Note on Vegetarian/Vegan labels

The recipes labeled Vegetarian and/or Vegan may have references to animal products.

The animal products referred to are an optional protein source for omnivores, but not required for the actual recipe.
Showing posts with label Low Calorie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Low Calorie. Show all posts

February 23, 2012

CrockPot Spaghetti Sauce

Crockpot/Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce w/ 3oz (from dry) spaghetti
noodles, freshly grated parmesan cheese, & garlic bread

21 oz lean ground beef
12 oz. chicken sausage
3 - 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, no salt added
3 - 14.5 oz cans tomato sauce, no salt added
2 med. (or 1 lg) onion, chopped
3 Tbsp garlic, minced
4 c. mushrooms, sliced (approx. 434g)
2 c. bell pepper, diced (approx. 195g)
5 Tbsp oregano, dried
3 Tbsp basil, dried
1 tsp bay leaf, ground (or 3 whole bay leafs broken in half)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, ground

Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet. While the meat is browning, chop vegetables, stirring meat occasionally.

When beef and sausage are done, drain off the fat and toss meat, vegetables, spices, and tomato sauce into a slow cooker. Stir to mix ingredients evenly.

Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.


Number of Servings: 20
Serving Size: 1 cup  (approx. 243g)

Calories - 159.0
Carbohydrates - 10.5g
Sugars - 4.4g
Fiber - 2.8g
Fat - 7.4g
Saturated Fat - 2.7g
Cholesterol - 42.5mg
Protein - 12.7g
Sodium - 164.3mg

November 1, 2011

Slow Cooker Chili con Carne

Chili con Carne with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and corn bread

12 oz. lean ground beef
2 cups red kidney beans (dry)
1 lg onion, diced (or chopped)
1 med. red bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
3-1/2 cups tomatoes, diced (equals one large can)
7-1/4 c. Tomato Sauce (equals 2 large cans)
3 Tbsp Chili powder
3 Tbsp Chili Sauce (Heinz)
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Bay Leaf, crumbled (or 1/4 tsp powdered)
1-1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce


Soak the beans per package directions. Brown the beef and drain well.

Toss everything in the pot, stir, and cook on low for 8-10 hours (or your entire work day + commute)


Serves 16
Per serving 1 cup

Calories - 144.8
Carbohydrates - 19.2g
Sugars - 7.4g
Fiber - 5.3g
Fat - 4.9g
Saturated Fat - 1.9g
Cholesterol - 15.9mg
Protein - 7.8g
Sodium - 776.2mg

August 20, 2011

Mediterranean Crusted Cod

Mediterranean Crusted Cod with broccoli and baked potato
1 lg cod fillet (approx. 250 gr)
2 Tbsp whole wheat flour
2 Tbsp almond flour/meal
1 tsp oregano
a dash of garlic salt (optional)
2 Tbsp Brummel & Brown spread
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, shredded (or 1/8 c. grated)

Combine flours and spices. Melt B&B in shallow baking dish. Dredge cod in flour mix, place in dish. Turn cod to coat with butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes or until cod flakes easily with a fork.

Serving Size: 1/2 fillet

Serves 2
Per serving
Calories - 228.1
Carbohydrates - 6.9g
Sugars - 0.1g
Fiber - 1.5g
Fat - 9.7g
Saturated Fat - 2.9g
Cholesterol - 53.5mg
Protein - 27.7g
Sodium - 349.1mg

August 10, 2011

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad with Sweet & Spicy Salmon and baked potato
6 Tbsp lime juice, fresh
5 g mint, fresh, finely chopped (just under 1/4 c.)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 sm. onion, chopped (~100g)
1 c. mandarin oranges in juice
1/2 c. reserved juice from mandarin oranges
4 c. (heaping) watermelon, balled (~800g)
2 med. gala apples, cored, sliced, chopped in bite size pieces (~300g or 2 cups)
1/2 English cucumber, sliced, quartered (~275g or 2 cups)
1 c. goat cheese, crumbled (optional)


Dressing:
Whisk lime juice, olive oil, and mint together. Set aside.

