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. 

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.

Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

Easy Cheesy Enchiladas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 16 servings
Serving Size 1/2 enchilada

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup salsa
1 1⁄2 cups corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 1⁄2 cups shredded cheese
8 10" whole wheat flour tortillas
1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix beans, salsa, corn, and half of the cheese together in a bowl.
3. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the bean mixture onto each tortilla.
4. Roll the tortilla and place seam-side down in baking dish.
5. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• This dish can be prepared in a microwave safe dish. Prepare as above and cook on HIGH in the microwave for 7-10 minutes or until steaming hot. Covering the dish will reduce spattering.
• Substitute pinto beans or kidney beans for the black beans.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 cups diced cucumbers
1 cup seeded and diced tomato
1⁄4 cup chopped sweet onion
2 cups cooked couscous or rice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1⁄2 cup low-fat italian salad dressing

Directions

1. Toss together the cucumber, tomatoes, onions, couscous or rice, dill weed and salad dressing.
2. For best flavor, chill for 1 hour before serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Creamed Green Beans and Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons flour
1⁄4 teaspoon basil
1⁄4 teaspoon rosemary
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 cups frozen green beans
2 cups cooked new potatoes
1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms

Directions

1. Heat oil in a small saucepan; blend in flour.
2. Slowly add basil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and milk.
3. Cook and stir constantly until thickened.
4. Add beans, potatoes, and mushrooms and heat through.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad

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

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup dry couscous
1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup boiling water
1⁄2 cup low fat Italian Salad Dressing
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 green onions, sliced
3⁄4 cup frozen peas, thawed
1⁄4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Place the couscous and cranberries in a large bowl.
2. Pour boiling water over the mixture; cover and let stand until just warm. Fluff with a fork to separate.
3. Add dressing and mix lightly.
4. Wash and prepare vegetables and chop nuts.
5. Add to salad and toss lightly to distribute.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To toast nuts, spread on a baking sheet or pan and heat in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the nuts. Watch closely to avoid scorching. 
• Salad may be refrigerated for up to a day after adding the dressing; then near serving time, toss with vegetables and nuts.
• What is Couscous? Couscous is small precooked pellets shaped from wheat flour or sometimes other grains. It can be found in many bulk food sections and in packages along the pasta aisle. Try whole grain couscous.

Chinese Ramen Cabbage Salad

Chinese Ramen Cabbage Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

5 cups shredded cabbage
2 cups chopped broccoli (or try broccoli florets)
1 cup shredded carrot
1⁄2 cup chopped green onions
1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles crushed. Reserve seasoning packet for dressing
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, broccoli, carrot, green onions and uncooked ramen noodles.
2. For the dressing, combine ramen seasoning packet, vinegar, sugar and oil in a small bowl. Stir well.
3. Pour dressing over salad. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until served.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add chicken, tuna, tofu, nuts or other sources of protein.
• Use any kind of vinegar or substitute lowfat Italian dressing for the dressing ingredients.
• Reduce sodium by leaving out the seasoning packet.

Bulgur Pilaf

Bulgur Pilaf

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons oil
1⁄2 cup chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup bulgur, uncooked
1⁄2 teaspoon Salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) (see notes)

Directions

1. Add oil, celery, onion and bulgur to a medium skillet.
2. Stir constantly over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until vegetables are tender and bulgur is golden brown.
3. Add seasonings and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Cover pan and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer 15 minutes.  Liquid should be gone. Serve.
6. 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.
• Add other vegetables such as peas, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers.
• Try additional flavors such as dill weed, oregano, sage, marjoram, or parsley.

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.

Asian Beef and Noodles

Asian Beef and Noodles

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
2 cups water
2 packages oriental flavor instant ramen-style noodles, broken into small pieces
16 ounces frozen asian-style vegetables, or any other frozen vegetables
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), brown ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Add 2 cups of water and ONE seasoning packet to cooked beef and mix well.
3. Add frozen vegetables, green onion, ginger, and garlic and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Add ramen noodles, reduce heat to low, and simmer 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt Parfait

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 bananas
24 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 cups low-fat granola

Directions

1. Peel and chop bananas.
2. Take half of the fruit and split it between the bottom of six cups or bowls.
3. Take half of the yogurt and split it between each cup or bowl, placing it on top of the fruit.
4. Sprinkle each cup with 1/4 cup granola.
5. Repeat layers.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Drizzle with honey and top with chopped nuts.
• Try other fruits, such as strawberries, apples, oranges, etc. (Use 2 cups fruit for the recipe.)
• Use different flavors of yogurt, such as lemon or strawberry, or plain for less sugar.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Super Sundae

Super Sundae

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2⁄3 cup canned chopped peaches
2⁄3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 Tablespoons granola

Directions

1. Divide yogurt between 2 clear glasses or dishes.
2. Spoon half of the peaches and blueberries on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle each sundae with granola.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute any fruit you have on hand: try sliced bananas, canned mandarin oranges, or grapes cut in half.
• Try different flavors of yogurt like lemon or strawberry.

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped fruit (try a mixture - apples, bananas, raisins, berries, peaches)
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts (try unsalted walnuts or almonds)

Directions

1. Combine cooked rice, milk and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds. Stir and heat for another 45-60 seconds, or until rice mixture is heated through.
2. Divide rice mixture between two bowls. Top with fruit and nuts. Serve warm.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use a combination of fresh, canned, frozen and dried fruit in this recipe.
• You can use any leftover cooked grain in this recipe. Try white or wild rice, quinoa, barley or oatmeal.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Serving Size 2 x 2 inch bar

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups rice cereal
2 cups quick oats
1 cup raisins, or other dried fruit

Directions

1. In a saucepan bring honey to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and stir in peanut butter.
3. Add dry cereal, oats and raisins; mix well. Remove from heat
4. Lightly spray or oil an 8 inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Press into prepared 8-inch pan. When cool, cut into 16 bars.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

• Try this recipe with 4 cups of unsweetened cereal flakes instead of the rice cereal and oats.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size 2 pancakes
 

Ingredients

1 egg
1⁄2 cup canned pumpkin
1 3⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

1. Combine eggs, pumpkin, milk and oil in large mixing bowl.
2. Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt to egg mixture. Stir gently.
3. 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 (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour batter on hot griddle.
4. Put a face on the jack-o-lantern, using raisins for eyes and teeth. Drop raisins in batter while it cooks.
5. Pancakes are ready to turn when tops are bubbly all over, and the edges begin to appear dry. Use a quick flip with a broad spatula to turn pancakes. Turn only once. Continue to bake until bottoms are brown and dry.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• No pumpkin pie spice? Use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves or nutmeg.
• Try using 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour for more whole grains!
• 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.

Gingerbread Pancakes

Gingerbread Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size 2 pancakes (4-inch)

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 egg
2 Tablespoons molasses
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup low-fat buttermilk

Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, beat egg. Stir in molasses, oil and buttermilk.
3. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients; stir together lightly.
4. 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). For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle.
5. Cook until pancakes are puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other side until golden brown.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• No pumpkin pie spice? Use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves or nutmeg.
• No buttermilk? Place 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in measuring cup and fill to the 1 cup line with milk. Stir and let set to thicken slightly.  
• 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.

Corn Pancakes

Corn Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1 6" pancake

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup cornmeal
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 cups cooked corn* (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
cooking spray for skillet

Directions

1. Mix corn meal, flour, baking powder and salt.
2. Beat the eggs and milk together and add to the flour mixture.
3. Add corn and mix well.
4. Lightly spray a large skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly wipe with oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Pour batter onto hot griddle to make individual pancakes.
5. Cook until golden on the bottom. Turn and cook on other side.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Fresh corn works very well in this recipe. Cook 2 large ears of corn for 5 minutes in boiling water then cool in very cold water.  Cut kernels off the cob, cream style, (cut kernels with shallow cut then scrape the cob for the rest of the kernel). Add to batter.
• Try serving with salsa or applesauce.
• This recipe can also be made quickly with your favorite pancake mix. Make enough batter for six servings. Then, add 1 can drained corn or 2 cups cooked fresh corn cut off the cob.

Carrot Pancakes

Carrot Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Serving Size 3 pancakes

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
3⁄4 cup buttermilk
1⁄2 cup carrots, finely grated
1 egg
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄4 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1⁄2 cup all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Mix oatmeal and buttermilk and set aside to soak.
2. Peel and grate the carrot with a fine grater.
3. Add egg, oil, milk and vanilla extract, if desired, to the oatmeal mixture; beat well. Stir in the grated carrot.
4. Measure dry ingredients and stir into the wet ingredients until batter is fairly smooth. If it seems too thick add a small amount of milk.
5. 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). For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle.
6. Cook until pancakes are puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other side until golden brown.
7. 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.

Breakfast Pumpkin Cookies

Breakfast Pumpkin Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Serving Size 2 cookies

Ingredients

1 3⁄4 cups cooked, pureed pumpkin (15 ounce can)
1 1⁄2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1⁄2 cup oil
1 1⁄2 cups flour
1 1⁄4 cups whole wheat flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts or hazelnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, and oil thoroughly.
3. Blend dry ingredients and add to pumpkin mixture.
4. Add raisins and nuts.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
6. Gently flatten each cookie (use a spoon, bottom of glass, or palm of your hand).
7. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast Burritos

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/2 burrito

Ingredients

4 eggs
1⁄4 cup 1% milk
salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste
1 teaspoon oil
4 (10 inch) flour tortillas
1 cup fat-free refried beans
1⁄2 cup (4 ounces) grated cheddar cheese
1 tomato, chopped

Directions

1. Mix eggs, milk and seasonings in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Stir in the eggs and cook until firm.
4. Warm the tortillas on a griddle, or wrap in foil and heat in the oven.
5. Warm the refried beans in a separate pan.
6. On each tortilla, layer 1/4 of refried beans, eggs, cheese, and tomato.
7. Roll the burrito, cut in half, and enjoy!
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try your favorite salsa in place of the tomato.
• Use other vegetables that you have in the refrigerator, such as green or red bell peppers, or cooked corn.
• Serve with guacamole or light sour cream.