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

Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 16 squares (2 inches x 2 inches)
Serving Size 2 x 2 inch square

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 Tablespoons oil
3 Tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or spray the bottom of an 8" x 8" baking pan.
2. In a large bowl combine both flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil and brown sugar. Be sure sugar has no lumps.
4. Add liquids to flour mixture. Stir together until dry Ingredients are just moistened.
5. Pour into prepared baking pan and smooth into corners.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Top should look golden brown.
7. Cool slightly and remove from pan. Slice with a serrated knife.
8. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Notes

• No buttermilk? Add enough milk to 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to make 2 cups. Stir well and let stand 5 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup raisins and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon for a tasty breakfast bread

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.

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

Salmon Patties

Salmon Patties

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 patty

Ingredients

1 can (14 ounces) of salmon, remove skin and large bones
1 slice of bread, torn into small pieces
1 Tablespoon light mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, lightly beaten
1⁄2 cup celery, chopped (about 1 stalks)
1⁄2 cup carrot, chopped (about 1 small)
1⁄2 cup onion, chopped (1⁄2 medium onion)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl break up the salmon into small pieces.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
3. Lightly press about ½ cup of the mixture into a 3 to 4 inch patty that is about 1 inch thick. Repeat to make 4 patties total.
4. Lightly spray or oil a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
5. Add the patties and cook until they are golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Garden Sloppy Joes

Garden Sloppy Joes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12 servings
Serving Size 1/2 bun

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped or shredded
1 green pepper, chopped
1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed
1 can (8 ounces) mushrooms or 1/2 pound chopped fresh mushrooms
1⁄4 cup barbecue sauce
6 whole wheat buns, split in half to make 12

Directions

1. Saute onions, carrots, green pepper and ground meat in a 2-3 quart saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, mushrooms and barbecue sauce.
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally.
4. Toast buns if desired. Spoon sauce over bun halves. Serve open-faced.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add your favorite fresh, canned or frozen chopped vegetables.
• Try whole wheat English muffins instead of buns. 

Bruschetta Salad

Bruschetta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 cups chopped roma tomatoes
1⁄2 cup chopped red onion
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped basil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups Croutons

Directions

1. Combine the tomatoes, onion, basil, salt, black pepper, vinegar and oil in a bowl.
2. Stir croutons in the salad and serve.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Bread Pudding in the Microwave

Bread Pudding in the Microwave

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon butter or margarine
3 slices whole grain bread
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup raisins
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Butter bread and cut into small cubes.
2. Combine buttered and cubed bread, brown sugar and raisins in a one-quart microwave safe dish.
3. In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, blend together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
4. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes until hot, but not boiling.
5. Pour over bread mixture and lightly blend together.
6. Microwave uncovered at 50% power for 5-8 minutes, or until edges are firm and the center is almost set.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with low-fat vanilla or lemon yogurt.

Applesauce French Toast

Applesauce French Toast

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 slice

Ingredients
2 eggs
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons white sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
1⁄4 cup unsweetened applesauce
6 slices whole wheat bread

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and applesauce. Mix well.
2. Soak bread one slice at a time until mixture is slightly absorbed.
3. Lightly spray or oil a skillet or griddle. Cook over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To use sweetened applesauce, remove about 3/4 teaspoon of sugar from the measured amount.
• Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.