Spaghetti with Spinach and Mushrooms

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday this past weekend. I got to see my niece for the first time again since Christmas and that was amazing. She is 2 and it is scary how fast they grow! I can't believe how smart she was as well! I could go on and on about her but I will get back to the food.

I tried this recipe and fell in love! I am a huge pasta fan and am always looking for new ways to make it different and change it up a bit and this did it for me. This does have a lot of sodium so if you are worried about that you might want to watch your portions a little more. This tastes the best if you use really fresh spinach, it just makes all of the other flavors pop!

Ingredient list:
Serves 6

8 oz. spaghetti, broken into thirds
1 15-oz. can low-sodium vegetable broth
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1 Tbs. harissa, or 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. saffron threads
1 lb. mushrooms, quartered1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1 lb. spinach, coarsely chopped
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350F. Place pasta on baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden, shaking pan once or twice to brown evenly.
• Bring vegetable broth, 21/2 cups water, tomato paste, harissa and saffron to a simmer in saucepan. Reduce heat to low, and keep warm.
• Heat large stockpot over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray. Add mushrooms, and cook 7 minutes, or until browned. Stir in garlic, and cook 1 minute more. Reduce heat to medium, and stir in pasta and 2 cups hot broth.
  
• Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. Add spinach, chickpeas and remaining broth. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes more, or until noodles are tender and most of broth is absorbed, stirring constantly.
  
• Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Per Serving: Calories 274, Protein 12g, Total fat 3g, Carbs 51g, Sodium 490mg, Fiber 8g, Sugars 4g


And because I think Kayla, my niece, is so cute I figured I would add in a picture of her for good measure!

Grilled Veggie Salad

I am home in San Diego this week and with the beautiful weather outside and lovely scenery I decided to post a recipe that is light and easy. This salad is quick to prepare and low in calories! I made it for my family last night and they were extremely impressed...which was exciting because if they knew how easy it was to prepare I don't think I would have gotten so much praise :) I will hopefully be inspired more by the amazing view from my house and post lots of recipes this week!

Next week I am going wine tasting in Napa Valley so I will let you know how that goes!! I am hoping to find some new yummy wines and if I find any good food and wine pairings I will let you all know!

Ingredient list
Serves 4

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
6 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed
2 medium-size portobello mushrooms, stems removed
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch rings (about 2 cups)
6 cups baby spinach leaves, rinsed and dried

Directions:

• Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, parsley, basil and garlic in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss sauce with asparagus, mushrooms and onion in shallow baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
• Coat grill or grill pan with oil or nonstick cooking spray. Preheat to medium-high heat.
• Place spinach in large serving bowl; set aside.
• Drain asparagus mixture, reserving marinade. Grill vegetables 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, or until tender and lightly charred. Transfer to cutting board. Cool 2 minutes, and cut into bite-size pieces.
• Add grilled vegetables to spinach. Transfer reserved marinade to small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Pour over salad mixture. Toss salad with hot marinade, using tongs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:
Per Serving- Calories 285, Fat 15g, Carbs, 21g, Fiber 6g, Sugar 8g, Sodium 203mg, Protein 5g

Fantastic Faux-Fried Zucchini

This fantastic recipe from Hungry Girl is the perfect solution for any greasy food craving you might get. I have always loved zucchini but I wanted a new way to enjoy it and after trying this recipe I became hooked. They are the perfect size and consistency! I made them a little earlier today and my roommate and I enjoyed them with some yummy cosmopolitans to get ready to see the new Sex and the City movie tonight!

Below is a classy recipe for a cosmopolitan that will be sure to wow your friends before you go and enjoy the movie!

Ingredients:
Serves 3

2 large zucchini; ends removed
3/4 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in a blender or food processor
1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)
1 tbsp. powdered ranch dressing/dip mix
1/4 tsp. plus 1 dash garlic powder
1/4 tsp. plus 1 dash onion powder
1/4 tsp. plus 1 dash oregano
2 dashes pepper
2 dashes salt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut zucchini into half-inch-wide circles. Blot away any excess moisture with a paper towel. Place egg substitute in a medium-sized dish, and season with a dash each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• In a separate medium-sized container, combine cereal breadcrumbs with 1/4 tsp. each of garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano -- add the ranch mix and a dash each of salt and pepper, and then mix well. Set out a baking pan, and spray with nonstick spray.
• Toss zucchini circles in the egg substitute until they are all evenly covered. One by one, coat zucchini with breadcrumbs (giving them a shake first to remove excess egg substitute), and lay them flat on the baking pan.
• Place in the oven, and bake for 10 minutes. Flip zucchini circles over, and return to the oven for about 10 more minutes, or until outsides are crispy and zucchini is cooked through.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1/3rd of recipe (1 generous serving) Calories: 78, Fat: <1g,>

Ingredients:

1 oz vodka

1/2 oz triple sec

1/2 oz Rose's® lime juice

1/2 oz cranberry juice

Directions:

• Shake vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with a lime wedge on the rim, and serve.