Salad:
Drain oranges, set oranges aside.

Cook onion in juice from mandarin oranges until caramelized. Set aside.

Add all of the fruit to a large serving bowl. Once onions are cool, add them to the fruit. Add the cheese (optional) and drizzle the dressing over the salad and stir well to cover.

Let sit in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors combine before serving well chilled.


Serves 9

Per serving - 1 cup (approx. 183.6 gr)
Calories - 118.2
Carbohydrates - 17.4g
Sugars - 12.3g
Fiber - 2.9g
Fat - 5.1g
Saturated Fat - 2.3g
Cholesterol - 15.6mg
Protein - 3.4g
Sodium - 68mg

August 9, 2011

Sweet & Spicy Salmon

Sweet & Spicy Salmon with watermelon salad and baked potato

4 - 5oz Pacific Salmon steaks (king)
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar, packed
1/4 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp garlic, minced

Combine the spices, sugar, and salt until well mixed. Rub onto the salmon steaks. Let sit, covered, in the fridge for 20-30 minutes (optional).

Bake at 350 F for 40 minutes or until desired doneness is reached.

Serving size - 1 salmon steak.

Serves 4

Per serving 4.5 oz (after cooking, approximate)
Calories - 289.4
Carbohydrates - 6.2g
Sugars - 4.7g
Fiber - 0.5g
Fat - 17.1g
Saturated Fat - 2.7g
Cholesterol - 87.7mg
Protein - 29.5g
Sodium - 200.6mg

July 2, 2011

Fiberlicious Portabella Mushrooms

I have to admit on this one, my husband liked it much better than I did. I found it passable, but he liked it so much, it's being posted here anyway. I hope you like it as much as he did.

Fiberlicious Portabella Mushrooms w/ baked potato
3 Tbsp ground flax seed
1.5 c. water
200 g Mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 lg onion (approx. 211 g)
100 g Spinach, fresh
100 g bell pepper, mixed colors, diced
2 Tbsp barley flour
1 Tbsp Sumac, ground
1/8 tsp Garlic Salt
6 oz. portabella mushroom, sliced



Whisk flax seed into water and let stand.

In a large skillet, dry sautee mushrooms, garlic, and onions (no moisture added) over medium heat. Once mushrooms are reduced and onions transluscent, add spinach and peppers. Stir well.

Add barley flour, sumac, and garlic salt into the flax mixture. Whisk well to combine.

The spinach should be fully wilted by now. Stir in the flax mixture to fully coat the vegetables. Lay the portabella slices on top, turning once. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serve.

Serves 2
Per serving (approx. 300 gr)
Calories - 180.3
Carbohydrates - 30.4g
Sugars - 3.7g
Fiber - 10.3g
Fat - 4.4g
Saturated Fat - 0.5g
Cholesterol - 0.0mg
Protein - 11.7g
Sodium - 183.1mg

June 13, 2011

Chicken Taco/Burrito filling

Served over lettuce with cheddar cheese,
toasted thin corn tortillas (cut in strips),
tomato, sour cream, and
HDMB Greek Dressing. Calories - 474
300 gr chicken breast meat, no skin, cut into strips
1 med. tomato, diced (Image)
1/4 c. water
2 tsp cumin, ground
1 tsp garlic, minced (Image)

Put all ingredients in a skillet over medium heat. Stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked.

Serve over salad; or as a taco, burrito, enchilada filling

Served as a burrito with flour tortilla, cheddar cheese
tomato, sour cream. Calories - 504
Serves 4

Per serving (approx. 75gr)
Calories - 97
Carbohydrates - 2.3g
Sugars - 0.6g
Fiber - 0.5g
Fat - 0.8g
Saturated Fat - 0.1g
Cholesterol - 0.2mg
Protein - 17.9g
Sodium - 35.3mg

June 8, 2011

Bison Tomato Curry

Bison Tomato Curry with quinoa and salad
1 tsp olive oil 
5 oz bison sirloin, lean only, cubed (Image)
1 med. onion, chopped (Image)
1 Tbsp garlic, minced (Image)
1-3/4 cup tomatoes, diced 
1Tbsp curry powder 
1 tsp baharat

Heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Add bison, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly until meat is browned. Add tomatoes and spices, stir well. Reduce heat to med-low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve over quinoa, cous cous, or brown rice.

