Eggplant Parmesan (Light)

As a big fan of Italian food it is suprising I haven't made this sooner. I had no excuses not to when I discovered a bunch of eggplant in my CSA box. This lightened up version has afew extra steps than most recipes but trust me it is worth it! This was so good I think it will definitely be a regular in the rotation of dinner meals.

Eggplant Parmesan (Light)
Serves: 6, Serving Size 1/6th of pan
Nutritional Info (per serving *note: w/tomato sauce in recipe): Calories 330, Fat 9g, Sat Fat 4g, Cholesterol 15mg, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 22g, Fiber 6g, Sodium 1520mg.

Ingredients
2 Medium globe eggplants (1 lb each) ends trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/3 inch thick rounds
Kosher salt
1 ½ cups panko (Japanese style bread crumbs)
1 tb olive oil
1 oz parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup unbleached all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp garlic powder
Ground black pepper
3 large egg whites
1 tb water
Vegetable oil spray
5 cups quick tomato sauce
8 oz reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2 tb minced fresh basil leaves

1. Toss half the eggplant with 1 ts of kosher salt, place in large colander to set over a bowl. Repeat with remaining eggplant and 1 more ts salt and transfer into colander with the first batch. Let sit until the eggplant releases about 2 tb liquid, 30 to 40 minutes. Spread eggplant slices on a triple thickness of paper towels and cover with another layer of paper towels. Press firmly on each slice to remove as much liquid as possible, and wipe off the excess salt.

2. Adjust the oven racks to the lower-middle and upper middle positions and heat the oven to 475 degrees. Combine the bread crumbs and oil in a 12 in nonstick skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, about 10 min. Spread the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish and let cool slightly; when cool, stir in the ½ cup parmesan. Combine the flour, garlic powder and ½ ts pepper together into a second shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, whisk the egg whites and water together.

3. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil and coat with vegetable oil spray. Season the eggplant with pepper. Lightly dredge one side of each eggplant slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured side of the eggplant into the egg whites, and then coat the same side with the bread crumbs. Press on the crumbs to make sure they adhere. Lay the eggplants, breaded side up, on the baking sheets in a single layer.

4. Lightly spray the top of the eggplant slices with vegetable oil spray. Bake until the top of the eggplant slices are crisp and golden, about 30 minutes, rotating and switching the baking sheets half way through baking.

5. Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish. Layer in half of the eggplant slices, breaded side up, overlapping the slices to fit. Distribute the ½ cup of the sauce over the eggplant; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Layer in the remaining eggplant, breaded side up, and dot with 1 cup of the sauce, leaving the majority of the eggplant exposed so it will remain crisp. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Bake untill bubbling and the cheese is browned. About 10 minutes. Cool for 5 min, then sprinkle with the basil and serve, passing the remaining sauce and extra parmesan separately.

Source: Cooks Illustrated Best Light Recipe

Chicken Kale Pies

I found a large bunch of kale in this week's CSA box. I have only used kale in soups in the past and wanted to do something different this time. I discovered this Martha Stewart recipe and thought it sounded delicious!

Chicken and Kale Pies
Serves: 6, Serving Size: 1 pie
Nutritional Info (per serving):Calories 305.1, Total Fat 17.6g, Saturated Fat 6.2g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Sodium 462.3 mg, Potassium 186.9mg, Total Carbohydrate 26.0g, Dietary Fiber 1.1, Sugars 5g, Protein 10.2 g


Ingredients
•Flaky Pie Dough (double crust), homemade or store-bought
•2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
•1 tablespoon unsalted butter
•1 leek (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, cut crosswise 1/4 inch thick, and rinsed well
•1 small bunch black (Tuscan) kale, tough stems removed, coarsely chopped
•1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves
•Coarse salt and ground pepper
•1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
•1 cup cooked chicken, torn into bite-size pieces (about 5 ounces)
•1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough in half. On a floured sheet of parchment paper, roll out one half to a 14-inch round. With a knife or biscuit cutter, cut out six 4 1/4-inch circles (rerolling dough once if necessary) and transfer, on parchment, to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, cutting out six (larger) 4 1/2-inch rounds. Chill rounds on sheet until ready to use.
2.In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high. Add leek and cook, stirring, until soft, 3 minutes. Add kale and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook until kale wilts, 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mixture and stir to combine. Add broth and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring often, until mixture thickens, 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper, and stir in chicken. Let cool slightly.
3.Place a heaping 1/4 cup chicken mixture on each of the smaller dough rounds, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush edges with egg and top with larger dough rounds; using fingers, press edges firmly to seal. Cut a small vent in each pie. Bake until browned and crisp, 30 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through. Let cool slightly on sheets on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Martha Stewart Living

Banana Nut Bread or Muffins (Light)

This recipe is originally a bread recipe but if you are in the mood for muffins simply grease or line a muffin tray to make 12 delicious muffins! This is a lightened up version of the classic that I think tastes no different than the full-fat versions, maybe even better.