In case you want to know...the average Cosmo has around 168 calories, but one won't kill you so go ahead and enjoy!

Sesame Noodle Salad with Asparagus and Tofu

I had a very busy weekend and did lots of eating! It is weird to think that all of my years of schooling are over, but I guess it happens at one point for everyone. We went to two amazing restaurants. On Saturday we went to a place in the theater district called Teatro that had amazing homemade pasta dishes! It also had an amazing wine selection, which makes every meal more enjoyable. Sunday we went to a lovely little place in the South End called Hamersley's Bistro and I had the most wonderful mushrooms served on a garlic bread that was like nothing I have ever had before. For dessert I had a lavender vanilla cake, it was out of this world!

Overall I had an amazing weekend and actually picked up a new hobby thanks to my roommate. For my birthday she got me a jigsaw puzzle and ever since I opened it I haven't been able to step away! I will post a picture of my masterpiece when I am finished!

Now back to the food, I found another yummy recipe from Vegetarian Times that I made yesterday for my mom who LOVED it. It is quick, easy and delicious! I never truly enjoyed sesame when I was younger but now I find that it is the perfect compliment to any Asian inspired dish! This recipe is sure to satisfy you on any busy work night!

Ingredients:
6 servings

1 1/2 Tbs. sesame oil or other mild-flavored oil
2 cups well-drained diced firm tofu (13 oz.)
2 tsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos (or another seasoning that you like)
1 lb. asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
6 oz. dried vermicelli
1 English cucumber, peeled and julienned
1/3 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

• Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for vermicelli. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with liquid aminos and cook, stirring often, until tofu is golden-brown, about 7 minutes.
• Add asparagus, sprinkle lightly with salt, cover and cook until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove from heat; set aside.
• Add vermicelli to boiling water; stir to prevent sticking. Cook until just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold running water and drain well.
• Transfer noodles to large bowl; add half the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toss well. Spoon asparagus-tofu mixture on top, sprinkle with cucumber and drizzle with some remaining dressing. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
Calories 181 Protein 6g Total fat 11g Carbs 16g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 17mg Fiber 3g

Banana Bread

This recipe from my favorite website Hungry Girl has to be the best low calorie banana bread I have ever tried. Moist, flavorful, and guilt-free, what more could a girl ask for? With all the free time on my hands lately I have been trying a lot of different recipes so get ready for more recipes to come! This banana bread brought up memories of growing up with my mom making fresh bread in her amazing bread maker and the smell filling the house. I love all kinds of bread but this one tops the list! Try it out today and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

Serves 8

1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)

1/2 cup no-sugar-added applesauce

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

Optional Toppings: no-calorie spray butter, Cool Whip Free

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine both types of flour, Splenda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (in other words, all dry ingredients).
• In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, egg substitute, applesauce, and vanilla extract (all the wet ingredients).
• Add this mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir until just blended. Spoon batter into a large loaf pan (about 9" X 5") sprayed with nonstick spray.
• Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly, and then cut into 8 slices. If you like, spritz with some spray butter or spread on some Cool Whip Free.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 140 Fat: 0.5g Sodium: 267mg Carbs: 31g Fiber: 3.75g Sugars: 7g Protein: 5g

Barbecued Tofu Sandwich

School has been busy and I apologize for not updating as often as I should be. As for what I have been eating ately I decided to try out this this sandwich which I found to be fast easy and delicious! Barbecue sauce is my guilty pleasure! I can literally put it on anything! If something tastes even slightly bland I don't reach for salt like most people I ask for the barbecue sauce, so as you can tell this sandwich is only as good as the sauce you choose! I am a big fan of KC Masterpiece classic BBQ sauce. It only has 10 calories so you don't have to feel bad when you pour it all over everything!! Enjoy your sandwiches and let me know what you think!!
Ingredients:
Serves 4

1 (14 OZ) Package Firm Tofu, drained and cut into 8 ½” slices
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1/3 Cup Flour
1 Teaspoon Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Barbecue Sauce
4 (2 Oz) Hamburger Buns

Directions:

