Fruit Pizza

Fruit Pizza

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size one half muffin with fruit

Ingredients

1 English Muffin (try whole grain)
2 Tablespoons reduced fat or fat-free cream cheese (see notes)
2 Tablespoons sliced strawberries
2 Tablespoons blueberries
2 Tablespoons crushed pineapple

Directions

1. Split open the English muffin and toast the halves until lightly browned.
2. Spread cream cheese on both halves.
3. Divide the fruit between the two muffin halves and arrange on top of cream cheese.
4. These are best when served soon.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any combination of fruit for topping the pizza.
• No cream cheese? Try peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
• Make your own whipped cream cheese for easy spreading. Use an electric hand mixer to gradually beat 4 tablespoons of milk into 8 ounces of cream cheese. To make it fruit flavored, add any chopped, soft fruit (fresh, canned, or frozen) while beating. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 16 1/2-inch slices
Serving Size 1/2 inch slice

Ingredients

non-stick cooking spray or oil
2 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup dried plum puree (see Notes)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. Add the eggs and pumpkin. Stir until mixed together.
4. In a large bowl, blend the dried plum puree, brown sugar and sugar.
5. Lightly coat a 8 ½ x 4 ½ -inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil and set aside.
6. Add dry Ingredients to the plum mixture. Stir only until the dry Ingredients become moistened. Be careful not to over mix.
7. Pour batter into loaf pan and spread into the corners.
8. Bake for about 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
10. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a rack. Slice to serve.
11. Wrap in plastic or foil to store for several days or freeze for up to a month.

Notes

• To make the dried plum puree: combine 2/3 cup pitted dried plums (4 ounces) and 3 tablespoons water in a blender. Blend until the plums are finely chopped.
• If you don't have dried plums on hand, try using applesauce or plum baby food

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pearl barley (cooking Directions below)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1⁄4 cup sliced green onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Mix barley with remaining Ingredients, except garnish, in a large bowl.
2. Cover and chill several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
3. Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Freeze extra lime or lemon juice to use later. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
• To cook pearl barley:
  • In medium saucepan with lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup pearl barley and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Makes about 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Place any extra cooked barley in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze. Add cooked barley to soups, stews, casseroles and salads for a healthful whole grain boost

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)
Serving Size 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
1⁄2 cup applesauce
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons oil
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

TOPPING
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil or spray an 8" x 8" baking pan.
2. Combine the egg, applesauce, milk, vanilla and oil in a bowl. Add the apple.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to the liquid Ingredients and mix well.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish, and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts.
6. Return to oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until top is browned and the sugar bubbles.
7. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute other fruit for the apple. Try bananas, pears, blueberries or a mixture

Almond Rice Pudding

Almond Rice Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 cups almond milk
1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
1⁄4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1⁄4 teaspoon almond extract
cinnamon to taste
1⁄4 cup toasted almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Combine almond milk and rice in a 2-3 quart saucepan, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 1/2 hour with the lid on until the rice is soft.
3. Add sugar, vanilla, almond extract and cinnamon. Stir and serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add your favorite berries to the top for some color and a yummy taste!
• Add an extra cup of almond milk for a creamier texture.
• No almond milk? Use non-fat or 1% milk and 1½ teaspoons almond extract.

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 48 cookies
Serving Size 2 cookies

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup oil
1⁄2 cup applesauce or fruit puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (raw)
1 1⁄2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 cup raisins or golden raisins

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugars, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, stir dry Ingredients together.
4. Blend dry Ingredients into wet mixture. Stir in raisins and carrots.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet.
6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Store in airtight container.

Spicy Rice Casserole

Spicy Rice Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
3⁄4 cup (3 ounces) shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Drain fat.
2. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
• If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
• Try ground turkey in place of beef.

Skillet Granola

Skillet Granola

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1⁄4 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups uncooked, old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins

Directions

1. Warm oil and honey in a skillet for one minute over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add powdered milk and vanilla.
2. Stir in oats and sunflower seeds, and mix until coated with oil and honey mixture. Heat over medium heat. Stir until oatmeal is slightly brown.
3. Take off heat. Stir in raisins.
4. Cool mixture. Store in an airtight container (jar or plastic bag).

Notes

• Try baking this dish instead. Once the first six Ingredients are combined transfer to a baking pan and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes or until golden brown, stirring half way through.
• Try adding any of these Ingredients: one teaspoon cinnamon, chopped nuts, dried fruit, wheat germ, or coconut.
• Serve with milk, yogurt, ice cream, and/or fresh or canned fruit.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Banana Pancakes

Banana Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 18 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 Tablespoon sugar
3 Tablespoons oil
2 bananas, mashed
3⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions

1. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Add milk, sugar, oil and bananas and mix well. Add flours and baking powder. Mix gently.
2. Lightly spray a large skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly wipe with oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Spoon 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until tops are bubbly and pancakes are dry around the edges. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To see if skillet is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If drops skitter around, heat is just right.
• Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Skillet Meal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds) cut in 1" cubes
2 teaspoons oil
1 1⁄2 cups or more chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (10.5 ounces) low sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups small shell pasta, uncooked
1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add broccoli, broth, soup, pepper, garlic and pasta. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Check near the end of cooking and add a small amount of water, if needed.
6. Add cheese during last two minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat pasta when available

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of 12 muffin cups with oil or baking spray.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, blend vegetable oil, egg, milk and applesauce until smooth. Stir the liquid Ingredients into the flour mixture until just moistened. Lightly stir in the blueberries.
4. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake about 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are golden brown.  A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out moist but without batter.

