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Category: Starches

Mushroom-Chive Pilaf

Mushroom-Chive Pilaf

1 T. olive oil
1/2 C. minced fresh onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 C. low-salt chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1 C. uncooked basmati rice
1/4 C. chopped chives
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onions
1 (8-oz.) package mushrooms, chopped

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; add rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 35 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in chives, green onions, and mushrooms.

Servings: 6
Calories 161
Fat 3.2g

Mashed Potato and Shallot Casserole

Mashed Potato and Shallot Casserole

1 T. corn oil margarine
4 medium shallots (3 oz.), thinly sliced (2/3 C.)
1 tsp. sugar
2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes (6 C.)
4 oz. non-fat cream cheese
1/2 C. non-fat sour cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
paprika

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart casserole with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Melt the margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, stir to coat with the margarine, and then sprinkle with sugar. Cook until the shallots are golden, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Set aside. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked shallots. Drain the potatoes and mash with a potato masher or an electric mixer. Add the cream cheese mixture and beat until fluffy and smooth. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole and sprinkle lightly with paprika. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to bake for 10 more minutes.

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

Calories: 130
Fat: 1g

Pizza Bread Sticks

Pizza Bread Sticks

1 package (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
3/4 C. warm water (105°F to 115°F)
2-1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 C. (2 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 C. (1 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 C. chopped red bell pepper
1 green onion with top, sliced
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
1 T. olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 2 large nonstick baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in small bowl; stir until yeast dissolves. Let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly. Meanwhile, place all remaining ingredients except oil in food processor; process a few seconds to combine. With food processor running, gradually add yeast mixture and oil. Process just until mixture forms a ball. (Add an additional 2 T. flour if dough is too sticky.) Transfer dough to lightly floured surface; knead 1 minute. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Roll out dough with lightly floured rolling pin to form 14X8-inch rectangle; cut dough crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Twist dough strips; place on prepared baking sheets. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 14 servings
Calories 112
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Foil-Grilled Italian Potatoes

Foil-Grilled Italian Potatoes

3 medium russet potatoes, about 1 pound total, unpeeled and scrubbed
2 tsp. Olive oil
1/4 tsp. crushed dried thyme
1/4 tsp. crushed dried oregano
1/8 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. paprika
2 T. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cut a 14-inch square sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cut potatoes lengthwise into eighths and lay in center of the foil. Drizzle potatoes with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle over potatoes and toss gently to coat evenly. Wrap and seal foil securely with tight double folds. Place on grill about 4 to 6 inches from source of heat over medium-hot coals. Cook 30 to 40 minutes until potatoes are tender. Open packet and stir gently. Sprinkle with cheese. Close packet and continue to grill another 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese melts. Serve hot.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 125
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Chive Buttermilk Biscuits

Chive Buttermilk Biscuits

2 C. all purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 T. chopped fresh chives
3 T. margarine
3/4 C. plus 1 T. nonfat buttermilk
1/4 tsp. paprika

Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles carse meal. Add buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Sprinkle 1 T. flour evenly over work surface. Turn dough out onto floured surface, and knead 10 or 12 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut into rounds with 2 inch biscuit cutter. Place rounds on ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 425*F for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Yield: 21 Biscuits
Serving Size: 1 Biscuit

Calories: 60
Fat: 2g
FIber: .5g

Sun Dried Tomato Breadsticks

Sun Dried Tomato Breadsticks

2 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. yeast
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. olive oil
2/3 C. hot water
6 sun-dried tomato halves, reconstituted according to package directions
1 T. skim milk
2 tsp. poppy seeds

Drain and chop sun dried tomatoes; set aside. Place the flour, salt and yeast in a food processor bowl. With processor running, add honey and olive oil, and gradually pour in the water. Stop adding water as soon as the dough starts to stick together. Process for another minute. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 3 or 4 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Knead in the chopped tomato pieces. Form dough into a ball and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 300*F. Divide dough into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into an 11 inch long stick. Place each stick on a baking pan which has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Let rise for 15 minutes. Brush dough sticks with milk and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until done and lightly golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Yield: 16 servings
Serving Size: 1 Breadstick

Calories: 67
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Quick-and-Easy Pizza Crust

Quick-and-Easy Pizza Crust

2 cups bread flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 package quick-rise yeast
3/4 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees)
1 T. olive oil
Cooking spray
2 T. cornmeal

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine water and oil; add to flour mixture. Stir until mixture forms a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down; divide in half. Cover and let dough rest 10 minutes. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), roll each portion into a 10-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place dough on two baking sheets, each sprinkled with 1 T. cornmeal.

