Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • Chicken Nacho Casserole

    Chicken Nacho Casserole

    How to Make Chicken Nacho Casserole

    Who said you can’t have “nachos” with diabetes? Try this healthy version that has all the flavor of traditional nachos without all of the extra fat and carbs.


    5 min prep time


    25 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.

    2. Season the chicken with black pepper. Spray a large sauté pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook for 8 minutes.

    3. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin and garlic powder to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

    4. Pour the chicken mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top and then top with the crushed tortilla chips. Bake 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      240

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      60mg

      20%

    • Sodium
      350mg

      15%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      18g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      25g

    • Potassium
      699mg

      15%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    black pepper
    1/8 tsp

    boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)
    1 lbs

    fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5-oz)
    1 can

    no-salt-added black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
    1 can

    chili powder
    2 tsp

    cumin
    1/2 tsp

    garlic powder
    1/2 tsp

    cheddar cheese (shredded, reduced-fat)
    2/3 cup

    tortilla chips (about 24 chips, crushed)
    1 1/2 oz

  • Cheese and Veggie Pitas

    Cheese and Veggie Pitas

    How to Make Cheese and Veggie Pitas

    This vegetarian pita sandwich recipe is easy to make for a crowd. It’s also easy to pack and take to work so you don’t have to eat out at lunch time.


    15 min prep time


    8servings


    1/2 pita

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Slice one side of each pita to open pocket, but do not cut all the way through. Set aside.
    2. Spread 1/2 Tbsp. of mayonnaise in each pita.
    3. Slice Swiss cheese into 4 even slices. Spread 2 Tbsps. of hummus on each cheese slice and sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of sunflower seeds on top.
    4. Layer lettuce leaf, onion slices, tomato slices, and cucumber slices on top of hummus.
    5. Stuff each pita with sandwich filling and cut in half.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 pita


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.3g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      275mg

      12%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      23g

      8%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        7g

    • Protein
      8g

    • Potassium
      580mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    large tomato (cut into 4 equal slices)
    1

    Swiss cheese (reduced-fat)
    2 1/4 oz

    medium red onion (thinly sliced)
    1

    light mayonnaise
    2 tbsp

    romaine lettuce leaves
    4

    sunflower seeds
    1/4 cup

    whole wheat pita
    4

    hummus
    1/2 cup

    medium cucumber
    1

  • Cauliflower with Pancetta and Onions

    Cauliflower with Pancetta and Onions

    How to Make Cauliflower with Pancetta and Onions

    Cauliflower is a great nonstarchy vegetable to cook as the holidays come up. Try this savory recipe out that will pair great with some Roasted Turkey and Vegetables.


    10 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    12servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat 1 Tbsp. of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it is crisp. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon. Set aside. Add in the onions, and turn the heat to medium low. Sauté the onions for about 8 minutes. Add in the cauliflower, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
    2. Add in the water, cover and raise the heat to medium. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the cauliflower to a serving bowl. Mix together the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, and add to the cauliflower, mixing well. Top with the crisp pancetta.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      55

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.1g

        6%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      140mg

      6%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      2g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    Ingredients

    olive oil (divided)
    2 tbsp

    pancetta (sliced)
    3 oz

    onion(s) (thinly sliced)
    1 med

    cauliflower (about 1 1/4 pounds, trimmed and cut into florets (about 6 cups))
    1 small

    salt and pepper to taste
    1 pinch

    bay leaves
    1 whole

    water
    2 tbsp

    fresh lemon juice
    1 tbsp

  • Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese with Lobster

    Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese with Lobster

    How to Make Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese with Lobster

    This lower-carbohydrate version of luxurious lobster mac and cheese features crisp-topped, cheesy cauliflower florets and tender poached lobster.


    15 min prep time


    45 min cook time


    8servings


    1/8 of casserole

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    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2. Place cauliflower florets in a large microwave-safe dish. Pour 1 cup of water over the cauliflower and cover. Microwave for 12 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Drain and then keep warm.
    3. While cauliflower is microwaving: If using lobster tails, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and then reduce until water is just barely simmering. Add the lobster tails to the water and poach for 7 minutes. Remove the tails from the water to cool slightly. Cut the lobster tails, remove the meat from the tails and chop. Makes about a cup of lobster meat.
    4. Add olive oil to a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the milk while whisking. Add the nutmeg, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3 minutes.
    5. Add the Colby-Jack and cream cheeses and stir until melted.
    6. Add the cauliflower to the baking dish. Use a fork to break up the florets into 1-inch or smaller pieces.
    7. Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and stir to coat.
    8. Sprinkle the lobster over the cauliflower and stir to coat.
    9. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole and then spray the top of the panko with cooking spray.
    10. Bake for 30 minutes.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 of casserole


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      140

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.7g

        9%

    • Cholesterol
      25mg

      8%

    • Sodium
      440mg

      19%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      13g

    • Potassium
      480mg

      10%

    Ingredients

    Nonstick cooking spray
    1

    cauliflower (trimmed into florets (8 cups florets))
    1

    water
    5 cup

    4-oz frozen lobster tails or 1 cup chopped imitation lobster meat
    2

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    all-purpose flour
    2 tbsp

    milk (fat-free)
    2 cup

    ground nutmeg
    1 pinch

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    hot sauce
    1/4 tsp

    Colby jack cheese (reduced-fat)
    3 oz

    cream cheese (fat-free)
    4 oz

    whole-wheat panko bread crumbs
    1/2 cup

  • Caribbean Bean Dip

    Caribbean Bean Dip

    How to Make Caribbean Bean Dip

    Make this dip and store it in the fridge so you can snack on it with some fresh veggies throughout the week. You can also enjoy it with baked tortilla chips or pita wedges if it fits with your meal plan.


    8servings


    3½ Tbsps.

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Puree all ingredients except the green onion in a blender until smooth. Top with green onion and serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3½ Tbsps.


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      60

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      125mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      3g

    Ingredients

    organic black beans (15.5-ounce, drained)
    1 can

    Hass avocado (peeled and sliced)
    1/2

    lemon juice
    3 tbsp

    cilantro (roughly chopped)
    2 tbsp

    ground cayenne red pepper
    1/4 tsp

    ground cumin
    1/4 tsp

    sea salt, or to taste
    1/4 tsp

    green onions (thinly sliced)
    3 tbsp

  • Caprese Kabobs

    Caprese Kabobs

    How to Make Caprese Kabobs

    This easy appetizer is perfect for summer and uses garden fresh ingredients. These kabobs are packed with flavor and low in carbohydrates. They also look beautiful on a serving platter and are sure to impress guests!


    15 min prep time


    18servings


    1 kabob

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place 1 grape tomato, 1 basil leaf, and 1 mozzarella ball on each bamboo fork. Repeat this process for 18 kabobs. Place the kabobs on a serving platter.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the kabobs to coat evenly.
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    Nutrition facts

    18 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 kabob


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      25

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      25mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      30mg

      <1%

    Ingredients

    bamboo skewers
    18 small

    fresh basil (folded in half)
    18 leaves

    grape tomatoes
    18 whole

    fresh mozzarella balls (1/4 ounce each)
    18 whole

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    balsamic vinegar
    1 1/2 tbsp

  • Butternut Squash Gratin

    Butternut Squash Gratin

    How to Make Butternut Squash Gratin

    This rich side dish is oh-so-creamy and satisfyingly cheesy but 1 serving is still less than 100 calories.


    15 min prep time


    70 min cook time


    8servings


    1/8 of casserole (3 1/4 x 4 1/2-inch rectangle)

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and place it face down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the water over the squash and bake for 45 minutes.

    2. Remove the squash from the pan and drain the water. Coat the baking dish with cooking spray.

    3. Remove the seeds and scoop the flesh of the squash out of the skin. Add the squash flesh back to the prepared baking dish, breaking it up into even sized pieces.

    4. Add oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook the oil and flour mixture for two minutes then whisk in the fat-free half and half. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently.

    5. Stir in 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, the ground black pepper and the thyme. Stir until cheese is melted.

    6. Pour the sauce over the butternut squash and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 of casserole (3 1/4 x 4 1/2-inch rectangle)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      18g

      7%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        1g

        2%

    • Protein
      5g

    • Potassium
      423mg

      9%

    Ingredients

    butternut squash
    2 lbs

    water
    1 cup

    nonstick cooking spray
    1 whole

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    all-purpose flour
    2 tbsp

    half-and-half (fat-free)
    2 cup

    Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)
    1/2 cup

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    fresh thyme (chopped)
    1 tbsp

  • Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    This version of Greek Lasagna is a great family meal that pairs well with a green salad topped with a little feta cheese and light Greek salad dressing.