Serves 2

Per serving (approx. 207gr)
Calories - 168.9
Carbohydrates - 15.4g
Sugars - 0.1g
Fiber - 3.8g
Fat - 4.6g
Saturated Fat - 0.9g
Cholesterol - 43.9mg
Protein - 17.7g
Sodium - 55.7mg

June 7, 2011

Apricot Pork Loin w/ Saute'd Mushrooms & Onions

Apricot Pork Loin w/ Saute'd Mushrooms & Onions, baked potato & salad.
16 oz. pork tenderloin, lean only
3 apricots
1 Tbsp basalmic vinegar
1/2 tsp cloves, ground
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp olive oil
1 med onions, sliced and halved (Image)
1 pt mushrooms, sliced (227 g)
1 Tbsp garlic, minced (Image)

Marinade - Cut apricots in half and remove the pit. Place in small microwavable bowl and microwave for 60 seconds. Mash apricots slightly, with fork, and mix in basalmic vinegar.

Place pork and marinade in a small, flat container (or ziploc bag) and cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (can be overnight or all day if that's convenient).

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place pork in shallow baking dish. Set marinade aside in a small bowl. Measure out the cloves, sprinkle a dash on the pork loins, and dump the rest in the marinade. Measure out the garlic powder, sprinkle a dash on the pork loins, and dump the rest in the marinade. Put the pork in the oven and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until it has an internal temperature of 160 F.

While the pork is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over med-high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent. Add marinade. Mix and cook for at least 5 minutes more. Can simmer on warm or low until pork is ready.

Serves 4

Per serving (approx. gr)
Calories - 189
Carbohydrates - 9g
Sugars - 5g
Fiber - 2g
Fat - 5g
Saturated Fat - 2g
Cholesterol - 74mg
Protein - 26g
Sodium - 61mg

June 2, 2011

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas with Spanish Rice, Refried beans, corn tortillas, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
10.5 oz. (300g) chicken breast, long slices (or tenders cut in half lengthwise)
1 tsp olive oil
1 med. (180g) onion, halved and sliced (Image)
1 Tbsp garlic, minced (Image)
1 med. (115g) tomato, diced
1 cup (25g) cilantro, shredded
1 Tbsp cumin, ground
1 med. (200g) red bell pepper, sliced
1 med. (170g) orange bell pepper, sliced

Heat olive oil over med-high heat. Add chicken breast slices, garlic, and onion slices. Saute until chicken is cooked (white and opaque all the way through). Reduce heat to medium-low. Add tomato, cumin and cilantro. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add bell pepper slices and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until peppers are at the desired doneness (I like them with a little crisp left).

Serve with Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, and tortillas (Mission Extra Thin Corn Tortillas are a great healthy option).

Serves 4

Per serving
Calories - 142
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 5g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 2g
Saturated Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 44mg
Protein - 19g
Sodium - 70mg

May 28, 2011

Garam Masala Hummus

Garam Masala Hummus with sandwich thin
3 cups garbanzo beans, cooked and drained
1 med. lemon, juice (approx. 1/4 c.)
3 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1 Tbsp. flax seed, ground
1 tsp. garam masala

Cook and drain garbanzo beans according to bag (or Google directions). Place beans and lemon juice in food processor and mix on high speed until appearance is mostly smooth and all levels spin at about the same speed.  Add garlic, flax, and garam masala. Continue to blend on high speed until appearance is smooth and everything is well mixed. Serve with naan, pita, veggies, or sandwich thins.

