Ice Cream Finger Sandwiches

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat or light strawberry ice cream or no-sugar-added reduced-fat cherry vanilla ice cream
12 ladyfingers, split
3 ounces bittersweet, semisweet, or milk chocolate, melted
½ cup flaked coconut, toasted. To toast coconut, spread in a shallow baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden, shaking pan once or twice, watching closely to avoid burning.

Preparation

  1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Spoon ice cream into a small chilled bowl; stir just until ice cream is slightly softened. Working quickly, spread ice cream on the cut sides of half of the ladyfinger halves. To prevent the ice cream from getting too soft during assembly, prepare half of the sandwiches at a time
  2. Top with the remaining ladyfinger halves, cut sides down. Gently press together.
  3. Dip one end of each sandwich in melted chocolate, using a thin metal spatula or butter knife to spread chocolate over the ice cream. Sprinkle with coconut. Place on prepared baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

Ice Cream Finger Sandwiches

Iced Caramel-Cream Coffee

Ingredients

2 cups cold strong-brewed coffee
2 tablespoons no-sugar-added French Vanilla-flavored instant breakfast mix
2 tablespoons sugar-free caramel ice cream topping
Ice cubes
2 tablespoons frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
2 teaspoons sugar-free caramel ice cream topping
Coarsely crushed chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a blender, combine coffee, instant breakfast mix and 2 tablespoons ice cream topping. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour over ice in two glasses. Top with dessert topping and drizzle with 2 teaspoons ice cream topping. If desired, sprinkle with coarsely crushed coffee beans.

Iced Caramel-Cream Coffee

Spinach-Turkey Roll-Ups

Ingredients

2 teaspoons honey mustard
Dash ground nutmeg
½ of a (6 ounce) package thinly sliced oven-roasted or smoked turkey breast (8 thin slices)
1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
½ medium red or green sweet pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
4 sticks low-fat string cheese, cut lengthwise into quarters
Small fresh basil sprigs or leaves (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a small bowl, stir together honey mustard and nutmeg. Carefully spread mustard mixture evenly atop turkey slices. Divide the spinach leaves among turkey slices, placing along one short edge of each turkey slice and allowing tips of leaves to extend beyond the edge of the turkey. Top with pepper strips and cheese. Starting at edge with cheese and vegetables, roll up each turkey slice. If desired, garnish turkey rolls with additional basil and cut each roll in half.

Spinach-Turkey Roll-Ups

Deviled-Egg Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

5 large eggs
8 ounces whole-wheat macaroni (about 2 cups)
1 ripe avocado
⅓ cup canola mayonnaise
3 tablespoons low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped pimientos
¼ cup chopped dill
1 cup sliced scallions

Preparation

  1. Heat a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
  2. Gently lower eggs into the boiling water; cook for 4 minutes. Add pasta to the pot; continue cooking for 7 minutes. Transfer the eggs and pasta to the ice water; let stand for 10 minutes. Drain well. Peel the eggs and grate with a microplane or finely mash with a potato masher.
  3. Mash avocado in a large bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in celery, pimientos, dill, scallions and the reserved egg. Add the pasta and stir to coat.

Deviled-Egg Macaroni Salad

 

Broccoli-Cheddar-Chicken Chowder

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
Finely diced red onion for garnish

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring frequently, until softened and beginning to brown, 3 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle flour, dry mustard, salt and pepper over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Add broth and milk; bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  2. Stir in broccoli and potatoes and bring just to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Add chicken and 1 cup Cheddar and cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve topped with a little more Cheddar and red onion, if desired.

Broccoli-Cheddar-Chicken Chowder

Tomato and Kale Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

2 cups fresh baby kale (2 ounces)
½ cup fresh basil leaves
⅓ cup canned reduced-sodium chickpeas
1½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, quartered
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
6 ounces whole-grain penne pasta
3 cups seeded and chopped tomatoes (6 medium)
Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

  1. For pesto, combine kale, basil, chickpeas, the finely shredded Parmesan, the lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Cover and pulse until starting to mix together; then process until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Stir the pesto into the hot pasta. Fold the tomatoes into the pasta mixture. If desired, garnish with shaved Parmesan. Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for some crunch. Serve warm or at room temperature.  This 25-minute pasta side dish goes well with chicken or fish.

