Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Almonds

It's a tradition to have some sort of sweet almonds or pecans at Christmas in my family.  I stumbled upon this recipe which is reasonably healthy AND low calorie and I thought it would be ideal.

Recipe from Prevention RD.
Yields 16 servings.
222 calories per serving.


INGREDIENTS
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 c almonds
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
3 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 tbsp water

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and vanilla extract until foamy.
Stir in the almonds and mix until well coated.
Transfer to slow cooker.

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, & salt; mix well.
Pour the sugar mixture over the almonds & coat well.

Cook the almonds 3 - 4 hours, stirring every half hour.
During the last 30 minutes, add water.

Spread the almonds out on wax paper & let cool.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Southwest Pasta Salad

I needed something fast and inexpensive to make this week as Im making Christmas dinner and Ill be doing so much cooking that I didnt want my daily intake to be complicated and overwhelming.  This seemed like an ideal choice.

Recipe from RoTel
Yields 6 servings
293 calories per serving


INGREDIENTS
8 oz whole wheat rotelle
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes and chilies
1 c lowfat sour cream
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 c lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS
Cook pasta according to box directions.
Drain & place in a large bowl.
Add black beans, tomatoes, sour cream, pepper, chili powder, & cheese.
Toss to combine.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Pierogie Casserole

My roommate constantly makes fun of my Polish heritage -- in the best of ways!  In these varying conversations she had mentioned that she'd never tasted a pierogie before &, in my mind at least, that is blasphemous!  A few days later, Id stumbled upon this recipe and decided that I had to go for it to make for our lunch this week.

Recipe from Jayesel.com.
Yields 10 servings.
228 calories per serving.


INGREDIENTS
1 package of refrigerated mashed potatoes, heated
1 stick margarine
3 small onions, chopped
1 c low fat shredded cheddar cheese
8 lasagna noodles, cooked
Black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375.
Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.

Line the bottom of the pan with 4 lasagna noodles.
Cover with mashed potatoes & spread onions on top.
Place remaining lasagna noodles on top of onions.
Sprinkle with cheese & pepper.

Cover with foil & bake for 45 minutes.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Turkey Noodle Casserole

Like any other American post-Thanksgiving, I wanted to find something to make that would use up at least some of our turkey leftovers and, in hindsight, I probably couldve used a little more turkey.  While turkey is a lean meat, it still can be excess calories in terms of balance in a casserole.  When my roommate asked me what Id made for us this week for lunch (she was out of town), the best description I could think of was "turkey noodle soup in casserole form".  The only thing it's missing is a couple of veggies mixed in there which I may add next time I make this.  Regardless, it was delicious & VERY filling!

Recipe adapted from Better Recipes.
Yields 12 servings.
342 calories per serving.


INGREDIENTS
2lb leftover turkey, cut into bite size pieces
2 onions, chopped
2 tbsp margarine
2 cans reduced fat cream of chicken soup, condensed
16 oz fat free half & half
16 oz whole wheat egg noodles
Salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325.
Spray a baking dish with cooking spray & set aside.

Cook noodles according to package directions.
Drain & place in casserole dish.

Meanwhile, in a large pan melt margarine over medium heat.
Add onions & saute until softened.
Add turkey & stir to combine.
Remove from heat & sprinkle with salt & pepper.

In a bowl whisk together half & half and soup together.
Pour over pasta.
Add turkey mixture & stir until mixed.

Cover with aluminum foil & bake for 30 minutes.