Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

    Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

    How to Make Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

    Looking for a lower-carb side dish? This festive salad is easy to put together and makes for a light, yet tasty side on Thanksgiving – or any other day of the month!


    25 min prep time


    5servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients.
    2. In a medium salad bowl, toss together salad ingredients. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.
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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      72

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      122mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%

    • Protein
      1g

    Ingredients

    fresh raspberries (pureed)
    1/2 cup

    white wine vinegar
    1/4 cup

    pine nuts
    1 tbsp

    fresh raspberries
    1 cup

    mixed baby field greens
    4 cup

    black pepper
    1 pinch

    salt
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil
    1 1/2 tbsp

  • Greek Quinoa Salad

    Greek Quinoa Salad

    How to Make Greek Quinoa Salad

    This salad is a nutrition power-house. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that provides carbohydrates and protein and the low-carb veggies add fiber and potassium.


    15 min prep time


    10servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cook quinoa according to package directions with chicken broth. Let cool completely.
    2. In a large salad bowl, combine cooled quinoa and remaining salad ingredients.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and mix to coat. Serve cold.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      115

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.1g

        6%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%

    • Protein
      5g

    Ingredients

    quinoa
    1 cup

    low sodium chicken broth (low-sodium, reduced-fat, (or gluten-free broth if cooking gluten-free))
    2 cup

    large cucumber (peeled, seeded and diced)
    1

    grape tomatoes (10.5-ounce, cut in half)
    1 package

    red onion (finely diced)
    1/4 cup

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1/4 cup

    feta cheese (reduced-fat, crumbled)
    1/2 cup

    red wine vinegar
    1/4 cup

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard
    1/2 tbsp

    low-calorie sugar substitute
    1 tsp

  • Gluten-Free Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Gluten-Free Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

    How to Make Gluten-Free Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

    You might be wary of trying a cookie made with quinoa, but these high-fiber cookies are delicious and easy! The texture is a little denser than a traditional cookie, but you can eat these cookies without the guilt!


    10 min prep time


    30servings


    1 cookie

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl, whisk together margarine, vanilla, egg and Splenda. Mix until well blended.
    3. Add oats, quinoa and baking mix to mixture and stir well. Fold in chocolate chips.
    4. Drop by Tbsp. onto baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
    5. Cool on wire rack and store in airtight container when cool.
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    Nutrition facts

    30 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cookie


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      55

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.6g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      30mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%

    • Protein
      1g

    Ingredients

    Smart Balance margarine (softened)
    3 tbsp

    vanilla extract
    1 tsp

    eggs
    1

    low calorie sugar substitute
    1/4 cup

    old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free)
    1 cup

    cooked quinoa (cooled)
    2 cup

    baking mix ((such as Pamela’s), gluten-free)
    1/2 cup

    mini-chocolate chips
    1/4 cup

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread

    Gluten-Free Banana Bread

    How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Bread

    This Gluten-Free Banana Bread can make a nice Valentine treat and it’s gluten-free! Instead of one large loaf, you could make this in four mini loaf pans for smaller breads that could be wrapped up and given as Valentine gifts.


    15 min prep time


    35 min cook time


    16servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl, combine bananas, oil, buttermilk, egg whites, vanilla and Splenda Sugar Blend; mix well.
    3. Add gluten-free baking mix and flaxseed and mix until blended. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.4g

        2%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      240mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      25g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        9g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      280mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    very ripe bananas (mashed)
    4 med

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    low-fat buttermilk (low-fat)
    1 cup

    egg whites
    2

    vanilla extract
    1 tsp

    sugar substitute
    1/4 cup

    all-purpose Gluten-Free Baking Mix
    2 cup

    ground flax seed
    3 tbsp

  • Garlic Shrimp on a Cucumber Flower

    Garlic Shrimp on a Cucumber Flower

    How to Make Garlic Shrimp on a Cucumber Flower

    This is a delicious and refreshing appetizer to serve when you have guests over for a summer get-together. The lemon adds a refreshing, citrusy bite to this lean appetizer that your guests will love!


    8servings


    3 pieces

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Steam shrimp in large pot with a steamer basket insert. Cook just until pink, about 5-6 minutes.
    2. Mix in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Marinate shrimp in this mixture for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. Refrigerate while marinating.
    3. Scrub cucumber well. Take a fork and run it up and down the outside of cucumber to make a decorative edge. Slice cucumber into 24 rounds.
    4. Place one piece of shrimp on a cucumber slice and garnish with another sprig of fresh dill. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 pieces


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      65

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%

    • Cholesterol
      65mg

      22%

    • Sodium
      135mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      7g

    Ingredients

    medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
    1 lbs

    lemon (juiced)
    1

    garlic (crushed and minced to a paste)
    2 clove

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tbsp

    fresh dill (chopped, additional for garnish)
    1/2 cup

    fine sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    small cucumber
    1

  • Garlic Pita Crisps

    Garlic Pita Crisps

    How to Make Garlic Pita Crisps

    These pita chips travel well and can be enjoyed with a bit of hummus, guacamole or salsa.