YIELD: 2 (10-inch) pizza crusts (serving size: 1 crust)

Calories: 603
Fat: 9.7g
Fiber: 1.4g

High Fiber Pizza Crust

High Fiber Pizza Crust

1 tsp. honey
3/4 cup warm water
1T. active dry yeast
3/4 cup arrowroot flour
1 1/2 cups spelt flour
1 1/2 cups cooked great white northern beans, pureed
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup regular olive oil
Note: add spelt flour as required.

In mixing bowl, dissolve honey in warm water. Sprinkle in yeast and let stand 10 minutes until foamy. In separate bowl, stir together flours, pureed beans and salt. Stir oil into yeast mixture. Stir in about half the flour mixture. Gradually stir in the rest of the flour to make a slightly sticky ball of dough. Divide into two balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of the dough into circles about 10 inches in diameter. Transfer to two nonstick pizza pans. Stretch dough to fit round pans. Let rest at least for 10 minutes before adding toppings. A 30-minute rise will give you a thicker, higher crust. Add toppings just before baking in a pre-heated oven at 375-degree. Bake 25 minutes.

Yield: 2 pizza crusts, 12 servings total
Serving Size: 1 slice pizza

Calories: 148
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2.5g

Notes: Even though an individual slice doesn’t meet the 4g fiber I usually require to put this in the high fiber category, I’m adding it because a person would rarely have one slice only, plus it’s still tons of fiber over white bread dough. This isn’t particularly low calorie dough, and this is only for the crust, not the toppings which will add even more calories. But if you are craving pizza, this is a great way to get some extra fiber in your diet. With topping of caramelized onion, sliced artichole hearts and a minimal amount of sauce and cheese — yum! =)

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta Puttanesca

1 T. olive oil
4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 can (28 oz.) plum tomatoes, chopped with their juice
1/4 C. Calamata olives, pitted and chopped
2 T. capers
8 oz. corn spaghetti
2 T. chopped parsley

In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add anchovy fillets, garlic, thyme, and red pepper and cook 1 minute or until garlic is golden brown. Add tomatoes, olives, and capers, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook 3 minutes or until sauce is slightly reduced and flavors are blended. Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer pasta to large serving bowl. Pour sauce over pasta, add parsley and toss to combine.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 290
Fat: 6.7g
Fiber: 9.7g

Blue Cheese Yorkshire Pudding

Blue Cheese Yorkshire Pudding

1 C. all-purpose flour
3/4 C. 2% low-fat milk
1/3 C. (1-1/3 oz.) crumbled blue cheese
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 T. vegetable oil
Cooking spray

Combine first 7 ingredients in a bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Beat at high speed 15 seconds; set aside. Divide oil evenly among 8 muffin cups; coat sides of cups with cooking spray. Place muffin cups in a 450°F oven for 3 minutes. Divide batter evenly among prepared C.; bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 189
Fat: 5.9g

SBD Edamame Salad

SBD Edamame Salad

from The South Beach Diet

1 16oz. Bag frozen shelled Edamame
1/4 C. Seasoned Rice Vinegar
1 T. Vegetable Oil
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Pepper
1 bunch Radishes, halved and thinly sliced
1 C. loosely packed chopped Cilantro

Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 224
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 6g

Chilled Rice Salad

Chilled Rice Salad

2 C. cooked White Rice, cooled to room temperature
1 1/2 C. small Broccoli Florets, lightly steamed, then cooled
1/2 C. diced Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup sliced Green Onions (white and green parts)
3 T. crumbled Blue Cheese
3 T. reduced Calorie Mayonnaise
3 T. plain Nonfat Yogurt
1 T. Lemon Juice
freshly ground Black Pepper