Notes

• To avoid rancid whole wheat flour, store it in a container or bag that keeps the air sealed out. Keep in a cool dark area for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.  Buy amounts that you can use within those lengths of time.
• To use sweetened applesauce, remove about 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar from the measured amount

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 12 slices or muffins
Serving Size 1 slice or 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 cup sliced carrots (about 1 can (14.5 ounces) or 2 to 3 fresh carrots)
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups baking mix (biscuit or pancake mix)
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pans. If making a loaf, lightly spray or oil and flour a 9x5 bread pan. If making muffins, lightly oil or spray a muffin tin.
2. Cook carrots until they are very soft.
3. Fresh - Steam or boil.
4. Frozen - Follow package Directions or microwave, steam or boil.
5. Canned - Rinse and drain.
6. Mash carrots well with a fork or potato masher, or use a blender or food processer to puree until smooth.
7. In large bowl, mix carrots with brown sugar, egg, and milk until well blended. Add remaining Ingredients and mix well.
8. Pour batter into prepared bread pans or fill 12 muffin cups about 2/3 full.
9. Bake bread for 50 minutes or muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, until a fork or knife inserted in center comes out clean.
10. Let cool slightly then remove from pans. Cool completely then store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

Potato Wedges

Potato Wedges

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 wedges
Serving Size About 3 wedges each

Ingredients

3 large baking potatoes
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1⁄2 teaspoons onion powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Scrub potatoes well but do not peel.
3. Cut each potato into 8 wedges, lengthwise.
4. Mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder together. Spread the mixture on the sides of each potato wedge.
5. Place on a baking sheet with space between wedges.
6. Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Covering the baking sheet with foil under the potatoes will help with clean-up.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Baking time can vary according to size of the wedges; test for doneness by poking with a fork

Oven French Toast

Oven French Toast

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 slices
Serving Size 2 slices

Ingredients

4 eggs or 8 egg whites
12 slices whole grain bread
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with sides or two 9x13 inch pans with cooking spray.
3. Lay the slices of bread flat on the pan with the sides touching.
4. Beat egg, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla until very well blended.
5. Pour mixture over bread. Turn each slice over to ensure both sides are wet.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight or bake immediately for 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar (optional). Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with applesauce or yogurt.
• Add your favorite berries to the top for some color and a yummy taste

Apple Bars

Apple Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 bars
Serving Size 1 bar

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
1⁄2 cup butter or margarine
3 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 2 medium apples [3” diameter])
2⁄3 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan.
2. Mix flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves.
3. Cut in butter or margarine with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly.
4. Spread half of the crumb mixture in the baking pan. Top with apple slices and raisins and sprinkle with sugar. Spread remaining crumb mixture evenly over apples.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool and cut into 12 bars.

Notes

• Substitute ripe pears for apples
• Serve warm topped with vanilla yogur

Blueberry Bling

Blueberry Bling

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup 

Ingredients

3 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
2 teaspoons margarine or butter, softened
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Place frozen blueberries in a 9-inch pie plate. If using fresh blueberries, wash and drain before placing in a 9-inch pie plate.
3. In a small bowl, use a fork to mix margarine, flour, sugar, oats and cinnamon.
4. Sprinkle oat mixture over the blueberries.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes. Enjoy while warm!
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Baked Apples and Squash

Baked Apples and Squash

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 cups winter squash cubes
2 cups apple cubes
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Peel the squash, remove the seeds and cut into bite size pieces.
2. Peel the apples, remove the core and cut into bite size pieces.
3. Combine the squash and apple pieces, oil, cinnamon, sugar and salt together in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the mixture on a metal baking pan.
5. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until squash is soft.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Farmers Market Salsa

Farmers Market Salsa

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 64 tablespoons
Serving Size 2 Tablespoons

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
1⁄2 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup diced green pepper
2 Tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 cup picante sauce

Directions

1. Combine all Ingredients in a large bowl. Chill until serving time.
2. Drain before serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Serve with fresh vegetables or Food Hero Baked Tortilla Chips.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 bunnies
Serving Size 1 bunny

Ingredients

2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach
4 pear halves, fresh or canned
1⁄2 cup cottage cheese
8 pieces sliced almonds
12 raisins

Directions

1. Place about 1/2 cup shredded lettuce on each plate.
2. Place one pear half on the lettuce, cut side faced down.
3. On the narrower end of each pear, make a rabbit face: Poke two pieces of sliced almonds into the pear to make ears. Arrange two raisins for eyes and one for the nose.
4. Place 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese at the opposite end of each pear half to make a tail.

Notes

• Optional: Add a miniature carrot or two for the bunnies to snack on.
• Look in the bulk food section of the store to buy only the amount you need of raisins or sliced almonds. 

Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon Cooler

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups cubed watermelon, with seeds removed
1⁄2 cup orange juice

Directions

1. Place watermelon and juice in blender. Put lid on tightly.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Drink immediately.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Juice from 1/2 orange (about 1/4 cup)