    16servings


    6 triangles

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut each pita into 8 equal wedges. Separate each wedge into 2 pieces.
    2. Coat both sides of the pita wedges lightly with nonstick vegetable spray and place in a single layer on large rimmed baking sheets; sprinkle with the garlic powder. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
    3. Allow the crisps to cool; serve immediately, or store in an airtight container until ready to use.
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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      6 triangles


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      56

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      1g

      1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      49mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      12g

      4%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    Ingredients

    garlic powder
    2 tbsp

    Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
    1

    whole wheat pita (6-inch)
    6

  • Garden Caprese Salad

    Garden Caprese Salad

    How to Make Garden Caprese Salad

    Fresh mozzarella is found in the deli case or with the specialty cheeses. It is the perfect flavorful addition to this fresh summer salad!


    20 min prep time


    12servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well.
    2. Let the salad marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      50

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      3g

      4%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      10mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      35mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      4g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      175mg

      4%

    Ingredients

    plum (Roma) tomatoes (seeded and cut into 1/2 inch chunks)
    8

    medium cucumbers (seeded and cut into 1/2 inch chunks)
    2

    small red onion (small dice)
    1/2

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    balsamic vinegar
    3 tbsp

    fresh basil ((about 15 leaves), chopped)
    1 oz

    salt (optional)
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    fresh mozzarella (cut into small chunks)
    4 oz

  • Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt

    Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt

    How to Make Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt

    Fruit is full of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. If you want to take this on a road trip – pack fruit in small, individual plastic containers and keep in a cooler.


    10 min prep time


    8servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, mix together all fruit.
    2. Place 1 cup fruit salad in individual bowl or parfait dish. Top each fruit salad with 1 1/2 ounces Greek yogurt.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0g

      0%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      25mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      20g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        17g

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      320mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    strawberries (hulled and sliced)
    2 cup

    watermelon (cut into small chunks)
    2 cup

    cantaloupe (cut into small chunks)
    2 cup

    green grapes
    1 cup

    blueberries
    1 cup

    fat-free honey-flavored Greek yogurt
    2 (6-oz) containers

  • Fresh Black Bean Salsa

    Fresh Black Bean Salsa

    How to Make Fresh Black Bean Salsa

    This salsa is better than anything you will buy in a jar! It’s delicious, quick, and uses all fresh ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. If you don’t want to serve it with chips, try it with cucumbers, celery or jicama. It would also make a great topping for tacos!


    5 min prep time


    8servings


    10 chips with 1/4 cup salsa

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients except chips.
    2. Serve salsa in a bowl with chips on the side.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      10 chips with 1/4 cup salsa


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      160

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.9g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      125mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      22g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      4g

    • Potassium
      250mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    tortilla chips (multigrain, scoops)
    80

    canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
    1 cup

    large tomatoes (diced)
    2

    finely diced onion (finely diced)
    1/4 cup

    garlic (minced)
    1 clove

    Juice of 1 small lime
    1

    finely chopped fresh cilantro
    1/4 cup

  • Flank Steak With Herb Stuffing

    Flank Steak With Herb Stuffing

    How to Make Flank Steak With Herb Stuffing

    Many years ago, recipe developer and cookbook author Barbara Seelig-Brown won a cooking contest with this recipe, which was inspired by a recipe from a dear friend. If you’re looking to impress, garnish with edible flowers such as nasturtiums for a very special presentation. Better grocery stores will have edible flowers in the produce department or you can grow your own!


    4 hr prep time


    10 min cook time


    8servings


    1/8 recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Cut the flank steak into 2 thin steaks with a long, thin knife.
    2. Mix all stuffing ingredients together and spread over each piece of flank steak. Roll and tie.
    3. Mix all marinade ingredients together. Place flank steaks in plastic bag and add marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for several hours.
    4. Preheat grill or grill pan. Drain marinade from steaks.
    5. Grill to desired doneness. Slice into very thin rounds and place on platter and garnish with fresh herbs and nasturtium flowers.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      225

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.9g

        15%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      270mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      8g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      24g

    • Potassium
      410mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    flank steak
    2 lbs

    fresh breadcrumbs
    2 cup

    shallots or garlic cloves (finely minced)
    2

    fresh Italian parsley
    1/4 cup

    fresh basil
    1/2 cup

    spinach (chopped)
    1 cup

    white (button) mushrooms (thinly sliced)
    1 cup

    fresh oregano
    1/4 cup

    Parmigiano-Reggiano (cup)
    1/2 cup

    red wine (dry, such as Chianti or Sangiovese; for the marinade)
    1 cup

    olive oil (for the marinade)
    1/4 cup

    garlic (crushed; for the marinade)
    2 clove

    fine sea salt (for the marinade)
    1 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper (for the marinade)
    1 tsp

    Worcestershire sauce (for the marinade)
    1 tbsp

    Additional fresh herbs
    1

    Nasturtium flowers (edible flowers)
    1