• Place tofu on several pieces of paper towels. Cover with more towels and let stand for 1 hour. Sprinkle with salt. Place flour into a bowl. Coat tofu slices with the flour.
• Heat oil in a pan, Add the tofu. Brush each slice with barbecue sauce. Cook 2 minutes. Turn over and coat with more barbecue sauce.
• Cook 3 minutes or until done. Place 2 slices on a bun and serve.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving; Calories 332; Fat 10 g; Protein 155 g; Carbs 46.3 g;Fiber 3.4 g; Iron 8.2 mg; Sodium 907 mg;

Pissaladière Pizza Recipe

You may not know what Pissaladière is and to be honest I didn't before reading Vegetarian Times either. Pissaladière is a type of pizza made in southern France, around the Nice, Marseilles, Toulon and the Var Districts. I am always up for something new so when I came across this recipe I thought it would be something fun and different to try. It was different from anything I have made before but I love a good challenge every now and then. Making dough from scratch was not as easy as I thought it would be but a lot more fun than expected! If you have some free time this weekend and feel like going outside of your comfort zone go ahead and try this out and you will not be disappointed!

Ingredients:

Serves 6
3 Tbs. olive oil
4 lb. sweet onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
5 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 recipe Quick Whole Grain Dough (see below)
1/2 cup roasted red pepper strips
20 black olives such as kalamata, pitted and halved

Directions:

• Heat oil over medium-low heat in large skillet. Add onions, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 35 to 45 minutes, or until onions are very soft. Meanwhile, prepare dough.
• Uncover pan, increase heat to medium and cook, stirring, 10 minutes, until liquid has evaporated and onions are brown. Discard thyme and bay leaves.
• Place an inverted baking sheet on oven rack set in lowest position. Preheat oven to 450F.
• Divide dough into 2 balls. Place 1 ball in center of 15-inch piece of parchment paper. Flatten into a 10-inch circle.
• Spread half of onions over dough, leaving 3?4-inch border. Arrange half of red pepper strips in crisscross pattern. Dot with half of olives. Repeat with remaining dough and toppings. Slide parchment papers with tarts onto baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, until crust is golden.

Nutritional Information
Per Serving: Calories 370, Protein 8g, Total fat 13g, Carbs 57g, Sodium 620mg, Fiber 5g, Sugars 16g

Quick Whole Grain Dough
Makes 2 10-inch tarts Vegan

This dough takes under 2 minutes to mix and knead. If the dough is ready before you are, you can punch it down and let it rise again, or even make it ahead and refrigerate it, covered, overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. instant yeast
3/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. olive oil, preferably extra virgin
3/4 cup warm water (105—110F)

Directions:

• Combine both flours, yeast and salt in food processor; pulse to combine. With motor running, add olive oil and warm water through feed tube, and process about 15 seconds, or until dough forms a ball.
• Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface, and knead just until smooth and manageable, about 1 minute. Place dough in greased bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with damp kitchen towel, and let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (Dough is ready when fingerprint on surface fills in slowly.)

What's your favorite kind of pizza?

Sexuality promoting vegetarianism

Why is it OK to treat women as pieces of meat while they promote a vegetarian lifestyle (or at anytime for that matter)?

This article from the New York Times discusses how a vegan strip club in Oregon — Casa Diablo — is using sex to try to convert meat eaters to vegetarians as well as a Los Angeles dance group — the Vegan Vixens — that performs at events and trade shows.

The most disturbing line is:

"Vegans who use sexuality to promote the cause say it is a good way to convert carnivores."

I personally do not think this is right in any way. While yes I do enjoy creative ways to help people learn about a vegetarianism lifestyle this is going too far!

What do you think?

Spiced Bok Choy and Tofu Recipe

I saw this recipe yesterday and was craving something fresh and clean and thought this would hit the spot. It definitely did! With all the stress of school and work creeping up on me I needed something that was easy as well so I went to my favorite website, Vegetarian Times and found this amazing and simple recipe. I don't think anything is better than bok choy when you are in the mood for a fresh taste. With the seasons still changing I used frozen vegetables and they worked just as well! I love frozen veggies because they don't take the time to prepare that fresh ones do and they taste just as good if not better because they are always picked when they are at their prime. If I have time in my busy schedule to make this dinner you should be able to take 30 minutes and please your most difficult food critic.

