Mediterranean Couscous (from the cookbook)

 

Ingredients:
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 c. golden couscous (uncooked)
1 ½ tsp. curry powder (mild variety)
1 ½ c. 99% fat free chicken stock (slightly less than one can)
¼ c. green onion, chopped
½ c. shredded carrots

Directions:
Heat oil in a large skillet over med/high heat.  Add the couscous and cook for a minute or so to toast.  Add the curry powder and stir.  Add chicken broth, green onions and carrots and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Serves: 6
Nutritional: Per Serving - 136 calories; 0.75 g fat; 5% calories from fat

Comments:  I use a mild curry for this so that it is not too spicy.  You could also substitute cumin for the curry.

Candied Yams - A comfort food conversion (from the cookbook)

In the cookbook, I have many recipes which I call "Comfort Food Conversions."  They are lightened up versions of the original.  Although they are not "low calorie, low sugar, or low fat" they are still better for you versions - and with all the taste. 

Ingredients:
4 medium sweet potatoes
4 oz. sweetened condensed milk
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ c. sliced almonds
1 c. miniature marshmallows
cinnamon to sprinkle on top

Directions:
Boil sweet potatoes whole until fork tender.  Let cool. Peel and place in bowl.  Add the condensed milk  and cinnamon and blend with a mixer until smooth.  Spread mixture into an 8” square shallow dish.  Top with a single layer each of the almonds and then the marshmallows.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees approximately 25 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and golden brown.

Serves: 6
Nutritional: Per serving - 198.5 calories; 3.7 g fat; 17% calories from fat

Comments: Traditional candied yams are fattening because of all the butter.  Sweet potatoes on their own are actually very good for you, containing a good amount of vitamins and nutrients.  By making them this way, you are still getting an awesome flavor (even passes the kids' test) and a lot less fat!

How to slice garlic & herbs

This is actually a little video I did for a communications class that I took.  It's a bit low-budget (and amateur) but the information is great none the less!  Check it out. :)