recipes

We’re always on the lookout for yummy snacks. One of our all-time favorites: the smoothie. A smoothie makes a delicious and healthy snack, if it is prepared with low-fat ingredients.

We found a whole bunch of delicious smoothie recipes. Try a few out and tell us what you’re favorite is. The apple/spinach smoothie makes for a perfect wintertime treat. Continue reading →

The secret to healthy deep fried chicken is in the oven. Literally. Put the fryer away and put the chicken in the oven. It tastes great, cuts down on the fat, and is a cinch to prepare.

8 servings; 4 oz servings   Total Time: 30 minutes

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Everyone loves jerk chicken and we love this jerk recipe. It’s tasty, it’s easy and it’s sure to please everyone at dinnertime.

8 servings, 1 breast or drumstick /Total Time: (excluding marinating chicken): 40 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1½ teaspoons allspice, ground
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper, ground
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper, crushed, dried
• 2 teaspoons oregano, crushed
• 2 teaspoons thyme, crushed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup onion, pureed or finely chopped
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 8 pieces chicken, skinless (4 breasts, 4 drumsticks)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Wash chicken and pat dry.
2. Combine all ingredients except chicken in large bowl. Rub seasonings  over chicken and marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours or longer.
3. Space chicken evenly on nonstick or lightly greased baking pan.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30–40 minutes or until the meat can easily be pulled away from the bone with a fork.

Nutritional Information: Per Serving

Mac n’ Cheese is always a dinnertime winner. But, it’s often heavy on the fat and thin on the nutrition. This recipe cuts down on the fat, so your kids will get all the tasty mac n’cheese they love while making healthier choices.

10 servings, about ½ c each; | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup egg substitute
• 1 teaspoon no-salt seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup light or reduced fat  cheddar cheese (about 4 oz/cup)
• 1 cup shredded light or reduced fat American cheese
• 3 teaspoons light margarine (made from liquid vegetable oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups skim milk
• 1 teaspoon salt substitute

Preparation

1. Bring 1/2 gallon water to a boil, Add macaroni noodles and stir. As soon as the water comes to a rapid boil, cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender. Turn off heat, drain noodles and immediately rinse with cold water to cool the noodles. Drain and set aside.
2. Combine egg substitute with the milk, then add all seasonings. Mix well.
3. Mix all cheeses and margarine with the macaroni.
4. Spray a four-quart casserole dish with vegetable spray.
5. Pour macaroni-cheese mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the egg-milk mixture over the macaroni.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Information: Per serving

Calories	Protein (g)	Carbohydrate (g)	FAT (g)	Fiber (g)	Sodium (mg)
218	14	22	8	1	355

Cornbread is a great side with everything from chili to eggs to bbq chicken. Although it’s often made with heavy, fatty ingredients, you’ll never miss them with this tasty recipe. It’s a traditional cornbread that is made without flour, it isn’t sweet and it has a crumbly texture. If you’re looking for a more muffin-like texture, substitute flour for half of the cornmeal.

8 servings |  Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups yellow or white cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk or nonfat buttermilk

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Place oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or similar-size glass baking dish and transfer to the preheating oven.
2. Mix cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg and milk (or buttermilk); stir until just combined.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and swirl the oil to coat the bottom and a little way up the sides.
4. Very carefully pour the excess hot oil into the cornmeal mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the hot pan.
6. Bake until the bread is firm in the middle and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips & Notes  Make Ahead Tip: The cornbread can be made up to 3 hours in advance. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a warm oven.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Who loves cheese grits? We do! They’re delicious and creamy and, if prepared with low-fat, nutritious ingredients, can be a wonderful, healthy meal. We found this terrific cheese grits recipe. Make it with the kids, you’ll be surprised by how quickly it’s gone!

2 servings, about 1 cup each | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup quick grits
• 1/4 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (light, reduced fat or low fat) , divided

Preparation

1. Combine milk, water and salt in a saucepan over medium heat; heat until almost boiling.
2. Reduce the heat to low, whisk in grits and cook, whisking constantly, until they start to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons cheese.
4. Cover and let stand until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the grits are creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Divide between 2 bowls, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese and serve.

Note:

Try using regular grits rather than instant grits, as they are more nutritious. This would require about 20 minutes of cooking as compared to 2-3 minutes.

Nutritional Information:  Per serving, 1 cup each