Add rice, broccoli, bell pepper and onions to a bowl and mix. Combine mayo, yogurt, lemon juice and pepper in a small bowl and blend well. Gently stir in blue cheese. Pour blue cheese mixture over rice mixture and toss well. Chill in the refrigerator until cold before serving.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: ~3/4 – 1 Cup

Calories: 169
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1.5g

No Butter Traditional Stuffing

No Butter Traditional Stuffing

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) Fat Free Chicken Broth
Generous dash pepper
1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
4 C. Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing

In medium saucepan mix broth, pepper, celery and onion. Over high heat, heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add stuffing. Mix lightly.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size: 1 C.

Calories: 187
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 3g

Green Onion Drop Biscuits

Green Onion Drop Biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 T. vegetable shortening
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400*F. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in green onions. Add buttermilk, stirring just until flour mixture is moist. Drop batter by heaping T. onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 16 Biscuits
Serving Size: 1 Biscuit

Calories: 85
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 0g

Curried Potato Salad

Curried Potato Salad

4 C. chopped Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), cooked and cooled
1/2 C. golden raisins
2 T. chopped green onion (about 4)
1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 T. chopped pistachios
1 T. curry powder
1/4 C. apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
1 C. plain, fat-free yogurt
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
6 leaves Bibb lettuce

For the salad: Place the potatoes in a bowl with the raisins, green onion, apple and pistachios. For the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the curry powder with the apple juice. Stir in yogurt, salt and pepper. Gently stir the dressing into the potato mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. To serve: Place 1 lettuce leaf on each plate. Place 1 C. of potato salad in each lettuce leaf.

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 C. Potato Salad on Bibb Lettuce

Calories: 180
Fat: 1.5g
Fiber: 4g

Barley Risotto with Wild Mushrooms

Barley Risotto with Wild Mushrooms

3/4 C. barley, divided
1/4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 C. chopped yellow onion
1/2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1 1/2 C. (about 2 oz.) seasonal assorted mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, portabello and chanterelles, etc.)
1 bay leaf
3 to 3 1/2 C. vegetable stock, heated
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 T. shredded Parmesan Reggiano (optional)

Place 1 C. barley in a dry medium sauté pan and toast barley over a medium heat. Shake or stir the barley while toasting it. This will take about 3-5 minutes or until the barley is golden brown and has a roasted nut smell. Remove the barley from the pan to stop the cooking process and set aside. Heat a medium saucepot over high heat and add the olive oil to just coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions and garlic. Cook until the onions have just softened about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the toasted barley, the regular barley and the bay leaf. Stir in 1/2 C. of the hot vegetable stock and reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep the remaining vegetable stock hot while preparing the risotto. Add 1/2 a C. of vegetable stock at a time to barley mixture. Stir continuously until the barley has absorbed all the liquid. Repeat process-cooking barley slowly until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Stir in the thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and optional cheese to season. Remove bay leaf and serve.

Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 C.

Calories: 130
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 6g

Wild Rice Cakes with Bacon

Wild Rice Cakes with Bacon

2 tsp. Butter
1 C. uncooked Brown & Wild Rice Blend
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 14oz. can Chicken Broth
1 Egg
1 Egg White
1/2 C. all-purpose Flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 C. thinly sliced Green Onions
1/2 C. slivered Almonds, toasted
2 tsp. fresh Thyme leaves
1 tsp. fresh Lemon Juice
2 Bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add salt and broth, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 40 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, and rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid. Cool slightly. Place egg and white in a large bowl, add flour and baking powder. stirring with a whisk. Add the rice, green onion and next 4 ingredients, stirring with a rubber spatula until well blended. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Spoon rice mixture into skillet in 1/4 C. mounds, 3 at a time, flattening slightly with spatula. Cook 2 minuts on each side or until golden brown and thoroughly heated. Repeat procedure with remaining rice mixture. Serve immediately.

Yield: 12 Servings
Serving Size: 1 cake

Calories: 128
Fat: 4.2g
Fiber: 1.6g

Marbled Chocolate & Banana Bread

Marbled Chocolate & Banana Bread

from Cooking Light Magazine, September 2003

2 C. Flour
3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Sugar
1/4 C. Butter, softened
1 1/2 C. mashed ripe Banana (about 3 bananas)
1/2 C. Egg Beaters
1/3 C. plain low fat Yogurt
1/2 C. semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Light spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking soda ans salt, stirring with a whisk. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended, about 1 minute. Add banana, egg substitute and yogurt; beat until blended. Add flour mixture and beat at low speed until just moist. Place chocolate chips in a medium microwave safe bowl and microwave on high 1 minute, or until almost melted, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly. Add 1 C. batter to chocolate, stirring until well combined. Spoon chocolate batter alternately with plain batter into an 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2 ” loaf pan that has been coating with cooking spray. Swirl batters together slightly using a knife. Bake at 350 degree for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes otu clean. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan.

Yield: 1 loaf, 16 slices
Serving size: 1 slice

Calories: 183
Fat: 4.7g
Fiber: 1.3g

Notes: This is wonderful tasting bread, but I think slicing the loaf into 16 slices is unrealistic. Maybe I just had the wrong knife, or maybe I didn’t let it cool long enough, but I was just getting crumbles when I tried a 1/16th cut. I ended up slicing the loaf into 12 slices, which made each 244 calories. 244 calories for a slice of bread isn’t exactly what I’d call cooking light. But I have to admit, it was sweet and moist and good, especially smeared with a T. of peanut butter. But it wasn’t as filling for the calories as another option. I’ll probably have a few more slices over the next few days rather than throw it away, but not make this again until I’m at goal and maintenance.

Cheddar Cayenne Twists

Cheddar Cayenne Twists

1 C. water — plus 2 T.
3 C. bread flour
3/4 C. shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. mustard powder
1 tsp. salt
2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
Topping:
2 tsp. paprika

Use dough setting on bread machine. At the end of the cycle to punch dough down, press start and let knead for 60 seconds. Press stop. Remove dough and let rest for 5 minutes before hand-shaping. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut dough in half. On lightly floured work surface, roll out dough with a floured rolling pin into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch-wide strips, 6 inches long. Carefully place on lightly greased baking pans. Gently twist. Sprinkle lightly with paprika. Bake approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

Yield: 24
70 Calories
1g Fat
trace Dietary Fiber

Onion Lover’s Twist

Onion Lover’s Twist

Bread

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 C. Flour
1/4 C. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. active dry yeast
3/4 C. water
1/2 C. milk
1/4 C. margarine or butter
1 egg

Filling

1/4 C. margarine or butter
1 C. finely chopped onions or 1/4 C. instant minced onion
1 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. sesame or poppy seed
1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. paprika

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine 2 C. of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast; blend well. In small saucepan, heat water, milk and 1/4 C. margarine until very warm (120 to 130 F.). Add warm liquid and egg to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in remaining 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 C. flour to form a soft dough. Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 95 F.) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes. Grease large cookie sheet. Melt 1/4 C. margarine in small saucepan; stir in remaining filling ingredients. Set aside. Stir down dough to remove all air bubbles. On floured surface, toss dough until no longer sticky. Roll dough into 18×12-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle in half crosswise to make two 12×9-inch rectangles; cut each rectangle into three 9×4-inch strips. Spread about 2 T. onion mixture over each strip to 1/2 inch of edge. Bring lengthwise edges of each strip together to enclose filling; pinch edges and ends to seal. On greased cookie sheet, braid 3 rolls together; pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining 3 rolls for second loaf. Cover; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 25 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 F. Uncover dough. Bake 27 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool on wire racks.

Yield: 2 (16-slice) loaves
Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 93
Fat: 3.6g
Fiber: .5g

Notes: This isn’t particularly low fat or light cooking. It’s one of the cases where I posted a recipe that I really enjoy just so I could have all my recipes in one place. It’s hard to get each strand of the braid to totally enclose the filling and not split open; you have to really pinch it good and closed and even then it sometimes leaks.

Onion Lover’s Twist

Onion Lover’s Twist

Bread

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 C. Flour
1/4 C. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. active dry yeast
3/4 C. water
1/2 C. milk
1/4 C. margarine or butter
1 egg

Filling

1/4 C. margarine or butter
1 C. finely chopped onions or 1/4 C. instant minced onion
1 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. sesame or poppy seed
1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. paprika

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine 2 C. of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast; blend well. In small saucepan, heat water, milk and 1/4 C. margarine until very warm (120 to 130 F.). Add warm liquid and egg to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in remaining 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 C. flour to form a soft dough. Cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 95 F.) until light and doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes. Grease large cookie sheet. Melt 1/4 C. margarine in small saucepan; stir in remaining filling ingredients. Set aside. Stir down dough to remove all air bubbles. On floured surface, toss dough until no longer sticky. Roll dough into 18×12-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle in half crosswise to make two 12×9-inch rectangles; cut each rectangle into three 9×4-inch strips. Spread about 2 T. onion mixture over each strip to 1/2 inch of edge. Bring lengthwise edges of each strip together to enclose filling; pinch edges and ends to seal. On greased cookie sheet, braid 3 rolls together; pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining 3 rolls for second loaf. Cover; let rise in warm place until light and doubled in size, 25 to 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 F. Uncover dough. Bake 27 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool on wire racks.

Yield: 2 (16-slice) loaves
Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 93
Fat: 3.6g
Fiber: .5g

Notes: This isn’t particularly low fat or light cooking. It’s one of the cases where I posted a recipe that I really enjoy just so I could have all my recipes in one place. It’s hard to get each strand of the braid to totally enclose the filling and not split open; you have to really pinch it good and closed and even then it sometimes leaks.

Ravioli with Sausage Sauce

Ravioli with Sausage Sauce

2 lg. Onions, sliced
3 cloves Garlic, sliced
1/2 pound Italian-style Turkey Sausage Links, casings removed
3/4 C. Chicken Broth
2 9oz. packages Light Cheese Ravioli
4oz. assorted sliced Mushrooms
2 medium Tomatoes, diced
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Fennel Seeds, crushed
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
2 small bunches Arugula or Spinach, chopped (about 3/4 pound total)

Coat large skillet with cooking spray. Add onions and garlic; cook over medium high heat five minutes, adding 2 T. water halfway through. Stir in sausage, breaking up clumps; cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes, adding 1/4 C. broth halfway through. Cook ravioli according to package directions, drain. While Ravioli are cooking, add mushrooms and 1/2 C. broth to the pan; simmer 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and seasonings and cook 3 minutes. Add remaining broth and Arugula; cook 2 minutes. Stir ravioli into sausage mixture.

Makes 6 servings
290 calories
7.8g fat
3g fiber

Notes: Had this tonight, and it was pretty good. However, I halved the ravioli and the meat and left the veggie amounts as listed (it’s just two of us after all) which according to my crosstrainer brought the calories down to about 200 for a hearty serving (about a third of the pan).

Malcolm would have liked to have some tomato sauce in it to make it more spaghetti-y, but I thought it was tasty as is. I served it with “caesar” salad made with fat free dressing, fat free croutons and a sprinkle of parmesan, and some warmed breadsticks. Good stuff. I’ll make it again

Crisp-and-Spicy Cheese Twists

Crisp-and-Spicy Cheese Twists

1/4 C. grated Parmesan
1 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1 (10-oz.) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
Butter-flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl; stir well, and set aside. Unroll pizza dough, and roll into an 8 x 12-inch rectangle. Lightly coat surface of dough with cooking spray, and sprinkle with 2 T. cheese mixture. Fold the dough in half to form a 6 x 8-inch rectangle. Roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle. Lightly coat surface of dough with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Using fingertips, press cheese mixture into dough. Cut the dough into 16 (8-inch-long) strips. Gently pick up both ends of each strip, and twist dough. Place the twisted strips of dough 1/2 inch apart on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425 degrees for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan, and cool on wire racks.

YIELD: 16 breadsticks
Serving Size: 1 breadstick

Calories: 68
Fat: 1.1g
Fiber: 0.6g

Mini Whole Wheat Foccacia Bread

Mini Whole Wheat Foccacia Bread

3/4 cup warm water
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. active dry yeast
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried basil
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour

Pour water into large bowl. Dissolve sugar and yeast in water and let stand 10 minutes (should be bubbly). Stir in oil, salt, rosemary and basil. Add flours, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until dough begins to pull away and form a ball. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed. Spray a bowl with cooking spray, place dough in bowl and turn so that all sides are coated. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm dry place for 1 hour (or until doubled). Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead 1 minute. Divide into 3 balls and roll each into a 6-inch circle. Use your fingers to put “dimples” into surface of dough. Place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, cover and let rise for 30-minutes. Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray tops of dough with cooking spray and bake about 13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and slice each foccacia into 8 wedges.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 3 Wedges

Calories: 102
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Notes: These are tasty served with a soup, salad, or as an appetizer with some kind of dip besides being a fairly filling (for the calories) carb side dish with a dinner meal.

They kept OK in a tightly covered container for 2-3 days

Lentils with Love

Lentils with Love

1 1/2 C. dried lentils
1/4 C. raisins
4 C. vegetable stock or water
1 tsp. basil
1 T. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin powder
1 green pepper, chopped
1 C. tomato paste ( I did 3/4 C. tomato paste abd 1/4 C. bbq sauce for more flavor)

Soak dried lentils if you prefer. Drain; add raisins and stock. Simmer 15 minutes. Add other ingredients and simmer 35-45 minutes, until tender, adding more stock if needed.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: ~ 3/4 C.

Calories: 170
Fat: .5
Fiber: 2.4

Notes: This recipe came to me via another source, but apparently it is orignally from “The Peaceful Cook” by Harriet Kofalk. This dish is supposed to be a replacement for taco meat. You wrap these in warm corn tortillas, cover with shredded zucchini and top with organic non fat sour cream.

Anyway, we just had it as a side dish with grilled chicken. But this recipe finally convinced us that we aren’t lentil people. The rest of it was good. The sauce was saucy and tasty, the raisins a suprisingly yummy touch — I couldn’t blame the recipe here for my dislike of the humble lentil. As much as I want to like them, I can’t. But if you DO like lentils, you should like this recipe, since I almost liked it and I hate lentils!

Roasted Dijon New Potatoes

Roasted Dijon New Potatoes

1 T. Olive oil
2 T. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. Paprika
1/4 tsp. Dried thyme
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1 1/2 pound New Potatoes, quartered

Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat oven to 425°F. Whisk together oil, mustard, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add potatoes and stir until they are coated. Transfer potatoes to the baking dish and roast 15 minutes. Stir and roast another 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 130
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Double-Quick Corn Bread

Double-Quick Corn Bread

1 C. flour
1 C. yellow cornmeal
3 T. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. coarse grained salt
1 C. skim milk
1/4 C. canola or vegetable oil
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together milk, oil and egg or egg whites. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and, using a fork, stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cut into squares or triangles and serve immediately.

Yield 9 servings
Serving size: 1/9 pan, cut square pan in tic-tac-toe shape

Calories: 149
Fat: 5g
Fiber: .8g

Notes: This isn’t the “perfect” side dish for a high fiber, low fat lifestyle, but the bread is really easy to make, puffs up nicely and tastes great with a lean meat chili with lots of beans & veggies. And sometimes you just need something different or you’ll feel like screaming from boredom! At least, *I* do 😀

Asian Flavors Pasta

Asian Flavors Pasta

6 T. rice vinegar
3 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 T. honey
11/2 tsp. chinese chili paste
3 T. finely chopped fresh garlic
3 scallions, finely chopped
1 T. finely chopped fresh gingerroot
12 oz. fresh angel hair pasta
1 T. dark sesame oil

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Combine all the ingredients, except the pasta and sesame oil, in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside. Cook the pasta in boiling water for about 11/2 minutes, or until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and toss with the sesame oil. Add the sauce and toss well again.

