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Make Every Meal a Celebration
By Betty Lynch
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. I love this time of the year! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect over the year and be grateful for life and all of its magical events that happen every day. Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate our family and friends. New Year, wow, a new beginning for all your dreams.
This time of year can become very hectic, but I ask you to stop and enjoy the season. Keep things simple, and that means your gifts, decorating, and meals. Enjoy the simple life, with simple treasures that will result in a life time of memories.
Our Glazed Pork Chops and Apples, Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, Tossed Salad and Old Fashioned Molasses Cake will turn any meal into a celebration. It is quick, easy and healthy to boot.
Glazed Pork Chops and Apples
4 boneless pork loin chops
3/4 teaspoon sage
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 medium tart apples, sliced thinly
4 teaspoons Brown Sugar Splenda
Sprinkle pork chops with sage and salt. In a large skillet, brown chops in oil on both sides. Transfer to a 11x7x2 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Stir flour into the pan drippings until blended. Gradually stir in broth and vinegar. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until thicken. Remove from heat.
Arrange apples over chops; sprinkle with brown sugar. Drizzle with broth mixture. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.
1 chop with ½ cup of apples
250 calories
10 grams of fat
55 mg cholesterol
17 grams of carbs
2 grams of fiber
22 grams of protein.
3 lean meat, 1 fruit, ½ fat.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
5 cups fresh cauliflowerets
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons fat free milk
3 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise
½ teaspoon sale
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Place 1 inch of water in a large saucepan; add cauliflower and garlic. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 15 minutes or until tender.
Drain, transfer to a small mixing bowl. Add the milk, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Beat until blended. Optional, add butter and stir until melted.
½ cup equals 74 calories (without butter)
4 grams fat
4 mg cholesterol
8 grams carbs
3 grams fiber
3 grams protein
1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Old Fashioned Molasses Cake
2 tablespoons reduced fat Land O’ Lakes light butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup molasses
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup hot water
9 tablespoons fat-free whipped topping
In a small mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg, then molasses, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with water.
Transfer to 9 inch square baking pan, coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into square, garnish with whipped topping.
1 piece with 1 tablespoon whipped topping
148 calories
2 grams of fat
28 mg cholesterol
30 grams carbs
trace of fiber
2 grams of protein
2 starch, ½ fat
Make your favorite tossed salad and your meal is complete.
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
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