Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash

Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash

Filling:
Sauteed mushrooms & chopped onion in butter or coconut oil, add to taste, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, a little Worcestershire sauce and garlic if you wish.
Cottage cheese (about 1.5 cups)

Directions: Halve & clean squash. Cook squash at 375 for 20 minutes face down in a baking dish with a little water or broth.  Drain squash, place right side up in baking pan, stuff, and bake 30 more minutes.

I made this for my family and it's a great meatless main course.  DH and teenage son were filled.  My girls and I liked it too!  Easy and delish!

Veggie Burger for a Meat and Potatoes Guy

 I had a garden burger at a restaurant a few weeks ago, my first ever.  It tasted like...a fried hash brown patty.  I think it was a fried hash brown patty on a bun with burger fixin's!  I figure there's no need to pay the high price for veggie burger patties when I am sure I can make my own.  I wanted a recipe that is mostly veggies, not so much starch, and one high in complete proteins.

The problem?  My husband is a total meat and potatoes kind of guy.  Or rather, burgers and fries kind of guy.  I conjured up this recipe with things I had on hand and he.....ate two!    So I guess that's a win!  Kids liked it as well and wanted to take leftovers in their lunch.

Yield: 10 patties

3/4 cup black beans, mashed
1 small zucchini, grated
1 carrot, grated
1 small potato, grated
1 onion, minced
3 eggs
2/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal
1 tbs fresh minced garlic
dash of worchestershire sauce
1 tbs grill seasoning (I used mesquite grill seasoning from Costco)
dash of chicken soup flavoring
black pepper

Combine all ingredients and let set for 10 minutes to allow the liquid to absorb into the oatmeal. Shape into patties (I used a wide mouth canning lid for a mold), and cook in lightly greased skillet until browned on both sides and cooked through.  Serve on buns with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, the works!

Pork Chops With Tangy Sauce And Potatoes

Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

6 bone-in pork loin chops (7 ounces each)
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, cut into rings
6-8 large potatoes, peeled and sliced


In a large skillet, brown chops in oil in batches. Transfer to a large baking dish

In the same pan, saute celery and chopped onion in butter until tender. Stir in the ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until slightly reduced.

Pour sauce over chops. Top with sliced onion and pepper rings. Cover and bake at 350°for 20-25 minutes

While chops bake, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Tips and Tricks
I have always used boneless pork chops for this recipe and left out the celery. You can use red wine vinegar if you don't have cider vinegar.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Use food chopper to chop onion and celery. Measure and dump ingredients. Older kids can peel potatoes.

Nutrition Facts
1 serving equals 284 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 91 mg cholesterol, 469 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 31 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges
4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat

Authentic Sour Beef And Dumplings

Prep: 10 minutes plus marinating
Cook: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings

1-1/2 cups water, divided
1-1/4 cups cider vinegar, divided
2 large onions, sliced, divided
1 medium lemon, sliced
15 whole cloves, divided
6 bay leaves, divided
6 whole peppercorns
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 beef sirloin tip roast (3 pounds), cut in half
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 gingersnap cookies, crumbled
DUMPLINGS:
3 pounds russet potatoes
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash pepper


In a large plastic bag or bowl, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, half of the onions, lemon, 10 cloves, four bay leaves, peppercorns, sugar and salt; mix well. Add roast. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

Drain and discard marinade. Place roast in a slow cooker; add pepper and remaining ingredients except gingersnaps. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.

Remove roast and keep warm. Discard bay leaves. Stir in gingersnaps. Cover and cook on high for 10-15 minutes or until gravy is thickened.

Two to three hours before roast is finished, boil potatoes whole until tender. Drain well. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Peel and grate potatoes. In a bowl, combine the eggs, 3/4 cup flour, bread crumbs, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Add potatoes; mix with hands until well blended. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls; roll in remaining flour.

In a large kettle, bring salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings, a few at a time, to boiling water. Simmer, uncovered, until the dumplings rise to the top; cook 2 minutes longer. Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon to a serving bowl. Serve with roast and gravy.

Tips and Tricks
If your roast is large, make sure to cut it in half for even cooking. I skipped the bay leaves for the second half of the recipe. You could also use various types of vinegar if you don't have cider vinegar. I strained the onions and other ingredients out of the gravy, but you could leave them in if you prefer. Be sure to not overboil your potatoes. Russets work best, other varieties of potatoes don't have the starch content needed for dumplings, and overcooked potatoes will not form balls. The refrigeration step is crucial, I also refrigerated my grated potatoes for about 30 minutes to make sure they were dry enough. Mix only until combined, overkneading will negatively affect the quality of the dumplings. If the pot is not large enough, you may need to cook them in two batches.
Make It Healthier
Trim fat from roast. Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Push buttons on slow cooker. Crush gingersnaps.