Ingredients:
Serves 4
1 Tbs. peanut or vegetable oil
1 Tbs. dark sesame oil
9 cups (1 medium bunch) bok choy, rinsed and sliced crosswise
4 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps
1 cup sliced scallion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
1 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
3 Tbs. water
3 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. granular sugar substitute
1 lb. firm tofu, at room temperature, cubed

Directions:

• Heat oils in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add bok choy and mushrooms, and stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add scallion, garlic, jalapeño and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 1/2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix water, soy sauce and sugar substitute together in a cup. Stir into bok choy mixture, and top with tofu. Cover, and cook just to heat through, for 1 minute.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving: Calories: 360, Protein: 25g, Total fat: 18g, Carbs: 35g, Sodium: 710mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 2g

After you try this tell me what you think!

Easter Eggs, Not Just for Children Anymore!

With Easter on Sunday I found this article especially relevant. Nutrition and more for 75 calories, it almost sounds too good to be true doesn't it? The miracle food that provides 13 essential vitamins and minerals, healthy unsaturated fats and is a good source of high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids — all for only 75 calories is....an egg! One tiny egg is all it takes!

I know that a lot of people have problems with high cholesterol but the researchers have found through 30 years of research, “that healthy adults and kids can enjoy an egg a day without significantly impacting their blood cholesterol or heart disease risk,” the Egg Nutrition Center says.

When I have a busy day and know I won't be able to eat much I will hard boil a few eggs and take them with me. I get all of my protein without many calories. Even better, if you only eat the hard boiled egg whites it is only 16 calories per egg and pure protein! Also, if you are feeling hung over eat a couple hard boiled eggs and it will help clean your system out and make you feel better.

So with Easter on Sunday, use this as an excuse to buy a dozen eggs (for only about $1.75) and some egg dye and indulge your inner-child without feeling guilty! Easter doesn't have to be all about chocolate bunnies and ham, colored eggs are a much better choice!

Do you have any favorite egg coloring memories?

Speaking of eggs I found this recipe in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine and thought that it would be a different way to enjoy your eggs. Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

Serves 2
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard or brown mustard
4 slices English muffin bread or firm-textured white bread
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
4 eggs
4 to 6 spinach leaves
1 small tomato, sliced
2 slices Swiss or American cheese
2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

• In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise and mustard. Spread the mustard mixture on one side of each bread slice. Set aside.
• In a large skillet melt 1 tablespoon of the margarine over medium heat. Break 2 of the eggs into skillet. Stir each egg gently with a fork to break up yolk. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until eggs are desired doneness, turning once.
• Place each egg on mustard side of a bread slice. Layer the spinach, tomato, and cheese on eggs. Top with the remaining bread slices, mustard sides down.
• In a shallow dish beat together the remaining 2 eggs and the milk. Carefully dip sandwiches in egg mixture, coating both sides. In the same skillet melt the remaining 1 tablespoon margarine over medium heat. Add sandwiches; cook about 4 minutes or until bread is golden brown, turning once.

Nutritional Information:

Servings: 1 sandwich
Calories 298 Total Fat: 21g, Cholesterol mg 227, Sodium 346mg, Carbohydrate 15g, Sugar 3g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 12

Grilled Veggie Sandwiches

With the first day of spring yesterday I got excited and started thinking about how summer is just around the corner. I pulled out my George Forman Grill and found this recipe to make these sandwiches from one of my favorite websites, All Recipes. (I am very excited because I am finally beginning to understand how to link to other sites, so you will now know there I get some of these recipes!) Anywho, I served this to my roommate and she LOVED it. We had these sandwiches with a nice cold glass of Trader Joe's "Two Buck Chuck” and forgot that it was raining outside. I am now getting excited for the impending warm weather!


Ingredients:

Serves 4
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 cup olive oil
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 small yellow squash, sliced
4 focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese


DIRECTIONS:

• In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.
• Preheat the grill for high heat.
• Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside.
• Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with feta cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Serve!

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 392, Fat: 23.8g , Cholesterol: 25mg , Sodium: 621mg, Carbs: 36.4g, Fiber: 3.5g, Protein: 9.2g

White wine, fruit salads and grilled foods make me think about summer....what foods remind you of summer?

Guilt-free Oreo Pie

I think it is time to post another dessert on here. Seeing as sweets are my favorite foods I don't think I can ever post too many! I went out to eat the other night and saw someone get an amazing looking Oreo dessert and because cookies (especially Oreo's) are my favorite I got a craving for something similar without 500 calories a slice! I started searching around online and found this recipe. I was a little daunted at first but it turned out to not be as difficult as I thought. It definitely exceeded my expectations and killed any cravings I had for cookies! There is no way the cookie lover in your life won't love this pie!



