Posts made in 2011

avocado whip

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Dec 30, 2011 in tasteovers by jackie | 1 comment

Makes 12 servings: 3 tablespoons each

Have I got a dip for you! Since avocado is my favorite food on the planet, I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it. I was delighted to reinvent this simple recipe into an avocado lovers’ version. Try it out soon. It’s a lovely change of pace from a traditional guacamole and it’s sort of frosting-like … in the savory sense. Serve this fluffy delight as a dip with your favorite crisp veggies or tortilla chips. Or savor its creaminess as a dreamy sandwich spread. Move over mustard!

Calories Saved: 20

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italian cheese, baby spinach, and chicken lasagna

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Dec 20, 2011 in tasteovers by jackie | 2 comments

Makes 9 servings

Need a dish for a casual yet special occasion? This is it! It’s for palates that will appreciate a culinary splurge and the home cook who enjoys the challenge of lengthier recipes. Though, you won’t need to cook the lasagna noodles in advance; so at least I saved you a step there. This lovely dish is a fresher, more flavorful, and more filling comfort food fix than its original version thanks to mushrooms, various cheeses, extra garlic, lemon zest, and more. What’s more, this luscious lasagna rings in at only 500 calories a serving; that’s a savings of more than 200. The sodium is cut by more than a whopping 1000mg … now you’ll have a meal’s worth rather than a day’s worth of it! And if you’re looking for fiber, I’ve doubled it here. Simply serve this rather elegant lasagna with a leafy salad and … voila … a memorable, mouth-watering meal. Savor it!

Calories Saved: 210

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rustic sweet potato “flan”

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Nov 23, 2011 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

Makes 10 servings

The sweet potato has a regular presence on my holiday table. Yours? Perhaps it shows up in a rich casserole-like preparation, like the original recipe that I was provided by a childhood friend of mine. (Thanks, Linda!) No worries about that recipe richness now. I’ve cut the calories here by 1/3! This delectable new side dish is reminiscent of a luscious baked custard—hence the name “flan.” It now has sweet and savory intrigue rather than superfluous sweetness. And you’ll find more layers of flavors. (By the way, no need to fret about the number of ingredients; this is still a simple fix.) So serve up this palate-pleasing delight more often than just for a celebration. Enjoy it fresh baked from the oven. It’s delicious served at room temperature, too. Happy holidays–and happy every day!

Calories Saved: 170

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chili nachos party platter

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Nov 1, 2011 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

Makes 5 servings

Football season … gotta love it! (Well, maybe if your team is doing well?) Football season food … gotta have it! But bench the 1000 calorie nachos and let your tastebuds tackle this playful platter instead. It seems extra cheesy from the orange sweet potato. And it’s extra tasty from the mélange of vibrant ingredients. A cheerful appetizer to cheer on your team … or your favorite reality show star, if you wish. Go Buckeyes! (I know, I know … my team is having a challenging season.)

Calories Saved: 690

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three cheese spinach squares

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Oct 1, 2011 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

Makes 15 servings: 1 square each

Wow, talk about flavor. This is full of it! Savor these cheesy squares as a comforting app or perfect-sized snack. Or, if you’re anything like me, enjoy a double portion as a divine entrée from time-to-time. Serve it to kids, too. It’s one veggie dish that everyone will find delish. Hooray … comfort food that you don’t need to feel guilty about. Enjoy!

Calories Saved: 50

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