Makes 4 servings.
Serrving Size: 1 1/2 cup serving

281 calories
3g Fat
1g fiber

Notes: Instead of fresh angel hair pasta, I used a higher fiber noodle, made with brown rice, in a ramen-noodle like shape — long, skinny, and kinky, with a little more texture than angel hair. I just cooked it longer, according to the package directions. I also think 3/4 C. is a more reasonable serving for me; 1 1/2 C. seemed like a lot. You could probably skip the sesame oil, or use less, because its quite pungent, and bring the serving down a little bit in calories/fat. Next time I will start with 1 tsp and add more to taste only if I need it.

I made it again and used about 1/2 T. and it was still good, flavorful, not dry. A 3/4 C. serving with the less oil is about 130 calories, which is a lot more reasonable for a starch side dish, IMO.

Herbed Sausage Muffins

Herbed Sausage Muffins

A couple muffins & some fruit made an easy, tasty breakfast with a good combination of carbs, protein, and fats. I didn’t get hungry for hours after this breakfast.

6 oz. turkey sausage, casings removed

1/4 Onion, diced (optional)

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. dried sage

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. whole-wheat flour

11/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 C. skim milk

3 T. maple syrup

1 egg white, lightly beaten

2 T. canola oil (I used olive oil)

Coat 10 muffin cups with no-stick spray. Set aside. Crumble the sausage into a large no-stick frying pan set over medium heat (along with onions, if using). Cook, breaking up the pieces with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes, or until browned.   Place the meat in a small bowl and stir in the onion powder, sage and pepper.  In a medium bowl, stir together the all purpose flour, whole-wheat flour and baking powder. In a small bowl, combine the milk, maple syrup, egg white and oil. Add the maple mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Then gently fold in the meat mixture. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake at 400 about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the muffin pan. 

1 Muffin: 137 calories

6g Protein

5g Fat

1g Fiber

Notes: I use Foster Farms Mild Italian Turkey Sausages; 140cal per sausage, 2 sausages used in this recipe.

Paprikash Noodles

Paprikash Noodles

1/3 C. minced onion
1 tsp. hot paprika
3/4 tsp. salt
1 oz. light cream cheese (or fat free)
3/4 C. plain yogurt (use whole yogurt and not ff)
1/2 lb fettucine

To prepare sauce, spray a small saucepan with nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened 3-4 minutes. Add paprika and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook stirring, until just fragrant, 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let onion mixture cool a few minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then stir in yogurt and remaining salt and blend well. Meanwhile, cook fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and toss with sauce in large serving bowl.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 207
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Chili Baked Fries

Chili Baked Fries

4 large potatoes
2 tsp. butter Buds (made into a liquid)
2 tsp. chili powder

Cut potatoes into strips. Arrange on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Dip each strip into liquid butter buds or brush with butter buds mixture on potato. Sprinkle chili powder on top. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Turn, bake another 15-20 minutes or until tender.

Makes 4 servings
Serving size 1 cup

Calories: 73 calories
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 3g

Pierogies in Pepper-Shallot Sauce

Pierogies in Pepper-Shallot Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 c chopped sweet green peppers
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper

1 lb potato-filled pierogies, fresh or frozen

Combine all ingredients except pierogies in crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 9 hours or on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 5 hours. Add pierogies (If frozen, thaw before adding to sauce). Cover and cook for 1 hour.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 179
Fat: 2.1g
Fiber: 4.2g

Southwestern-Style Pierogies

Southwestern-Style Pierogies

12 Potato and cheddar cheese pierogies
Non-stick cooking spray
1/2 C. Red onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 C. Canned black beans, drained
Black pepper to taste
1 T Ground cumin
1/2 C. Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Thaw frozen pierogies in boiling water for 5 minutes, uncovered. Drain and set aside. In skillet coated with cooking spray, cook onion and garlic until tender. In saucepan, warm beans, onion, garlic pepper and cumin. Arrange pierogies on a plate and top with black bean mixture. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 311
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 8g

Fresh French Bread

Fresh French Bread

Fresh French Bread3 ½ C. all-purpose Flour
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Instant Yeast
Scant 1 ½ C. Warm Water
1 T. Olive Oil

Combine flour, salt, and yeast in food processor; process 5 seconds. Slowly pour in water as machine is running. Process another 30 seconds until dough forms a shaggy ball. Transfer to large bowl; cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise 3 hours. Divide into 3 balls; let rise, covered, another 30 minutes. Sprinkle some flour on counter; flatten each ball into a 8 x 10 rectangle and fold short ends to middle, sealing seam. Spread towel on counter and lay loaves on towel, seam side down. Allow to rise another 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 450. Score each loaf down the center with a sharp knife. Brush with olive oil and bake on lightly floured baking sheet for 25-35 minutes, until crust is golden brown.

