tasteovers by jackie

grilled mushroom and taleggio pizza

Posted by Jackie Newgent on May 10, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 4 servings: 1/2 of 9-inch pizza each

Pizza is one of those foods that I don’t think I could live without. And this recipe is one of the reasons why. It’s got it all—cheesiness, savoriness, freshness, and crispness. It’s grilled which creates mouth-watering smokiness, too. Surprise everyone; make it instead of burgers at your next cookout–or cook-in!

Calories Saved: 100

black bean and cheese quesadilla with mango-tequila pico de gallo

Posted by Jackie Newgent on May 3, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 2 comments

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Makes 2 servings: 4 wedges each

I was inspired at a recent National Mango Board event. So instead of just providing you with a “tasteover”, I’m providing you with a “mangover”! I developed this recipe with Cinco de Mayo in mind. But please enjoy it anytime you want. Personally, I’ll take this tropical inspired quesadilla over an extra greasy, artery-clogging version any day. The pico de gallo is lightly spiked with tequila for added flair. Though, you can leave it out for the kids, of course. It’s fit for a fiesta … especially while sipping a virgin or not-so-virgin margarita!

Calories Saved: 110

party veggie pasta salad

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Apr 30, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 18 side-dish servings: 3/4 cup each

Picnic and cookout season is here. So I thought I’d share with you a recipe that’s sure to be popular at casual outdoor parties. It’s simply traditional pasta salad … but a bit more special than your everyday recipe. It’s full of colorful veggies, lots of textures, and loads of flavor. By the way, leftovers taste great … if you have any!

Calories Saved: 50

berry berry cobbler

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Apr 1, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 1 comment

©Photographed by Stephanie M. Smith. Visit her Web site www.healthnut.zenfolio.com.

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Makes 6 servings

My fabulous intern, Stephanie Smith, and I came up with this “tasteover” together. We wanted to highlight fresh colorful berries in a comforting dessert. This raspberry-blackberry cobbler is the result. The photo speaks for the deliciousness, which is all thanks to Stephanie. Watch out world … a budding professional photographer is in the making. We hope you enjoy our cobbler. Let us know what you think!

Calories Saved: 250

banana hemp seed bread

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Mar 24, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 20 servings: 1 slice each

My brother, Jim, challenged me to develop a sweet yet good-for-you recipe to enjoy in the morning that has a punch of protein. I love challenges. So voilà … here’s one option for you, my dear brother. The protein in this made-over banana bread is mainly provided by egg whites and hemp seeds. The sweetness comes from extra-ripe bananas and a just-right amount of turbinado sugar–and it’s naturally enhanced by pure vanilla and almond extracts. Best of all, this inviting banana bread is nuttier and banana-ier than the original with twice the protein. Enjoy alongside a cup of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for still more protein, if you like. I hope this baked delight finds its way to your family table … not just my brother’s!

Calories Saved: 20

grilled greek yogurt banana split trio

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Mar 16, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 3 servings: 1 banana split each

The grilled banana provides an extra special touch in this reinvented banana split. It’s designed to be served as a petite dessert for three. Each person gets one of the flavors—strawberry, chocolate, or almond. Or, if you’re brave, mix-and-match if you don’t mind the double—or triple—dipping! There’s another option, too. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, you can actually indulge in this dessert for a non-traditional dinner or a weekend breakfast for one. Seriously … dessert for breakfast! It’s good for you, after all. Though this grilled banana delight has a filling 500 calories if you eat all three of them. Any way you decide to enjoy it, this sweet treat is happiness for the palate.

Calories Saved: 650

kale mac and cheese

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Feb 28, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 8 servings

If you’re a lover of kale like I am, you’re sure to become a lover of this mac and cheese recipe. It’s half kale—so you’ll be able to indulge in this comfort food and feel good about it. And don’t worry … I didn’t use any fake or fat-free cheese to make this good for you. It’s full of wholesome ingredients. Prepare it on a lazy Sunday. It’ll wake up your palate with pure joy. Enjoy!

Calories Saved: 270

baby bella brooklyn “cheesesteak” panini

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Feb 24, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 4 servings: 1 sandwich each

Sorry, Philadelphia. I changed your sandwich too much to call this a true Philly cheesesteak. Since I developed and tested the recipe in Brooklyn, my borough is getting the credit for this made-over version. The goal here was simply to create a vegetarian version of cheesesteak. Baby bella mushrooms are the savory star. But I couldn’t resist adding a few more of my own tasty touches to make this sandwich a standout. In fact, it’s now a panini that’s served with mushroom broth … au jus. It’s succulent!

Calories Saved: 580

mexican-inspired seven layer dip

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Jan 27, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 16 servings

Super Bowl party, anyone? Or maybe an Oscar soiree? Whether you’re hosting a gathering or going to one, here’s an app that’ll disappear before the end of the evening. It’s basically a Mexican layer dip with a few new twists. Frankly, I make dip for casual get-togethers more often than anything else because they’re always crowd pleasers. This is my newest translation. The grapes on top … love! And the quark in it will surely raise some eyebrows. (Quark is simply a fresh European-style cheese that’s like a super creamy cottage cheese.) Let me know if your dip gets demolished!

Calories Saved: 40

overnight egg, spinach & hash brown breakfast strata

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Jan 7, 2013 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 10 servings

My favorite part of making this comforting strata recipe is that you prepare it in the evening, so that all you need to do in the morning is place it in the oven. It’s a perfect entrée for any breakfast or brunch gathering. But if you want, make this sumptuous egg dish all for just you. (I do!) Freeze individual portions of it, then simply heat it up in the microwave in the morning for a calorie-friendly breakfast—in just a minute. Enjoy!

Calories Saved: 120

cara cara pilaf with almonds & pistachios

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Dec 23, 2012 in tasteovers by jackie | 0 comments

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Makes 2 servings: 3/4 rounded cup each

Some people might be surprised to hear that I approve of culinary shortcuts … at least on occasion! However, I am particular about what those quick picks are. For me, it still needs to be 100% natural. One fast fix that I’m a fan of is 90-second brown rice. That sure beats the 50 minutes that this whole grain food usually takes. But then I take this fast side and stir simple yet lovely accents into it. Here, it makes it seem like you spent an hour preparing an enticing dish, not just a few minutes! The Cara Cara, which is also known as a red navel orange, has ruby red pulp like a grapefruit but tastes extra sweet, providing fresh flair for the pilaf. The almonds and pistachios balance its sweetness with distinctive flavor, texture, and overall appeal. The result … an exceptionally nice rice. Enjoy!

Calories Saved: 30

black bean & butternut squash chili

Posted by Jackie Newgent on Nov 29, 2012 in tasteovers by jackie | 2 comments

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Makes 4 servings: 1 3/4 cups each

I’m a big football buff! And what food goes best with gameday? Chili, of course. I’ve created one that’ll be sure to please every palate. It’s vegan … but you may not want to tell the guys beforehand! You can certainly serve it up with sour cream and Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. But do try it without. I think you’ll find this intriguing chili—with the surprise additions of butternut squash and pumpkin pie spice—doesn’t need to be over-accessorized. The creamy avocado on top is a perfect finish. I love this recipe. Hope you do, too. Please let me know what you think!

Calories Saved: 110