Ingredients:

Serves 8

4 packs 100 Calorie Packs Oreo Thin Crisps

3 cups light vanilla soymilk

1/2 a small (4-serving) pkg. JELL-O Sugar Free Fat Free Cook & Serve pudding mix; Vanilla

1 envelope unflavored Knox Gelatin (I know that a lot of vegetarians don't eat gelatin but I just try to not think about what it is made out of. If you don't use gelatin I am sorry but I don't know of any replacements)

2 cups thawed Cool Whip Free

2 tbsp. sugar-free chocolate syrup

Directions:

• Stir pudding mix into soymilk in a medium-large saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a full boil. In a large mixing bowl, combine soymilk mixture with gelatin and whisk continuously for at least 5 minutes (until gelatin is completely dissolved).
• Place dish in the fridge for about 45 - 60 minutes, until chilled and partially set. Meanwhile, take 1 and 1/2 packs of the cookies and process in a blender or food processor until reduced to fine crumbs (or place them in a sealable plastic bag and crush through the bag with a rolling pin; less clean up!).
• Place crumbs in a 9" pie dish, and use your hands to spread crumbs along the bottom to cover. Take remaining 1/2 pack of cookies along with 3rd pack and break into pieces; set aside. Once mixture in fridge is ready, stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of the Cool Whip (a wire whisk works wonders) until thoroughly mixed.
• Next gently stir cookie pieces into the mix. Carefully pour mixture into pie dish and spread evenly on top of crumbs. Return to fridge until set (3 hours or overnight).
• Once ready to serve, break 4th pack of cookies into small pieces. Spread 1/2 cup Cool Whip over pie and sprinkle cookie pieces on top. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and prepare to get cookies 'n cream crazy!

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 slice

Calories: 115 Fat: 1.75g Sodium: 175mg Carbs: 20.5g Fiber: 0.5g Sugars: 8.5g Protein: 3.75g

Now I can combine my two loves, cookies and pie! This pie made the gross weather outside not as bad!

Mozzarella Sticks!!

Who says low calorie foods can't taste good? These are a testament to delicious lite food at its best! I love cheese and I think it goes back to my mom and her pouring lots of parmesan cheese on everything! There was always freshly shredded cheese around, to the point where my mom went out and bought a parmesan cheese grader to ensure everything has cheese on it. These mozzarella sticks taste amazing, so the next time you want something cheesy and feel like indulging in a guilty pleasure make these and you won't have that guilt when you are done!


Ingredients:
Serves 1 (4 sticks)
2 light mozzarella sticks (50-60 calories and 2.5g fat per stick)
1/4 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
2 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute salt, pepper & Italian seasonings; to taste
Optional: low-fat marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a food processor or blender, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Place crumbs in a small plastic container with a lid. Season crumbs with as much salt, pepper and Italian seasonings as you like. Set aside.
• Cut cheese sticks in half, so that you have 4 sticks. Place sticks in a small bowl, and pour egg substitute over the top of the sticks. Swirl egg substitute around so that it thoroughly coats the sticks.
• One by one, transfer sticks to the container with the crumbs. Cover container, and give it a shake to coat the sticks in the crumbs. Carefully return sticks to the dish with the egg substitute, and coat them again.
• Next put sticks back in the crumbs container, cover, and shake once more to coat (try doing this two at a time the second time around). Place sticks on a baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray.
• Spritz the tops of the sticks with a quick mist of the spray. Place dish in the oven, and bake for 10 minutes (or until the first sign of cheese oozing out). If desired, serve with warm marinara sauce. Best when eaten immediately, while cheese is hot and gooey!

Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 4 pieces
Calories: 155 Fat: 5.5g Sodium: 500mg Carbs: 13.5g Fiber: 7g Sugars: 0g Protein: 19g

Now you decide...those greasy fat-filled mozzarella sticks from your local pizza place or making these delicious lite cheese sticks that even have fiber in them!

Tell me what you think!

Mouthwatering Noodle-Free Lasagna

Noodle-free lasagna?? I know what you're thinking and trust me it's not as weird as it sounds. In fact you won't even miss the noodles! With the cold weather I am always in the mood for something warm and filling. I love coming home to a nice hearty meal after making my way through the cold and windy streets of Boston. There is nothing better than walking in to a home that is warm with the smell of fresh cooked food. This lasagna will definitely hit the spot no matter what that weather is doing outside!

