Recipes With a Twist
Healthy
Baby spinach salad with carrot and cucumber ribbons
May 2nd
Baby Spinach Salad with carrot and cucumber spinach ribbons
With days warming up a bit, I prefer having salads for lunch or as a side (sometimes bigger than a side portion) for dinner. I am big fan of low calorie salsa based Mexican style salads-which one of these days I will put together for my blog as well. However, these days I am experimenting with baby spinach and carrots and I am loving it. Here is a low calorie salad with a light home made dressing made with buttermilk. I use carrot and cucumber shavings that add lot of crunch to the More >
Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Reduced Fat)
Apr 22nd
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
I am a big fan of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar soup. Although I usually prefer lowfat/or at least reduced fat soups, I usually can’t resist this soup on a cold (even rainy) afternoon. I have tried a few recipes from different sources and all were way too rich. So I made few changes, increased quantity of carrots and blended the soup for a creamy and rich texture. Last weekend I made a big batch for my family – served soup and toasted bread for adults and as pasta sauce for little one. I boiled macaroni (overcooked) and mixed with More >
Lemon Rice with Carrot Raita
Apr 16th
Lemon Rice
This is yet another favorite dish that I make when I have leftover rice on hand and (as usual) I am in a hurry to put together a delicious yet healthy meal. This version of Lemon Rice is based on traditional South Indian flavors although I am not sure if I always follow the tradition religiously and do try different variations now and then.Carrot Raita
I usually serve this rice with ‘Carrot Raita’ – Yogurt based condiment that is used as a side or sometimes a dip as well. There are numerous types of ‘raitas’ that you can make More >
Banana and Date Smoothie
Apr 12th
By Heidemarie Swanepoel
Banana and Date Smoothie
I wanted a quick breakfast replacement this morning, and decided on a delicious smoothie. Smoothies can be made from any fruit combination you can dream up, but while some are very tasty and refreshing, not all are efficient hunger busters, if you need a meal replacement. Try this delicious banana and date combination to use as a replacement meal. Optionally you can use your meal replacement powder or dietary fiber powder in the mix, but it is good on is own too.Ingredients 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup yogurt or ice-cream 1 banana 2 tablespoons chopped dates More >
Moong Dhuli Dal Khichdi with Mustard Greens and Spinach
Apr 11th
Moong Dhuli Dal Khichdi with Mustard Greens and Spinach
Khichdi is a popular dish all over India specially Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Bengal. It is usually made with rice and lentils (there are several variations using different types of lentils) as a base and vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, peas, sqash, spinach, potatoes, etc. are added in different combinations. Rice and lentils are cooked until very mushy and vegetables usually seem to disappear. It is considered as a very healthy dish – carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins all in one dish and is traditionally offered as early food to babies/ toddlers when they first More >
Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup
Mar 11th
Chicken Noodle Soup
On cold winter evenings, I love having a big bowl of chicken noodle soup for dinner. It is a nutritious, hearty and low fat meal that does not need too many ingredients. Moreover, this is one of the dishes my entire family enjoys including my 2 year old son. I thought I should make one more batch while it is still little chilly in my part of the world. I have experimented with different types of noodles and pasta shapes. This time I mixed tri color egg ribbon pasta with some spiral pasta (my son loves both!). However, please More >
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Feb 25th
Strawberries dipped in Chocolate
There is a something romantic about strawberries dipped in chocolate. It could be that color red and chocolate are both symbols of romance or it could be just that sweet strawberries are so perfect with indulgent chocolate that they seem to be in love themselves!. Not only do they make a low calorie dessert (about 70 calories a piece!) but they also makes a great snack. While strawberries are in season, this is one thing no one should miss.You need:
20-25 strawberries 4 baking chocolate blocks (semi sweet) sprinkles and/or chopped nuts/or any other topping
Melt the chocolate squares as More >
Hawaiian Toast
Feb 23rd
Recipe by Heidemarie Swanepoel
Hawaiian Toast
Today we visited Gran, and she dished up my childhood favourite treat. When we came home from school, on a cold or wet day, she would be standing by with a delicious slice of Hawaiian Toast. My kids love it now, just as much as I loved it then (and still do!)Ingredients: (per slice of toast)
1 slice of toasted bread 1 slice sandwich ham 1 pineapple ring (canned) 2 – 4 slices cheddar cheese Butter (optional)
Pre-heat your grill. Toast your bread, and butter it. Start off by placing your ham on the toast. Place the pineapple ring More >
Fisherman’s Toast
Feb 17th
Posted by : Heidemarie Swanepoel
Today I got a new idea for a toasted open sandwich. I needed to get some brain-food and Omega 3 into my bloodstream, and opted for a tin of sardines. Tomatoes are rich in anti-cancer agents, and cheese – well melted cheese is just absolutely yummy. How could I not add that.
Ingredients: (per slice of toast)
1 slice of toasted bread
1 – 2 sardines
1 – 2 slices cheese (mozzarella is delicious)
2 – 4 slices tomato
Salt and pepper to taste
Pre-heat your grill.
Toast your bread, and butter it.
Start off by placing your tomato slices on the toast.
Cut the sardines in More >
