Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 whole spaghetti squash

Topping Ingredients as you choose

Directions

1. Wash the skin and cut squash in half lengthwise, crosswise or in 1-inch rings. If squash is too tough to cut, microwave or bake for a few minutes until squash is warm to the touch and soft enough to cut.
2. Remove seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.
3. Cook squash. The squash flesh should be easily pierced by a fork when done.
4. Microwave (shortest cooking time). Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe dish with 1 to 2 tablespoons water. Cook on HIGH for about 12 minutes for a medium sized squash.  Time will vary depending on size of squash and power of the microwave.  Squash is done when the shell can be pierced with a fork and the .flesh separates into strands.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes or until squash is cool enough to handle. Use a fork to gently scrape the inside of the squash to make spaghetti-like strands.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

OR

1. Wash the skin and cut squash in half lengthwise, crosswise or in 1-inch rings. If squash is too tough to cut, microwave or bake for a few minutes until squash is warm to the touch and soft enough to cut.
2. Remove seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon.
3. Cook squash. The squash flesh should be easily pierced by a fork when done.
4. Bake in the oven. Choose a baking temperature between 350 to 425 degrees. Line a baking dish with foil for easier clean up.
   1. -  For a “roasted” flavor, rub cut edges with a little vegetable oil (optional), place cut side down in the pan and bake uncovered.
   2. -  For a “steamed” texture, add ½ cup water to the pan and cover with foil.
5. Check for doneness after about 40 minutes.  Larger squash and lower oven temperatures may take longer to cook. Squash is done when the shell can be pierced with a fork and the flesh separates into strands.
6. Let sit for 10 minutes or until squash is cool enough to handle. Use a fork to gently scrape the inside of the squash to make spaghetti-like strands.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Season the squash with a little salt and pepper or try nutmeg, onion or garlic powder.
• Top with your favorite pasta sauce. Try our Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce.
• Try sautéed mushrooms, onions or other veggies.
• Add a sprinkling of cheese.
• Include beans, tofu, cooked chicken, or cooked meat to make a one dish meal

Mashed Carrots

Mashed Carrots

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 cups sliced carrots (about 6 to 8 fresh) or two cans (14.5 ounce each) or frozen (16 ounces)
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon seasoning (optional) - see Notes below

Directions

1. Cook carrots until they are very soft.
   Fresh - Steam or boil.
   Frozen - Follow package Directions or microwave, steam or boil.
   Canned - Rinse and drain. Add a small amount of water and heat in a saucepan or in the microwave.
2. Drain carrots if needed. Put carrots in a medium bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth.
3. Stir in butter, honey, salt and pepper.  Add seasoning if desired.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add your favorite seasoning! Try one of these: chili powder, curry powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried sage.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Beet and Carrot Salad

Beet and Carrot Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 carrot, sliced thin or coarsely grated
1⁄4 cup minced fresh onion
2 Tablespoons light mayonnaise
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
1 3⁄4 cups beets (bite sized pieces), cooked from fresh or canned/drained

Directions

1. Cook carrots (if desired) until just tender. Try microwave or steaming.
2. In a medium bowl, combine onion, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and cilantro, if desired. Add beets and carrots and stir to coat evenly. Serve warm or cold.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size 1 potato half

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes (each about 5 inches x 2½ inches)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
3⁄4 cup salsa
1 cup corn
1⁄2 cup shredded cheese (try cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)

Directions

1. Scrub potatoes well. Poke each potato with a fork 2 or 3 times. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, turn potatoes over, and microwave another 3 to 5 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Set aside.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, combine beans, salsa and corn. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. Cut potatoes in half length-wise and flatten with a fork. Divide bean mixture between the four halves. Sprinkle with cheese and serve warm.
4. 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.

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.

Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 7 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

6 apples, peeled, cored and quartered
1⁄4 cup water
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Place apples and water in a 2 quart microwave safe dish.
2. Cover apples with microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap and cook on high for 6 to 8 minutes or until apples are easily pierced with a fork.
3. Add sugar and cinnamon.
4. Use a potato masher or fork to make smooth or chunky applesauce.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Frozen apple slices work great in this recipe.

Baked Apple and Cranberries

Baked Apple and Cranberries

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 servings
Serving Size 1 apple
 

Ingredients
1 baking apple (try Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathan, or Braeburn) dash of cinnamon to taste
1 Tablespoon dried cranberries
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon margarine or butter

Directions

1. Wash apple and remove core (seed area), leaving the bottom to hold in the filling.
2. Peel a small band of skin from around the top of the apple.
3. Place the apple in a microwave safe container.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon around the top of the apple and into the hole.
5. Fill the center of the apple with cranberries, pressing down if needed.
6. Top the cranberries with the brown sugar and margarine.
7. Cover loosely with wax paper.
8. Microwave on high for about 2 1/2 minutes or until apple is soft when poked through the center hole with a fork. Cool slightly.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try using a corer or a paring knife and a small melon baller or the tip of a vegetable peeler to remove the core.
• Try fresh cranberries, raisins or other dry fruit in the center.
• For additional servings, increase the cooking time about 1 minute for each apple.
• Serve for breakfast or dessert!

Bread Pudding in the Microwave

Bread Pudding in the Microwave

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon butter or margarine
3 slices whole grain bread
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup raisins
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Butter bread and cut into small cubes.
2. Combine buttered and cubed bread, brown sugar and raisins in a one-quart microwave safe dish.
3. In a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup, blend together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
4. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes until hot, but not boiling.
5. Pour over bread mixture and lightly blend together.
6. Microwave uncovered at 50% power for 5-8 minutes, or until edges are firm and the center is almost set.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve with low-fat vanilla or lemon yogurt.