Crockpot Chicken Cassoulet

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 4-6 hours
Yield: 6 servings

1 can white beans or black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
salt and pepper
1/4 cup sliced sundried tomatoes, not packed in oil
2 tsp EACH dried parsley, thyme and basil
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
one medium onion, cut into chunks
4 cloves garlic, pressed
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 2/3 cup chicken stock

Place half the canned beans on bottom of crockpot and top with chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and add chicken stock.

In a small skillet, saute vegetables and spices in oil until tender. Add to chicken and top with the rest of the beans. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Tips and Tricks
I used frozen black eyed peas. Brown the chicken if you wish.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Older kids can open the beans. Younger kids can dump spices.

Chicken Athena

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Yield: 6 servings

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes, not packed in oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Greek olives, chopped
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt to taste

Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Tips and Tricks
I used scallions in place of the regular onion. This recipe can also be adapted for an oven.
Make It Healthier
Use organic chicken. Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Chop onion with food chopper, measure liquid ingredients.
Recipe Source
adapted from Healthy Cooking Magazine

One Pot Chicken Dinner

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

2 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
3-4 medium to large potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into chunks
10-12 Campari tomatoes, sliced in half
2 Tbsp water
2-3 Tsp olive oil
1/2 cup prepared pesto
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a large roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, at 425 for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.

Tips and Tricks
Try using whole new potatoes in place of sliced potatoes, or a whole pint of whole grape tomatoes in place of the larger tomatoes. Buy chicken with skin already removed to save time. I used Sun of Italy pesto.
Make It Healthier
Use red potatoes and leave the skin on. The skin of a potato is high in potassium, and the red potato has a thinner, and more palatable, skin. Omit salt. This recipe could also be made with white meat chicken, but you might need to add more water or oil to make up for the moisture difference.
How Kids Can Help
Mix ingredients in pan.
Recipe Source
adapted from Prevention.com

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Prep/Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

one pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Place eggs in a shallow bowl and cheese in a second bowl. Dip chicken into egg, then roll in cheese. Place in a baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.

Bake, covered, at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove foil or lid for last ten minutes of baking.

Tips and Tricks
Line your baking pan with foil for easy clean up. Cut chicken into strips to reduce baking time.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt
How Kids Can Help
Older kids can shred cheese.

Crispy Coconut Chicken

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

2/3 cup crushed multigrain crackers
1/3 cup flaked coconut
1 jar mango chutney (9 oz)
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 tsp curry powder
8 chicken drumsticks, skin removed
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cooked brown rice

Heat oven to 375. Combine cracker crumbs and coconut and place in a small bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup chutney. In another bowl, combine remaining chutney, lime juice and curry powder. Dip chicken pieces in chutney mixture, then roll in crumb mixture.

Bake chicken on a foil lined pan for 40 minutes or until done. Cover loosely with aluminum foil for last ten minutes to prevent overbrowning.

Toss peas with reserved chutney ans cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Combine peas with rice.

Tips and Tricks
In place of drumsticks, I used about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips. If you do this, reduce your cooking time. I also slightly reduced the amount of curry, and I used Italian bread crumbs instead of crackers.
Make It Healthier
Use trans-fat free crackers.
How Kids Can Help
Mix chutney into peas. Press buttons on microwave.
Recipe Source
Parents magazine

Nutrition Facts
one serving equals 589 calories, 14 g fat, 62 g carbs, 43 mg calcium, 5 g fiber

Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

1 1/2 pounds lean beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
salt and pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 parsnips, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 can (10oz) whole plum tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 oz) canned whole potatoes
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup light beer
1 cup chicken broth

In a resealable bag or bowl, mix together the flour, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Add beef chunks and toss to coat.

In a large Dutch oven, saute the garlic and onions in olive oil until tender. Add the vegetables except for the potatoes and cook about 5 minutes longer. Add the seasoned meat to the pot and stir to mix. Cook until meat is browned. When the mixture gets very sticky, add the beer and chicken broth.

Bring to a boil and stir to combine, add canned potatoes, then simmer until vegetables are tender.

Tips and Tricks
Fresh potatoes will become too mushy, so be sure to use canned potatoes. Leeks can be sandy, so be sure to rinse and drain them well after slicing. I bought precleaned parsnips that just had to be peeled. When stirring the vegetables, use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to break apart the tomatoes. I also used marjoram and thyme in place of the basil and oregano.
Make It Healthier
Choose lean meat. Omit salt. Use low-sodium chicken broth.
How Kids Can Help
Peel vegetables. Shake bag to coat meat. Older kids can open cans.
Recipe Source
Adapted from the Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno

Nutrition Facts
one serving equals 315 calories, 20g protein, 35g carbs, 6 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 10g fat, 314mg sodium

Pecan-Chicken With Peach Dipping Sauce

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

1/2 C pecan halves
2 slices whole wheat bread, torn into pieces
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 lb chicken breast tenders
1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil
1/2 C apricot or peach 100% fruit spread
2 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

Put pecans in food processor and chop. Add bread and pulse to fine crumbs. Transfer to shallow dish. Put egg whites in another dish and beat lightly. Sprinkle chicken with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Dip a piece of chicken into egg whites and then roll in crumbs, pressing to adhere. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle chicken with oil. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until crumbs brown and chicken is no longer pink in thickest part.

Mix fruit spread and lemon juice in bowl to make sauce.

Tips and Tricks
Instead of chopping pecans in a food processor, place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. If you don't have or don't like pecans, try using other nuts. If you don't have thyme, you can leave it out. In place of chicken tenders, cut regular boneless, skinless breasts into pieces.
Make It Healthier
Omit salt.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Older kids can coat chicken.
Recipe Source
Prevention magazine

Linguine With Sundried Tomatoes

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

2 cups green peas or 1 cup peas and 1 cup edamame
1 pound linguine
6 Tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, peeled and minced
1 cup sundried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
parsley for garnish

Cook peas and edamame and drain. Cook pasta according to package directions.

In a pan, heat olive oil, garlic and shallots over low heat. Add broth, peas and sundried tomatoes and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and toss with the pasta. Salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley.

Tips and Tricks
I used about half a pound of whole wheat spaghetti in place of the linguine. Use sundried tomatoes, not chopped in oil. I buy the kind in a foil package that can be refrigerated and I buy the prechopped kind to save time. I made this using the peas/edamame option. I also slightly decreased the oil and garlic.
Make It Healthier
Use whole wheat pasta and low-sodium broth.
How Kids Can Help
Measure ingredients. Older kids can use a garlic press.
Recipe Source
adapted from The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno

Smothered Round Steak With Egg Noodles

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7-8 hours
Yield: 4 servings

1 pound round steak, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/3 cup flour
salt and pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp molasses
5 Tbsp soy sauce
1 package egg noodles, cooked

In a plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the meat and shake to coat. Transfer to a slow cooker.

Add the mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, onion, molasses and soy sauce.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Tips and Tricks
I used an 8-ounce package of fresh sliced mushrooms in place of the canned and 3 sliced green onions in place of the regular onion. I also used honey instead of molasses.
Make It Healthier
Use no salt added canned tomatoes. Use low-sodium soy sauce.
How Kids Can Help
Shake bag to coat meat. Pour ingredients into slowcooker.

Turkey Meatballs

Prep/Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

1 1/2 lb lean ground turkey
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 egg

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Shape into one-inch balls and bake in a single layer in a baking pan at 400 for about 20 minutes.

To serve, simmer in 1 1/2 to 2 cups of sauce, and serve over pasta.

Tips and Tricks
Make sure your ground turkey says extra lean on the label. Regular ground turkey includes the dark meat and is high in fat. These meatballs also freeze well.
Make It Healthier
Use all natural tomato sauce.
How Kids Can Help
Measure oats. Chop onion with food chopper.

Sesame-Mango Chicken With Brown Rice

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

RICE
2 1/2 cups water
2 tsp salsa
1 cup brown rice
SESAME-MANGO CHICKEN
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 mango, peeled and diced into 1/4 inch pieces (about 1 cup)
3 medium tomatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 tbsp lime juice

In a medium size sauce pan, bring water and salsa to a boil. Add rice and simmer over low heat for about 25 minutes or until rice is tender.

Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool. Pour olive oil into pan, add garlic, ginger and pepper, and cook chicken until cooked through, stirring ocassionally.

And mango to pan and cook until fruit is tender, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and lime juice and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve over rice and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Tips and Tricks
I used my microwave to cook the rice. Follow the directions on the package for cooking times. I would also recommend using a large pan or a wok to cook the chicken mixture, for ease of stirring.
Make It Healthier
Use all natural salsa.
How Kids Can Help
Press buttons on microwave. Measure spices.

Nutrition Facts
One serving equals 391 calories, 6 g total fat, 1 g sat fat, 51 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 112 mg sodium, 66mg cholesterol

Bacon Cheddar Quiche

This quiche could be served for brunch or lunch, along with mixed fresh fruit or a tossed salad. Use prepared pie pastry or a frozen thawed pie shell if you need to cut time.

Yield: 8 Servings

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces
• 2 to 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
• .
• Filling
• 8 strips lean bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Prepare crust for quiche. In a mixing bowl, mix together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form; add water, a little at a time, until dough holds together and forms a ball. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll out dough into a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche pan. Trim edges, leaving a little overhang, about 1/4-inch all around the edge. Prick dough with a fork. Line with foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake quiche crust for 10 minutes at 375°.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, and pepper. Pour into the baked crust. Crumble bacon over the top with the shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake at 375° for about 30 minutes, or until quiche filling is set and top is lightly browned.

