My fiance's mother likes to shop at garage and yard sales. And she is always finding little gadgets and doodads to give me as gifts when we go down to the PC to visit. Usually, the gift is some sort of random kitchen accoutrement because (in case you didn't know, or couldn't tell) I wanted to be a chef for a very long time growing up and I still enjoy cooking quite a bit.
A few visits ago, my soon-to-be Mother In Law presented me with an outdated William's Sonoma (my favorite store) box with a $1 sticker on it. Inside was a steamer basket. Never having used one before, or seeing the importance of this metal device, I said a simple thank you and went about my business.
But recently (as in just this week) I have come to see this steamer basket as the World's Greatest Invention!
SO HOW COME I NEVER KNEW ABOUT IT?
Well, the answer to that is very simple. My mother believed that vegetables came out of a Birds Eye box, were placed in a pan full of water, boiled and then topped off with a large PAT of butter.
OH YES, In the South, even vegetables are unhealthy. If you've never had green beans without bacon in them, you know what I am talking about.
So how am I combatting this? By steaming damn near everything.
While its hard to forget some of my most beloved (and calorie-laden) family recipes, I think the best way to beat them, is to change them!
So I have begun altering my family's cherished recipes to cut out fat, cholesterol, and calories wherever possible. And I hope, if you're interested, to post some of these new-and-improved recipes here.
So what family recipes have you changed, do you miss or crave?
Happy Steaming!
XOXO,
M
M
This isn't a family recipe but it is a REALLY good one that I LOVE! It's Based on my favorite Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen.
Southwestern Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
1 Reduced Fat/ Whole Wheat Pizza Crust or Reduced Fat Tortillas (for extra low-carb or low-cal)
2-3 boneless skinless Chicken tenders
1 can seasoned black beans
2 TBSP Mojo Marinade
1/4 C Sliced Red Onion
Fat Free Cheddar Cheese, shredded
75% Fat Free Jalapeno Jack Cheese, shredded
Tomatillo Salsa
Fat Free Sour Cream, if desired.
Pre-heat oven to 350-375 degrees
If using tortillas, bake on a cookie sheet until lightly crisped.
Marinade chicken tenders in Mojo for at least 5 minutes.
Saute until cooked through in a pan coated with cooking spray.
Chop into bite sized chunks.
Spread black beans (use 1/4 to 1/2 of can) onto crust/tortillas. Mash them as you spread.
Spread cheeses lightly across pizza
Top with chicken chunks and sliced red onions.
Bake until bubbly and browned on top. Serve with tomatillo salsa and sour cream, if desired. I also serve mine with a side salad.
Makes 4 Servings.
1/4 of the pizza (using a crust) contains 305 calories, 9g fat, 6g fiber, 26g protein.
1 comment:
Hmmmm....good question. I think my Grandma used to make dinner with a ton of butter, so I haven't really tried to recreate anything she makes. My mom always tried to cook healthy foods, but never enjoyed cooking. She did promote healthy eating habits for Dawn and I, and I am grateful for that. I try to eat balanced meals, everything in moderation, and nothing is totally off-limits.
That dinner meal sounds absolutely fab! I am going to try it! Thanks for posting yummy low-fat meals!
Hope you are feeling ok...call me if you need anything!
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