Tomato & Kale Pesto Pasta

Chili Cornbread Casserole

Ingredients

Chili
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound 95%-lean ground beef
2 – 15-ounce cans kidney beans, rinsed
1 – 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cornbread
1¼ cups cornmeal
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1¼ cups low-fat milk
2 tablespoons canola oil
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1½ cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. To prepare chili: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add bell pepper and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomatoes and their juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne (if using). Bring to a boil; reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch (or similar 3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. To prepare cornbread: Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk egg, milk and oil in a medium bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with cilantro and stir until just combined. Transfer the chili to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with cheese. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the chili.
  4. Bake the casserole until the top springs back when touched lightly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Chili Cornbread Casserole

Shrimp Kebabs with Lemon Marinade

Ingredients

1½ pounds fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp
⅓ cup olive oil
2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
8 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced

Preparation

  1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and de-vein the shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse the shrimp; pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine olive oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, and parsley in a large bowl. Set aside half of the oil mixture. Toss the shrimp with the remaining oil mixture. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (do not marinate any longer).
  3. Drain the shrimp, discarding the marinade. Thread the shrimp onto eight 8-inch skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in enough water to cover for at least 30 minutes before using.
  4. For a charcoal grill, place the skewers on the grill rack directly over medium coals. Cover and grill for 4 to 6 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque, turning once halfway through grilling. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place the skewers on grill rack over heat. Grill as above.)
  5. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Drizzle with the reserved oil mixture. Serve with cherry tomatoes and scallions.

Shrimp Kebabs with Lemon Marinade

Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
12 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
1 cup no-salt-added black beans, rinsed
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until lightly browned but not completely cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a medium bowl, reserving drippings in the pan.
  2. Add beans and onion to the pan; cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard and brown sugar. Return the beef to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the beef is just cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Serve on buns.

Beef & Bean Sloppy Joes

Apple-Cheddar Ham and Egg Casserole

Ingredients

6 ounces dry rye bread, cut into small cubes. To dry bread, let bread stand at room temperature for 6 hours. Or bake bread in a 300-degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until dry.
1 cup chopped fennel bulb
6 ounces thinly sliced, cooked lower-sodium ham, chopped
1 cup chopped cooking apple
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
1½ cups refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed, or 6 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups fat-free milk
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sliced green onions (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish. If desired, snip some of the green feathery tops from the fennel bulb and reserve for a garnish. Trim, core, and chop fennel bulb to make 1 cup. Sprinkle fennel evenly over bread in dish. Top with ham, apple, cheese, and ½ cup green onions. Top with remaining bread.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and pepper. Drizzle evenly over bread mixture in dish. Press down lightly with the back of a large spoon so all the bread is moistened
  3. Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 60 minutes. Edges will be set and the center will appear runny. Let stand 10 minutes before serving to let center become set. If desired, sprinkle top with reserved fennel fronds and/or additional sliced green onions.

Apple-Cheddar Ham and Egg Casserole

Mango Parfait

Ingredients

1 (6 ounce) container vanilla fat-free yogurt with sweetener or vanilla low-fat yogurt

¼ (8 ounce) container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed

1½ cups chopped seeded and peeled mango

Frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed (optional)

Fresh fruit (such as sliced kiwifruit or raspberries) (optional)

Preparation

  1. Spoon yogurt into a small bowl. Fold in the ¼ of an 8-ounce carton whipped topping. Spoon one-fourth of the yogurt mixture into each of 2 parfait glasses. Top with half of the mango. Repeat layers with remaining yogurt mixture and mango. If desired, top with additional whipped topping and fresh fruit.

Mango Parfait

Red Wine Ice Cream Float

Step up your cocktail game with this unlikely combination that is not only completely delicious but also gorgeous. Two of your favorites—red wine and ice cream—are combined to make a fun, fruity dessert cocktail.

Ingredients

½ cup chilled fruity red wine
¼ cup chilled plain seltzer water
⅓ cup vanilla ice cream
1 strawberry, sliced

Preparation

  1. Stir wine and seltzer together in a medium glass. Add ice cream and top with strawberry slices.

Red Wine Ice Cream Float

 

 

Smoked Tuna Spread Canapés

Ingredients

3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, divided
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium Old Bay Seasoning
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
1 (5 ounce) can very low-sodium chunk white tuna, drained
2 tablespoons diced pimiento, drained
24 almond crackers
½ of a 12-inch English cucumber (about 8 ounces), cut into 24 slices, each about ¼ inch thick

Preparation

  1. Stir together cream cheese, onion, 1 tablespoon chives, the oil, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a medium bowl until creamy.
  2. Flake tuna with a fork. Add the tuna and pimiento to the cream cheese mixture; stir until well mixed. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. (The smoke flavor will build. It may seem faint at first, but refrain from adding more liquid smoke until after the mixture chills. If desired, stir in an additional ⅛- ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke.)
  3. To assemble the canapés, spread ½ teaspoon of the tuna mixture on each cracker. Top each with a cucumber slice and another 1½ teaspoons of the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

