Tag: New years resolution foods

Low-Fat and Healthy Buttermilk Waffles

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I have a tradition that I make homemade waffles for my three children every weekend. Even my daughter, Leigh, who is 9, is a master at making waffles. When we have spend the night company, the guests are so impressed and always asking for seconds. To be honest, I developed this light recipe originally for adults (trying to eat right) using non-fat buttermilk, a touch of wheat germ and only 1 egg. Each waffle is less than 100 calories, 3 grams of fat and under 15 grams of carbohydrates so you can feel guiltless having a waffle for breakfast when you’re trying to shed off pounds.

 

Low-Fat Buttermilk Waffles

Prep: 15 minutes

cook: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ (optional)

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking pwoder

1/2 teapsoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup nonfat or low-fat buttermilk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Cooking spray

Maple syrup bananas (optional)

Preparation

1. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine buttermilk, oil and egg; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth.

2. Coat a waffle iron with cooking spray; preheat. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter per 4-inch waffle onto hot waffle iron, spreading batter to edges. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until steaming stops and waffle light alerts you that it’s ready.  Serve with maple syrup and bananas, if desired.

Note: This recipe will also work as pancakes.

You may freeze leftover waffles by wrapping them tightly in foil and reheating them in a toaster oven.

Eat Right-Healthy Mediterranean Salad

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Here is a healthy, simple salad recipe which has a few of my favorite ingredients: basil, mint, dried cranberries, almonds and Israeli couscous. Israeli couscous is a small, round semolina pasta which is very versatile, and kids love it. It works great in this combination served over romaine lettuce leaves drizzled with balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Feel free to substitute dried cherries for the cranberries, pine nuts or walnuts for the almonds and any of your favorite lettuces or spinach for the romaine. Here’s to a healthy fresh start to the New Year!


Prep: 10 minutes 

Cook: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

2 cups fat-free, low sodium chicken broth

6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided

11/2 cups Israeli couscous (or any small pasta)

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Preparation

1. Bring broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to a boil; pour over couscous; bring back to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes until still firm to the bite.

2. In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic, zest and pepper; let cool.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil.

4. Toss romaine lettuce with fresh herbs, dried cherries, and almonds, tossing gently to combine. Top with couscous and drizzle with balsamic dressing.