30 servings (2 Tbsp)

Calories: 30
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Fat: 0.5g  
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 1g


7-1/2 servings (1/2 cup) - Heart Healthy serving

Calories: 121
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 5g

May 24, 2011

Sweet & Savory Summer Simmer

Sweet & Savory Summer Simmer with bison, brown rice, and brocolli
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 med. onion, chopped (Image)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1/4 c. hazelnuts, finely chopped
1-1/2 cup fresh cilantro, shredded
1/4 c. lemon juice
1 tsp. allspice, ground
1-1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

Heat olive oil, over med-high heat, in deep skillet/wok. Saute onions, garlic, mushrooms, and hazelnuts. Once onions are tender; add cilantro, lemon juice, allspice, and strawberries. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium. Place meat of choice on top of strawberry mix. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Reduce heat to med-low, stir lightly and turn meat. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered. Serve strawberry mix as a side dish.

Serves 4

Nutrients per Serving (Side dish only)
Calories - 114
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 4g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 8g
Saturated Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Protein - 2g
Sodium - 4mg

Calories per Serving (with various meats)
Chicken Round Steak Bison Pork Loin
1/2 breast
meat only
4 oz.
pre-cooking
4 oz.
pre-cooking
4 oz.
pre-cooking
Calories - 244
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 4g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 9g
Saturated Fat - 2g
Cholesterol - 68mg
Protein - 29g
Sodium - 81mg
Calories - 287
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 4g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 15g
Saturated Fat - 5g
Cholesterol - 65mg
Protein - 28g
Sodium - 63mg
Calories - 237
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 4g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 10g
Saturated Fat - 3g
Cholesterol - 70mg
Protein - 26g
Sodium - 65mg
Calories - 250
Carbohydrates - 10g
Sugars - 4g
Fiber - 3g
Fat - 12g
Saturated Fat - 3g
Cholesterol - 74mg
Protein - 26g
Sodium - 61mg

May 23, 2011

Summer Citrus marinade/sauce (for fish)

Swai with Summer Citrus Sauce, Feta Pine Nut Mashed Potatoes, and green beans
1 lemon, juice and zest
1 lime, juice and zest
4 limes, juice
2 Tbsp minced garlic (Image)
1/2 large onion, chopped (Image)
1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. dill weed, dried
1/4. tsp garlic salt
1/4 c. non-fat, plain yogurt (only if making sauce)

Place fish in a shallow pan. Blend lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and spices in a blender until smooth. Pour over fish. Cover pan and set in refrigerator for approx. 15-30 min.

After marinating; grill, broil, or bake (on rack) fillets until flaky and opaque.

Sauce: Pour half of the marinade into a small saucepan, bring to gentle boil for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add yogurt and blend until smooth.


Makes 4 Servings

Nutrients per Serving (marinade only)
Calories - 17
Carbohydrates - 5g
Sugars - 1g
Fiber - 1g
Fat - 0g
Saturated Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Protein - 0g
Sodium - 62mg

Calories per Serving (with various fish)
Swai Cod Tilapia
1/2 fillet 5 oz. 4 oz.
Calories - 102
Carbohydrates - 5g
Sugars - 1g
Fiber - 1g
Fat - 5g
Saturated Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Protein - 21g
Sodium - 62mg
Calories - 135
Carbohydrates - 5g
Sugars - 1g
Fiber - 1g
Fat - 1g
Saturated Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 62mg
Protein - 26g
Sodium - 140mg
Calories - 125
Carbohydrates - 5g
Sugars - 1g
Fiber - 1g
Fat - 16g
Saturated Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 14mg
Protein - 24g
Sodium - 77mg

Nutrients per Serving (Sauce)
Calories - 25
Carbohydrates - 6g
Sugars - 2g
Fiber - 1g
Fat - 0g
Saturated Fat - 0g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Protein - 1g
Sodium - 74mg

May 18, 2011

Cerdo Sazonada con Arroz Salvaje

Cerdo Sazonada con Arroz Salvaje with broccoli
16 oz. boneless pork loin, lean only
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped (Image)
1 med. red bell pepper, diced
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Baharat, Arabic
1/2 tsp. cumin, ground
1/2 tsp. bay leaf, ground (2 bay leaves will work, but be sure to remove them before serving)
2 c. Fat Free, Low Sodium chicken broth
2/3 c. wild rice blend, dry

Heat olive oil over med-high heat in deep skillet/wok. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic; until onion is translucent. Add wild rice and balsamic vinegar. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth and spices, continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 5 min. Reduce heat to med-low. Lay pork loin on top. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn pork over and lightly stir rice. Cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until pork has an internal temperature of 160 deg.

