Healthier Chicken Pot Pie by Carolinaheartstrings

It’s January and time to start eating healthier. Doesn’t everyone have that as one of their New Year’s resolutions? I know I always start out the year with the best of intentions, wanting to eat healthier, get in shape . . . . . you know the drill. In an effort to help you to do just that this month we are taking some family…

Baked Ranch Chicken by Carolinaheartstrings

Baking lean chicken breasts is an ideal way to serve a low-fat, yet rich in protein meal. However, chicken can get dry in the oven. I have used various coatings to help prevent this but keeping in mind that healthy also means watching sodium consumption some of my methods need adjusting. This time I blended my usual ranch…

ROYAL SEAFOOD CASSEROLE by JUDY B

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole by Gretchen Wasniewski

A healthier version of the old comfort food. Polenta stands in for the crust and eliminates a large portion of the calories without sacrificing the stick to your ribs comfort.

Spinach Calzone by Carolinaheartstrings

My last recipe for our month of healthy alternatives to favorite foods is one that created itself. Using ingredients that I had on hand I came up with this tasty treat one Saturday for lunch. It was easy and satisfying and tasted wonderful.

Tuna Tomato Frittata by Carolinaheartstrings

I had always wanted to try making a frittata but not having a skillet with an oven resistant handle I never had. Then the other day it occurred to me that, hey – I could use one of my springform pans. So since February is our month to feature warm, filling foods I fired up the oven and tried the following. I can see this becoming…

Chicken breast with mushroom sauce and stuffed spinach by Sylvia

1.Sprinkle chicken breast halves with salt and pepper on each side. 2.Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add chicken halves to the pan leaving room in between. You may have to cook in batches depending on how large your pan is. Sear on both sides to lightly brown for 2 - 3 minutes per…

Spinach Brownies by David St. John

They look like brownies, but they're not sweet!

Homestyle Ham Loaf by Gretchen Wasniewski

An old comfort food from childhood. This is a healthy and economical dinner pared with mashed potatoes and green beans and a wonderful sandwich between a couple of slices of whole wheat bread.

Poor Man's Dinner by sally

Parmesan Crusted Chicken by sally

Pork Sausage and Vegetable Casserole by Mellie Duffy

I do monthly cooking demonstrations at a local food panty with friends. We also have a vegetable garden every summer and the proceeds are donated to the food pantry. We try to incorporate items available in the food pantry to their clients with vegetables we harvest in our garden to create and share recipes. The food pantry is often…

Eggplant Pizza Rolls by Carolinaheartstrings

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables and when Tammie suggested doing a month of pizzas I immediately thought about little mini pizzas with eggplant slices as the base. I used chopped onions and olives as my toppings but use your imagination and your favorite toppings to create these mini pizza treats for your family.

Caramelized Onion Sausage and Goat Cheese Pizza by Carolinaheartstrings

One of my favorite flavors is the taste of caramelized onions. When we decided to do pizzas for August I just knew that one of my pizzas would have to incorporate them! Add some mild Italian sausage and goat cheese and the result is a pizza with a hint of sweetness. Sweet! TIP: I rolled out the dough on a rubber pastry mat then…

Quinoa and Butternut Squash Casserole by Carolinaheartstrings

Classic casseroles are our theme this month and I wanted to make something with the colors and flavors of fall that was totally meatless. Butternut squash is in abundance right now and I love the creamy smooth texture and flavor. Pair this with the nutty graininess of quinoa and you have a win win dish! I did not want to make…