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

Triscuit Tuna Melts

Triscuit Tuna Melts

1 can (3 oz.) low sodium tuna, drained, flaked
1 T. Sour Cream
Dash hot pepper sauce
24 Triscuit Low Sodium Crackers
1/4 C. Shredded Swiss Cheese

Mix tuna, sour cream and hot sauce until well blended. Spread 1 tsp. of the tuna mixture onto each cracker; top with 1/2 tsp. of the cheese. Place 8 topped crackers on microwavable plate. MICROWAVE on HIGH 15-20 seconds or until cheese begins to melt. Repeat with remaining topped crackers. Serve immediately.

Yield: 8 (3 topped crackers each)
Calories: 80
Fat: 3.5g
Fiber: 2g

Melon Bubbles

Melon Bubbles

1-1/2 C. boiling water
1 pkg. (8-serving size) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Sugar Free Low Calorie Gelatin
2-1/2 C. cold club soda or seltzer
1 C. melon balls (cantaloupe, honeydew and/or watermelon)

Stir boiling water into gelatin in large bowl at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in cold club soda. Refrigerate 1-1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression). MEASURE 1 C. thickened gelatin into medium bowl; set aside. Stir melon balls into remaining gelatin. Spoon into 8 champagne glasses or dessert dishes. BEAT reserved gelatin with electric mixer on high speed until fluffy and about doubled in volume. Spoon over gelatin in glasses. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 15
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Fantasy Chicken

Fantasy Chicken

4 1/2 oz. boneless chicken breast
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 T. low sodium salsa
1 small apple
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 T. fresh basil
2 T. fresh lemon juice
3/4 T. olive oil

Rinse and pat dry chicken. Peel and grate apple and mix with nutmeg and lemon juice in a small bowl.(note: you may use less spice if desired.) In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté chicken about 3-5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan and keep warm. In same skillet, add apple mixture and salsa, raise heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Stir in chopped basil and pepper and continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until sauce is thickened. Serve chicken topped with sauce over the rice.

Calories: 320
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Sauce with Pasta

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Sauce with Pasta

8 medium plum tomatoes, chopped (about 2 lb.)
1/4 C. chopped fresh basil leaves
2 T. chopped red onion
1/2 C. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing
1/4 C. Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
1 lb. pasta, cooked, drained

Combine tomatoes, basil and onion in large bowl. Stir in dressing and cheese. Add pasta; toss lightly.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 280
Fat: 4.5g
Fiber: 3g

Gruyere Caraway Popovers

Gruyere Caraway Popovers

2 large eggs
3/4 C. milk
1/4 C. water
1 T. melted butter
1 C. minus 2 T. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds, freshly ground or smashed, plus more whole, for the centers
1/2 C. coarsely grated Gruyere (about 2 oz.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously grease 6 (2/3-C.) popover tins or 9 (1/2-C.) muffin tins.
In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, and water and add butter in a stream, whisking. Add flour and salt and whisk mixture until combined well but still slightly lumpy. Whisk ground caraway seeds into batter. Divide half of batter among tins and sprinkle 1/4 C. Gruyere and whole caraway seeds over popovers. Then top with the remainder of batter. Bake popovers in lower 1/3 of oven for 45 minutes. Cut a slit about 1/2-inch long on top of each popover with a small sharp knife and bake 10 minutes more.

Yield: 9 servings
Calories: 103
Fat: 4.8g
Fiber: .3g

Lemon and Lime Rice

Lemon and Lime Rice

2 C. Minute White Rice, uncooked
1 T. butter or margarine
1 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1-1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1-1/2 tsp. grated lime peel
1/2 tsp. salt

Cook rice as directed on package. Add butter; stir until melted. Add remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Serve warm.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 190
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g

Swiss Cheese Ham and Asparagus Bake

Swiss Cheese Ham and Asparagus Bake

1 pkg. (6 oz.) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
3 C. cubed cooked ham
18 fresh asparagus spears (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 2-inch pieces
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup
1/2 C. milk
1 C. hredded Swiss Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F. Add 1-1/2 C. hot water to stuffing mix in medium bowl; stir just until moistened. Let stand 5 min. Mix ham, asparagus, soup and milk in 13×9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Top with stuffing. Bake 30 min. or until heated through and golden brown on top.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g

Rustic Rueben Salad

Rustic Rueben Salad

8 C. torn salad greens
1 tomato, cut into wedges
1 C. croutons
1/2 lb. deli corned beef, sliced, cut into strips
3/4 C. cubed Kraft Swiss Cheese
1/4 C. sauerkraut, well drained
1/4 C. Kraft Thousand Island Dressing
Combine greens, tomato and croutons in a large salad bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 310
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 3g

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup

1/4 C. chopped onion
1 T. butter or margarine
1 T. flour
2 C. milk
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, cubed
8 oz. (1/2 lb.) Light Velveeta Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut up
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli, cooked, drained
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. pepper

Cook and stir onion in butter in 2-quart saucepan on medium-high heat until tender. Reduce heat to medium.
Add milk and cream cheese; cook until cream cheese is melted, stirring frequently. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Great Substitute: Substitute 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach; frozen cauliflower, chopped; or frozen asparagus spears, chopped; for the broccoli.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 220
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g

Glazed Carrots

Glazed Carrots

1/4 C. Catalina Dressing
1 T. Brown Sugar, optional
1 lb. baby carrots
2 T. Slivered Almonds, toasted
2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Pour dressing over carrots in large nonstick skillet; stir to coat.
Cover and cook on medium heat 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in almonds and parsley.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 90
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Asian Peanut-Ginger Steaks

Asian Peanut-Ginger Steaks

1/2 C. A.1. Teriyaki
2 T. creamy peanut butter
1 T. grated fresh gingerroot
Grated peel and juice of 1 lime
4 bone-in beef sirloin steaks (8 oz. each), 3/4 inch thick

Mix marinade, peanut butter, ginger, lime peel and juice with wire whisk until well blended. Reserve 1/4 C. of the marinade mixture to serve with the cooked steak. Place steaks in resealable plastic bag. Pour 1/2 C. of the marinade mixture over steaks; seal bag. Turn over several times to evenly coat steak. Refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Preheat grill to medium heat. Grille steaks 4 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare (145°F) to medium doneness (160°F), brushing frequently with the remaining marinade mixture. Cut each steak in half. Serve with the 1/4 C. reserved marinade mixture.

1/2 C. regular A-1; 3 T. PB, 2 T. Soy Sauce, 1 T. grated Ginger, grated Peel and Juice of one lime

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g

Steak House Grilled Sirloin

Steak House Grilled Sirloin

1/3 C. A.1. Roasted Garlic Steak Sauce
1/4 C. finely chopped onion
3/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 beef sirloin steak (1-1/2 lb.), 3/4 inch thick

Preheat grill to medium heat. Mix steak sauce, onion and hot pepper sauce; set aside. Grill steak 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through, turning occasionally and brushing with the steak sauce mixture. Cut steak into 6 pieces to serve.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 0g

Crispy Vegetable Spread

Crispy Vegetable Spread

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Neufchatel Cheese, softened
1 C. shredded, peeled seeded cucumber, well drained
1 C. shredded carrot
1 tsp. chopped fresh dill
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
4 green onions, sliced
1 Box Triscuit Reduced Fat Crackers

Mix all ingredients except crackers until well blended; cover. Refrigerate several hours to allow flavors to blend. Serve as a spread with crackers.

Yield: 16 servings, 2 T. spread and 6 crackers eachCalories: 140
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g

Turkey and Vegetable Tostadas

Turkey and Vegetable Tostadas

6 Flour Tortillas
1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) Taco Seasoning Mix, divided
1 lb. ground turkey breast
2 C. chopped tomatoes, divided
1 C. chopped zucchini
1/2 C. water
1 C. Kraft 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese
1-1/2 C. shredded lettuce
3 T. chopped cilantro

Place tortillas in single layer on baking sheet. Spray 1 side of tortillas with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with about 1 tsp. of the taco seasoning mix. Bake at 400°F for 6 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned. Set aside. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add turkey; cook on medium-high heat 4 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Add 1 C. of the tomatoes, zucchini, water and remaining taco seasoning mix; simmer 5 minutes. Spoon turkey mixture evenly onto tortillas; top with cheese, lettuce, remaining 1 C. tomatoes and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 270
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g

Italian Ham Primavera

Italian Ham Primavera

1 pkg. (9.4 oz.) Kraft Deluxe White Cheddar on Rotini Pasta with Broccoli
2 C. ham strips
2 C. frozen vegetable blend, thawed
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Cook Rotini Pasta in boiling water in large saucepan 8 min., stirring occasionally. Mix contents of the Broccoli Pouch, ham and vegetable blend with the ingredients in saucepan. Continue cooking 5 min.; drain. Do not rinse. Add Cheese Sauce and Italian seasoning; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Great Substitute: Substitute 2 C. cut-up mixed fresh vegetables, such as asparagus, tomatoes, green onions, carrots and/or green beans, for the frozen vegetable blend.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g

Spring Pea Soup

Spring Pea Soup

1/2 C. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing
2 C. cubed peeled potatoes (1 inch)
2 pkg. (9 oz. each) frozen peas and pearl onions
2 cans (14 oz. each) low sodium chicken broth
1/2 C. Light Sour Cream
2 T. chopped fresh mint

Mix all ingredients except sour cream in large saucepan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15 min. or until vegetables are tender. Transfer vegetable mixture to blender container in small batches; cover. Blend until smooth; pour into medium bowl. Repeat until all of the vegetable mixture is pureed. Stir in sour cream. Serve warm sprinkled with mint.

Yield: 7 servings, 1 C. each
Calories: 110
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Greek-Style Couscous Salad

Greek-Style Couscous Salad

1 C. whole wheat couscous, uncooked (or 4 C. cooked bulgur wheat)
1 C. halved cucumber slices
1 large tomato, chopped
1 pkg. (4 oz.) Crumbled Reduced Fat Feta Cheese
1 tsp. dill weed (optional)
1/2 C. Reduced Fat Italian Dressing

Cook couscous as directed on package, omitting the salt and butter. Fluff with fork. Place in a large bowl; cool 10 min. Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly. Cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 190
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 5g

Springtime Sauteed Spinach

Springtime Sauteed Spinach

1/4 C. Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 C. packed baby spinach leaves
2 T. Real Bacon Bits

Heat dressing in large deep skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute or until tender. Add spinach; cover. Cook an additional 4 to 6 minutes or until spinach is wilted, stirring after 3 minutes. Sprinkle with bacon bits. Variation: Prepare as directed, substituting Swiss chard for the spinach and increasing the cooking time to about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 80
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 3g

Tuscan Bread Salad

Tuscan Bread Salad

3 C. cubed Italian bread, toasted
2 C. washed torn arugula
1 C. chopped seeded tomato
1 C. chopped cucumber
1/2 C. Shredded Parmesan Cheese 3/4 C. Italian Dressing

Toss bread with arugula, tomato, cucumber and cheese in a large salad bowl. Add dressing just before serving; mix lightly.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 170
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g

4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp

4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
4 cloves garlic, crushed away from skin
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
24 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
2 tsp. grill or steak seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Seasoning by McCormick) or coarse salt and pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 T. chopped parsley leaves, a handful

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, garlic, red pepper flakes and shrimp. Season with grill seasoning or salt and pepper and cook shrimp 3 minutes or until just pink. Toss with lemon zest, juice and chopped parsley. Remove shrimp to a serving platter leaving the garlic cloves in the pan.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 191
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0g

Grilled Red Onion Marmalade

Grilled Red Onion Marmalade

5 medium red onions, peeled, cut in 1/2-inch slices
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium jalapeno chile, seeded, minced
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons each: creme de cassis, grenadine, zinfandel or other full-bodied red wine

Prepare a grill or broiler. Brush onion slices with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil; season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and pepper to taste. Grill 2 minutes on each side. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add grilled onions, garlic and jalapenos. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add vinegar, creme de cassis, grenadine and zinfandel, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated, about 15 minutes. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a food processor; pulse 5-7 times until finely chopped but not pureed. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Yield: 2 C.
Serving Size: 1 T.

Calories: 21
Fat: 1g
Fiber: .3g

Mahi-Mahi With Corn & Tomatillo Salsa

Mahi-Mahi With Corn & Tomatillo Salsa

6 mahi-mahi filets, 3 oz. each
1/3 C. pistachios, ground

Salsa:
5 ears fresh corn
24 tomatillos
1 red pepper
1 tomato
1/2 jalapeño, seeded
2 T. cilantro

Sauce:
1 C. fresh squeezed orange juice
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 T. pistachio nut oil

Salsa, Prepare a hot grill. Remove silks from ears of corn and pull husks back to cover. Place on grill and char on all sides until corn is cooked, about 5 minutes. At the same time, remove the husks from tomatillos and place on grill with red pepper and char on all sides. When vegetables are cool enough to handle remove the husks from the corn and cut off the cob. Finely dice the tomatillos and tomato. Peel, seed and dice the red pepper. Place them all in a stainless steel bowl and mix with the jalapeño and cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Reserve. Sauce, Place orange juice in a stainless steel saucepan and reduce by half over high heat until lightly thickened. Add the lemon juice and pistachio nut oil and reserve. To serve, Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Roll fish filets in ground pistachios. Spray oil on skillet and cook filets on both sides to lightly brown and cook through. Divide salsa between six plates, place fish on top and drizzle sauce around the fish.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 340
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 7g

Asian Pear Slaw with Chilies

Asian Pear Slaw with Chilies

6 celery ribs
4 T. fresh lime juice
4 T. seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp. ginger root
6 Asian Pears, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 scallions, thinly sliced on diagonal
1/4 C. Cilantro leaves
1/2 tsp. Fresno chili or Jalapeno chili, finely chopped

Whisk together juice, vinegar, and ginger and stir in celery and remaining ingredients with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 67
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 1g

Poached Asian Pears in Raspberry Sauce

Poached Asian Pears in Raspberry Sauce

4 Asian pears
1 C. apple juice
1 C. dry white wine
1/2 C. water
Few strips of lemon or orange peel

Raspberry Sauce:
1 C. fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
2 T. sugar

Core Asian pears if desired, or leave stem and core intact. In a saucepan, combine the apple juice, wine, water, and lemon or orange peel. Place pears in liquid. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, 20 minutes, spooning liquid over pears frequently during cooking. (Pears will still be firm after cooking.) Chill pears in liquid. Meanwhile, prepare Raspberry Sauce: In a blender or food processor bowl, place berries. Cover and process till smooth. Add sugar; process again. If desired, strain sauce to remove seeds. Cover and chill sauce till needed. To serve, spoon some of the Raspberry Sauce onto 4 dessert plates; place a pear in center of sauce in each plate. Pass any remaining sauce to spoon over pears.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 161
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 2g

Bacon, Ham and Leek Quiche

Bacon, Ham and Leek Quiche

6 strips turkey bacon
1/2 C. low-sodium ham, diced
12 leeks, thinly sliced
1 1/2 C. low-fat Swiss cheese
1 T. flour
1 C. egg substitute
1 C. fat-free half and half
1 C. skim milk
1 prepared 9-inch pie shell

Fry bacon until crisp. Drain. Reserve 1 T. of drippings. Fry leeks and ham in bacon drippings until leeks are tender (5-10 minutes). Drain. Mix Swiss cheese with flour. Set aside. Beat egg substitute add cream, and milk. Add cheese and flour mixture. Mix well. Stir in crumbled bacon, ham and leeks. Mix well. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 186
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g