tasteovers by jackie
I’ll be featuring a new recipe regularly, so check back often. But it’s not just any recipe. It’s a makeover—or tasteover—of a favorite, über-rich, not-so-good-for-you recipe into a luscious new dish that tastes better than the original. The bonus: It’s better for you, too! Because we all love a good makeover, I’ll share both the before and after recipes along with the nutrition analysis. Plus, I’ll provide you the behind-the-scenes chef secrets for how I performed the tasteover. If you have a recipe that’s in desperate need of a makeover (or perhaps an extreme tasteover!), please send it in the body of an e-mail to jnewgent@aol.com with “TASTEOVER” in the subject line. It's free! If selected, you’ll see it here.
3-bean 3-cheese burrito
Makes 8 servings: 1 burrito each
I’m delighted to share one of my very own taste buds’ recipe requests. The request: To create a better-for-you vegetarian burrito with the lusciousness of an authentic stewed beef burrito and with fewer than 500 calories. I’m always up for a challenge … especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine! So I recreated a grass-fed beef burrito recipe (that I actually developed many years back) into this full-flavored vegetarian version. The recipe is fit for a fiesta! And if no fiesta is on your agenda, still make the full batch of 8 and freeze; the burritos are equally scrumptious warmed up for later. Simply add the lettuce just before serving–or serve it as part of a side salad. Crossing my fingers your taste buds will request this inspired burrito de frijoles y queso tasteover often!
Calories Saved: 150
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velvety roasted red bell pepper soup
Makes 8 servings: about 1 1/2 cups each
There’s no better time for a comforting bowl of soup than smack dab in the middle of winter. I love to make a big batch (like this one is!) and freeze it in individual servings so I can reheat a cup or two to take the chill off anytime—in practically no time. It’s a delicious way to boost veggie intake, too. But, do keep this in mind … though it doesn’t seem a vegetable soup could be bad for you, it can easily contain way too much sodium, unnecessary added sugar, excess oil, and a drowning amount of dairy fat. That was the case with the original version of this roasted bell pepper soup. But no worries now; this stunning new rich sunset orange hued recipe is gorgeous, good for you, and great tasting. Savory, sweet, and smoky … soup’s on!
Calories Saved: 270
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sweet and sour napa cabbage salad
Makes 6 servings: 4 cups each
When I was back in Ohio for Christmas, my sister, Rebecca, handed me a recipe that she requested I personally make-over for her. Since diabetes runs in our family, she was concerned about the calories—especially the sugar calories—in the salad. (It can always be surprising how many hidden calories can be found in a seemingly healthful salad!) Her recipe is an adapted version of the popular Gruner Salad from Good’s Wine Cellar Restaurant. If you want to try the true, decadent original, check it out if ever in Kewanee, Illinois. But if you’d like to try my delightful version, here you go. I promise it’ll spectacularly please all of your tastebuds!
Calories Saved: 180
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avocado whip
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
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”
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
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
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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About
Jackie Newgent is passionate about plant-based cuisine—personally and professionally. She’s delighted to share with you her unique recipe blog, "tasteovers by jackie,” which includes makeovers of not-so-good-for-you recipes into great tasting, good-for-you delights, created and tested by Jackie in her home kitchen in Brooklyn. 
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