Smoked Tuna Spread Canapés

Arugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears and Blue Cheese

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary or ¾ teaspoon dried
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
1 pound pork tenderloin
8 cups arugula
4 small or 2 large red pears, sliced into wedges
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Cook walnuts in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
  3. Whisk vinegar, oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, rosemary, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Place pork on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon of the dressing and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
  4. Roast the pork until a thermometer registers 145°F, 20 to 22 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into slices about ¾ inch thick.
  5. Add arugula and pears to the dressing in the large bowl and toss to coat. Divide the salad among 4 serving plates. Top with pork, cheese, and the reserved walnuts.

Arugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears & Blue Cheese

Cauliflower Soup with Smoked Gouda

Ingredients

3 cups cubed whole-wheat bread ( ½-inch)
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
¾ teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme plus 1 tablespoon, divided
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 large sweet onion, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
¼ cup dry white wine
1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or no-chicken broth, divided
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda
¼ cup heavy cream

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Toss bread in a bowl with 2 teaspoons oil, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon thyme and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, until crispy, 14 to 18 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and salt, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very soft and barely starting to brown, 7 to 9 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika, the remaining ½ teaspoon white pepper and 1 tablespoon thyme; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add wine, increase heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Add cauliflower and 3½ cups broth, cover and bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender and return to the pot). Combine the remaining ½ cup broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir into the soup. Return to a simmer over medium heat; simmer, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and cream. Serve the soup topped with the croutons.

Cauliflower Soup with Smoked Gouda

Sesame-Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Whole-Wheat Noodles

Ingredients

1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, trimmed
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus 2 teaspoons, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 ounces whole-wheat linguine
4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup water
½ cup slivered onion
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

  1. Thinly slice beef across the grain into bite-size strips. Place in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish. Combine soy sauce, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper in a small bowl; pour over the beef. Seal the bag; turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning the bag once.
  2. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook linguine for 1 minute less than directed on package. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
  3. Meanwhile, combine broccoli and water in a wok or medium nonstick skillet; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the water is evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes. Add onion, pepper and the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a bowl; cover and keep warm.
  4. Drain the beef, reserving the marinade. Add half of the beef to the hot wok (or skillet); cook, stirring, until slightly pink in the center, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining beef; remove to the plate.
  5. Combine the reserved cooking water and marinade in the wok (or skillet); add the noodles. Cook over medium heat, stirring, just until the noodles are tender and the sauce is thickened slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Divide the noodle mixture among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Top with the beef and the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Sesame-Garlic Beef & Broccoli with Whole-Wheat Noodles

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Ingredients

1 (24 ounce) package frozen or refrigerated cheese ravioli
1 pound lean ground beef
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 (28 ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
8 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls, divided

Preparation

  1. Preheat broiler. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook ravioli according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. Cook ground beef in a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes, using the back of a wooden spoon to crumble the beef. Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  3. Add tomatoes and basil; bring to a simmer. Fold in the cooked ravioli and half of the mozzarella balls.
  4. Scatter the remaining mozzarella balls over the top of the pasta. Carefully transfer the pan to the oven. Broil until the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes.

Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Salmon

Ingredients

1½ tablespoons olive oil
½ cup thinly sliced shallots
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 5 cups)
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
6 (6 ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper; cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add spinach in batches; cook, stirring until wilted before adding more, about 3 minutes total. Remove from heat. Add mozzarella and cream cheese; stir until the cheeses melt. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a clean work surface. With a sharp knife, make a cut lengthwise down the middle of each fillet, cutting to but not through the skin. Transfer the salmon to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Fill each pocket with about ⅓ cup of the spinach mixture. Bake until the salmon is opaque in the center, 8 to 10 minutes.

Creamed Spinach-Stuffed Salmon

Mango Bread Pudding with Chai Spices

Ingredients

4 cups stale (but not dry) white bread slices, cut into ½-inch cubes
2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (3 cups). How to cut a mango: 1. Slice both ends off the mango, revealing the long, slender seed inside. Set the fruit upright on a work surface and remove the skin with a sharp knife. 2. With the seed perpendicular to you, slice the fruit from both sides of the seed, yielding two large pieces. 3. Turn the seed parallel to you and slice the two smaller pieces of fruit from each side. 4. Cut the fruit into the desired shape.
2 cups fat-free milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons light or dark rum, (optional)
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground black peppercorns
⅛ teaspoon salt

Preparation

  1. Position rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Toss bread cubes and mangoes together in the baking dish.
  3. Whisk milk, eggs, rum (if using), brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Pour over the bread and mangoes; allow the mixture to soak for about 5 minutes.
  4. Bake the pudding until it is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1¼ hours. Serve warm for best flavor.

