My mom-in-law suggested Laughing Cow cheese as a low-cal spread or a cheese substitute for sandwiches. I found a Light Bleu Cheese version on sale for $2.50. I've had this in the fridge for a good week now. Today, I was working on my lunch idea and thought..."I should try this adorably packaged, 35 calorie cheese."
Verdict: It's amazing. Amazing!
So I spread some on celery and immediately had to share it with you!
Now I have your attention. Mmmm Chocolate. This one is an idea inspired by my mom-in-law (Thanks!). There's tons of ways to make a standard box cake mix lower in fat and calories. My favorite substitute.... Greek Yogurt! Surprised?
In this photo, I used No Pudge Fat Free Brownie Mix. You can also use any brand of Devil's Food Cake mix. Both recipes are shown below.
Mom-in-law shared this website: http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1543
It lists a few other things to add to cake mixes. All are interesting ideas that I'd like to try. The pumpkin idea sounds like a spot hitter, especially around Thanksgiving.
There's lots of different kinds of pita breads out there. I found one that's delicious and nutritious (and only 60 calories per pita!). Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran, and Whole Wheat pitas. Sounds like it should taste like and have similar texture to cardboard, but it's quite soft and tastes great. The ideas of things to make with pita bread are just endless. Last night we watched a movie and were craving chips. Hubby wanted something salty, and I wanted something sweet. Neither wanted oily, greasy, deep-fried chips. Don't be fooled by the pita chips you can buy in the grocery store. Compare the label to regular chips. They're all deep-fried or are dipped in oil before baking, so they are still about 130+ calories for a handful. Pita Chips (makes 1 serving) (60 -70 calories per serving)
1. Cut a pita bread in half the skinny way. You should end up with two circles.
2. Then cut each circle into 8 triangles (should have 16 total triangles).
3. Top with whatever spices suit your mood. (see below)
4. Place on a tin-foil-lined cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake for about 4 -5 minutes at 350 degrees
6. Enjoy!
Spice Ideas
If you're in the mood for sweets, try 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon. (the sugar adds about 10 calories)
If you're in the mood for savory try: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of italian seasoning, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning, or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, or keep it simple and go with salt and pepper.
Celery??? It's only 10 calories per large stalk and it's got such an amazing crunch. Of course, alone, it tastes gross. Pair it up with a low-cal topping, and it's much better. The standard topping is Peanut Butter and craisins, Ants-on-a-Log-style. The problem with PB, even the delicious organic kind that we usually buy, is that it's got 200 calories packed into only two tablespoons. So yes, it's good for you, but only in moderation.
Here's some lower-calorie topping alternatives:
Spinach & Artichoke Hummus 120 calories in 4 tablespoons
No recipe here. This version of hummus has less calories than any other variety I've found. Maybe because the veggies replace some of the oil? Not exactly sure, I didn't read much into it. The one I bought was store-brand and it was delish! Just check the labels for something around 60 calories per 2tbs.
Cottage Cheese & Salsa 75 calories in 6 tablespoons (varies depending on salsa)
This one is courtesy of my hubby. Sounds and looks gross (hence the lack of photos here), but tastes AMAZING. Use any variety of salsa that you like. I used a spicy peach salsa that had 25 calories per 2 tbs. The cottage cheese used was the standard 2%, small curd (100 calories per 1/2 cup).
This can also be eaten without the celery, by the spoonful.
4tbs cottage cheese (about 1/4 cup) 2tbs salsa
1. Mix cottage cheese and salsa.
2. Enjoy!
Greek Yogurt Onion and Garlic Topping 40 calories in 4 tablespoons
This one can also be used as a low-cal dip. I love using Greek Yogurt. To me, it tastes like a sweeter sour cream, but not quite as sweet as yogurt. It's an amazing substitute for creams in many recipes.
1 tbs roasted garlic (recipe below) 2 green onions, chopped finely 1/2 cup greek yogurt fresh cracked pepper pinch salt
1. Mix all ingredients. Allow to sit in refrigerator overnight to help flavors make their way into the yogurt.
2. Enjoy!
Note - If you don't want to roast garlic, use garlic powder to taste.
Roasting Garlic Without Oil 1 full bulb of garlic 1/4 cup veggie or chicken broth, or water
1. Peel outer layer off bulb of garlic (not off the individual cloves).
2. Trim the tops so that the meat of the garlic shows.
3. Put bulb in a ramekin or muffin tin and pour broth over top. Cover with tin foil.
4. Roast in oven at 400 degrees F, for about 30 minutes.
5. Carefully remove tin foil (watch out for steam) and put back into oven for another 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
7. Garlic cloves should be soft enough to be squeezed right out of their shells. Smash and...
