Crunchy Baked Kale Chips

Crunchy Baked Kale Chips

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup 

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh kale (about 8 cups, chopped)
1 Tablespoon canola or olive oil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Wash kale leaves.
3. Cut leaves off of thick stem and thoroughly dry leaves in a salad spinner or by blotting with paper towels. Discard stems.
4. Tear or cut leaves into bite sized pieces. Place in large bowl.
5. Drizzle oil over kale and toss to coat well.
6. Place kale leaves onto baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake until edges brown. About 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve while hot.

Zucchini Zowie

Zucchini Zowie

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
2 teaspoons garlic powder or 8 cloves garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash and slice the zucchini.
3. Lay zucchini in a pie pan and pour tomatoes and juice over the top.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and cheese on zucchini.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 small zucchinis
Serving Size 1/2 small zucchini

Ingredients

2 medium or 3 small zucchini
1⁄2 cup tomato based pasta sauce
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash zucchini. Trim ends and cut each in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scrape out soft, seedy center of zucchini.
3. Place zucchini halves in a small baking dish. Spoon pasta sauce into zucchini halves. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until zucchini can be pierced with a fork and cheese is bubbly and brown. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Spinach & Chicken Italian

Spinach & Chicken Italian

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup tomato pasta sauce
1 pound chicken breast cut or pounded into 1/2-inch thick slices
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained or 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
3⁄4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Pour ½ cup of pasta sauce in a large baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken and add to the dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of pasta sauce, spinach and mozzarella.
3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is no longer pink inside and cheese begins to turn brown.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets

Crunchy Chicken Nuggets

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 25 chicken nuggets
Serving Size about 5 chicken nuggets

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1⁄2 cup barbeque sauce
3 cups cereal flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix chicken and barbeque sauce in a large bowl.
3. Pour cereal flakes into a large plastic bag and crush into small pieces.
4. Place chicken pieces in the bag, reseal, and toss to coat.
5. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet.
6. Bake until crispy and golden brown and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• For a dipping sauce, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
• For a home-made barbeque sauce, mix the following Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon each black pepper, salt, oregano, basil and thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic or 1 pinch of garlic powder

Cuban Baked Bananas

Cuban Baked Bananas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 bananas
Serving Size 1 banana

Ingredients

6 bananas, sliced lengthwise
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
4 Tablespoons margarine or butter
1⁄2 cup raisins, or other dried chopped fruit
1⁄3 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Arrange the split bananas in the pan.
3. Top evenly with brown sugar, small pieces of margarine, raisins and pecans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cinnamon Baked Pears

Cinnamon Baked Pears

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 pear halves
Serving Size 1 half pear

Ingredients

2 ripe pears
3 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped
2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon dried cranberries

Directions

1. Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or melon baller.
2. Place pears in a baking dish. Fill centers with chopped walnuts and drizzle about half a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar over each pear half.
3. Sprinkle each half with cinnamon and cranberries.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until pears are soft when poked with a fork. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Roasted Zucchini

Roasted Zucchini

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 pounds zucchini, whole
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash zucchini and cut into 3-inch lengths.Then cut each 3-inch section into ½-inch thick sticks.
3. In a bowl or plastic bag, combine zucchini sticks with oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place in a single layer onto a large baking sheet. Be careful to not crowd the pieces of zucchini. Lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment will help with cleanup.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned but still tender-crisp.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
2 teaspoons margarine or butter, melted
3 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Mix margarine, honey, mustard and onion powder in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. Spread sprouts on baking pan and roast for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender.
4. Add roasted sprouts to the mustard mixture and stir until evenly coated. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old. Try brown sugar.

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans
1 Tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Snap the ends off the green beans and rinse the beans in water.
2. Lay the green beans on a metal baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the oil, salt and pepper over the beans. Toss to coat.
4. Roast in a 425 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir the beans a couple times while roasting.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 pounds Brussels sprouts
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash and trim Brussels sprouts. Cut large Brussels sprouts in half from top to bottom; leave small Brussels sprouts whole.
3. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with the oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
5. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once after 10 to 15 minutes.  Sprouts should be tender and browned.
6. Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Asparagus

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 pounds fresh asparagus spears
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash asparagus spears and trim off tough ends. Leave whole or cut into shorter lengths
3. In a large bowl, toss spears with the oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place spears in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
5. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes or until the asparagus pieces are lightly browned.  Thick spears will take a longer baking time.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Potato Pals