Ingredients:

Serves 4

1 lb. (about 3 medium-sized) zucchini; ends removed and sliced lengthwise into wide, flat strips

1 large portabella mushroom; sliced into strips

1 large eggplant; ends removed and sliced lengthwise into wide, flat strips

15 oz. frozen chopped spinach; thawed, thoroughly drained and patted dry

16 oz. canned tomato sauce with garlic flavoring

1 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles

1 egg white

1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese

1/2 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

1 tbsp. reduced-fat parmesan-style grated topping

1 tbsp. chopped basil

1/4 tsp. salt pinch nutmeg

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat soy crumbles in the microwave for 30 seconds, and set aside. Set out a row of several paper towels (as you cook the veggies, transfer them to the paper towels to drain excess moisture).
• Spritz a large pan evenly with nonstick spray, and bring to high heat. Once hot, lay as many zucchini and mushroom slices as you can fit flat in the pan, and cook for about 2 minutes per side. Continue until all slices are cooked, removing the pan from heat and re-spraying it between batches. Cook eggplant slices for about 3 minutes per side, continuing to work in batches (removing and re-spraying pan each time).
• In a large bowl, mix the spinach, egg white, ricotta cheese, basil, salt and nutmeg. Stir well and set aside.
• Spray a deep 8" X 8" pan with nonstick spray. Pour half (8 oz.) of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the pan. Then, layer half of the veggie slices on top in assorted order. Spread half of the spinach mixture on top.
• Sprinkle the soy crumbles evenly into the pan. Layer with remaining veggies, and then spread the rest of the spinach mixture on top. Cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
• Evenly top the lasagna with the mozzarella and grated cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 30 minutes (or until the cheese on top starts to brown). Let cool, cut into 4 pieces, and serve

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe

Calories: 238 Fat: 2g Sodium: 1,218mg Carbs: 33g Fiber: 11g Sugars: 14g Protein: 25g

Without the noodles you can now use all those carbs you would have wasted on some warm fresh italian bread. There is no longer a reason to feel guilty about having that extra slice or even a little dessert afterward!

Crunch into this Tasty Treat

Once again my love of Mexican-style food comes out. This is a low-calorie version of Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme and much more tasty than theirs I'm sure! This is a great lunch to have on a lazy Saturday afternoon when the weather is gray and rainy. Serve this with lots of spicy salsa and maybe a good movie and you have a great afternoon for yourself! This recipe isn't as hard as it sounds so go ahead and try it.

Ingredients:

Serving Size: 1

1 Large Low-Fat/Low-Carb Tortilla

3 baked corn tortilla chips

1/3 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like Boca Ground Burger)

1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

1/4 cup shredded lettuce

1/3 tomato, diced

1 tbsp. fat-free sour cream

1/2 tsp. taco seasoning

Directions:

• Combine frozen soy crumbles, cheese and taco seasoning in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds.
• Warm tortilla for a few seconds in the microwave (making it easier to fold without ripping), and then lay it out on a flat surface. Place the soy crumble mixture in the center of the tortilla. Flatten the mixture into a circle, keeping it about 2 inches from the edge of the tortilla.
• Layer the tortilla chips on top of the soy crumble mixture. Evenly top with sour cream, lettuce and then tomato.
• Folding Instructions: Starting at the bottom of the tortilla, fold edge up to the center of the tortilla. Then going around the edge of the tortilla, repeatedly fold overlapping sections to meet the center, for a total of about 6 folds (until filling is completely enclosed).
• In a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, over medium heat, carefully place the folded tortilla in the center of the pan (folded side down). Heat for 3 - 4 minutes. Carefully flip the wrap with a spatula and heat for another 30 seconds. Serve!

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 210 Fat: 4.5g Sodium: 868mg Carbs: 32g Fiber: 16g Sugars: 2g Protein: 25g

Get your morning started off right with this amazing wrap!

Thank you again Hungry-Girl.com for giving me another amazing recipe! I tried this wrap this morning and it was amazing! I love starting the day off right with a big hearty breakfast, especially if I am going to the gym or have a busy day and don't have much time to eat. If you want a different take on this morning goodness you can also make a wrap using salsa and mexican mixed cheese with your eggs and take that with you for your long day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because starting your day off with something filling will help you make it to lunch without giving into tempting snacks along the way. Also, it boosts your metabolism and new studies have started showing that people who eat breakfast weigh less that those who don't, so there is no reason not to do this for you and your waistline.