Banana Nut Bread/Muffins
Makes: 1 loaf or 12 muffins, Serving Size: 1/12th loaf, or 1 muffin
Nurtional Info (per serving): Calories 200, Fat 3.75g, Saturated Fat 2.5g, Cholesterol 41.6mg, Carbohydrates 38g, Protein 3g, Fiber 1.5g, Sodium 158mg

Ingredients
Nonstick baking spray w/flour
1 1/2 cups (7 1/2oz) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (2oz) cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (5 1/4oz) sugar
3 very ripe large bananas (about 1 1/4lbs), mashed well (1 1/2cups)
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions
1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 350. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9x5 inch loaf pan or 12 muffin cups with nonstick spray. Mix the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powser, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup of the sugar together in a medium bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt and vanilla together; set aside.
2. Beat the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and butter together with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Beat in half of the flour mixture until just incorporated, followed by one-third of the banana mixture, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add half the remaining flour, followed by another one-third of the banana mixture. Repeat this process once more, being careful not to overmix the batter, which should look thick and chunky.
4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle top(s) evenly with walnuts (if using). Bake until loaf/muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached, about 55 minutes for loaf 15-18 minutes for muffins, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer ta wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Cooks Illustrated Best Light Recipe

Chicken Carbonara

A very filling Italian meal, this chicken dish is by no means light but is well worth the splurge. This is a great meal to make for guests as this recipe easily serves 6-8 people. Serve it with a salad and some garlic bread for a wonderful Italian feast. You could also leave out the chicken and maybe add some broccoli for a filling vegetarian meal.

Chicken Carbonara
Serves: 6-8
Nutritional Info (per 1/8 serving): Calories 769.2, Total Fat 47.9g, Saturated Fat 23.6g, Cholesterol 375.2mg, Sodium 533.3mg, Potassium 291.5 mg, Total Carbohydrate 42.1g, Dietary Fiber 4.6g, Sugars 1.4g, Protein 41.4 g

Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
8 large egg yolks
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
Salt
1 pound spaghetti
4 cups coarsely shredded chicken (from 1 roasted chicken)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel

Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and garlic and saute until it is brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, cheese, yolks, basil, and parsley to blend.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook until it is just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Drain.

Add the chicken to the pan with the pancetta and stir to combine. Next, add the spaghetti and the cream mixture and toss over medium-low heat until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats the spaghetti thickly, about 4 minutes (do not boil or you might end up scrambling the eggs). Season the pasta, to taste, with pepper and salt if needed (the pancetta will likely add all the salt you need). Transfer the pasta to a large wide serving bowl. Sprinkle the walnuts and lemon zest over, and serve.


Source: Giada De Laurentiis of Food Network

Blueberry Scones

I can't believe I haven't posted this sooner! This is one of my favorite treats! It was my Starbucks guilty pleasure several times a week when I was working. These are easy to make and even easier to eat!

Blueberry Scones
Makes: 8 scones, Serving Size: 1 scone
Nutritional Info: Calories 296.6, Total Fat 18.2g, Saturated Fat 11.3g, Cholesterol 60.2mg, Sodium 341.0mg, Potassium 73.2mg, Total Carbohydrate 30.9g, Dietary Fiber 1.2g, Sugars 7.3g, Protein 3.7 g

Ingredients:
2 cups (10 oz) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar (plus more for dusting)
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in 1/4" cubes
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen do not thaw)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup heavy cream

