Apple Pie Pizza

Much of the flavor of apple pie, but lower in fat.

Ingredients

Crust
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp yeast
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp Smart Balance oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/8 cup water

4 apples, peeled and sliced

Topping
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup quick oats
1 tsp ground flax seed (optional)
2 tbsp Smart Balance buttery spread
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp fat free milk

Directions

Combine first seven ingredients together in a bread machine following manufacturer's instructions. Run on dough cycle. Allow dough to rest for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spread dough onto pizza pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Allow to rise for 30-60 minutes.

Peel and cut apples. (I use McIntosh) Spread evenly onto dough. Bake for 10 minutes. While crust and apples are baking, mix wheat flour, brown sugar, oats, Smart Balance, flax seed, and cinnamon to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over apples. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until apples are soft and crust is golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool.

Combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, and just enough milk to form a glaze. Drizzle over top.

Nutrition Facts: (16 servings)Serving Size 91.9g, Calories 166, Calories from Fat 15, Total Fat 1.7g, Saturated Fat 0.3g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 196mg, Total Carbohydrates 34.4g, Dietary Fiber 2.0g, Sugars 10.3g, Protein 3.4g, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 3%, Calcium 1%, Iron 8%

Apple Spice Cake

A moist, delicious cake made with--you guessed it--beans. My adaptation of the pinto bean cake

Ingredients

1 (15 1/2 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 Omega-3 egg
1/4 cup smart balance buttery spread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves
2 cups apple, peeled and sliced

Directions

Puree pinto beans in a blender or food processor with the egg.

In a large mixing bowl, beat smart balance and sugar. Add bean mixture and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients except apples.

Stir in apples by hand.

Bake in tube pan at 375 degrees for 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool completely before attempting to remove from pan

Nutrition Facts: Makes 12 servings. Serving Size 87.5g, Calories 259, Calories from Fat 53, Total Fat 5.9g, Saturated Fat 0.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 240mg, Total Carbohydrates 43.2g, Dietary Fiber 6.8g, Sugars 19.4g, Protein 9.8g, Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 5%, Iron 12%

Green Bean Bake

Ok, I have to admit, this does not taste quite as good as green bean casserole. However it is light, quick, easy, and onion and garlic free.

Ingredients

2 (14.5oz) cans No-Salt-Added French Style Green Beans
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp smart balance buttery spread
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil

Directions

In a small baking dish, combine green beans, oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Melt smart balance in a small bowl. Toss in remaining ingredients. Stir to form a topping. Sprinkle on top of green bean mixture.

Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for half an hour, or until beans are warm and topping is golden.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 6 servings. Serving Size 103.4g, Calories 91, Total Fat 6.2g, Saturated Fat 1.2g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 2mg, Sodium 172mg, Total Carbohydrates 7.4g, Dietary Fiber 1.9g, Sugars 1.0g, Protein 2.3g, Vitamin A 8%, Vitamin C 7%, Calcium 5%, Iron 7%

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

My daughter Elizabeth came up with this oven-baked sweet potato 'fry' recipe. Not fond of sweet potatoes, I put off trying it. I shouldn't have. It's very good!


Ingredients

1 yam (ours was 365 grams)
1 Tbsp smart balance
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Cut 1 yam into fries. (Elizabeth's were cut like thick potato chips)

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until soft enough to be cut easily with a spatula.

Toss fries with melted Smart Balance, sugar, and cinnamon. Bake for an additional five minutes.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 3 servings, Serving Size 130.7g, Calories 182, Total Fat 3.2g, Saturated Fat 0.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 40mg, Total Carbohydrates 37.4g, Dietary Fiber 6.0g, Sugars 2.8g, Protein 1.9g, Vitamin A 6%, Vitamin C 25%,Calcium 4%,Iron 4%

Pepperjack Potatoes Au Gratin

A spicier version of au gratin potatoes. Onion-free for those sensitive to alliums.

Ingredients

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup smart balance buttery spread
2 1/2 oz carrots, pureed (baby food)
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups fat free milk
2 pounds potatoes
1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Melt Smart Balance in a small sauce pan. Add carrots and heat on medium heat. Whisk in flour, celery salt and pepper and heat until bubbly. Add milk and three-fourths of the cheese. Heat until boiling. Boil one minute, stirring constantly.

Peel and slice potatoes. Place in a baking dish. Cover with cheese sauce. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for one hour.

Mix bread crumbs and remaining cheese. Sprinkle on top. Bake for another 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 8 servings. Serving Size 223.7g, Calories 255, Total Fat 12.1g, Saturated Fat, 6.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 31mg, Sodium 281mg, Total Carbohydrates 25.7g, Dietary Fiber 3.2g, Sugars 5.1g, Protein 11.7g, Vitamin A 43%, Vitamin C 38%, Calcium 30%, Iron 6%

Mexican Bean and Potato Casserole

Layered like lasagna, using corn tortillas and Mexican seasoning.

Ingredients

2 envelopes taco seasoning
29 oz tomato puree
2 tbsp olive oil
14 oz potatoes, peeled and diced
1 (10 oz) package corn tortillas (12-six inch tortillas)
1 (15 1/2 oz) can pinto beans, drained
1 (15 1/4 oz) can corn, drained
12 oz (2 cups) educed fat cheddar cheese


Directions

Mix taco seasoning with one 29 oz can tomato puree.

In a large frying pan, heat two tbsp olive oil. Add diced potatoes and fry until tender. Add beans, corn, and one cup of seasoned tomato sauce. Heat thoroughly

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on bottom.

Cut tortillas in half. Layer 4 tortillas to cover bottom of pan. Layer 1/2 cup sauce and 1/2 cup cheese.

Layer 4 tortillas, 1/2 cup sauce, and the potato and bean mixture.

Layer remaining 4 tortillas, rest of sauce, and remaining cheese.

Bake covered in pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover. Bake for 10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts: 12 servings, Serving Size 231.6g, Calories 370, Total Fat 9.8g, Saturated Fat 3.8g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 19mg, Sodium 406mg, Total Carbohydrates 54.3g, Dietary Fiber 10.8g, Sugars 6.8g, Protein 19.8g, Vitamin A 25%, Vitamin C 25%, Calcium 30%, Iron 22%

Taco Seasoning, Onion and Garlic-Free

A good substitute to prepared seasoning blends for those with allium sensitivity.

Ingredients

1 tsp ancho chili pepper
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp flour
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Mix all ingredients together. May be stored ahead in small glass jelly jars.

If making tacos with ground meat, brown the meat. Add seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water. Continue to heat until most of the water is evaporated.

If chili powder is used, recipe is not allium free. McCormick and Penzey's make Ancho Chili Pepper, which is basically dried and ground chili peppers, and I use it in place of chili powder in all my recipes.

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size 3.2g, Calories 9, Total Fat 0.3g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 199mg, Total Carbohydrates 1.7g, Dietary Fiber 0.5g, Sugars 0.1g, Protein 0.3g, Vitamin A 9%, Vitamin C 1%, Calcium 1%, Iron 3%