There’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min. + cooling Makes 16 servings
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
glaze:
5 teaspoons cornstarch
1-1/4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
toppings:
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups halved fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix flour and confectioners' sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Bake until very lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a small saucepan, mix glaze ingredients until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust. Top with berries and mandarin oranges. Drizzle with glaze. Refrigerate until cold.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 170 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats
33 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 15 treats
Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
Ingredients
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
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Directions
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey and vanilla. Stir in the milk powder, oats and graham cracker crumbs. Shape into 1-in. balls. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSLet peanut butter be the star in no bake Christmas treats like this. Or, for additional cookie ideas see the favorite cookies in America, state-by-state. Nutrition Facts 1 each: 70 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Contest-Winning Eggplant Parmesan
42 reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 40 min. Bake: 25 min. Makes 8 servings
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it’s much healthier than other parmesans! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Ingredients
3 large eggs, beaten
2-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 medium eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Place eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then coat in crumbs. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake until tender and golden brown, 15-20 minutes, turning once.
In a small bowl, combine mushrooms, basil and oregano. In another small bowl, combine mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Spread 1/2 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with a third of the mushroom mixture, a third of the eggplant, 3/4 cup sauce and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice.
Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted, 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 305 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 9g fiber), 18g protein.
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup sherry or chicken broth
3 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
Arrange chicken in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes. Add the sherry or broth, green onions, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Pour over chicken.
Bake until a thermometer reads 165°, 10-15 minutes longer. Top with cheese. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 215 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat
Wild Rice Mushroom Bake
8 reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 15 min. + soaking Bake: 1 hour 25 min. Makes 10 servings
The wild rice adds a wonderful flavor to this casserole. I like to serve it on special occasions. —Jann Marie Foster, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked wild rice
2 cups boiling water
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
Place wild rice in a large bowl and cover with boiling water; soak for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. In a large bowl, combine the mushroom mixture, wild rice, long grain rice, almonds, broth, cream, salt and pepper.
Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 75 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10 minutes longer or until rice is tender.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 318 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing
6 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 15 min. Makes 6 servings
This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Ingredients
2 cups chopped leaf lettuce
2 cups chopped fresh kale
2 medium pears, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
parmesan garlic dressing:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine lettuce and kale. Top with pears, pepper jack cheese and bacon. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, mustard, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Gradually whisk in enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 206 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately, then toss it all together right before chow time. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 8 servings (1-1/2 cups dressing)
Ingredients
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
salad:
6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 6 ounces)
2 medium peaches, sliced
1-3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 large hard-boiled large eggs, halved and sliced
1/2 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
Place the first 6 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. In a large bowl, combine spinach, peaches, mushrooms, eggs, bacon, onion and almonds. Serve with dressing and cheese.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups salad with 3 tablespoons dressing: 391 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
10 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 13 cups)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
5 hard-boiled large eggs, sliced
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
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Directions
Whisk first 4 ingredients until sugar is dissolved.
In a 13x9-in. dish, layer half of each of the following: spinach, onion, mushrooms and eggs. Repeat layers. Drizzle with dressing; top with bacon.
HEALTH TIP:Skip the bacon and this is an easy meat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free potluck dish! Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 280 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients
4-1/2 cups cut-up fresh fruit (pears, apples, bananas, grapes, etc.)
3/4 cup mandarin orange, vanilla or lemon yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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Directions
Divide fruit among 6 individual serving bowls. Combine the yogurt, honey, orange zest and extract; spoon over the fruit.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
Anytime I can take a recipe that has been handed down two generations and lighten it up while keeping the delicious flavor memories intact, I’m a happy girl. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling Makes 2 dozen
Ingredients
1 package lemon cake mix (regular size)
1/2 cup egg substitute, divided
1/3 cup canola oil
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 1/4 cup egg substitute and oil; mix until blended. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of a 13x9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 11-13 minutes or until edges are light brown.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add remaining egg substitute; beat on low speed just until blended. Spread over crust. Crumble reserved topping over filling.
Bake 11-13 minutes longer or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts 1 bar: 149 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
This is the perfect guilt-free version of a classic dessert. My friends even say that they prefer my lighter recipe over other tiramisu.—Ale Gambini, Beverly Hills, California
Ingredients
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
24 crisp ladyfinger cookies
Baking cocoa
Fresh raspberries, optional
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Directions
In a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold in yogurt. Spread 1/2 cup cream mixture onto bottom of an 8-in. square dish.
In a shallow dish, mix milk and espresso. Quickly dip 12 ladyfingers into espresso mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange in dish in a single layer, breaking to fit as needed. Top with half of the remaining cream mixture; dust with cocoa. Repeat layers.
Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours before serving. If desired, serve with raspberries.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 177 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat-free milk, 1 fat.
Caramel-Chai Tea Latte
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 4 servings
Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Ingredients
3-1/2 cups water
1-1/2 cups whole milk
10 chai-flavored black tea bags
1/3 cup caramel flavoring syrup
Sweetened whipped cream and hot caramel ice cream topping, optional
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Directions
In a large saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add tea bags. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; continue steeping, covered, 5 minutes.
Squeeze excess liquid from all tea bags into tea; discard tea bags. Stir in caramel syrup. If desired, top servings with whipped cream and caramel topping.
Torani This recipe was tested with Torani brand flavoring syrup. Look for it in the coffee section. Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 112 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Chai Tea Latte
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 15 min. Makes 2 servings
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Ingredients
2 tea bags
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup water
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons refrigerated French vanilla nondairy creamer
Optional: Whipped topping and ground nutmeg
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Directions
Place the tea bags, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in the coffee filter of a drip coffeemaker. Add water; brew according to manufacturer's directions.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, brown sugar and creamer. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through and sugar is dissolved. Pour milk mixture into mugs; stir in tea. If desired, dollop with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg.
CHAI TEA LATTE TIPS What's in a chai tea? Chai tea is a black tea blend from India and literally translates to “tea” in Hindi. The tea is full of flavor because of its many spices, like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, black pepper and cloves. Star anise, coriander seeds and peppercorns are other well-liked options. Chai tea lattes are a newer adaptation to the original recipe. They typically contain frothed hot milk and added sugars which give it more of a "latte" flavor. Learn more about the difference between chai tea and chai tea lattes!Are there any benefits to chai tea? Chai tea contains cinnamon and black tea, both of which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Other blends with different spices will add more benefits.How do you drink chai tea? Chai tea recipes can be served hot or over ice. You can also try adding chai to many dessert recipes like cookies and bread pudding. These chai recipes are our favorite.Does chai tea give you energy? Chai tea typically contains about a third of the caffeine you would find in a cup of coffee, so you’ll still feel an energy boost. Looking for a caffeine kick? Check out these other caffeinated drinks and snacks.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 223 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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