Serves 4

Per serving (approx. 312 gr)

Calories - 265
Carbohydrates - 22g
Sugars - 2g
Fiber - 2g
Fat - 6g
Saturated Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 62mg
Protein - 28g
Sodium - 246mg

May 16, 2011

Rice "Stuffing"

8 slices, whole grain bread
2 c. wild rice blend, cooked
2 c. brown rice, cooked
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped (Image)
3 stalks, celery, diced
2 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1-1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced
4 Tbsp. pine nuts
1/4 c. red wine
1 c. vegetable broth
1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
4 Tbsp. Sage, ground
3 Tbsp. Thyme, leaves
1/2 tsp. Black pepper, ground


Toast bread lightly, cut into 1" cubes. Cook rices.

Heat olive oil in skillet and saute onion, celery, garlic, mushrooms, and pine nuts. Turn off heat and stir in wine.

Combine everything with spices in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.

Put in deep baking dish (I like to use a small roasting pan), pour broth evenly over the top, cover and bake at 350 for 30-45 min. Check every 15 minutes for moisture, add water as needed to keep "stuffing" moist.



Alternate 1 - Can be stuffed in chicken or small turkey like any regular stuffing. Be sure temperature in the middle of the bird reaches at least 180 deg. before serving.

Alternate 1.5 - Double recipe for larger bird and baste every 15-30 min.

Alternate 2 - Place Tofurkey or other protein source on top of the "stuffing" before bakin
g.

Serves 8

Per 1 cup (200 gr) serving
Calories - 289
Carbohydrates - 48g
Sugars - 5g
Fiber - 6g
Fat - 8g
Saturated Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 0mg
Protein - 8g
Sodium - 244mg


Fun and tasty additions: 1/2 c. dried cranberries; 1-2 green apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 c. pecans or walnuts.

May 15, 2011

Cheese & Veggie Stuffed Chicken

4 - chicken breasts, butterflied
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1/2 med. yellow onion, chopped (Image)
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1/2 c. spinach, frozen or fresh wilted
1/2 med. red bell pepper, diced
1/2 med. yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 c. goat cheese, crumbled
1-1/2 c. Shredded Italian Cheese Blend (I used Great Value brand)


Butterfly and pound chicken breasts flat (or ask butcher to do so).

Heat olive oil in skillet. Saute mushrooms, onion, garlic, and peppers in olive oil until onions are translucent. Turn off heat and add goat cheese, stir until melted/combined with vegetables.

Lay out butterflied breast, sprinkle 1/4 of the Italian cheese blend on it, spreading evenly.  Put 1/4 of the veggie mix in the middle of the breast and roll like a burrito. Skewer with toothpicks to hold closed.

Optional, sprinkle choice of spices on each roll.

Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 180 deg.  Serve warm.

If you find that 1/4 of the mix is too much for one breast, the leftovers make a great side dish.


Serves 4

Per serving
Calories - 322
Carbohydrates - 7g
Sugars - 2g
Fiber - 2g
Fat - 17g
Saturated Fat - 8g
Cholesterol - 107mg 
Protein - 38g
Sodium - 362mg

Cheese & Veggie Stuffed Steak

16 oz Beef, round, lean only (4- 4oz. slices, thin sliced/pounded flat)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1/2 med. yellow onion, chopped (Image)
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1/2 c. spinach, frozen or fresh wilted
1/2 med. red bell pepper, diced
1/2 med. yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 c. goat cheese, crumbled
1-1/2 c. Shredded Italian Cheese Blend (I used Great Value brand)

Pound the slices of steak to approximately 1/4 in. thick (or ask butcher to do so).

Heat olive oil in skillet. Saute mushrooms, onion, garlic, and peppers in olive oil until onions are translucent. Turn off heat and add goat cheese, stir until melted/combined with vegetables.

