Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Casserole

Cooking oil spray
1 C. mushrooms, chopped
3 C. chopped cauliflower
1/2 C. chopped sweet onions
1 T. canola oil
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. fresh ground white pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C. chopped chives

Preheat oven to 350�F. Spray baking dish with cooking oil spray. Mix all ingredients and spread in baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring twice. Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 45
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Homemade Wonton Soup

Homemade Wonton Soup

4 C. fat-free chicken broth
1/2 C. thinly sliced carrot (cut on the bias)
5 to 6 green onions, slivered (about 1/2 C.)
1 – inch piece fresh ginger
Several dashes sesame oil
Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
1 – 6 ounce package frozen, peeled, cooked shrimp, thawed and finely chopped
1/2 C. finely chopped cooked lean pork (can use leftover lean pork chops)
1/2 C. finely chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 C. sliced green onion
2 T. finely chopped pimiento
2 T. snipped fresh cilantro
2 T. sodium reduced soy sauce
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
Wonton wrappers

Combine shrimp, pork, mushrooms, the 1/2 C. green onion, the pimiento, 2 T. cilantro, the soy sauce, and red pepper. To wrap wonton: place a wonton skin with one point toward you. Spoon about 2 tsp. of the filling just off-center of skin. Fold bottom point of wonton skin over filling. Roll wonton once to cover filling, leaving about 1 inch unrolled at the top of the skin. Grasp the left and right-hand corners and bring together below filling. Overlap corners. Repeat with remaining wonton skins and filling. In a 3-quart saucepan bring 6 C. water to boiling. With a spoon place 20 of the wontons, one at a time, into boiling water. Reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. (If using frozen wontons, do not thaw; after adding, return water to boiling before simmering.) Drain and rinse with cool water. Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan combine chicken broth, carrot, green onion, and ginger. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 2 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove ginger and discard. Stir in sesame oil. Divide wontons among bowls and ladle broth mixture atop. Sprinkle cilantro atop each soup bowl, if desired. Note: You can make the wonton ahead of time and freeze. To freeze extra wontons, place filled wontons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid. When frozen, place wontons in 2 freezer bags or containers and freeze until needed, up to 3 months.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 256
Fat: 4g
FIber: 2g

Lemongrass Chicken Soup

Lemongrass Chicken Soup

3 C. low fat chicken broth
1/4 C. sliced shiitake (or button) mushrooms
2 large stalks lemongrass, peeled, trimmed
1/8 tsp. cracked black pepper
1/2 C. C. cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in pieces
6 tender and thin asparagus spears, cut diagonally in one inch pieces
2 green onions, cut diagonally in thin slices
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cut trimmed and peeled lemongrass stalks into 3 to 4 inch pieces. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Tie the lemongrass into a bundle with cotton twine. Combine broth, lemongrass, sliced shiitake mushrooms and pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat immediately and simmer, uncover for ten minutes. Remove the lemongrass bundle from the broth. Add the asparagus and chicken. Simm for another 3 minutes or until heated through. Asparagus should be crisp but tender. Remove from heat, add green onions. Divide among four bowls and garnish with fresh chopped basil. (optional)

Yield: 4 servings
Claories: 105
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Clear Oriental Soup

Clear Oriental Soup

6 C. low fat chicken broth
1/3 C. dry sherry
4 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1 lemon thinly sliced
6 fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 green onions with tops, sliced thinly, diagonally
1 very thinly sliced carrot

Bring broth to simmer in large saucepan. Add sherry and soy sauce; simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle soup into small bowls; float a lemon slice in each bowl. Arrange garnishes of mushrooms, green onions and carrot on tray and add to soup as desired.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 61
Fat: trace
Fiber: 1g

Cook’s Illustrated Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts & Parmesan

Cook’s Illustrated Arugula Salad with Figs, Prosciutto, Walnuts & Parmesan

Although frying the prosciutto adds crisp texture to the salad, if you prefer, you can simply cut it into ribbons and use it as a garnish. Honey can be substituted for the raspberry jam.

1/4 C. extra-virgin olive oil
2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into %-inch-wide ribbons
3 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. raspberry jam
1/2 C. dried figs, stemmed and chopped into %-inch pieces
1 small shallot, minced
Salt and pepper
5 oz. (5 C.) baby arugula
1/2 C. walnuts, toasted and chopped
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved into thin strips with vegetable peeler (1 C.)

Heat 1 tsp. oil in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat; add prosciutto and fry until crisp, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate and set aside to let cool. Whisk vinegar and jam in medium microwave-safe bowl; stir in figs. Cover with plastic wrap, cut several steam vents in plastic, and microwave on high until figs are plump, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in remaining 3 tsp. oil, shallot, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper; toss to combine. Let cool to room temperature. Toss arugula and vinaigrette in large bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide salad among individual plates; top each with portion of prosciutto, walnuts, and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Cheese and Shrimp Stuffed Roasted Poblanos with Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Cheese and Shrimp Stuffed Roasted Poblanos with Red Bell Pepper Sauce

8 large poblano chilies (each about 3 ounces)
8 oz. peeled deveined cooked shrimp, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup soft fresh goat cheese (about 4 ounces), room temperature
1/2 cup (packed) grated Panela cheese* or Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 T. chopped shallot
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. chopped fresh basil
Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Char poblano chilies over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag 10 minutes. Peel chilies. Using small sharp knife, carefully slit chilies open along 1 side. Remove seeds, leaving stems attached. Mix shrimp and next 6 ingredients in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Fill chilies with shrimp mixture, dividing equally. Pull up sides of chilies to enclose filling. Place stuffed chilies on baking sheet. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Preheat oven to 350�F. Bake chilies uncovered until heated through and cheeses melt, about 15 minutes. Spoon 3 T. Red Bell Pepper Sauce onto each of 8 plates. Place 1 stuffed chili atop sauce on each. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired, and serve.

*Panela cheese is a popular cheese in Mexico. Panela cheese is mild, white and crumbly and will not run when heated. The cheese is used in Mexico for many cooked dishes, and is commonly crumbled over salads, tacos, chili and burritos. Look for it in Mexican or gourmet food stores.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 272
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 0g

Corn & Tomatillo Soup

Corn & Tomatillo Soup

1 1/2 C. tomatillos
1 1/2 C. onion, chopped
2 garlic gloves, diced
1 tsp. margarine
3 3/4 C. whole kernel corn
1 C. frozen peas
4 C. low sodium chicken broth
1 T. cilantro, chopped
4 oz. diced green chilies
1/4 C. spinach, chopped
1 tsp. sugar

Sauté tomatillos, onion and garlic in with margarine for five minutes. Remove to food processor and add peas and cilantro. Puree to chunky. Pour in pan and add chicken stock, diced green chilies, chopped spinach, corn, and sugar. Heat and serve.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 127
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g

Lousiana Crab Soup with Okra

Lousiana Crab Soup with Okra

Cooking oil spray
2 T. low saturated fat margarine
2 large onions, finely chopped
6 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 T. minced garlic
1 tsp. thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (less if you don’t like it too hot)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 C. dry red wine
One 28-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped, juices reserved
3 bay leaves
2 1/2 quarts fish stock or light chicken stock or 1 1/2 quarts bottled clam juice mixed with 1 quart water
6 C. fresh or thawed frozen okra, sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
1 1/2 pounds lump crabmeat, picked over to remove cartilage
1/2 C. chopped fresh basil
Tabasco sauce

In a large, heavy nonstick pot, melt 2 T. of the margarine. Add the onions and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, bell pepper, garlic, thyme and crushed pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and boil over moderately high heat until reduced to a syrup, about 1 minute. Add the tomato juices and bay leaves and boil until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Add the stock, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking oil spray and heat over medium high heat. Add the okra, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring a few times, until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Stir the okra and tomatoes into the soup and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes longer. Discard the bay leaves. Add the crabmeat to the soup and simmer until just heated through. Stir in the basil and season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and serve.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 160
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3g

Spicy Pomegranate Baked Pears

Spicy Pomegranate Baked Pears

4 firm baking pears
1 C. pomegranate syrup
2 T. lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick, 2 inches in length
4 whole cloves

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel pears, halve lengthwise, and core. Arrange pears cut side down in a ceramic baking dish. In a non-metallic bowl, combine pomegranate syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Pour the mixture over the pears, and place in pre-heated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, basting frequently or until pears are tender.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 342
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 5g

Chicken-Ginseng Soup

Chicken-Ginseng Soup

2 T. vegetable oil
2 C. chopped onion
2 T. diced peeled fresh ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 C. water
3 (14 1/2-oz.) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3 C. fresh or frozen yellow corn
4 bags ginseng tea or 2 sliced ginseng roots
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. white pepper

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, ginger, and garlic cloves; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken; sauté 4 minutes. Add water and broth; bring to a boil. Stir in corn and ginseng tea; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 1/2 C.

Calories: 188
Fat: 6.1g
Fiber: 2.4g

Grilled Eggplant with Pomegranate Sauce

Grilled Eggplant with Pomegranate Sauce

1 large eggplant
2 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1/2 C. pomegranate syrup
1 tsp. salt
Minced parsley
1/2 C. pomegranate seeds

Cut eggplant into 1/4-inch slices, and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle slices with salt, and weight them down with heavy plates or a board for 30 minutes. Then pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly brush eggplant slices with olive oil, and place them on grill. Grill them for 3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned on both sides. Remove from grill. Arrange the eggplant by overlapping the slices on a serving dish. In a mortar, crush garlic cloves with 2 tsps salt to a paste. In a non-metallic bowl, combine the garlic paste and pomegranate syrup. Spread a little of the mixture on each eggplant slice. Sprinkle the slices with minced parley and pomegranate seeds for garnish and chill covered.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 239
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Tropical Tofu Smoothie

Tropical Tofu Smoothie

2/3 C. soft tofu, drained (3 oz.)
1 C. cubed pineapple, chilled
1 C. sliced strawberries, chilled
1/2 C. vanilla low-fat frozen yogurt
1/3 C. orange juice
1 tsp. sugar
Dash of ground nutmeg (optional)

Place tofu in a blender; process until smooth. Add pineapple and next 4 ingredients (pineapple through sugar); process until smooth. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired.

Yield: 2 servings
Serving size: 1 C.

Calories: 147
Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 2.8g

Ruby Surprise

Ruby Surprise

3 cups red grapes, rinsed
2 pints fresh raspberries (about 3 cups)
6 tablespoons minced candied ginger
6 tablespoons grenadine
For each dessert, arrange 1/2 cup raspberries and 1/2 cup grapes in a crystal goblet or martini glass. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon minced candied ginger over fruit and then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of grenadine.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 155
Fat: .8g
Fiber: 5g

Garden Pastitsio

Garden Pastitsio

2 tsp. olive oil
2 C. diced onion
1 C. diced celery
2 tsp. chopped fresh or 3/4 tsp. dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-oz.) package tempeh, crumbled
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 T. water
5 C. 1% low-fat milk
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried dill
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
8 C. hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 lb. uncooked)
2 4-oz.) packages crumbled feta cheese, divided
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, oregano, garlic, and tempeh, and sauté 5 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water, and stir well. Add cornstarch mixture and milk to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper, macaroni, 4 oz. feta, and spinach. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 4 oz. feta. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 1/2 C.

Calories: 428
Fat: 12.1g
Fiber: 4.4g

Watercress and Pomegranate Salad

Watercress and Pomegranate Salad

For the pomegranate dressing:
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup pomegranate juice, about 1/2 of a pomegranate
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:
3 bunches watercress, washed and stems removed
3 head butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
3 blood oranges, peeled and sectioned
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup pomegranate seeds, about 1/2 of a pomegranate

For the pomegranate dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the mustard, pomegranate juice and lemon juice together. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the salad: Combine the watercress and lettuce in a large serving bowl and toss it with the pomegranate dressing. Arrange the orange sections on top and sprinkle with walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 107
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g

Jicama, Green Bean, and Pomegranate Salad

Jicama, Green Bean, and Pomegranate Salad

1 fresh pomegranate
1/2 C. pomegranate juice
1 1/2 lbs pieces of jicama
2 lbs thin French green beans
1/4 C. walnuts
1 T. fresh chopped parsley
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 T. fresh lemon juice

Peel and cut jicama into 1/4-inch thick slices. Stack 2 or 3 slices on a cutting board and cut into 1/4-inch sticks. Place in a bowl and toss with pomegranate juice. Chill, covered for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Have ready a bowl of ice and cold water, trim green beans. In a saucepan of boiling salted water, blanch beans for 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Transfer beans with a slotted spoon into ice water to stop cooking. Drain in colander. To prepare the pomegranate, follow the 6-step process to get the fresh seeds. Chop the walnuts coarsely. Take out the jicama mixture, and add green beans, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts with salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 261
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Slow Roasted Salmon

Slow Roasted Salmon

2 T. of fresh lemon or lime juice
2 T. of Djion mustard
1 T. olive oil
1 clove of minced garlic
1/2 tsp. of salt
1/4 tsp. of ground coriander
1/4 tsp. of cayenne
1-2 lb. of salmon filets

Preheat the oven to 325º. Line a roasting pan (or cookie sheet) with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Combine the lemon (or lime) juice, mustard, oil, garlic, salt, coriander and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the fish. Place the fish skin-side down* in the roasting pan and roast until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center reads 125ºF, 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. Serve immediately.

Yield: varies
Serving Size: 3oz.

Calories: 121
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0g

Pomegranate and Banana Salad

Pomegranate and Banana Salad

2 pomegranates, chilled
4 bananas
1 T. palm sugar or brown sugar
2 limes (or 1/4 C. freshly squeezed lime juice)

Mix together the juice of the lime and the T. of sugar. Adjust sweet and sour to taste. Score and seed both pomegranates, freeing the seeds. Mound the pomegranate seeds in the center of the salad plates and slice the bananas around the perimeter of the seeds. Drizzle with the prepared lime dressing and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 83
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g

Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Red Bell Pepper Sauce

2 large red bell peppers
1 T. olive oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeo chili, seeded, minced
1 cup low-salt vegetable broth

Char bell peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and coarsely chop bell peppers. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and chili; saut until shallots are tender, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender; add bell peppers and vegetable broth. Puree until smooth. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm over medium heat before serving.)

Yield: 2 1/3 C.
Calories: 200 (entire recipe)
Fat: 13.5g (entire recipe)
Fiber: 3.9g (entire recipe)

Toasted Millet Pilaf

Toasted Millet Pilaf

2 C. millet
1/8 tsp. curry powder, optional
4 C. fat-free chicken broth
1/4 C. sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1/2 C. boiling water
1/2 C. shredded zucchini
1/2 C. shredded yellow squash
1/4 C. minced red bell pepper
1/4 C. chopped green onions

Toast millet in Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant and nutty. Stir in curry powder, if desired. Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes. Add chicken broth; bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender and liquid is absorbed, 25 minutes. Meanwhile, soak dried tomatoes in boiling water 15 minutes. Drain and chop, reserving liquid. Combine tomatoes, reserved liquid, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and green onions in small skillet; cook over medium heat until most of the liquid is evaporated. Add to cooked millet and toss to combine. Fluff with a fork.

Yield: 9 servings
Serving Size: 1 C.
Calories: 195
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 3.5g

Fall Festival Fruit Salad

Fall Festival Fruit Salad

4 C. of spinach leaves, chopped
1 red apple, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 lb. grapes
1 cantaloupe, or other melon, seeded, pared and cut into chunks
1/2 C. pomegranate seeds

Core, rinse, and thoroughly drain lettuce. Using a stainless steel knife, cut lettuce into bite-size chunks. Arrange apple slices, grape clusters, and melon wedges on lettuce. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over top. Chill. When ready to serve, drizzle citrus dressing over all.

Citrus Dressing

1/2 C. plain yogurt
1/4 C. unsweetened orange juice concentrate, thawed

Combine yogurt and orange juice concentrate. Whip until smooth. Makes about 1 C..

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 186
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 4g

Sweet and Sour Prawn Lemongrass Soup

Sweet and Sour Prawn Lemongrass Soup

1 lb. tiger prawns with shell
4 C. chicken stock
3 stalks lemon grass
3 T. fish sauce
0.25 C. lime juice
2 T. chopped green onion
10 kaffir lime leaves, torn in half
1 C. straw mushrooms
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro
4 red chile peppers, seeded and chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Shell and devein the prawns, reserving the shells. Rinse the shells and place them in a large saucepan with the chicken stock. Bruise the lemon grass stalks, and add them to the broth along with half of the lime leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Return the stock to a simmer, and add the mushrooms and prawns. Cook until the prawns are pink. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, 2 T. green onion, cilantro, red chilies, and remaining lime leaves. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 190
Fat: 2.2g
Fiber: 0g

Tilapia with Chili Cream Sauce

Tilapia with Chili Cream Sauce

1 lb. tilapia fillet
2 T. cornmeal
2 T. flour
1 tsp. canola oil
2 tsp. butter
2 tsp. flour
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 C. Fat: free half-and-half
2 T. parsley, or cilantro, optional
lime slices, optional

Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish; pat dry. Cut into 4 serving-size portions. Stir together cornmeal and the 2 T. flour. Sprinkle over both sides of fish. Lightly coat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add oil to skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Add fish pieces. Cook pieces over medium to medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Remove fish from skillet. Keep warm. Melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in the 2 tsp. flour, chili powder, salt and cumin. Stir in half-and-half. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. To serve, spoon sauce over fish. If desired, sprinkle with parsley, garnish with lime slices.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 188
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Asparagus with Hot Bacon Dressing

Asparagus with Hot Bacon Dressing

2 Slices bacon, finely diced
1/2 Medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 C. vinegar
1/4 C. water
Sugar substitute to equal 2 tsp. sugar
1 Can asparagus, heated and drained

Brown bacon in a skillet until crisp. Add onion, and cook until tender; drain well. Add vinegar and water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar substitute. Pour dressing over. asparagus, and serve warm.

Yield: 4 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 C.
Calories:58
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3g

Spanish Green Beans

Spanish Green Beans

3 3/4 C. fresh green beans
1 onion, chopped
2 T. reduced-calorie margarine, melted 1-1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
5 Medium tomatoes, diced
2 Medium-size green peppers, chopped.

Wash beans; trim ends, and remove strings, Cut beans into 1-1/2-inch pieces. Sauté onion in margarine in a nonstick, skillet until tender. Add beans, salt. garlic powder. and black pepper. Cover and cook over low heat 10 mins, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato and green pepper; cover and simmer 25 to 30 mins or until beans are tender.

Yield: 8 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 C.
Calories: 55
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 3g

Chunky Guacamole

Chunky Guacamole

4 ripe avocados
3 limes, juiced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 serrano chiles, sliced thinly
1 big handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork, leaving them somewhat chunky. Add the remaining ingredients, and fold everything together to gently mix. Lay a piece of plastic wrap right on the surface of the guacamole so it doesn’t brown and refrigerate 1 hour before serving

Yield: 16 servings
Calories: 84
Fat: 7.5g
Fiber: 1.2g

Herbes de Provence Red Potato Oven Fries

Herbes de Provence Red Potato Oven Fries

2 to 2 1/2 lb. red potatoes, washed
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, enough to coat
2 T. Herbes de Provence or dried parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, combined
1 T. grill seasoning (recommended: McCormick Montreal Seasoning) or 1 tsp. each salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil, for easy clean up. Cut potatoes into wedges and drop onto cookie sheet. Coat potatoes in oil. Season with dried spices and grill seasoning or salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, 25 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 211
Fat: 10.7g
Fiber: .7g

Italian New Potato Bake

Italian New Potato Bake

3 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt
2 lb. new potatoes, cut into quarters
1/2 cup Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese

Mix oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt with wire whisk until well blended. Pour over potatoes in large bowl. Add grated topping; mix lightly. Place in 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 190
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g

Garden Fresh New Potato & Bean Salad

Garden Fresh New Potato & Bean Salad

1/2 cup Miracle Whip Light Dressing
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 lb. each new red and white mini potatoes, unpeeled, halved, cooked until tender and cooled
1/2 lb. each green and yellow beans, cut into 2-inch pieces, blanched
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

Mix dressing and mustard in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 150
Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 4g

Better-for-You Potato Salad

Better-for-You Potato Salad

1 lb. new potatoes
1/4 C. Light Mayonnaise
2 tsp. dried basil leaves
2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled, chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 medium green pepper, chopped

Cut potatoes into cubes. Cook in boiling water for 15 min. or just until tender; drain. Cool completely. Mix mayo and basil in large bowl until well blended. Add potatoes, eggs, carrots and peppers; mix lightly. Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.

Yield: 6 servings, about 3/4 C. each
Calories: 140
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Fresh-from-the-Cob Corn Salad

Fresh-from-the-Cob Corn Salad

1/2 C. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing
2 T. Dijon Mustard
4 medium ears of corn, cooked, cooled slightly
1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed, cut into 1-inch lengths (about 2 C.), cooked
1 C. grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 C. chopped fresh basil

Mix dressing and mustard until well blended. Cut off the kernels from the ears of corn. Add corn to dressing mixture; mix well. Add remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Serve immediately. To grill the ears of corn, carefully pull back the husks from the tops of the ears to remove the silk, being careful not to detach the husks from the bottoms of the ears. Rinse the corn. Rewrap the husks around the corn. Place corn on grate of grill over low heat. Grill 15 to 20 min. or until tender, turning frequently to prevent the husks from burning. Remove the corn from the grill. Using a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands, peel back the husks and cut off the kernels.

Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 C.

Calories: 70
Fat: 2.5g
Fiber: 2g

Pesto Crostini

Pesto Crostini

3 C. fresh basil leaves, washed, dried
1/3 C. Italian Vinaigrette Dressing
1/3 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese
32 baguette slices (1/4-inch thick), toasted
1 container (8 oz.) Cream Cheese
1/4 C. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Place basil leaves, dressing and 1/3 C. Parmesan cheese in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until well blended. Spread baguette slices evenly with cream cheese spread, then with pesto mixture. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 C. Parmesan cheese. Optional: To make a black olive pesto, prepare as directed, adding 1/2 C. pitted black olives to the food processor container with the basil.

Yield: 16 servings
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g

New Potatoes in Dill Cream Sauce

New Potatoes in Dill Cream Sauce

2-1/2 lb. new red potatoes, quartered
1 container (8 oz.) Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1/4 C. milk
1 green pepper, chopped
3 T. chopped fresh dill

Place potatoes in large saucepan: add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, mix cream cheese spread, milk and green pepper in large microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 40 to 50 seconds or until cream cheese spread is melted; stir until well blended. Stir in dill. Add drained potatoes; toss lightly to coat. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Serve as a cold potato salad, stirring in a small amount of additional milk to thin, if necessary.

Yield: 16 servings, about 1/2 C. each
Calories: 110
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g

Chicken Lime Soup

Chicken Lime Soup

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 C. chopped onion
2 T. chopped chipotle chili peppers, or to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 C. shredded cooked chicken
1-1/2 qt. (6 C.) chicken broth
1/2 C. fresh lime juice
Salt and black pepper
1 C. Kraft Shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 C. chopped cilantro

Mix tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, garlic, oregano and bay leaf in 4-quart saucepot. Cook on medium-high heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, chicken broth and lime juice. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 30 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve in soup bowls topped with cheese and cilantro. Optional: Serve garnished with dollop of Sour Cream, lime slices and fried corn tortillas.

Makes: 7 (1-C.) servings
Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g

Chipotle Tomato Soup

Chipotle Tomato Soup

1 C. chopped onion
2 T. olive oil
2 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 can (14 oz.) low sodium chicken broth
1/4 C. RF Thousand Island Dressing
1 T. chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

Cook and stir onions in hot oil in large skillet until tender. Add tomatoes, carrots and chicken broth; mix well. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15 min. or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Transfer vegetable mixture to a blender container in small batches; cover. Blend until smooth, adding dressing and chipotles to the last batch. Serve warm or chilled. Leftover Idea: Prepare as directed. Serve as a sauce over your favorite hot cooked pasta.

Yield: 5 servings
Calories: 140
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g

Stir-Fry Salad with Rice

Stir-Fry Salad with Rice

1 T. vegetable oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
3 C. assorted cut-up vegetables (such as broccoli, red pepper, carrots and pea pods)
1/2 C. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing
2 T. soy sauce
1 bag (10 oz.) salad greens
1 C. Brown Rice, cooked

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 minutes or until cooked through. Add vegetables; cook an additional 2 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Mix dressing and soy sauce. Place salad greens in large salad bowl. Add chicken mixture and rice; mix lightly. Serve with dressing mixture.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 310
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 4g

Ham & Swiss Reuben Roll-Ups

Ham & Swiss Reuben Roll-Ups

6 slices Deli Style Shaved Smoked Ham
1 T. RF Thousand Island Dressing
4-1/2 tsp. Sauerkraut, drained
1 Kraft 2% Milk Swiss Singles, cut into 3 strips

Flatten ham slices; pat dry. Stack 2 of the ham slices; spread with 1 tsp. of the dressing. Top with 1-1/2 tsp. of the sauerkraut and 1 strip of the 2% Milk Singles; roll up. Secure with toothpick, if desired. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 3 roll-ups. To Warm: Assemble as directed. Place on microwavable plate; cover with microwavable paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 5 to 10 seconds or until 2% Milk Singles starts to melt.

Yield: 1 serving
Calories: 130
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g

Grilled Marinated Steak

Grilled Marinated Steak

3 oz. beef, loin cut
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1/3 T. olive oil

Mince garlic. Combine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, onion powder, black pepper and garlic in a shallow pie plate or dish. Add steak and marinate, refrigerated, for about 30 minutes, turning meat once. Preheat grill or broiler and cook steak on highest oven rack for 4-6 minutes, turn, brush with remaining marinade, and grill 3-4 minutes more, depending upon your preference (medium or well done.) Serve.

Calories: 203
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 1g

Bold ‘n’ Saucy Cheeseburger

Bold ‘n’ Saucy Cheeseburger

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1/4 C. A.1. Bold & Spicy Steak Sauce, divided
4 slices red onion
4 Kraft 2% Milk Singles
4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
4 slices tomato

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Mix meat and 2 T. of the steak sauce in medium bowl. Shape into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) patties. Spray both sides of onion slices with cooking spray and set aside. GRILL patties 4 min. on each side or until cooked through, adding onions to the grill after 2 min. and cooking until crisp-tender. Top the burgers with the 2% Milk Singles and continue grilling until the 2% Milk Singles are melted. Place burgers on bottom halves of buns. Top evenly with remaining 2 T. steak sauce. Cover with onions, tomatoes and top halves of buns.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 340
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g

A.1. Cajun Grilled Steak and Vegetables

A.1. Cajun Grilled Steak and Vegetables

1 boneless beef sirloin steak (1-1/4 lb.), 1 inch thick
1 medium zucchini, halved
1 medium yellow squash, halved
1 small eggplant, sliced
2 medium red onions, halved
1/2 C. A.1. Marinade New Orleans Cajun, divided

Place steak and combined vegetables in separate resealable plastic bags. Pour 1/4 C. of the marinade over the steak and the remaining marinade over the vegetables. Seal bags; turn to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak and vegetables from bags; discard marinade. Grill steak 10 minutes; turn over. Add vegetables to the grill. Grill 5 to 8 minutes or until steak is cooked through and vegetables are crisp-tender, turning vegetables occasionally.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 260
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 5g