    30 min prep time


    60 min cook time


    12servings


    1 slice

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside.
    2. Add cooking spray to a large nonstick sauté pan. Sauté onions for 4-5 minutes or until translucent. Add in ground turkey and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until turkey is cooked through.
    3. Add cinnamon, oregano, salt (optional), ground black pepper, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes or until just starting to thicken.
    4. Stir in parsley and set aside.
    5. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain and stir immediately into turkey mixture. Pour the pasta and turkey mixture into the baking sheet and press down so it is evenly spread in the pan.
    6. Add the olive oil to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, taking care not to brown it. Stir constantly.
    7. Slowly whisk in the skim milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Whisk in the nutmeg and parmesan cheese.
    8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and then slowly whisk in the hot milk mixture to temper the egg. Add the rest of the milk mixture to the egg and then pour over the top of the pasta, spreading to coat the entire thing.
    9. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and top is golden brown. Let cool for 15-20 minutes, the cut into 12 equal slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    12 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      280

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.9g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0.1g

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      190mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      37g

      13%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        6g

    • Protein
      16g

    • Potassium
      530mg

      11%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    onion(s) (diced)
    1 med

    lean ground turkey (93% fat-free)
    20 oz

    ground cinnamon
    2 1/2 tsp

    dried oregano
    1 tsp

    salt
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    tomato sauce (low sodium, 15-oz cans)
    2 can

    fresh parsley (chopped)
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat penne pasta
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    whole wheat flour
    2 tbsp

    skim milk
    2 cup

    ground nutmeg
    1/8 tsp

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated )
    1/3 cup

    eggs
    1

  • Budget-Friendly Deluxe Chicken Nachos

    Budget-Friendly Deluxe Chicken Nachos

    How to Make Budget-Friendly Deluxe Chicken Nachos

    You can make these nachos as spicy as you want by purchasing the salsa at the heat level you prefer. If you like it even hotter, top the yogurt with a couple dashes of hot sauce.


    30 min prep time


    8servings


    1/8 recipe

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat one large or two small baking sheet(s) with cooking spray.
    2. Lay cut corn tortillas in one layer on the baking sheet(s). Spray the top with cooking spray. Lightly sprinkle with salt (optional).
    3. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or until the chips are slightly golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and pour into a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
    4. Mix fat-free refried beans with chicken broth and pour over the baked tortilla chips.
    5. Top the beans with the shredded chicken and then with the reduced fat cheese.
    6. Place on the top rack of the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown.
    7. Remove from the oven and divide the nachos among eight plates. Top each plate with diced tomatoes, salsa, 1/4 avocado, lettuce and yogurt.
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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 recipe


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      245

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.3g

        12%

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      530mg

      23%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      25g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      640mg

      14%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    corn tortillas (cut into 6 pieces each)
    8

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    refried beans (15-ounce, fat-free)
    1 can

    low sodium chicken broth (low-sodium)
    1/4 cup

    chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cooked and shredded)
    1 lbs

    Mexican style cheese (reduced fat, shredded)
    3/4 cup

    tomato(es) (seeded and diced)
    2

    salsa
    1 cup

    avocado (seeded and diced)
    1

    lettuce (shredded)
    2 cup

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt (non-fat)
    1/2 cup

  • Brussels Sprouts Slaw

    Brussels Sprouts Slaw

    How to Make Brussels Sprouts Slaw

    This recipe is best made a day (or several hours) ahead of time to allow the Brussels sprouts to really absorb the dressing but it can be served immediately if needed.


    20 min prep time


    5 min cook time


    9servings


    1/2 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and blanch in the boiling water for 1 minute. Remove from boiling water and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Dry the sprouts with a clean towel.
    2. Trim the stem on the Brussels sprouts and slice in half lengthwise. Using the slicing blade on a food processor, process the Brussels sprouts to shred them. You can also do this with the slicing side of a box grater or with a very sharp knife.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together scallions, vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, Splenda, mayonnaise and black pepper.
    4. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and toasted almonds to the dressing and mix well.
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    Nutrition facts

    9 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      160mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        2g

    • Protein
      3g

    • Potassium
      230mg

      5%

    Ingredients

    water
    6 cup

    fresh Brussels sprouts
    1 lbs

    green onion (scallion) (minced)
    2

    rice wine vinegar
    1/4 cup

    Dijon Mustard
    1 tbsp

    lower sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    low-calorie sugar substitute
    2 tbsp

    lite mayonnaise
    1/4 cup

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    slivered almonds (toasted)
    1/2 cup