Ingredients:

Makes 1 Serving

1 La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Low-Carb/Low-Fat Tortilla, Large (or other low calorie tortilla)

1/2 cup chopped spinach

1/3 cup fa t-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters)

1 1/2 tbsp. Reduced Fat Natural Feta Cheese

1 tbsp. Hunt’s Tomatoes, Fire Roasted Diced with Garlic

2 pieces sun-dried tomato in oil & spices, chopped

Directions:

• Spray a small pan with nonstick spray, and bring to medium heat. Add egg substitute, and cook to form an egg patty (flipping and folding until firm). Remove egg patty and set aside.
• Remove the pan from heat, re-spray, and then return to medium heat. Add chopped spinach and both types of tomatoes. Stirring occasionally, cook for about 1 minute (until spinach has wilted). Add the cheese to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds (cheese should be melt-y). Remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat tortilla in the microwave until slightly warm.
• Place veggie/cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla. Place egg patty on top, and wrap the tortilla up envelope style (folding the sides in first, and then rolling it up from the bottom). Place wrap in the toaster oven (with the seam-side down) and bake for 1 - 2 minutes (until thoroughly heated). Serve.

Nutritional Information:

168 calories, 5.5g fat, 694mg sodium, 24g carbs, 15g fiber, 2g sugars, 20g protein

Stay tuned for more delicious breakfast recipes that are coming soon!

Pizza For Everyone!

I love pizza, but it can be so high in calories and greasy that you feel guilty for the rest of the day. Although pizza lovers rejoice! I have 3 different versions for any mood you are in! I have always loved pizza and was extremely excited when I got to go to Naples Italy, the birthplace of this amazing food. It was definitely not the kind of pizza I was used to but it was great none the less. The dough was hot, fresh and a little gooey with all this amazing cheese on it! Even though it was pouring rain and we had to go back to Rome on a train that smelled horrible with a ton of rude locals I wouldn't change it for the world!

As for these pizza's remember you can add any toppings you like, the ones I have are just suggestions. Make these whenever you have a craving for something warm, chewy and tasty.

English Muffin Pizza!

Ingredients:

1 serving

1 light english muffin (100 calorie whole wheat or white your choice)

2 tbsp. your favorite tomato sauce with added spices, salt and pepper to taste

1-2 oz Shredded Fat Free Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:

• Split english muffin and spread sauce on both sides. Top with cheese and any other ingredients you want (meat-free pepperoni, tomato, mushrooms, meat-free chicken strips).
• Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 140, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 875mg, Carbs: 24g, Fiber 6.5g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 2g

Meaty thin crust pizza

Ingredients:

1 La Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Low-Carb/ Low-Fat Tortilla; Large Size (or any large tortilla about 80 calories)

1/2 cup fat-free tomato sauce

1/2 cup Morningstar Farms Sausage Style Recipe Crumbles

1 1/2 oz. shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven 375 degrees and thaw crumbles in the microwave for 30 seconds
• Bake tortilla for 5- minutes on each side or until slightly crispy. Remove tortilla from oven and spread tomato sauce to the edge.
• Sprinkle crumbles evenly with cheese.
• Return pizza to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted
• Cut and serve

Nutritional Information:

1 serving

Calories: 260, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 1,2000mg, Carbs: 35g, Fiber: 20g, Protein: 25g

Rice cake pizza

Ingredients:

Serves 6

6 lightly salted rice cakes

1/3 cup pizza sauce

1/4 cup sliced ripe olives

1/4 cup diced green bell peppers

1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

1/3 cup fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

• Place rice cakes on a baking sheet as the oven preheats to 400 degrees
• Spread sauce evenly on each rice cake and top with remaining ingredients with the cheese last
• Bake for 10 minutes and serve

Nutritional Information:

1 cake

Calories: 73, Fat: 3g, Chol 6mg, Sodium: 171mg, Carbs:10g, Protein: 3g

Tell me about the different pizza combinations you love!

Topless Cherry Pie

I love dessert but hate how calorie filled it can be! I was craving a sweet cherry taste and my normal Sugar Free Jell-O fix wasn't working this time. I needed something fruity and gooey which is where this amazing Topless Cherry Pie comes into play! It is really low in calories and has lots of fiber (which is becoming more and more important, according to the media anyways). Fiber is a great tool to avoiding that horrible irregularity that can lead to a major build up and could cause colon cancer, but with this great pie and maybe a bowl a day of Fiber One cereal you can easily avoid that! Get ready to blow your friends and family away with this great pie at your next get together!

Ingredients:

Serves 8

2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (a personal favorite of mine!)

