Tag: Light Recipes
Gluten Free: Grain-Free Granola
One of my food weaknesses is definitely granola so I thought I would develop a recipe for a Grain-Free Granola for all of those who can’t have grains, are gluten-free, are following the Paleo Diet or are watching their carbohydrate intake. This recipe for Grain-Free Granola is super easy to make, and it’s full of my favorite seeds and nuts. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand as all of the nuts and seeds are easily interchangeable. This granola makes a great breakfast idea stirred into nonfat Greek Yogurt or with almond milk. It also makes a great afternoon snack, a healthy sweet to put in your children’s lunch, or a wonderful dinnertime dessert served with fruit.
Healthy Mini Pumpkin Flaxseed Bread Recipe
I love one bowl, no mixer, quick bread recipes such as this one for Mini Flaxseed Pumpkin Bread Loaves. Not only is this so easy to prepare, but my kids can almost basically make them on their own with very little clean-up. I added a touch of nonfat Greek yogurt and ground Flaxseed to make these even healthier, moister and with added crunch, and my 3 children had no idea those ingredients were even in there. These Mini Pumpkin loaves make a great breakfast, afternoon snack or dessert that you can feel good about eating and serving to your kids. These also make wonderful Christmas food gifts as well :).
Simple Southwestern Tortilla Soup

It has been so cold in Alabama the past 2 months, so my family has been living on soup galore. It has finally warmed up thank goodness, but this Southwestern Soup is one of my kid’s favorites. My friend, Nancy, worked hard helping me to perfect the recipe. Many thanks to a wonderful friend. I used rotisserie chicken which saves a lot of time and effort. I love the touch of the homemade tortilla strips. I make this soup even in the summertime, but it’s always fabulous to serve this time of year.
New Year’s Resolution: Low Calorie, Low-Fat, Low-Carb Beef Empanadas
How about a low-fat, low-calorie, low-carb appetizer to start the New Year? Is it really possible? Yes, it is… With bowl games going on and the Superbowl on its way in a few weeks, I thought I would share this appetizer recipe I developed recently for Laura’s Lean Beef Company. Each Empanada only has 85 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 8 carbs, so you can indulge without breaking your New Year’s resolution. Using wonton wrappers and baking them in the oven is the key to their ease and delicious success.
Beef Empanandas
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground round
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup canned low-salt yellow corn, drained
1/3 cup salsa
1 tablespoon tomato paste
20 wonton wrappers
Cooking spray
Salsa, low-fat sour cream (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook ground beef, onion and next 3 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet 5 minutes or until beef is browned; drain. Add corn and next 2 ingredients and cook until heated through. Remove and let cool.
3. Working with one wonton wrapper at a time, spoon 1 tablespoon beef mixture into center of each wrapper. Bring 2 opposite corners together and pinch the points to seal, forming a triangle. Place wrappers on a wire rack and repeat procedure with remaining wrappers and beef mixture.
4. Place empanadas on lightly greased baking sheets and coat lightly with cooking spray. Bake 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning once or until golden. Serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.