Suggested Sides: Serve the quiche with fresh tomato wedges or a tossed salad.

Tex-Mex Frittata

Prep/Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

SALSA

1 green onion, thinly sliced

1 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

1 tbsp chopped pickled jalapenos

2 tsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

FRITTATA

2 whole eggs

4 egg whites

pinches of dried oregano, sea salt and ground black pepper

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp finely chopped red onion

1 cup cooked corn

12 grape tomatoes, cut in half

To make salsa, combine green onions with beans, cilantro and jalapenos. Drizzle with vinegar and olive oil, then toss to mix. Let stand while preparing frittata.

In a bowl, whisk whole eggs with egg whites and seasonings. Coat or spray an oven-proof non-stick medium-sized skillet with olive oil and set over medium heat. Add red onion to skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add corn and tomatoes, then eggs. Stir to evenly distribute ingredients. Cook just until bottom starts to become firm, 1 to 2 minutes, then bake in preheated 300 degree oven until center is set, 10 to 12 minutes

Tips and Tricks

I skipped the precooking of the onions and just mixed everything in one bowl and poured it into the skillet. I also used a larger pan, yielding a thinner frittata and adjusted cooking times accordingly. For the salsa, I used dried cilantro and left out the jalapenos.

Make It Healthier

Omit salt.

How Kids Can Help

Measure and dump spices. Pour eggs into pan.

Nutrition Facts

1.6 of frittata and 1/4 cup of salsa equals 115 calories, 3.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 14 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein, 86mg sodium, 62 mg cholesterol

Steaks With Veggie Salsa

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

1 mesdium zucchini, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small red onion, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder
4 4-oz sirloin steaks, trimmed of fat

In a small bowl, combine first seven ingredients plus a pinch of sea salt and 1/2 tsp pepper to make salsa. Then, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. In another bowl, combine chili powder with remaining sea salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of steak with spice mixture. Cook until done to taste--2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, 2 1/2 minutes on each side for medium. Let stand 5 minutes, then serve, topped with salsa.

Tips and Tricks
Instead of the chili powder mix, I used the meat rub from this recipe for Broiled Steaks. I also used lemon juice in the veggie salsa because I used the last of the lime juice for the steaks. Instead of a cast-iron skillet, I broiled the steaks for about 7 minutes per side. If your meat is thick, consider slicing it into thinner pieces, it will be easier to cook. Use dried cilantro if you do not have fresh.
Make It Healthier
Omit the salt.
How Kids Can Help
Dump salsa ingredients into bowl and measure spices.

Nutrition Facts
1 4-oz piece of steak plus 1/4 cup salsa equals 240 calories, 7 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 7 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 36 g protein, 203 mg sodium, 66 mg cholesterol

Mexican Pizza

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 slices

1 large onion
1 prebaked Italian bread shell crust (14 ounces)
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/3 cup chopped seeded tomato
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup coarsely chopped ranch-flavored tortilla chips

Slice half of the onion and chop the rest; set aside. Place crust on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Spread beans over crust to within 1/2 in. of edges. Top with cheddar cheese and sliced onion.

Bake at 450° for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with lettuce, Mexican cheese, chopped onion, tomato, olives and tortilla chips.

Tips and Tricks
I used green onions in place of the regular onion, skipped the Mexican blend cheese and used regular tortilla chips. I also found a tiny can of black olives at my local grocery store. My husband is the only one who likes them, so I placed them on his portion only.
Make It Healthier
Use thin-crust pizza crust. Use fat free refried beans. Use trans-fat free tortilla chips.
How Kids Can Help
Spread beans on crust. Top with cheese and other toppings.

Miniature Shepherd's Pies

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

1 pound ground beef
2-3 large green onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups baby carrots, finely chopped
1 cup petite peas
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon corn starch
2 cups mashed potatoes

In a large pot, brown the ground beef. When almost finished, add the onions, carrots and peas. Stir and cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle corn starch over meat mixture and stir to combine.

Add broth and stir. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Spoon meat mixture into muffin cups. Top with the mashed potatoes. Bake at 350 for twenty minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Tips and Tricks
Substitute regular onions if you don't have green onions. I used my Pampered Chef food chopper to finely chop the carrots. You can also substitute other veggies. I used corn and I presteamed it in the microwave to save time. I also added some Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce to darken the gravy. I usually make my own mashed potatoes from scratch, but on hot or busy days, will use a pouch of instant flavored potatoes.
Make It Healthier
Use lean ground beef and rinse beef before adding broth. Use low sodium broth.
How Kids Can Help
Chop veggies with food chopper. Measure broth.