Lay out slice of beef, sprinkle 1/4 of the Italian cheese blend on it, spreading evenly.  Put 1/4 of the veggie mix in the middle of the slice and roll beef up like a burrito. Skewer with toothpick to hold closed. Place in lightly greased (Pam) baking dish. Repeat for 3 remaining slices of beef.

Optional, sprinkle choice of spices on each roll.

Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 deg.  Serve warm.

If you find that 1/4 of the mix is too much for one slice, the leftovers make a great side dish.

Serves 4

Per serving
Calories - 353
Carbohydrates - 7g
Sugars - 2g
Fiber - 2g
Fat - 21g
Saturated Fat - 9g
Cholesterol - 126mg 
Protein - 38g
Sodium - 357mg

May 13, 2011

Cheesy Potato Casserole

6 medium potatoes, sliced
21 oz. 90% lean ground beef
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 med. yellow onion, chopped (Image)
1 c. mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
2 c. skim milk
2 eggs
1/2 c. Parmesan, grated
4-1/2. cheddar cheese, shredded


Slice potatoes.

In a large skillet, saute onion and mushroom in olive oil until onion is translucent. Add ground beef and continue cooking until meat is browned. Drain any excess liquid/fat.

While meat is browning, in a 1-2 qt. saucepan, beat the eggs into the milk until thoroughly mixed. Turn heat on low and add cheeses. Stir constantly until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.

Put potatoes and beef mixture into a 10" x 15" x 2" (or 4 qt) flat baking dish, mixing them up well.

Pour cheese mixture over the top. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes or until potatoes are tender. (To speed up the baking process, boil the potato slices for 10 minutes, while browning the meat, before adding to baking dish. This will reduce the time by 15 min.).

Serves 15 as main dish (more as a side dish)

Per serving
Calories 351
Carbohydrates 19g
Sugars 3g
Fiber 2g
Fat 19g
Saturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol - 103mg 
Protein 25g
Sodium 375mg

Mandarin Orange Peanut Sauce

Chicken Satay with Mandarin Peanut Sauce and Wild Rice

Bison Salad with Mandarin Peanut Sauce Dressing
1 c. Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
2 c. Fat Free Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced (Image)
1 Tbsp. Madras Curry Powder
1 tsp. Chili powder
1 tsp. Allspice, ground
1/2 tsp. Mace, ground
1 cup Cilantro, chopped
3 cups Mandarin Oranges in juice, drained

Whisk peanut butter, vegetable broth, and dry spices in 2 qt pan. over med-high heat.  Add cilantro and mandarin oranges. Continue to stir occasionally until mixture almost boils. Lower heat and simmer 3-5 min.

Makes 16 perfect 1/4 c. servings or 4 cups. :D

Per serving:
Calories - 83
Carbohydrates 18g
Sugar 14g
Fiber 1g
Fat 8g
Saturated fat 1g
Cholesterol - 0mg 
Protein 4g
Sodium 234mg

Southwest Bison

Southwest inspired meat dish. Could be used as taco/burrito meat, for enchiladas, or served over any whole grain. 

Southwest Bison with Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, and Corn Tortillas

14. oz Bison Ribeye, cubed (lean beef would work too) (Image)
2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1 med. red bell pepper, diced
1 med. yellow onion, chopped (Image)
1 Tbsp garlic, minced (Image)
3-1/2 c. tomatoes, diced
1/2 c. cilantro, hand shredded
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/4. tsp ground chili pepper
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1 Tbsp. olive oil

In a big wok/skillet heat olive oil on medium. Saute onions, mushrooms, and garlic until onions are translucent. Add bison (or beef), stirring lightly until browned.  Add bell pepper, tomatoes, and spices. Lower heat. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes (can be longer, imagine it would be awesome in a crock pot).  Uncover and simmer until liquid consistency is what you like.

Serves at least 8... maybe more.

Per serving (at 1/8 per serving):
Calories - 110
Carbohydrates - 8g
Sugar - 4g
Fat - 3g
Saturated Fat - 1g
Cholesterol - 31mg 
Protein - 13g
Fiber - 2g
Sodium - 76mg