Nicole Geurin, MPH, RD

It seems that more and more these days, we’re getting our recipes online rather than from cookbooks. I have been using Allrecipes.com for many years now to find tasty new recipes! Check out a few of my favs:

1. Joy’s Prizewinning Trifle: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Joys-Prizewinning-Trifle/Detail.aspx

Photo by Darcey55

This beautiful dessert is always a hit! And it’s super easy to make it low-fat: simply use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and whipped topping.  Angel food cake is usually already low in fat.  I usually buy a pre-made one to save time.

The fruit is the best part! It brings color and nutrition to this delicious dessert. Decorating the cake with the fruit is fun too!

2. Slow Cooker Meditarranean Stew: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Mediterranean-Stew/Detail.aspx

This delicious stew makes it easy to get in your veggie servings!  I usually experiment with the vegetables (I’ve never actually added the okra yet).  You can also cook this recipe in a pot on the stove to save time! (Cook until tender, about 45 minutes.)  Don’t skimp on the spices!  (I usually add extra!)

3. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Butternut-Squash-Ravioli-with-Sage-Brown-Butter-Sauce/Detail.aspx

This one’s a little time consuming, but oh so delicious! Using wonton-wrappers as suggested in the recipe is a great little trick! I usually just use one wonton wrapper per ravioli and fold it in half. Water works just as well as the egg whites to help it stick. Just don’t use too much squash or the ravioli might burst! (Also, I have yet to add the Parmesan cheese.  The filling tastes great without it! I recommend making it without the cheese, and then adding a little on top if you want it!)

Fresh sage is essential to the sauce! However, instead of using  butter, I saute the sage in a little olive oil, and then add pre-made butternut squash soup (it usually comes in a carton; try Pacific Foods Creamy Butternut Squash Soup.) This substitution will make your recipe low in fat!

So there you have it! What are some of your favorite online recipes?

Try this:

1. Throw a heaping handful of spinach on a plate.
2. Spray lightly with cooking oil spray (I prefer olive oil spray)
3. Sprinkle with pepper and a dash of balsamic vinegar
4. Microwave for ~20 seconds

You’ll be amazed at how that huge pile of spinach shrinks down into a few delicious bites!