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

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

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

Ingredients

1 cup grain, uncooked
1 1⁄2 cups vegetables, fresh, canned or frozen, cut bite-sized
1 cup protein, cut bite-sized
2 cups sauce, stirred
1⁄2 teaspoon spices
3 Tablespoons topping

Directions

To make in a skillet:

1. Combine all Ingredients except topping in a large skillet.
2. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until grains are tender, about 15 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add liquid if too dry.
3. Add topping before serving.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

 To bake in oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all Ingredients except topping in a casserole dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until grains are tender, about 50 to 60 minutes.
3. Add topping before serving.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Grain - try bulgur, pasta, quinoa or rice
• Vegetables - try a mixture of corn, carrots, green beans, onions, mushrooms, peppers or zucchini
• Protein - try cooked cubed or ground beef, pork, chicken or turkey, canned tuna or salmon, tofu or beans
• Sauce - try one can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream soup such as chicken, potato or tomato soup plus 1 1/4 cups water or low-fat milk
• Spices - try basil, oregano, parsley, chili powder, garlic, onion powder or ground ginger
• Topping - try grated cheese or crushed whole grain cereal or cracker

Fresh Veggie Pizza

Fresh Veggie Pizza

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 wedges
Serving Size 2 wedges

Ingredients

1 package low-fat crescent rolls
4 ounces non-fat cream cheese
1⁄4 cup non-fat mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup non-fat sour cream
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil (or thyme)
1⁄2 cup broccoli, chopped
1⁄2 cup cauliflower, chopped
1⁄4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
1⁄2 cup carrot, finely chopped
1⁄3 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Unroll the crescent rolls and place them on a baking sheet to bake. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and basil until smooth.
4. Spread mixture on the cooled crescent rolls.
5. Sprinkle the chopped vegetables and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture. Serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try substituting whole wheat flour tortillas for crescent rolls.
• Use vegetables that are in season and lower in cost

Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 tacos
Serving Size 1 taco

Ingredients

FISH
2 pounds cod fillets
3 Tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
3 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon oil
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

SLAW
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1⁄2 cup green onions, chopped
3⁄4 cup nonfat sour cream
3⁄4 cup salsa
8 corn tortillas (6-inch)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place fish in baking dish.
3. Mix lime juice, tomato, onion, cilantro, oil, peppers, and salt and spoon on top of fillets.
4. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep fish moist.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes.
6. Mix cabbage and onion; mix sour cream and salsa and add to cabbage mixture.
7. Divide cooked fish among tortillas. Add 1/4 cup of slaw to each. Fold over and enjoy!
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze extra lime juice to use later

Fish Taco Salad

Fish Taco Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 pounds fish fillets (try cod, tilapia, snapper or others)
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
2 cups shredded cabbage or lettuce
2 cups chopped vegetables (try tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, corn, green onions, celery, avocado)
1⁄2 cup low-fat ranch dressing
1⁄2 cup salsa

Directions

1. Season fish with salt and pepper. Cook by your favorite method until it appears opaque and flakes apart easily (see Notes).
2. Mix cabbage or lettuce with other vegetables of your choice. Add chunks of fish. Drizzle with ranch dressing and salsa.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Cook fish:
  • In a Skillet - Spray or lightly oil a skillet.  Add seasoned fish and cook over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until flesh starts to appear white.  Turn fish over and cook until it flakes easily.
  • In the Oven - Put seasoned fish in a baking pan and cover with foil. Bake in a 350 degree oven until fish flakes.
  • Under a Broiler - Place seasoned fish on a broiler pan.  Broil several inches from the heat until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily.
  • To make tacos instead of salad: Warm tortillas. Layer cabbage or lettuce, vegetables of your choice, and fish on the tortilla. Drizzle with ranch dressing and salsa. Fold in half.

Fish and Spinach Bake

Fish and Spinach Bake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 16 ounces of fish with vegetables
Serving Size 2 ounces of fish with vegetables

Ingredients

1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 pound fish filets (thawed if frozen)
1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning blend
1 large tomato, diced
4 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Squeeze thawed spinach to remove most of the liquid. Spread in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Arrange fish filets over spinach. Sprinkle with seasoning blend. Top fish with tomatoes and green onions.
4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes more or until fish flakes easily.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try any kind of fish or even chicken.  
• Change the flavor by adding lemon juice or lemon pepper.  
• Try salsa instead of fresh tomato and green onion

Easy Meatballs

Easy Meatballs

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 24 meatballs
Serving Size 3 meatballs

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄2 cup uncooked brown or white rice
2⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄2 cup chopped onion (1⁄2 medium onion)
1⁄2 cup shredded carrot
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

SAUCE

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed soup (try tomato, cream of mushroom or other flavors)
3⁄4 cup nonfat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a shallow baking dish (9" x 13" x 2") with cooking spray.
2. Combine beef, rice, milk, egg, onion, carrot, salt and pepper. Use a spoon to form 24 meatballs and place in baking dish.
3. Combine soup and milk. Mix well. Pour sauce over meatballs.
4. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try using uncooked quick cooking or old fashioned rolled oats instead of rice

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1/8 of Recipe

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup plain bread crumbs
1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1⁄4 teaspoon ground thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄8 teaspoon paprika
3⁄4 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 pounds fish fillets (try any white fish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Lightly spray or a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, thyme, onion powder and paprika.
3. Place crumbs on a flat plate or sheet of wax paper.
4. Dip the fish fillets in milk then press into the crumb mixture to coat all sides. Discard leftover bread crumbs and milk.
5. Place fish on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily in the thickest part, about 15 minutes depending on thickness of fish.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use leftover cooked fish to make fish tacos or add to salads

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons oil
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 small)
1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
3 cups low sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
3 Tablespoons flour
2 cups cooked chicken, bite sized
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper (try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)