Ingredients:
1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 425.
2. Place the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl or the workbowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Whisk together, or process with six 1-second pulses.
3. If making by hand, use two knives, a pastry blender, or your fingertips and quickly cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal with a few slightly larger butter lumps. If using a food processor, remove the cover and distribute the butter evenly over the dry ingredients. Cover and process with twelve 1-second pulses. Transfer the dough to a large bowl.
4. Stir in blueberry and zest gently. Stir in heavy cream with a rubber spatula gently, continue mixing with hands to keep blueberries intact.
5. Transfer the dough and all dry flour bits to a countertop and knead the dough by hand till it comes together into a rough sticky ball, about 5-10 seconds. Press the dough into an 8" circle and with a sharp knife or bench scraper cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on an ungreased baking sheet. (The baking sheet can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 hours)
6. Just before baking sprinkle a small pinch of sugar over each wedge. Bake until the scone tops are light brown, 12-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Adapted from: Cook's Illustrated New Best Recipe

Shrimp Fajita Salad

This is my all-time favorite salad. I made this to replicate the Chevy's Shrimp Fajita Salad. My mom and I would occasionally order take-out from Chevy's when we worked together and we would often get this dish when we did. I love serving this to company because it's so different than your usual salad and it looks so colorful and beautiful.

Shrimp Fajita Salad
Serves: 4
Nutritional Info: (Coming Soon)

2 teaspoons olive oil
20-25 medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 tablespoons Fuego Spice Mix
4 cups salad greens (any combo: iceberg, romaine, loose-leaf, etc)
20-30 fried tortilla strips (cut tortillas in strips, fry till golden)
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 yellow bell pepper sliced
2 avacados, diced
1/2 cup pepitas
1/2 cup Sweet Chipotle Dressing
1/2 cup shredded cheese (colby-jack or mexican blend)

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with Fuego Spice Mix, add to skillet. Cook shrimp till opaque and fully cooked through.
2. Wash greens and peppers.
3. Divide greens, peppers, tortilla strips, avacado, and pepitas evenly among 4 dishes. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons on each salad. Divide shrimp evenly among the 4 dishes. Spinkle each dish with 1-2 tablespoons cheese.
3. Serve

Sweet Chipotle Dressing

This sweet and spicy dressing is so good! I use it on green salads but it's original purpose is for a Spicy Slaw - which I plan on making soon. You could also toss it with diced mango or pineapple and red onion to make a great fresh salsa.

Sweet Chipotle Dressing
Makes 2 cups

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon diced yellow onion
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
2/3 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons pureed chipotle peppers in adobo
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:
* Place all ingredients except oil in a blender or food processor, and blend till very smooth. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream while the blender or processor is still running and blend until all of the oil is incorporated and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.
* The vinaigrette will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Adapted from: Chevy's Fresh Mex Recipes

Fuego Spice Mix

This is a spice mix from the Chevy's Fresh Mex Cookbook. It is very versatile. I mainly use it to season meat for fajitas, but it can be used for a lot more. I have also used it in my chicken taco soup to replace the taco seasoning and my aunt recently told me she used it to season black beans. So, I made a bean and rice bowl for lunch the other day and tried it, so yummy!! The cookbook suggests using it to spice up tortilla chips, french fries or popcorn.

Fuego Spice Mix
Makes 1 cup

Ingredients
1/4 cup paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 tablespoons ground white pepper
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons chile powder
2 tablespoons oregano


Directions:
*Combine all ingredients, mixing well.
*Store in an airtight container, out of direct light for up to 6 months.

Source: Chevy's Fresh Mex Cookbook

Zuchinni Enchiladas

Are we zuchinnied out yet? My last zuchinni recipe for this week's CSA box was these delicious enchiladas. I was skeptical that they could taste so good (being to healthy and all), but they are really good and really filling! Beware this only makes 4 enchiladas so you may need to double it to feed the family.

Cheesy Zucchini Enchiladas
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4  Serving Size: 1 large enchilada Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 7 pts
Calories: 258.7, Fat: 13.5g, Protein:22g, Carb: 30.2g, Fiber: 16.9 g

• cooking spray
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 medium scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1 1/2 cups grated reduced fat mexican blend cheese (Sargento)
• 4 Large La Tortilla Factory Low Carb tortillas
• chopped scallions (optional)
• chopped cilantro (optional)

Enchilada sauce:
• 1 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chipotle chilis in adobo sauce (optional for more heat)
• 1 cups tomato sauce
• 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup fat free vegetable broth
• kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

For the enchilada sauce: in a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic. Add chipotle chile , chili powder, cumin, broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.

Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a medium nonstick skillet, sauté garlic and scallions in olive oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes; add zucchini, salt and pepper to taste and cook about 4-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup cheese; mix well
Divide zucchini between in each tortilla, roll and place seam side down in baking dish
Top with enchilada sauce (you might not use all) and remaining cheese and bake until hot and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
Serve with chopped cilantro, scallions, and reduced fat sour cream if you wish. Enjoy!!


Source: Gina's Skinny Taste Weight Watcher Recipes

Chocolate Chip Zuchinni Bread (Low-Fat)

Another zuchinni recipe to use up the abundance we had in our CSA box. I think chocolate chips pair with just about anything so this is a winner! Another great way to get picky eaters to get some veggies in.

Low-Fat Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 16 • Serving Size: 1 slice • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 147.5 • Fat: 4.1 g • Protein: 2.2 g • Carb: 29.9 g • Fiber: 1.7 g Sugar: 17 g Sodium: 186.5 mg

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour (I used unbleached)
1 cup white whole wheat flour (regular whole wheat flour would work)
1/2 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1-1/8 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup apple sauce
1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini (not packed)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°.

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

Add chocolate chips and gently mix to combine.

In a medium bowl, mix egg, vanilla, melted butter, apple sauce and zucchini. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.

Pour batter into a large 9x5 inch loaf pan

Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 10 minutes. Remove loaf from pan and let it cool before slicing.

Source: Gina's Skinny Taste Weight Watcher Recipes

Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake

I recently signed up with a CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture). I get a large box of produce delivered locally every other week. If you have ever considered it I highly recommend it! I just got my first box last week, in it were 3 very large zucchinis. This was the first thing I made with them, stay tuned for more zucchini recipes.

Streuseled Zucchini Bundt Cake
Serves: 14, Serving Size: 1/14th slice
Nutritional Info (per slice): 279 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 16 mg cholesterol, 233 mg sodium, 48 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein.

Ingredients
2 cups shredded zucchini, patted dry
1-1/3 cups fat-free plain yogurt
3/4 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1/3 cup canola oil
1 egg
3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup raisins
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions
1. In a large bowl, beat the zucchini, yogurt, sugar, egg whites, oil, egg and vanilla until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into zucchini mixture until blended.
2. Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan with cooking spray; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Pour a third of the batter into pan. Combine the brown sugar, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and allspice; sprinkle half over batter. Top with another third of the batter. Sprinkle with remaining brown sugar mixture; top with remaining batter.
3. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. In a small bowl slowly add milk to powdered sugar till desired consistency is acheived. Drizzle over cake.

Adapted from: Taste of Home

Cinnamon Coffee Cake (Light)

Most light coffee cakes taste like angel food cake with cinnamon on top. This cake however tastes just like the full-fat version and because it is so easy I make it pretty often.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Serves: 12 Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories: 210; Fat: 5g; Sat Fat: 3g; Chol: 45 mg; Carb:38g; Protein: 4g; Fiber:1g; Sodium: 150mg

Ingredients:
Nonstick baking spray with flour
1 1/2 C unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 C cake flour
3/4 C packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp unsalted butter softened, plus 1 tbsp melted and cooled
1/2 C granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 C plain low-fat yogurt

1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with the nonstick baking spray. Whisk the all purpose flour, cake flour, 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Remove 1/4 cup of the flour mixture and mix it with the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar and the cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Beat the 3 tablespoons of softened butter and the granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber satula as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Beat in one-third of the flour mixture until just incorporated, followed by the vanilla and one-third of the yogurt , scraping down the bowl as needed. Repeat this process twice more, alternating between the remaining flour mixture and yogurt until the ingredients are just incorporated. Do not overmix.

4. Scrape the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Stir the 1 tablespoon melted butter into the reserved cinnamon mixture and toss gently with a fork until the butter is evenly distributed creating some pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter.

5. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan half way through baking. Transfer the baking pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares.

Source: Cooks Illustrated

Granola Bars

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We were lucky enough to get to visit family for a quick trip up north for a wedding.

This is my favorite granola bar recipe. I consider it a base recipe meaning I add different things to it all the time. I change the type of nuts, add mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, etc. Feel free to play with the ingredients to find your favorite combination. The ones pictured above have chunky almond butter (for the peanut butter), dried apricots and coconut milk.


Granola Bars
Serves: 12 Serving Size: 1/12th pan (1 bar)
Nutritional Info: Calories 119.0, Total Fat 2.9 g, Saturated Fat 0.2 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4 g, Cholesterol 0.1 mg, Sodium 11.3 mg, Potassium 69.7 mg, Total Carbohydrate 21.8 g, Dietary Fiber 2.2 g, Sugars 11.1 g, Protein 3.1 g

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped almonds (or any type of nut)
1-1.5 Tbsp Peanut Butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup milk (skim/nonfat, soy, almond, coconut)
Non-stick cooking spray


Directions
1. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Process 2 cups rolled oats in blender or food processor until they become flour-like. Mix "oat flour" with dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Add all wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Spray a small baking dish (about 5 inches x 12 inches, or similar) with non-stick cooking spray. Add mixture to the dish, pressing it down with a spatula.
5. With a knife, cut the whole sheet into 12 bars. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Let cool, cut again, and store in an air-tight container for up to one week.

Adapted from a SparkPeople.com recipe

Lightened Up Peanut Butter Pie

This is adapted from a family favorite. This pie is a dessert my mother-in-law makes for family get togethers. After making it once myself I decided to try and lighten it up so I wouldn't feel so guilty making this without a special occasion. It is still fairly high in calories, but the original recipe was 652 calories a slice!

Lightened Up Peanut Butter Pie
Serves: 10 Serving Size: 1/10th Pie (Slice)
Nutritional Info:Calories 328.6 Total Fat 17.8 g Saturated Fat 5.3 g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 2.4 g Cholesterol 12.0 mg Sodium 279.4 mg Potassium 18.6 mg Total Carbohydrate 32.0 g Dietary Fiber 1.5 g Sugars 18.3 g Protein 8.7 g

Ingredients
2 tubs cool whip free (8 oz each)
1/4 cup sugar
8 ounces light cream cheese
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 graham cracker crust, store-bought or premade

Directions
Mix 1 and 1/2 tubs cool whip with sugar. In a separate bowl mix remaining ingredients until smooth. Fold peanut butter mix into cream until well blended. Pour mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill for several hours before serving (Or 1 hour in freezer). Before serving top with remaining 1/2 tub of cool whip.

Adapted from: Food Network

Hearty Minestrone

This soup will warm you up on a cold day and fill your belly! It makes a large amount which is great to reheat for lunch the next day, especially with a grilled margherita sandwich (tomato, basil, mozzarella).

Hearty Minestrone
Serves: 8 Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Info: Calories 184.0 Total Fat 3.6 g Saturated Fat 0.6 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6 g Monounsaturated Fat 1.4 g Cholesterol 3.8 mg Sodium 832.3 mg Potassium 513.6 mg Total Carbohydrate 31.5 g Dietary Fiber 6.5 g Sugars 8.3 g Protein 8.1 g

Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups reduced-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (15 ounces) Tomato Sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup small tortillini pasta
Fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions
In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil for 2 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, green pepper, zucchini and garlic; saute 3 minutes longer. Stir in the water, tomatoes, beans, tomato puree, tomato sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in pasta; cook 12-15 minutes longer or until tender. Garnish each serving with basil and cheese if desired.

Yield: 8 servings (3 quarts).

Adapted from: Taste of Home

Banana Nut Pancakes (Light)

These are delicious! They are another recipe from Skinnytaste.com. I use this recipe for all my pancake variations. I've made it replacing the bananas with pumpkin butter, apple butter, and more. The bananas in this recipe give the pancakes a sweet flavor without adding sugar.

Banana Nut Pancakes
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 2 pancakes • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 145.7 • Fat: 4.0 g • Protein: 6.7 g • Carb: 22.1 g • Fiber: 3.1 g

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 large banana, very ripe, mashed
1 cup 1% milk
3 large egg whites
2 tsp oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional)
butter flavor cooking spray

Directions:
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine milk, egg white and mashed bananas in a bowl and mix until smooth. Combine wet ingredients with the dry and mix well with a spoon until there are no more dry spots. Don't over-mix.

2. Heat a large skillet on medium heat. Spray oil to lightly coat and pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter. When the pancake starts to bubble and the edges begin to set, flip the pancakes. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.

Makes about 3 cups of batter which yields 12 pancakes.

Source: SkinnyTaste.com

Easy Guacamole

This recipe can join the ranks of other "semi-homemade" dishes. It utilizes a guacamole mix from the store (produce section at Safeway/Vons)...but I dress it up a bit. It is quick, easy and very tasty if I say so myself.

Easy Guacamole
Serves: 16 Serving Size: 2 TBSP.
Nutritional Info: Calories 42.4 Total Fat 3.9 g Saturated Fat 0.0 g Cholesterol 0.0 mg Sodium 97.7 mg Potassium 8.2 mg Total Carbohydrate 3.0 g Dietary Fiber 1.3 g Sugars 0.0 g Protein 0.5 g

Ingredients:
1 pkg. Great Guacamole Mix (mild or medium)
2 ripe avacados
1/2 medium onion, diced
juice of 1 lime

Directions:
1. In a bowl mash avacados till smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Mix. Serve

Note: I keep the pit in my serving dish to help it from browning too quickly. If not serving immediately cover tightly (with pit in dip) and refrigerate. Dip will begin to brown with air exposure. Serve as soon as possible.

Blueberry Crepes

I couldn't help myself to BOGO blueberries this past week. In an effort to use them all up I looked for some new ways to use them. I was planning on making crepes for breakfast while the hubby was off, so I decided to combine my efforts. The blueberry sauce was originally from a pancake recipe, and the crepe recipe is a previous post (link below). These were thoroughly enjoyed and will make a reappearance in our house soon.

Blueberry Crepes
Yields: 12 Crepes + 3 C. Sauce
Serving Size: 2 crepes + 3 TB. sauce inside (1 TBSP outside - if desired)
Nutritional Info: Calories 205.8, Fat 2.9g, Cholesterol 30.2mg, Sodium 58.4mg, Potassium 161mg, Carbs 38.3g, Fiber 1.7g, Sugar 21.3g, Protein 6.6g

Ingredients:
10-12 Czech Crepes (click link for recipe)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup cold water
4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions (for filling/topping):
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water until smooth. Add blueberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm.
2. Fill each crepe with 3 Tablespoons blueberrie filling. Fold into thirds, Place another tablespoon blueberry mix over top. Repeat with remaining crepes. Garnish with a dollop of Cool Whip or Whipped Cream. Serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Adapted from: Taste of Home's Blueberry Pancakes

Buttermilk Biscuits (Light)

My mother-in-law introduced these to me first. I was skiptical when watching her prepare them as they are not your traditional drop biscuits. Despite the odd assembly they are soo delicious. You will not believe these are a light recipe! These are the only buttermilk biscuits I make.

Buttermilk Biscuits (Light)
Serves: 12; Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Nutritional Info(per biscuit): Calories 169, Calories from Fat 42.1, Total Fat 4.68g, Saturated Fat 2.99g, Cholesterol 14.06mg, Sodium 246.13mg, Total Carbohydrate 24.6g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 3.48g , Protein 5.19g

Ingredients:
Vegetable oil spray
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour (DO NOT MIX WITH THE 2 CUPS - for shaping)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1-1/2 cups cold buttermilk

Directions:
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with the vegetable oil spray. Generously spray the inside and outside of a 1/4-cup dry measuring cup with the same spray; set aside. (You will measure the biscuits with this)
2. Take the SEPARATE 1 cup of flour and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. (You will roll the biscuits in this 1 cup of flour before placing in the cake pan)
3. Process the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a food processor to combine - about six 1-second pulses. Scatter the butter cubs evenly over the dry ingredients and pulse until the mixture resembles pebbly, coarse cornmeal, eight to ten 1-second pulses. Transfer the dry mixture to a medium bowl.
4. Add the buttermilk and stir with a rubber spatula until just incorporated - don't overmix. (The dough will be very wet)
5. Working quickly, use the prepared 1/4-cup measure to scoop a level amount of dough and drop it from the measuring cup into the flour on the baking sheet.
6. Repeat with the remaining dough, forming 12 pretty evenly sized mounds. Once you have the 12 mounds of biscuit, dust each of the 12 pieces of dough with flour from the baking sheet.
7. With floured hands, gently pick up a piece of dough, coat it with flour and gently shape into a rough ball, shake off any excess flour and place in the prepared cake pan.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough, arranging 9 rounds around the perimeter of the cake pan and 3 in the center.
9. Bake the biscuits for 5 minutes at 500, then reduce the oven temperature to 450 degrees and continue to bake until the biscuits are a deep golden brown - about 15 minutes longer.
10. Cool the biscuits in the pan for 2 minutes, then flip them onto a clean kitchen towel. Turn the biscuits upright and break them apart and cool for 5 more minutes before serving.

Source: Cook's Illustrated