Potato Pals

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 pound red potatoes, scrubbed and cut in 1-inch cubes
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In large bowl, stir together potatoes, oil, salt and garlic powder.
3. Lay potatoes out on a baking sheet with sides.
4. Bake until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Toss a couple times while roasting.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Baked Tortilla Chips 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 16 chips
Serving Size 8 chips

Ingredients

2 whole grain corn tortillas (6 to 8 inches)
1⁄8 teaspoon salt (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon oil (optional) or cooking spray (optional)
1⁄8 teaspoon seasoning (try garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder or a mixture) (optional)

Directions

1. Choose a baking temperature (between 375 and 450 degrees) and preheat oven.
2. Choose your version:
   Plain - Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
   Cooking spray – Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
   Oil – Brush oil on one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
3. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes depending on oven temperature.  Watch closely to avoid burning.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 1-inch slices
Serving Size 2 1-inch slices

Ingredients

2 large tomatoes cut into thick slices (about 1 inch)
1⁄3 cup shredded cheese (try parmesan, Swiss, or cheddar)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder (1 clove garlic, minced)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place tomato slices in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine cheese, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle mixture over tomatoes.
3. Bake 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown and starts to bubble. Serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Baked Cauliflower Tots

Baked Cauliflower Tots

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 15 tots
Serving Size 5 tots

Ingredients

2 cups grated cauliflower (about half a medium head)
1 egg
3 Tablespoons flour
1⁄4 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet or line with parchment paper or foil.
2. Grate cauliflower on large holes of a grater. 
3. In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower, egg, flour, cheese, and salt; mix well. 
4. Press mixture together to make about 15 small balls or logs; Place on the baking sheet with space between each ball or log.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. For extra crispy tots, broil for an extra 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Texture will be best when freshly made.

Tortilla Casserole

Tortilla Casserole

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 12 servings
Serving Size 1 wedge

Ingredients

1 cup medium salsa
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) whole-kernel corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed)
1⁄2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
4 whole wheat tortillas, 10-inch diameter
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Lightly oil or spray a 10 inch casserole dish. 
2. In a small bowl, mix salsa and tomato sauce.
3. In a medium bowl, mix black beans, corn and cilantro.
4. Place 1 tortilla in baking dish, and spread 1/4 of salsa mixture over tortilla. Top with 1/3 of bean mixture and 1/3 of cheese.
5. Repeat layering 2 more times; spread last of salsa mixture over top of last tortilla.
6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until cheese melts and filling is hot. 
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• Try kidney or pinto beans instead of black beans.
• Add leftover cooked chicken, turkey or ground beef.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Oven-Roasted Radishes with Peas

Oven-Roasted Radishes with Peas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 bunch radishes, (approximately 10 radishes) washed, trimmed and cut into quarters
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup peas (fresh, thawed from frozen, or canned and then drained)
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. In a rimmed baking sheet, mix radishes with oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle peas over the radish mixture and roast until peas are heated through.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon juice and dill, if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.

My Personal Pizza

My Personal Pizza

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1 servings
Serving Size 1 pizza

Ingredients

1/2 english muffin
1 1⁄2 Tablespoons spaghetti or pizza sauce
1 Tablespoon grated cheese
4 Tablespoons chopped vegetables, fruits, and/or cooked meat

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lightly toast English muffin.
3. Spread with spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce.
4. Add cheese and pizza toppings of your choice.
5. Bake 5-7 minutes until muffin is lightly browned and cheese is melted.
6. Allow to cool slightly before eating.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try a variety of fruits and vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, and tomato.
• Add cut up cooked meat like chicken or sausage.
• Try whole wheat English muffins for added fiber.

Easy Manicotti

Easy Manicotti

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 14 servings
Serving Size 1 filled shell

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 egg
1 carton (15 ounces) low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
6 ounces shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
1⁄2 cup fresh parsley, minced, or 3 tablespoons dried parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon italian seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 to 26 ounces) pasta sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
3. While pasta is cooking, beat egg in medium bowl. Add ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Pour a little of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking pan to prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Stuff shells with filling (about 2-3 rounded teaspoons per shell). Arrange stuffed shells in pan. Pour remaining sauce evenly over pasta.
6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
7. Let rest 10 minutes outside of oven before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add Parmesan cheese to the filling mixture.
• Add your favorite spices to sauce for additional flavor.