Thursday, December 16, 2010

Keeping it "light" for the holidays....

The Holidays brings on cheer, parties and tons of food!
Here are 2 "light" recipes from Cooking Light, my favorite cooking magazine!
Zesty Broccoli Casserole
3 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (4 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, softened
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 medium)
1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, rinsed, drained, and sliced
3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 teaspoons butter, melted
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°.
Arrange broccoli in an even layer in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside.
Combine milk, flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add cheddar and cream cheeses; stir until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, onion, and water chestnuts. Spoon cheese mixture evenly over broccoli.
Place panko in a small bowl. Drizzle with butter, and toss. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over cheese mixture. Lightly spray breadcrumb layer with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble and breadcrumbs brown.

Chicken Puttanesca Pasta
8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups tomato-basil pasta sauce (such as Muir Glen Organic)
1/4 cup pitted and coarsely chopped kalamata olives
1 tablespoon capers
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 cup (1 ounce) preshredded Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil or basil sprigs (optional)
Preparation
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Add chicken to pan; sprinkle evenly with salt. Cook chicken 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in pasta sauce, olives, capers, and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes or until chicken is done, stirring frequently. Arrange 1 cup pasta on each of 4 plates; top with 1 1/2 cups chicken mixture. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese. Garnish with chopped basil or basil sprigs, if desired.
(both from www.CookingLight.com)
Keep on Cooking

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