DUMPLINGS
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1⁄3 cup non-fat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) and saute onions, carrots and celery until soft.
2. Add a small amount of unheated broth to the flour and stir until smooth. Slowly mix in remaining broth and add to skillet. Stir over medium heat as the mixture thickens.
3. Add the chicken, peas, salt and pepper. Heat on low while making dumplings.
4. Dumplings: sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a mixing bowl.
5. Add the egg to the milk and beat until well blended. Stir into the flour until well combined.
6. Pour the chicken mixture into a lightly oiled or sprayed casserole dish. Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto chicken mixture. (makes about 8 dumplings)
7. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown.
8. 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

Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos

Chicken and Black Bean Salsa Burritos

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 burritos
Serving Size 1/2 burrito

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 green onions, chopped
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon salt, divided in half
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
4 (9 inch) flour tortillas

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the beans, green onions, lemon juice, cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with the chili powder, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
4. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) for 5 minutes. Turn and cook until done, 4-5 minutes longer.
5. Let chicken cool; slice into strips or chunks.
6. Divide cheese evenly between tortillas. Top the cheese with equal amounts of chicken and black bean salsa mixture.
7. Roll up the burritos and wrap each one in foil.
8. Bake burritos until the cheese melts, about 15 minutes.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Freeze extra 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

Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 pound lean ground beef
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
3⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1⁄2 cup water
4 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
3 cups cooked bulgur

Directions

1. Sauté beef, ginger, and garlic powder in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is browned.
2. In a bowl, mix sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, pepper flakes and water.
3. Add sauce to beef and cook for 5 minutes. Add broccoli and cook until tender.
4. Serve over cooked bulgur.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon oil
3 cups green cabbage, shredded (1/2 head)
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic finely chopped
1⁄2 cup water
1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Add chicken strips and stir fry, turning constantly until done.
4. Add cabbage and sauté 2 minutes until cabbage is crisp-tender.
5. Mix cornstarch and seasonings; add water and soy sauce, and mix until smooth.
6. Stir sauce into chicken/cabbage mixture.
7. Cook until sauce has thickened and chicken is coated, about 1 minute.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add bell peppers or carrots to stir fry for color.
• Try stir fry with broccoli

Orange Rice Salad

Orange Rice Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
1⁄2 cup celery, diced
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon orange juice or vinegar
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all Ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.
2. Chill for an hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding 2/3 cup diced green peppers or other crunchy vegetables.

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

Overnight Oatmeal

Overnight Oatmeal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size almost 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup low-fat yogurt
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup berries, fresh or frozen
1⁄2 cup chopped apple (about 1/3 a medium apple [3” diameter])

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix oats, yogurt and milk.
2. Add the fruit now or add just before eating.
3. Cover and refrigerate oatmeal mixture for 6-12 hours.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve scoops of oatmeal in small dishes or spoon into small containers with lids for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Tuna Quesadillas

Tuna Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 quesadilla
Serving Size 1 quesadilla

Ingredients

1 can (5 ounce) tuna in water, drained
1⁄2 cup corn kernels (fresh, cooked, or frozen)
1⁄2 cup bell pepper, diced
1⁄2 cup cheese, shredded (try cheddar or mozzarella)
4 8-inch flour tortillas

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together tuna, corn, bell pepper and cheese.
2. Spread ¼ of the filling over half of each tortilla. Fold tortilla in half over the filling.
3. Heat each quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melting.
4. Turn the quesadilla over and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.

Pear Quesadillas

Pear Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 2 wedges

Ingredients

4 medium whole wheat tortillas
1 cup grated cheese (try cheddar or jack)
1 cup pear cubes (fresh or canned/drained)
1⁄2 cup finely chopped green or red peppers
2 Tablespoons minced onion (green, red, or yellow)

Directions

1. Lay two tortillas on a clean cutting board or on two plates.
2. Place 1/4 of the cheese on each tortilla.
3. Divide pears, peppers, and onion between the two tortillas.
4. Divide the remaining cheese between the two tortillas. Top with remaining two tortillas.
5. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Place one quesadilla in pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until bottom of quesadilla begins to look a little brown.
6. With large spatula, gently turn quesadilla over and cook the other side until a little brown, 2-4 minutes.
7. Gently slide quesadilla onto plate. Cook the second quesadilla.
8. Cut each cooked quesadilla into 4 pieces and serve.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Put pear cubes on a paper towel for a couple of minutes to help dry them out. This will help your quesadilla stick together!
• Out of pears? Try diced fresh apples, halved grapes, or even sliced bananas.
• Flavor boosters: add some chopped cilantro, or use pepper jack cheese.

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Vegetables and Turkey Stir-Fry

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
2 cups chopped vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned (try a mixture - celery, mushrooms, water chestnuts, bok choy, cabbage, zucchini, carrot or broccoli)
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 thin slices ginger root, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked ground turkey or turkey breast cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
3 cups cooked brown rice or whole grain noodles

Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add vegetables, garlic, ginger root and salt. Stir fry for 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to prevent scorching. Add cooked turkey and sugar. Cook until vegetables are tender and turkey is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Serve warm over rice or noodles.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Turkey Cranberry Quesadilla

Turkey Cranberry Quesadilla

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Makes: 1 serving
Serving Size 1 quesadilla

Ingredients

1 8-inch whole wheat tortilla
2 Tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tablespoons cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
2 Tablespoons cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
1⁄3 cup spinach

Directions

1. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla. Add cranberry sauce or dried cranberries, turkey and spinach, then fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Lightly spray with cooking spray, then place tortilla in the skillet. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden brown and contents are heated through.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute beans, tofu, or other cooked meat for the turkey.
• For extra flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder before folding the quesadilla in half.

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.