Browsed by
Tag: Cheese!

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cheese

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cheese

1 lb. package uncooked Ziti
1 lb. hot Turkey Italian Sausage
1 C. chopped Onion
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 T. Tomato Paste
1/4 tsp. each Salt and Pepper
2 14.5oz. cans petite diced Tomatoes, undrained
1/4 C. chopped fresh Basil
Cooking Spray
1 C. (4oz) shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 C. (4oz) grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to pasta directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta and set aside. Remove casings from sausage. Cook sausage, onion and garlic in a large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add tomato paste, salt pepper and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Combine cooked pasta, sausage and basil. Place half the pasta mixture in a 4 quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Top with half the cheese, and repeat the layers. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Calories: 413
Fat: 11.8g
Fiber: 4.5g

Creamy Two Cheese Polenta

Creamy Two Cheese Polenta

4 C. 1% Milk
1 C. Water
1 1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1 1/4 C. instant dry Polenta
1/3 C. (about 2 1/2 oz.) Marscapone Cheese
1/3 C. (about 1 1/2 oz.) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese

Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and gradually add polenta, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, sitrring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Serve immediately. If you are unable to serve immediately, keep warm by covering it and placing it over very low heat, stirring occasionally.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 2/3 cup

Calories: 206
Fat: 6.4g
Fiber: 2.5g

Cheddar Grit Cakes with Roasted Peppers

Cheddar Grit Cakes with Roasted Peppers

Grits:
1 C. 1% lowfat Milk
1 (14oz) can Chicken Broth
3/4 C. uncooked quickcooking Grits
2 tsp. minced jalapeño Pepper
1/2 C. (2oz) shredded extra sharp Cheddar Cheese
Cooking Spray

Peppers:
3 medium Orange or Red Bell Peppers
2 tsp. EE Olive Oil
1 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp. ground Coriander
1/4 tsp. Salt

To prepare grits, bring the milk and broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in grits and jalapeño. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, or until thick. Stir in the cheese and cook until cheese melts. Spread grits into a 9″ square baking pan coated with cooking spray, cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or until set. To prepare peppers, cut them in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil lined baking sheet and flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in ziploc bag, seal and let stand 15 minutes. Peel and cut into 1″ strips. Combine peppers, oil, vinegar, coriander and salt; toss well. Invert grits onto a cutting board and cut grits into 4 squares. Cut each square diagonally into 2 triangles. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Add triangles and cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned on each side. Serve pepper mixture over grit cakes.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 2 Grit Cakes and 1/2 C. Pepper Mixture

Calories: 247
Fat: 8.2g
Fiber: 2.5g

Tofu Cutlets Parmesan

Tofu Cutlets Parmesan

1 onion, chopped
2 C. tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
2 pkgs Silken Lite Tofu Extra Firm
1/2 C. egg substitute
3/4 C. Italian seasoned bread crumbs
4 oz. reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, grated
4 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray, then sauté onion until wilted, about 3 minutes. Put tomato sauce in a saucepan and add onion and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, slice each package of Mori-Nu® Silken Lite Tofu Extra Firm lengthwise into 3 pieces. Drain on paper towels for 15 minutes. Heat a medium skillet. Dip each tofu slice into egg substitute, then coat with bread crumbs. Fry until delicately brown (3-4 minutes). Line a baking pan with a little sauce and then layer in the cutlets, adding more sauce and some grated cheese between the layers, leaving some cheese for sprinkling on top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories 130
Fat 4.6g

Texas Blue Cheese Slaw

Texas Blue Cheese Slaw

4 C. finely shredded savoy cabbage
1/2 C. minced green onions
1/2 C. minced green bell pepper
2 T. minced fresh dill
1 C. nonfat plain yogurt
2 T. sour cream
3 T. Vine Village California Sherry Vinegar
1 T. honey
3 oz. blue cheese
herbal salt substitute and pepper — to taste

In a large bowl combine cabbage, onions, bell pepper, and dill. Blend together yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, honey, and blue cheese. Toss dressing with cabbage mixture. Add salt substitute and pepper to taste.

6 servings
110 Calories
5g Fat

Cheese Ravioli With Pumpkin Sauce

Cheese Ravioli With Pumpkin Sauce

Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 garlic clove – (to 2), minced
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 T. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 cup. solid-pack pumpkin
2 package refrigerated low-fat cheese ravioli, (9 oz ea)
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese, (optional)

Spray medium nonstick saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Add onions, garlic and fennel seeds; cook and stir 3 minutes or until onions are tender. Combine milk, flour, salt and pepper in small bowl until smooth; stir into saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in pumpkin; reduce heat to low. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse. Drain. Divide ravioli evenly among 6 plates; top each with equal amount of pumpkin sauce. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top of each serving. Serve immediately. Garnish as desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 270
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 T. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup solid pack pumpkin
1/4 cup plus 2 T. skim milk
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 small egg, slightly beaten
3 T. sugar
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. salt necessary
1/4 lb. light cream cheese, softened
2 T. orange marmalade

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine first 4 ingredients and half the cinnamon in a food processor or mixing bowl. Add melted butter and process until mixture becomes crumbly. Press mixture evenly in bottom of a 9 inch baking dish. Bake 20 minutes or until crust starts to brown. Remove from oven. Reduce temperature to 325°F. Combine pumpkin, milk, half the vanilla, egg, sugar, allspice, salt and remaining cinnamon in a food processor or mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour over crust and bake 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center. Cool on a rack. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, remaining vanilla and orange marmalade until fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled pumpkin bars.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 193
Fat: 8.8g
Fiber: 1.2g

Pancake Fruit and Cheese Filling

Pancake Fruit and Cheese Filling

2 C. low-fat cottage cheese
1 peach, peeled and diced (mango can be substituted)
1 apple, diced
1 C. diced strawberries
1 medium banana, diced
1 T. honey
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 to 3 T. fresh lime juice

In a bowl, combine the ingredients and stir until well mixed, taking care not to mash the fruit. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Yield: 4 cups
Serving Size: 1/3 cup

Calories: 59
Fat: 2g
FIber: 0g

Grilled Steak with Olive-Blue Cheese Glaze

Grilled Steak with Olive-Blue Cheese Glaze

1 T. butter or olive oil
1/2 C. thinly sliced shallots or chopped onion
1 C. canned beef broth
1/2 C. port wine or additional beef broth
4 (4 to 6 oz.) beef tenderloin steaks, cut 1 to 1-1/4-inches thick
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 C. drained Lindsay Pitted Ripe Olives, thickly sliced
1/4 C. (1 oz.) crumbled blue or gorgonzola cheese
1 T. chopped fresh thyme or basil

Heat butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered until sauce has reduced to 1/2 C., about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, season steaks with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-hot coals or in a ridged grill pan over medium heat until cooked as desired, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare depending on thickness of steaks. Remove reduced sauce from heat; stir in olives, cheese and thyme. Arrange steaks on warm serving plates; top with glaze.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 387
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 0g

Parmesan Parsley Chicken

Parmesan Parsley Chicken

Vegetable oil spray
4 slices whole-wheat bread for bread crumbs
1/4 C. plus 2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 T. finely snipped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley
1-1/2 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
1/2 C. low-fat buttermilk
6 (4 oz. each) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, all visible fat removed

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly spray a rectangular baking sheet and slightly smaller cooling rack with vegetable oil spray. Put rack on baking sheet. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, process bread into fine crumbs. Pour into a shallow bowl. Stir Parmesan, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme into crumbs. Pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Dip chicken into buttermilk, shake off excess liquid, dredge in crumbs, and shake off excess crumbs. Put chicken on cooling rack. Spray each breast with vegetable oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes, turn chicken, and bake for 10 minutes, or until done.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 158
Fat: 3g
FIber: 0g

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

Baked Zucchini With Cheese

Baked Zucchini With Cheese

2 Medium Zucchini; sliced very thin
1 Egg
1 tsp. Prepared mustard
1/8 tsp. Ground white pepper
1/8 tsp. Ground nutmeg
1 Green onion; sliced thin
1/2 C. Lowfat Swiss cheese; grated

Put the zucchini in a colander or on towels to drain off the moisture. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add the zucchini and mix well. Pour into a lightly oiled 2-quart casserole. Bake at 350 F for
40 to 45 minutes.

Makes 3 Servings
72 calories
5 grams fat
fiber 1g

Creamy Bleu Cheese Dressing

Creamy Bleu Cheese Dressing

1 C. nonfat cottage cheese
1/3 C. nonfat buttermilk
1/4 C. crumpled blue cheese
Black pepper to taste

Combine first two ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. If thinner consistency is desired, add more buttermilk. Stir in cheese & pepper. Cover and refrigerate.

Note: This works out to about 15-20 calories per T., depending on how much buttermilk you add. I made double the recipe, blending in 1/4 C. blue cheese with the cottage cheese to give more flavor throughout I still thought it was a little bland so I tossed in about 1/2 T. white wine vinegar, some garlic powder, extra pepper, and some chopped parsley and it was better.

Feta & Veggie Sandwich

Feta & Veggie Sandwich

1 yellow bell pepper
1 (8-ounce) loaf French bread
Pesto Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (2 oz.) crumbled feta cheese
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
4 (1/8-inch-thick) slices red onion, separated into rings

Preheat broiler. Cut bell pepper in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and cut each piece in half. Cut loaf in half lengthwise. Spread Pesto Mayonnaise evenly over bottom half of loaf; sprinkle with feta. Arrange bell pepper, tomato, and onion over bottom half of loaf; top with remaining half. Cut loaf into 4 sandwiches.

Yield: 4 servings
Srving size: 1 sandwich

Calories: 256
Fat: 8.1g
Fiber: 3.2g

Zesty Cheese Enchiladas

Zesty Cheese Enchiladas

8 6” fat free corn Tortillas 1 C. Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
2 Green Onions, chopped
1/2 tsp. Ground Coriander
¾ tsp. Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
2 tsp. Lemon Juice
1 C. Part Skim Mozzarella, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in the oven for 10 minutes or until warm, soft, and pliable. Remove from oven and set aside; raise oven temperature to 375. In small bowl mix all remaining ingredients except mozzarella. To assemble the enchiladas, spread 2 T. of the ricotta mixture in the center of a tortilla and fold one side over the filling. Fill remaining tortillas. Gently transfer to a lightly greased 9×9 pan, making two slightly overlapped rows. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the mozzarella, and bake an additional five minutes, or until cheese melts.

Spinach Parmesan Custard With Frico

Spinach Parmesan Custard With Frico

Test your springform pan with water for leakage before getting started. If it leaks, tightly wrap the bottom and halfway up the side of the pan with two layers of foil before filling it.

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tsp. unsalted butter
20 oz baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 T. water
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups skim (fat-free) milk
1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 1/2 oz)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
Accompaniment: frico

Cook onion in butter, covered, in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add spinach and water and cook, covered, over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 4 minutes. Drain in a large sieve set over a bowl, pressing on spinach. (Discard liquid.) Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil springform pan. Whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl, then stir in spinach. Spoon into springform pan, spreading evenly, and bake until custard is set and no longer wet in center, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a rack, then run a sharp knife around edge to loosen and remove side of pan. Cut into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. You can top the spinach parmesan custard with some broken-up frico for added crunch or simply enjoy them on the side.

1/8 147 calories

Parmesan Crisps (Frico)

1 (3-oz) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 T. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Special equipment: a nonstick bakeware liner such as a Silpat pad
Preheat oven to 375°F. Using largest holes on a 4-sided grater, coarsely shred enough cheese to measure 1 cup. Line a large baking sheet with nonstick liner. Stir together cheese, flour, and pepper. Arrange T. of cheese 4 inches apart on liner, stirring cheese in bowl between T. to keep flour evenly distributed. Flatten each mound slightly with a metal spatula to form a 3-inch round. Bake frico in middle of oven until golden, about 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on sheet on a rack, then carefully transfer each crisp (they are very delicate) with metal spatula to rack to cool completely. Cooks’ note: Crisps can be made 3 days ahead and kept, layered between wax paper, in an airtight container at room temperature.

Makes 12 crisps Each (1 1/2-frico) serving about 32 calories and 2 grams fat

Spinach and Feta Soufflé

Spinach and Feta Soufflé

Cooking spray
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
10 oz. baby spinach (about 8 cups)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1-1/4 cups low-fat milk
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
1/2 cup (2 oz.) crumbled feta cheese
2 tsp. chopped fresh dill
6 large egg whites
Dash of cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2-quart soufflé dish with cooking spray; sprinkle breadcrumbs over bottom and sides of dish. Cook spinach in boiling water 15 seconds or until wilted, and drain in a sieve, pressing until barely moist. Finely chop; place in a large bowl. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Place the flour, salt, ground nutmeg, ground red pepper, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute or until thick. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot milk mixture into egg yolk, stirring constantly with a whisk, and add to remaining hot milk mixture, stirring constantly. Cook 30 seconds, and remove from heat. Stir in spinach, cheese, and dill. Cool slightly. Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl, and beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into spinach mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture. Spoon into prepared soufflé dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until puffed, golden, and set. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings. Calories 143

Spinach & Cheese Rigatoni

Spinach & Cheese Rigatoni

4 C. Cooked Rigatoni Pasta
2 T. All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 C. Skim Milk
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 T. garlic powder
1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed & drained
1/2 C. grated light cheddar cheese
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese

Add all ingredients except rigatoni in a saucepan. Cook at medium heat until cheddar cheese is melted. Pour over pasta and toss to combine

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach
Olive oil flavored cooking spray
2 tsp. olive oil
2/3 C. finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) carton light ricotta cheese (or half yogurt cheese)
1/2 C. parmesan cheese, divided
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp dried crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg (omit if desired)
8 manicotti shells*
2 C. fat free spaghetti sauce

Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain well, and press gently between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set spinach aside. Coat a medium saucepan with cooking spray; add oil. Place over medium high heat until hot. Add onion and garlic; sauté 8 minutes. transfer onion mixture to a bowl. Add spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/4 C. parmesan cheese, egg whites, crushed red pepper, and nutmeg; stir well. Cook manicotti shells according to package directions, omitting salt and oil; drain well. Stuff spinach mixture evenly into cooked shells. Spread 1/2 C. spaghetti sauce over bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Place filled shells over sauce. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over shells. Cover and bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 C. parmesan cheese. *Fill uncooked manicotti shells and add a little water to the sauce. They will be easier to fill, and the final texture will be al dente.

Roasted Chili Cheese Custard

Roasted Chili Cheese Custard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly brush with vegetable oil a 9-inch heat-proof glass pie dish. From a 14-oz. can of roasted whole green chilies (or 2, 7-oz. cans) chop 2 chilies. Combine with 1 C. diced fresh tomatoes, 1/2 C. chopped green onions, and large pinch cayenne pepper. In a large bowl whisk 7 egg whites, 2/3 C. nonfat yogurt, 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, 1/8 tsp. black pepper, and 1/4 tsp. garlic powder. Slit remaining chilies lengthwise; open flat; arrange 4 over base and sides of pie dish. Spoon 1/2 tomato mixture over chilies. Sprinkle with 1/3 C. grated low sodium, low-fat cheddar cheese, and pour over 2/3 C. egg mixture. For final layer repeat: remaining chilies, tomato mix, another 1/3 C. grated low-sodium, low-fat cheddar cheese, and egg mix. Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned, puffed, and set at center. Let sit 10 minutes; serve.

Note: I don’t like runny eggs, and had to cook this about 45 minutes to have it be as fully set as I preferred it. Also, the tomatoes and chilies release a LOT of liquid, and if you don’t let your slice drain a bit first, its gonna leak out all over your plate, soaking whatever else is there. I took out a wedge, then tilted the pan and let it rest on a wadded kitchen towel to drain towards the missing wedge spot, and probably poured out nearly half cup. If you dried the chilies between some paper towels and seeded the tomatoes before assembling the pie, it would probably be less watery (the dish itself wasn’t runny or watery, it just releases a lot of liquid to the pan). 1/8 of the pie pan only has 85 calories (using Kraft Naturally Reduced Fat Cheddar), so this makes an excellent low-calorie lunch, or even a light dinner with a breadstick and a hearty salad. It is a little high in sodium, however, because of the canned chilies. It has a good portion of calcium, vitamin C and vitamin A though. I think next time I might chop some baby spinach and mix that in with the tomato layer for more vitamins, fiber, and flavor.

Quick Clam and Cheese Chowder

Quick Clam and Cheese Chowder

12 oz. canned chopped clams, undrained
2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Drain the clams and pour the juice into a saucepan. Add the garlic and pepper to the juice and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Add the drained clams and milk and heat to desired temperature. Do not boil. To serve, ladle 1 cup of soup into each of 4 soup bowls and sprinkle each serving with 1 T. of Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 cups.

1 C. = 254 calories, 6g fat

Mozzarella Sandwiches

Mozzarella Sandwiches

1/4 C. Onion, chopped
1 Clove Garlic, minced
2 tsp. Parsley, minced
1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano
1/4 tsp. Dried Thyme
1/8 tsp. Salt
Dash Pepper
14 1/2oz. Can no salt added Chopped Tomatoes, undrained
1/4 C. Dry Red Wine
1/4 C. Water
1 1/2 T. no salt added Tomato Paste
1 Bay Leaf
1/8 C. Egg Substitute
1/8 C. Skim Milk
2 1oz. Slices part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
4 slices French Bread
1/3 C. Whole Wheat Cereal Biscuits, finely crushed

Coat a small saucepan with cooking spray; place over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender. Add parsley and next four ingredients to pan and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add remaining ingredients through bay leaf. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 20 to 30 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard bay leaf.
Combine egg substitute and milk in a shallow bowl, beating well. Sandwich mozzarella between two slices of bread, dip carefully into egg mixture, then sprinkle each sandwich with crushed cereal. Place on baking sheet coated with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees for 3 minutes. Turn sandwiches, and bake 4-6 minutes more until crisp and golden. Serve with warm tomato sauce.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
8 oz. neufchâtel cheese, room temperature
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 T. vanilla extract
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
4 2 1/2-inch-square reduced-fat graham crackers (1 oz), finely crumbed

Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch round baking pan with a backing parchment or wax paper round and spray with nonstick cooking spray. In a food processor, puree the cottage and ricotta cheese until velvety smooth, at least 3 minutes. Add the neufchâtel cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt; pulse just until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into the prepared pan. Pull the oven rack partly out. Place a large roasting pan on the rack; add the filled cheesecake pan. Carefully pour 1/2 inch boiling water into the roasting pan. Bake until the cheesecake is just starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, 40-45 minutes. Cool completely on a rack, then cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 24 hours and up to 2 days. To unmold the cheesecake, cover the pan with tightly stretched plastic wrap, then place a plate on top. Invert the pan and tap gently to release the cake; remove the parchment. Place a cake plate on the cake and invert so that the cake is right-side-up. Press the graham cracker crumbs around the sides of the cake.

Yield: 10 servings

Calories: 140
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 0g

Ham & Cheese Folds

Ham & Cheese Folds

2 1oz. Pieces of Frozen Bread Roll Dough, thawed
Dijon Mustard
2 extra thin slices Ham
2 thin slices reduced fat cheese
Sesame Seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Roll each piece of dough to a 3-4” square, spread with mustard. Place ham, then cheese on dough, and roll up, trimming edges if necessary. Roll in sesame seeds and place on baking sheet, seam side down. Bake 10-12 minutes, until heated through and dough is golden brown.

Feta and Cannellini Pasta

Feta and Cannellini Pasta

29 oz. canned tomatoes – diced
19 oz. cannellini beans – rinsed and drained
10 oz. fresh spinach – cleaned and chopped
4 C. pasta – cooked
1/2 C. feta cheese – crumbled
1/4 C. fresh basil – coarsely chopped
4 T. pine nuts – toasted (optional)

In a large nonstick skillet, cook tomatoes and beans over medium high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add spinach; cook until it wilts (3 minutes). Distribute pasta among 4 plates. Top each pasta dish with sauce, feta cheese, basil, and pine nuts.

Cheese Supper Bread

Cheese Supper Bread

1 1/2 C. reduced fat Bisquick Mix
1/4 C. Egg Beaters
1/4 C. Skim Milk
1 C. reduced fat Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 tsp. Poppy Seeds
2 T. Butter, melted

Combine bisquick, egg, milk, and 1/2 C. cheese. Stir just until moistened. The dough will be stiff but sticky. With floured hands, pat dough evenly into bottom of greased pie pan. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and poppy seeds. Pour butter over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Gorgonzola Cheese Grits

Gorgonzola Cheese Grits

2 (14 1/2-oz.) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3/4 C. uncooked quick-cooking grits
1 C. (4 oz.) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/3 C. fat-free sour cream
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually add grits, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, for 5 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients.

Yield: 4 C.
Calories: 182
Fat: 8.3g
Fiber: 0.7g

Broccoli Cheese Wedges

Broccoli Cheese Wedges

10 oz. frozen broccoli, chopped
2 each eggs
1/2 C. lowfat milk
1/4 C. unsifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
8 oz. part skim mozzarella
1 tomato, cut into 6 wedges

Defrost broccoli in unopened package on high for 3 minutes; set aside for 5 minutes; remove from package, drain and cool. In a medium bowl, beat eggs until very light. Blend in milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Fold in Muenster cheese and reserved broccoli. Pour into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Micro-cook uncovered on high until edges just start to look dry, 4 minutes. Stir, bringing edges toward center. Arrange tomato wedges on top; micro-cook on medium high (75% power) until firm to the touch, about 4 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes before cutting.

Chili Parmesan Chicken

Chili Parmesan Chicken

2 T. Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tsp. chili powder
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (lb)

Mix cheese and chili powder in pie plate. Add chicken; turn to evenly coat all sides. Place chicken on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 150
Fat: 4g
FIber: 0g

Asparagus and Blue Cheese-Bacon Sauce

Asparagus and Blue Cheese-Bacon Sauce

1 tsp. salt
2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed
3/4 C. (3 oz.) bleu cheese, crumbled
1/4 C. fat-free mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (drained)
1/4 C. fat-free milk

Bring 1 gallon water and salt to a boil in a Dutch oven; add asparagus. Cook 2 minutes or until crisp tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels; chill. Combine bleu cheese, mayonnaise, juice, pepper, and bacon in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add milk, 1 T. at a time, stirring until smooth. Arrange asparagus on a platter; drizzle with sauce. 8 servings (serving size: about 1/4 pound asparagus and 1 1/2 T. sauce), calories 69, fat 3g, fiber 2g

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

1 1/2 C. fine chocolate wafer or chocolate graham cracker crumbs (pulse a little at a time in a blender or food processor – use sugar-free cookies)
2 T. apricot jam, melted
1 C. fat-free cottage cheese
4 egg whites
1 C. Yogurt Cheese
8 oz. light cream cheese
3/4 C. plus 2 T. sugar (experiment with Splenda)
1 T. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. almond extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch spring form pan with no-stick spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the crumbs and melted jam until well combined. Using your fingers, lightly press the crumbs in the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Set the crust aside. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees. In a clean, dry blender or food processor, blend or process the cottage cheese until creamy and almost smooth. Add the egg whites, then blend or process just until smooth. Add the yogurt cheese, cream cheese, 3/4 C. sugar, flour and vanilla. Blend or process until smooth. Transfer half of the filling to a bowl; stir in the cocoa, remaining 2 T. sugar and almond extract until well combined. Pour half of each batter mixture into the crust. Then repeat pouring the remaining half of each batter into the crust. Using a small metal spatula, gently swirl the two batters. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen the crust from the sides of the pan. Then cool for 30 minutes more. Remove the sides from the pan. Cool the cheesecake completely. Chill it at least 4 hours before serving. If desired, garnish it with additional fine chocolate wafer crumbs.

Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake

2 C. nonfat yogurt cheese
7 T. sugar (or to taste)
1 T. cornstarch
4 egg whites, lightly beaten (or 1 egg and 2 whites)
1 lemon, juice
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel, or 1/4 tsp. lemon extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 7-inch springform or 8-inch piepan. Combine yogurt cheese, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and vanilla, mixing gently with a fork or wire whisk until well bended. Stir in the eggs. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until the center is set, 20 to 25 minutes (piepan) or 55 minutes (springform). Cool slightly and refrigerate, uncovered, for 24 hours.

Yield: 8 Servings
Serving Size 1 slice

Calories: 100
Fat: less than 1g
Fiber: 0g

Raspberry – Cream Cheese Brownies

Raspberry – Cream Cheese Brownies

Filling:

1/3 C. sugar
1/3 C. (3 oz.) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg white

Brownies:

Cooking spray
3/4 C. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 C. sugar
2/3 C. unsweetened cocoa
1/4 C. butter, melted
1 T. water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
3 T. raspberry preserves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To prepare the filling, beat the first 5 ingredients at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended, and set aside. To prepare the brownies, coat the bottom of an 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray (do not coat the sides of the pan). Lightly spoon 3/4 C. flour into dry measuring C., and level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Combine 1 C. sugar and the next 6 ingredients (1 C. sugar through the 2 egg whites), stirring well with a whisk. Add to the flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Spread two-thirds of batter in bottom of prepared pan. Pour filling over batter, spreading evenly. Carefully drop the remaining batter and preserves by spoonfuls over filling; swirl together using the tip of a knife to marble. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool on a wire rack.

1 brownie (1/16) calories: 161

Ricotta Polenta

Ricotta Polenta

1 cup water
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
1/4 T. salt
1/4 T. cayenne
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated skim milk
1/2 cup nonfat or low-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Combine water, cornmeal, parsley, salt and cayenne in small mixing bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes. Set aside. Bring milk to simmer over medium heat in 2-quart saucepan. Stir in cornmeal mixture. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until desired thickness, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. 3 Stir in cheeses. Serve immediately. Sprinkle each serving with additional shredded fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Mushroom and Bell Pepper Omelet with Fontina

Mushroom and Bell Pepper Omelet with Fontina

1 tsp. olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
1/4 C. chopped green onions
1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 C. sliced shiitake mushrooms (about 6 oz.)
1/2 C. chopped seeded plum tomato
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
8 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1/2 tsp. butter
1/2 C. (2 oz.) shredded fontina cheese
1/4 C. reduced-fat sour cream

Heat 1/2 tsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add green onions; sauté 1 minute. Add bell pepper; sauté 1 minute. Add mushrooms; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato, 1/4 tsp. salt, and black pepper; cook 30 seconds. Remove vegetable mixture from pan; cover and keep warm. Place 1/4 tsp. salt, parsley, eggs, and egg whites in a bowl; stir well with a whisk to combine. Place 1/2 tsp. oil and butter in skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts. Add egg mixture to pan; cook until edges begin to set (about 2 minutes). Slide front edge of a spatula between edge of omelet and pan. Gently lift edge of omelet, tilting pan to allow some uncooked egg mixture to come in contact with pan. Repeat procedure on opposite edge of omelet. Continue cooking until the center is just set (about 7 minutes). Spoon vegetable mixture evenly over 1/2 of omelet; top vegetable mixture with cheese. Loosen omelet with a spatula; fold in half. Carefully slide omelet onto a serving platter. Cut omelet into 4 wedges; top with sour cream. Serve immediately.

Note: You can use 1 C. egg substitute in place of 4 of the eggs, which cuts about 45 Calories: and 5 grams of fat per serving. If your vegetable mixture leaves some liquid in the pan, wipe it dry with a paper towel before adding the egg mixture.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 wedge and 1 T. sour cream

Calories: 272
Fat: 17.7g
Fiber: 1.3g

Fontina, Asparagus, and Leek Strata

Fontina, Asparagus, and Leek Strata

1 T. butter or stick margarine
5 C. (1-inch) sliced asparagus (about 1 1/2 lb.)
2 C. thinly sliced leeks (about 3 small)
1/2 C. water
3 T. chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp. minced fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
12 (1-oz.) thin slices firm white sandwich bread (day old works well)
Cooking spray
1 C. (4 oz.) shredded fontina cheese, divided
2 1/2 C. 1% low-fat milk
3 large eggs
1 large egg white
1 1/2 C. fresh breadcrumbs (about 3 slices)

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add asparagus, leeks, and water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley, tarragon, lemon rind, salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Arrange half of bread slices in a single layer in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top bread slices with half of asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with 1/2 C. cheese. Repeat procedure with the remaining bread, asparagus mixture, and 1/2 C. cheese. Combine 1/8 tsp. pepper, milk, eggs, and egg white, and stir with a whisk until well-blended. Pour the milk mixture over strata. Cover strata, and chill for 8 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 400°. Uncover strata; sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 400° for 40 minutes or until set.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 411
Fat: 12.7g
Fiber: 4.6g

Flatbread with Oven-Dried Tomatoes, Rosemary, and Fontina

Flatbread with Oven-Dried Tomatoes, Rosemary, and Fontina

2 T. olive oil
4 rosemary sprigs (or basil)
2 3/4 C. all-purpose flour
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp.)
1 C. plus 2 T. very warm water (120° to 130°)
2 tsp. chopped fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. salt, divided
Cooking spray
3/4 C. Oven-Dried Tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 C. (4 oz.) fontina cheese, diced (or provolone)

Place oil and rosemary sprigs in a small bowl; microwave on high for 30 seconds. Let stand 15 minutes. Gently squeeze oil from rosemary; discard sprigs. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring C.; level with a knife. Combine 1/2 C. flour and yeast in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 1/2 C. warm water; let stand 20 minutes. Add rosemary oil, 2 C. flour, 1/2 C. plus 2 T. warm water, chopped rosemary, and 3/4 tsp. salt; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tsp. at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky). 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, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; form into a ball. Place directly on baking sheet. Let rest 5 minutes. Preheat over to 500°. Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Arrange tomatoes on top of flatbread, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle with cheese; gently press toppings into dough. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt. Bake at 500° for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 162
Fat: 4.5g
Fiber: 1.4g

Artichoke-Parmesan Sourdough Dressing

Artichoke-Parmesan Sourdough Dressing

1 Loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 lb. Mushrooms, rinsed
1 T. Butter or margarine
2 Onions (about 3/4 lb. total), peeled and chopped
1 C. Chopped celery
2 T. Minced garlic
About 2 C. fat-skimmed chicken broth
2 jars Marinated artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 1/2 tsp. Poultry Seasoning
1 1/2 T. minced Fresh Rosemary leaves or 3/4 tsp. Crumbled Dried Rosemary
Salt and Pepper
1 Large Egg

Spread bread cubes in a single layer in 2 pans. bake in 350 degree oven until toast golden brown, Turn cubes occasionally. After 15 minutes, switch pan positions. Trim and slice mushrooms In a 10-12 inch frying pan over high heat, combine butter, mushrooms, onions, celery and garlic. Stir often until vegetables are lightly browned. Pour into bowl. Add a little chicken broth to pan and scrape browned bits free. Pour 2 C. broth into bowl and add toasted bread, artichokes, cheese, poultry seasoning and rosemary; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make a well in dressing and add egg. Beat with a fork to blend, then mix egg with dressing. Spoon into shallow 3-quart casserole. For moist dressing cover with foil. Bake in a 325 degree oven until hot or lightly browned, about 50 minutes.

Scalloped Potato with Cheese

Scalloped Potato with Cheese

1 garlic clove, halved
Butter-flavored cooking spray
6 medium peeled red potatoes, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
2 T. margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup skim milk

This recipe is versatile in every way: use cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese, russet potatoes in place of red, and whatever kind of milk you have on hand. Pair it with roasted chicken or pork. Preheat oven to 425. Rub an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cut sides of garlic halves; discard garlic. Coat dish with cooking spray. Arrange half of potato slices in dish; drizzle with 1 T. margarine. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and half of pepper; top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Bring milk to a boil over low heat in a small saucepan; pour over potato mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 425&176; for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Yield: 7 servings
Serving size: 1 cup

Calories: 228
Fat: 6.7 g
Fiber: 3.2 g

Creamy Parmesan Orzo

Creamy Parmesan Orzo

1 T. butter
1 C. orzo
1 1/4 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 C. water
1/4 C. (1 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 T. chopped fresh basil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 tsp. pine nuts, toasted

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add orzo, and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and orzo is done (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with the pine nuts. Serve immediately.

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

Calories: 236
Fat: 6.4g
Fiber: 1.7g