3 tbsp. light whipped butter

2 tbsp. Egg Beaters, Original

1 tbsp. cornstarch

1 20-oz. canned no-sugar-added cherry pie filling 

8 servings (16 tbsp.) Fat Free Reddi-whip

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Melt butter in the microwave for 20 seconds and combine with crumbs, Egg Beaters and stir until well mixed.
• In an oven-safe pie dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray, evenly distribute mixture using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Bake crust in oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
• In a medium-sized nonstick pot, combine cornstarch with cherry filling. Heat stove top at medium heat, stirring often. Once cherry mixture begins to bubble, lower heat and continue to stir for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for several minutes.
• Evenly spoon cherry mixture into pie crust and allow pie to cool and set in fridge for several hours before cutting and serving. Before serving, top each slice with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping. 

Nutritional Value:

Serving Size 1/8th of the pie

Calories: 90, Fat: 2.5g, Sodium: 105mg, Carbs: 21.5g, Fiber: 7g, Sugars: 4g, Protein: 1.5g

Now go and try it and report back! I know you will love this amazingly low calorie pie especially if you are a big cherry fan! 

Grab your fork and dig in and if you eat more than one piece don't worry because it's only 720 calories for the WHOLE pie, but please try to not eat that much in one sitting or you could feel it later! 

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Zucchini tacos

Feel like going a little south of the border? Then try these tacos! They are delicious and lite! I know that Cinco de Mayo is still a few months off but who says that you can't have a nice taco night with some margaritas and lots of salsa! I love to make these when I get home sick for California or if I feel like eating something that feels greasy and unhealthy but are quite the contrary. These are also great if you are going to have a lot of people over to set up a 'make your own taco bar' with more options for them to add....this is just a suggestion. Add new items anything that tickles your fancy!

Ingredients:

Serves 8
5 medium portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed, sliced 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 medium zucchini, cut into 2-by-1/2-inch sticks
1 medium red onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
8 (4 1/2-inch) fat free corn tortillas
6 ounces (1 1/2 Cups) light or fat free Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 1/2 cup fresh salsa

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss mushrooms with 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper. On another rimmed baking sheet, toss zucchini and onion with remaining teaspoon oregano and tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper.
• Place both sheets in oven. Roast, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are browned and fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes (zucchini may cook faster than mushrooms).
• Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium-high heat, warm tortillas according to package instructions (they should be lightly browned but still soft).Wrap loosely in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
• To serve, fill each tortilla with mushrooms, vegetable mixture, shredded cheese, and salsa.

Nutritional Info:
Serving Size: 1 taco; Calories 87, Fat 1 g; Protein 4 g; Carbs 16 g;Fiber 3 g; Cholesterol 8 mg Sodium 379 mg

Want something to go along with those tacos? Well how about some homemade corn chips...or tortilla chips? It easy!

Ingredients:

Twelve 6-inch corn tortillas

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Spray both sides of the tortillas with the olive oil flavored cooking spray. Stack the tortillas and cut the pile into sixths to make chips.
• Spread the chips out in a single layer on two large baking sheets and season with salt.
• Bake until golden brown and crisp, rotating the baking sheets once, about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve.

Now go out an plan your own fiesta!!

Butternut Squash Fries

Do you ever get a craving for french fries but don't want to consume all the extra greasy calories? I know that when I am eating a sandwich (maybe a sloppy joe?) or even sometimes with a salad I crave something salty and crunchy! Well do I have something amazing for you! These SUPER EASY fries are a little sweeter than regular french fries but so much better! I even have been known to top them off with a Boca vegetarian chili bowl and some fat free cheddar cheese for delicious low cal chili cheese fries that are so easy to prepare even I could make them! 

Ingredients:

Serves: 1

½ Butternut Squash

Salt to taste

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.  Peel and de-seed your butternut squash. (If you have never cooked with a butternut squash before don't worry! It is a little difficult but if you don't want the hassle they sell some pre-peeled and cut!)
• Then cut it up into french fry shapes. (Don't worry about the shape as long as they are all about the same size!)
• Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray.  Cover lightly with salt. 
• Place tray in your pre-heated oven and bake for 40 minutes or so, flipping halfway through baking process.  Fries are done when they are starting to brown on the edges and get crispy.

Nutritional Info:

Serving Size:  5 oz., uncooked

Calories:  65, Fat: 0g, Sodium:  486mg (includes salt), Carbs:  16.5g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Protein: 1g

Yummy.... just thinking about these makes me want some more...It looks like I will be taking yet another trip to the grocery store! It's times like these where I am happy that I spend almost all my free time wandering around grocery stores and looking for the newest and greatest stuff.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!!