloped Pumpkin and Spinach

Scalloped Pumpkin and Spinach

6 C. cubed peeled fresh pumpkin (2 lb.)
Cooking spray
1 1/2 C. thinly sliced onion
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
2 C. low-salt chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. pepper
3/4 C. (3 oz.) shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese, divided
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pumpkin in boiling water 8 minutes or until tender. Drain; set aside. Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat; add onion, and sauté 7 minutes or until golden brown. Remove onion from skillet, and set aside. Add flour to skillet. Gradually add broth, stirring with a whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat or until thick and bubbly (about 6 minutes), stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Combine pumpkin, onion, 1/4 C. cheese, and spinach in a bowl. Spoon pumpkin mixture into a 6-C. gratin dish coated with cooking spray. Pour sauce over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 C. cheese over gratin. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 189
Fat: 5.3g
Fiber: 5.2g

Peanutty Noodles

Peanutty Noodles

2 carrots, peeled
1 T. vegetable oil, divided
2 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/2 C. natural-style peanut butter
1/4 C. low-sodium soy sauce
3 T. rice or white wine vinegar
1 tsp. chili garlic sauce
1/4 tsp. salt
Cooking spray
2 C. red bell pepper strips
1 lb. snow peas, trimmed
8 C. hot cooked linguine (about 1 lb. uncooked pasta)
1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro

Shave the carrots lengthwise into thin strips using a vegetable peeler, and set aside. Heat 1 tsp. oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger and minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and the next 5 ingredients (broth through salt); stir until well-blended. Reduce heat, and simmer 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and keep warm. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and snow peas; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Combine carrot, peanut butter mixture, bell pepper mixture, and linguine in a large bowl; toss well. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 296
Fat: 8.8g
Fiber: 3.4g

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Sweet Potato Soufflé

4 large sweet potatoes
4 T. butter
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup frozen orange juice from concentrate
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 pinch salt
4 large egg whites
2 T. sugar
2 oranges cut in thin slices

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large pot, cover the sweet potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Boil until tender. Drain and peel the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl. Mash well. Add the butter, milk, sherry, brown sugar, orange juice, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and salt. Beat well with a mixer. Spoon mixture into a buttered, ovenproof gratin dish. Bake until the potatoes are hot, about 25 minutes. While the soufflé is cooking, make the meringue. In a clean bowl, whip egg whites until almost stiff. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. During the last five minutes of cooking the soufflé, top with the meringue mixture. Return to oven and remove when the meringue is lightly browned. Garnish with the sliced oranges.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 224
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g

Linguine with Garlicky Breadcrumbs

Linguine with Garlicky Breadcrumbs

1 slice day-old hearty White Bread, torn
2 T. Olive Oil, divided
6 cloves Garlic, minced
80z. uncooked Linguine
1/4 C. chopped Parsley
2 tsp. Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place bread in food processor, pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 2/3 C.. Place breakdcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250 for 30 minutes or until dry. Heat 1 1/2 T. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Return pan to heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cook six minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Place pasta in a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 tsp. Oil, breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper; toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/2 C.

Calories: 297
Fat: 7.9g
Fiber: 2.6g

Herbed Bruschetta

Herbed Bruschetta

4 slices crusty Italian bread, cut 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick
olive oil cooking spray
2 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half
freshly ground pepper
chopped fresh basil and oregano

Toast or grill the bread slices until lightly browned on both sides. Remove from heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Rub with the cut garlic; top with pepper and chopped herbs. Again, spray with cooking spray. Cut in half and serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 77
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Chive Popovers

Chive Popovers

Chive Popovers

refrigerated butter-flavored cooking spray
2 large eggs
1 C. unbleached flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. 1% lowfat milk
1/4 C. minced fresh chives

Preheat oven to 400°F (200 C°), Gas Mark 6. Lightly coat 8 popover cups, muffin cups, or custard cups with cooking spray. In a food processor or blender, combine eggs, flour, and salt. Process until well blended, 10 seconds. With the machine running, pour in milk through the feed tube. Process until smooth. Stir in chives. Fill prepared C. with batter, filling to 1/4-inch below the rim. If using individual cups, set them well apart on a baking sheet. Bake 35 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. (Don’t open oven door while popovers are baking or they will fall.) Remove from oven and run a sharp thin-bladed knife around the edge of each popover to loosen. Invert into a basket and serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 83
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 0g

Saffron Basmati Rice

Saffron Basmati Rice

5 C. Water
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Saffron Threads
6 whole Cloves
3 C. white Basmati Rice

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a large sauté pan; add rice. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Discard cloves.

Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1 C.

Calories: 216
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1.6g

Sweet Potato Puff

Sweet Potato Puff

3 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (4 large)
1/2 cup orange marmalade or apricot preserves
1/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp. almond extract
3 egg whites
2 T. almond slivers, toasted lightly
Non-stick cooking spray

Cook sweet potatoes until tender (15-20 minutes in a microwave, 1 hour in a preheated 450-degree oven, or boiled for 25 minutes). Cool and peel. In a large bowl, mash. Add marmalade, sugar, orange juice and almond extract; beat with mixer until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold into potato mixture. Coat a 6-cup casserole with non-stick spray. Add mixture, sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 350 degrees until puffy and set, about 40 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 340
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 6g

Gnocchi Stew with Spinach

Gnocchi Stew with Spinach

16 oz. frozen potato gnocci
2 tsp. olive oil
3 garlic cloves; minced
10 oz. bagged fresh spinach, stemmed and chopped
28 oz. canned diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 C. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 tsp. salt; or to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 freshly grated parmesan cheese; (optional)

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi, stirring to prevent sticking, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in large saucepan, heat oil over low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden, 1 minute. Stir in spinach, tomatoes, oregano and basil. Increase heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Drain gnocchi well, then stir into tomato mixture along with parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in shallow bowls, sprinkled with Parmesan if desired.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 244
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 5g

Creamy Winter Squash Gratin

Creamy Winter Squash Gratin

8 C. peeled, cubed Kabocha (or butternut) Squash (about 3 lb.)
Cooking Spray
2 tsp. Butter
2 C. thinly sliced Leek (about 2 large)
1 tsp. Salt
3 1/2 C. lowfat 1% Milk
1/3 C. Flour
1 C. (4oz) Gruyere Cheese
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
2 slices White Bread
2 tsp. fresh chopped Parsley
1 clove Garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange squash in a single layer on a baking sheet coating with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes or until the squash is tender. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leek and salt and cook 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Combine milk and flour, stirring well with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan and bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add cheese, pepper and nutmeg; stir until cheese melts. Gently stir in squash. Spoon mixture into a 2 quart baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place bread in food processor, pulse 10 times until coarse crumbs measure 1 1/4 cups. Add parsley and garlic; pulse twice to combine. Sprinkle it evenly over the squash. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes ot until golden brown.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 222
Fat: 7.2g
Fiber: 4.8g