Herbed Flat Bread

Herbed Flat Bread

1 package active dry yeast
1 Cup plus 2 T. warm water (110-115 degrees)
2 3/4 C. Flour – any kind
1 tsp salt
Dry herbs, your choice (I used parsely, rosemary and thyme) About 1 1/2 tsp dry each

Add yeast to warm water in a bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Combine the flour, salt and herbs in a large mixing bowl. Make a “well” in the middle of the flour mix and pour the water/yeast mixture into the well. Stir until dough can be gathered into a ball. Knead dough until smooth. Place dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel (or plastic wrap) and place in a dry, draft-free place until dough has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours. PUnch down dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 12-18 equal pieces. Roll into circles. Heating a non-stick fry pan to medium high, quickly “dry fry” them 1 to 2 minutes on each side. (Dough will get bubbly, don’t turn the first side until you see bubbles form.) Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Easy Lentil Stew

Easy Lentil Stew

Sauté 1 onion in non-stick pan until dark golden brown. Add 2 cloves garlic, chopped. Cook until garlic is fragrant. Add 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and picked over. Add 3 cups water or chicken stock. Cover and cook until lentils are tender, about 25mins. Add 1 large can tomatoes. Add 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp. allspice. Cook another 10 min.

Skillet Sweet Potatoes

Skillet Sweet Potatoes

1 tsp. Olive oil
1 cup Onions, sliced or chopped
2 Sweet potatoes (1 lb)
1/2 cup Vegetable stock
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 T. Honey (optional)

In nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onions, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until softened. Meanwhile, peel potatoes; cut into 1/2-x 1/2-inch thick strips; add to skillet along with stock. Cover tightly; simmer, stirring every 5 minutes, for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in salt and pepper. Toss with honey if you like. Honey included in nutritional information.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 102
Fat: 1.5g
Fiber: 1.2g

Soy-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Soy-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

1/4 cup water
2 T. brown sugar
3 T. low-sodium soy sauce
2 T. mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 T. dark sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 sweet potatoes, each cut lengthwise into 4 wedges (about 2 pounds)
1 T. toasted sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients; stir well with a whisk. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Pour soy sauce mixture over potatoes. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes or until tender; baste with the soy sauce mixture. Bake, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 3 wedges

Calories: 325
Fat: 5.2g
Fiber: 6.9g

Baked Orzo and Beans

Baked Orzo and Beans

2 1/2 C. orzo
1 T. olive oil
1/2 C. sliced red onion
2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 C. tomato sauce
2 C. cooked red kidney beans (or any combination of beans)
1 C. tomato juice
1 C. parmesan cheese, shaved

Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Cook in 10 cup (2.5L) casserole with lid. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo until al dente, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a skillet, heat oil over hight heat for 30 seconds; add onions and cook, stirring, for 1 or 2 minutes, until slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside. When the orzo is cooked, drain well and transfer to casserole. Add sautéed onions and beans to orzo and stir to combine. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; mix thoroughly. Cover orzo mixture and bake, covered for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and mix in tomato juice. Top with Parmesan shavings and cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Lightly Scalloped Potatoes

Lightly Scalloped Potatoes

1 clove garlic, diced
1/4 cup diced onion
2 1/2 tsp flour
6 oz. evaporated skim milk
3/4 cup skim or 1% milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper
Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
4 1/2 cups (2 1/2 lb) thinly sliced red potatoes
1/2 cup low-fat shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

In a nonstick saucepan, sauté garlic and onion until tender. Add flour and mix well. Add milk and seasonings. Cook until slightly thickened, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Alternate layers of potato, cheese, and sauce in a 2 qt. baking dish that has been coated with vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup