Tag: holidays & entertaining

  • BBQ Chicken Burgers

    BBQ Chicken Burgers

    How to Make BBQ Chicken Burgers

    This burger recipe calls for ground chicken but lean ground turkey would also work well. Offer these healthier burgers as an option next time you host a barbecue!


    10 min prep time


    5servings


    1 burger

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill.
    2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, oatmeal, steak seasoning, salt (optional), and pepper. Mix well.
    3. Divide the meat mixture into 5 equal portions and press into patties.
    4. Grill the burgers on one side for 4-5 minutes. Flip the burgers and use 2 Tbsps. of the barbecue sauce to brush the top of the burgers. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes and flip them again. Brush the other side with the remaining BBQ sauce. Grill for another 2-3 minutes or until the burgers are cooked through. (They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
    5. Open one hamburger bun. Add the burger to the bottom half of the bun and top with 1 piece lettuce and 1 slice of tomato. Place the top of the bun on top of the burger. Repeat for remaining 4 burgers.
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    Nutrition facts

    5 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 burger


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      275

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      10g

      13%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.7g

        14%

    • Cholesterol
      105mg

      35%

    • Sodium
      240mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      27g

      10%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      21g

    Ingredients

    ground chicken
    16 oz

    eggs
    1

    oatmeal
    1/4 cup

    steak seasoning (salt-free, (such as Mrs. Dash))
    2 tsp

    salt (optional)
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    barbeque sauce (sugar free)
    1/4 cup

    whole wheat hamburger buns (about 1.5 ounces each)
    5

    bibb or boston lettuce
    5

    tomato(es) (sliced into 5 slices)
    1

  • Basil Pesto Cream

    Basil Pesto Cream

    How to Make Basil Pesto Cream

    This flavorful dip is surprisingly healthy and low-fat. Use it as a dip or spread. It’s great served over grilled or broiled fish too!


    20servings


    1 Tbsp.

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place spinach, garlic, shallot, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and basil in food processor. Process to a paste.
    2. With motor running, add cottage cheese and oil. Process until smooth. Add milk to achieve the desired consistency, if desired.
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    Nutrition facts

    20 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 Tbsp.


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      15

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      0.5g

      <1%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.2g

        1%

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      50mg

      2%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      2g

    Ingredients

    cottage cheese (non-fat)
    1 cup

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tsp

    fresh basil
    1/2 cup

    Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated)
    1/4 cup

    shallots (minced, about 1 large)
    1 tbsp

    baby spinach
    1 cup

    skim milk
    2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

  • Barley Hoppin’ John with Turkey Kielbasa

    Barley Hoppin’ John with Turkey Kielbasa

    How to Make Barley Hoppin’ John with Turkey Kielbasa

    It’s a good luck tradition to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Why stop there? Enjoy this hearty take on Hoppin’ John any day of the year! This dish is typically made with rice, but barley adds more fiber and an interesting texture.


    15 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add oil to a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add kielbasa and sauté another 2 minutes.
    2. Add broth, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper and black-eyed peas. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer for 7 minutes. Stir in cooked barley and simmer 2 more minutes.
    3. Top with sliced scallions.
    4. Note: To bulk cook barley, add 11 oz. dry pearled (quick-cooking) barley to a pot of 4 cups boiling water. Cover, then reduce to a simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered off the heat for 5 minutes. Makes 6 cups cooked barley. This barley can be used in any recipe calling for cooked barley. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or package in freezer bags in one cup increments for up to 6 months.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      190

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      450mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      25g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        6g

        21%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      12g

    • Potassium
      380mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    2 tsp

    medium onion (diced)
    1

    red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    turkey kielbasa (diced)
    8 oz

    low sodium chicken broth
    1 cup

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 tsp or to taste

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
    1 (15-oz can)

    cooked barley
    1 cup

    scallion (thinly sliced, green and white parts)
    2

  • Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    How to Make Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms

    This simple chicken entree is budget-friendly and a perfect start to a healthy plate. Serve with a simple vegetable side like Easy Middle Eastern Green Beans or Tarragon Tomatoes.


    20 min prep time


    4servings


    1 chicken breast with heaping 1/4 cup mushrooms

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place the chicken breast in a plastic bag and pound thin with a mallet.

    2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.

    3. Dredge the chicken in flour and coat it on both sides. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

    4. Melt the margarine in the pan. Add the mushrooms and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and bring it to a boil to reduce the liquid.

    5. Add the chicken broth to the pan and simmer 2 more minutes. Add the chicken breast back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 chicken breast with heaping 1/4 cup mushrooms


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      260

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      9g

      12%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      85mg

      28%

    • Sodium
      105mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      29g

    • Potassium
      630mg

      13%

    Ingredients

    boneless, skinless chicken breast (divided into 4 (4-oz) portions)
    1 lbs

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    all-purpose flour
    1/4 cup

    trans-fat-free margarine
    1 tbsp

    sliced mushrooms
    10 oz

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    balsamic vinegar
    1/3 cup

    low sodium chicken broth
    1/2 cup

  • Baked Pork Hawaiian

    Baked Pork Hawaiian

    How to Make Baked Pork Hawaiian

    This sweet and savory diabetes-friendly dish will pair well with just about any nonstarchy vegetable. Try it out with our roasted green beans recipe.


    20 min prep time


    10servings


    3 ounces

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the pork with salt and pepper and place in a shallow pan. Bake for 1 hour. Drain off all excess fat.
    2. Meanwhile, mix the ingredients together and let stand to blend flavors.
    3. Pour the sauce over the pork and bake an additional 45-60 minutes, basting frequently or until thermometer registers 155°F. Remove from oven and cover with aluminum foil. Let rest for 10 minutes. Carve into thin slices.
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    Nutrition facts

    10 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      177

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.8g

        9%

    • Cholesterol
      53mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      330mg

      14%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        12g

    • Protein
      19g

    Ingredients

    lean boneless pork sirloin roast (trimmed of fat)
    2 lbs

    Salt to taste (optional)
    1

    Pepper to taste (optional)
    1

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/2 cup

    green pepper (diced)
    1/4 cup

    tomato sauce (8 oz cans)
    2

    Worcestershire sauce
    1 tbsp

    Apple Cider Vinegar
    1/3 cup

    pineapple tidbits (8 oz can, packed in their own juice)
    1

    brown sugar
    1/4 cup

    mustard powder
    1/2 tsp

  • Baked Hot Wings with Cilantro Lime Dip

    Baked Hot Wings with Cilantro Lime Dip

    How to Make Baked Hot Wings with Cilantro Lime Dip

    This is a diabetes-friendly version of buffalo wings that skips deep frying and delivers an incredibly tasty golden brown wing with just the right amount of spice. Break out the paper towels, because this is a game-day treat you and other fans will love! Instead of bleu cheese dressing, we suggest using our tasty Cilantro Lime Dip.


    15 min prep time


    4servings


    3 whole wings, or 6 wings and drumettes, 1/4 cup dip

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Remove skin from wings. Lay chicken wings in a single layer on the baking sheet and spray again with cooking spray.
    3. Bake for 10 minutes. While the chicken is baking, whisk apricot preserves, 2.5 Tsps.. of garlic, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, lime juice and 1/4 Tsp. ground black pepper together and set aside.
    4. After the wings have been in the oven for 10 minutes, coat them generously with the apricot preserve mixture. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes or until wings are cooked through and glazed is caramelized.
    5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp. lime juice, cilantro and 1/4 Tsp. ground black pepper. Serve dipping sauce with hot wings.
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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 whole wings, or 6 wings and drumettes, 1/4 cup dip


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      220

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.4g

        7%

    • Cholesterol
      55mg

      18%

    • Sodium
      245mg

      11%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      17g

      6%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      25g

    Ingredients

    whole chicken wings
    2 lbs

    no-sugar-added apricot preserves (reduced sugar)
    1/2 cup

    garlic (minced, reserve 1/2 Tsp.)
    1 tbsp

    reduced sodium soy sauce
    1 tbsp

    Thai style chili garlic sauce
    1 tsp

    lime juice (divided)
    2 tbsp

    black pepper (divided)
    1/2 tsp

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt (non-fat)
    1 cup

    fresh cilantro (chopped)
    1/4 cup

  • Baked Fish Fillets with Thyme-Dijon Topping

    Baked Fish Fillets with Thyme-Dijon Topping

    How to Make Baked Fish Fillets with Thyme-Dijon Topping

    Serve up these tasty, baked fish fillets with some roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. It would make a diabetes-friendly, yet elegant dish to make for your sweetie on a special occasion!


    5 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    4servings


    3 ounces fish + 1 Tbsp. topping

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

    2. Place the fish on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

    3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients.

    4. Spread the margarine mixture over the fish.

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    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3 ounces fish + 1 Tbsp. topping


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      150

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      240mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      0g

      0%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g

    • Protein
      22g

    • Potassium
      564mg

      12%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    grouper or other mild fish fillets (4 oz each, rinsed and patted dry)
    4

    light tub margarine (make sure it is trans-fat-free)
    3 tbsp

    fresh parsley (finely chopped)
    2 tbsp

    Dijon Mustard (lowest sodium available)
    1 tsp

    dried thyme (crumbled)
    1/4 tsp

    red hot-pepper sauce
    1/4 tsp

    salt
    1/8 tsp

  • Baked Cinnamon Stuffed Apples

    Baked Cinnamon Stuffed Apples

    How to Make Baked Cinnamon Stuffed Apples

    Fruit dishes like these Baked Cinnamon Stuffed Apples can make a wonderful, healthy dessert. The smell of these apples baking in the oven will have your mouth watering.


    10 min prep time


    30 min cook time


    8servings


    1/2 apple

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

    2. Drizzle lemon juice over apples.

    3. In a small bowl, mix together remaining ingredients. Stuff each apple with approximately 1/4 cup oat mixture.

    4. Place apples in an oven safe baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

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    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/2 apple


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        0.5g

        3%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      30mg

      1%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      15g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        8g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      1g

    • Potassium
      113mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    apple (McIntosh or Golden Delicious Apples, cored)
    4 large

    lemon (juiced)
    1/2

    low-calorie brown sugar substitute
    6 tbsp

    oatmeal
    1/4 cup

    ground cinnamon
    1 tsp

    margarine (trans-fat-free)
    2 tbsp

    pecans (finely chopped)
    1/4 cup

  • Baked Cauliflower Puree

    Baked Cauliflower Puree

    How to Make Baked Cauliflower Puree

    To make this Baked Cauliflower Puree, use a hand blender. This must-have kitchen gadget is a great way to save time and dishes. Puree the food right in the pan it was cooked in, and clean up is a breeze.


    15 min prep time


    6servings


    1 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    2. Place cauliflower florets, chicken broth, Smart Balance, salt and pepper into a large soup pot over high heat until liquid starts to boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and steam for 10-12 minutes or until cauliflower is completely tender when poked with a fork.
    3. Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the cauliflower mixture until smooth. Fold in two Tbsp. chopped parsley.
    4. In a small bowl, combine the remaining two Tbsp. parsley with the grated cheese.
    5. Pour the pureed cauliflower into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with cheese and parsley mixture and bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown around the edges.
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    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      70

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4.5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.5g

        8%

    • Cholesterol
      5mg

      2%

    • Sodium
      150mg

      7%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      5g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%

    • Protein
      4g

    Ingredients

    Nonstick cooking spray
    1

    cauliflower (cut into florets)
    2 head

    low sodium chicken broth (fat-free, reduced-sodium)
    3/4 cup

    Smart Balance original buttery spread
    2 tbsp

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
    1/4 cup

    Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
    3 1/2 tbsp

  • Baked Chicken Empanadas

    Baked Chicken Empanadas

    How to Make Baked Chicken Empanadas

    Chicken empanadas are fun to make and a great no-fork-needed appetizer. Baking these tasty treats gives a crispy crust with less fat and the Manzanilla olives add a delicious nutty flavor.


    45 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    16servings


    1 empanada

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a large sauce pan over high heat. Bring to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the pan from the heat and let the chicken cool to the touch in the broth (about 20 minutes).

    2. Shred the chicken into small pieces and mix in 2 Tbsp. of the chicken broth from the pan; set aside.

    3. Add the oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until onions are soft and clear, and the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the chicken to yield 2 cups of filling.

    4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

    5. Separate the whole wheat pizza dough into 16 golf-ball size pieces, and roll each one into a smooth ball.

    6. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball of dough into a 6-inch-diameter circle.

    7. Spoon 2 Tbsp. of the filling into the middle of the circle and press 1 olive into the middle of the filling. Lightly brush with water the bottom edge of the dough along one half of the circle. Fold the top half of the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle, and press edges firmly together. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in the filling. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet.

    8. Lightly beat the egg with the 1 Tbsp. water and brush a thin layer of the mixture over the top surface of each empanada.

    9. Bake the empanadas for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.

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    Nutrition facts

    16 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 empanada


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      100

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      2.5g

      3%

      • Saturated Fat
        0g

        0%

    • Cholesterol
      20mg

      7%

    • Sodium
      300mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      6g

    • Potassium
      123mg

      3%

    Ingredients

    chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
    8 oz

    low sodium chicken broth (fat-free, low-sodium)
    4 cup

    vegetable oil
    1 tbsp

    medium yellow onion (finely diced)
    1

    paprika
    1 tbsp

    cumin
    1 tsp

    chili powder
    1 tsp

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    premade whole wheat pizza dough (thawed if frozen)
    1 lbs

    green Spanish olives ((such as Manzanilla), pitted)
    16

    eggs
    1

    water
    1 tbsp