Mango Bread Pudding with Chai Spices

Silky Chocolate Milkshakes

Ingredients

8 ounces light silken-style tofu (soft or firm)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar (see Tip)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup light vanilla ice cream
1 cup ice cubes

Preparation

  1. In a blender combine tofu, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla. Cover and blend until smooth.
  2. With the motor running, add ice cream in small spoonfuls through the opening in the lid; add ice cubes, one at a time, until smooth and desired consistency. Pour into chilled glasses to serve.

Silky Chocolate Milkshakes

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Ingredients

1 small head cauliflower (1 pound), core trimmed, florets coarsely chopped
1 small onion, quartered and sliced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup hot sauce
1 scallion, sliced
8 medium carrots, cut into 3- to 4-inch sticks
8 medium celery stalks, cut into 3- to 4-inch sticks

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss cauliflower, onion, oil, salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring once, until tender, about 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk cream cheese, yogurt, blue cheese and hot sauce together in the bowl. Add the roasted vegetables and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Bake until bubbly around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with scallion and serve with carrot and celery sticks.

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Creamy Cucumber Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 cups peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumbers, divided
1½ cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 1 to 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Add 3¾ cups cucumber slices, broth, salt, pepper and cayenne; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook at a gentle simmer until the cucumbers are soft, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Transfer the soup to a blender. Add avocado and parsley; blend on low speed until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour into a serving bowl and stir in yogurt. Chop the remaining ¼ cup cucumber slices. Serve the soup warm or refrigerate and serve it chilled. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped cucumber and more chopped parsley, if desired.

Creamy Cucumber Soup

Shrimp and Scallop Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients

8 ounces scallops
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Canola oil spray
4 cups small broccoli florets (about 8 ounces)
1 large red sweet pepper, seeded cut into strips
2 teaspoons finely shredded fresh ginger
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
6 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1⅓ cups hot cooked brown rice

Preparation

  1. Cut scallops in half horizontally to form thin discs. Set aside. In a small bowl combine orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, ground ginger and crushed red pepper.
  2. Coat an extra-large nonstick skillet or wok with canola oil spray and heat over high heat until hot. Stir-fry the broccoli and sweet pepper for 2 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green.
  3. Add the fresh ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 15 seconds, until fragrant. Add the mushrooms, reserved scallops, shrimp and orange juice mixture. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the scallops and shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice.

Shrimp and Scallop Vegetable Stir-Fry

Tomato and Spinach Dinner Strata

Ingredients

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, or 1½ pounds fresh spinach, cooked, squeezed dry and chopped
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups prepared marinara sauce, divided
6 slices whole-grain sandwich bread, preferably day-old
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup low-fat milk
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

  1. Coat a 7-by-11-inch (or similar-size) baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan; increase heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until the moisture has evaporated, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the onions, add ¼ teaspoon pepper and salt and stir to combine.
  3. Combine ricotta, spinach, nutmeg and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper in another bowl.
  4. Spoon 1 cup marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish. Break each slice of bread into 4 roughly equal pieces; arrange half the bread on the sauce (the bread doesn’t have to completely cover the sauce). Spoon the ricotta mixture over the bread. Arrange the remaining bread over the ricotta. Scatter the mushroom mixture over the bread. Top with mozzarella. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top. The pan will be very full.
  5. Whisk eggs and milk in a small bowl. Pour the mixture slowly over the casserole, poking the filling gently with the tip of a knife until the egg mixture is evenly distributed and the bread is saturated. Coat a piece of foil with cooking spray on one side and cover the casserole, sprayed-side down. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the strata, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake until puffed and golden brown, 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Tomato & Spinach Dinner Strata

Chopped Ham and Apple Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients

½ cup reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1½ teaspoons dried tarragon
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
6 cups chopped escarole or curly endive
5 cups chopped radicchio or Belgian endive
1 large sweet, crisp apple, such as Pink Lady, cubed
1 cup sliced radishes
¾ cup sliced smoked ham steak (about 4 ounces)
½ cup chopped toasted pecans. Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pecans and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.

Preparation

  1. Whisk yogurt, Parmesan, mayonnaise, vinegar, tarragon, pepper and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add escarole (or endive), radicchio (or endive), apple, radishes, ham and pecans to the dressing; toss to coat.

Chopped Ham & Apple Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing