Like many of you, my favorite thing about the holidays is the FOOD!  There is just something about the cold weather, fireplaces, and snuggling up on the couch watching tv that makes you want that good old comfort food.  These are the times that a pot of chili, a piping hot casserole, and hot chocolate with marshmallows on top make you feel so good about being inside.  Not to mention that all of sudden you start saying yes to dessert, candy, and homemade holiday treats.  Before you know it its Mid-January and you’ve got a little something that resembles a tire round your waste.  But, before that happens, lets talk about all the ways you can enjoy these foods without all the guilt.  

Desserts:  The single most important thing I can tell you about cooking desserts for the Holidays…SPLENDA.  Regular Splenda is like granulated sugar, you can substitute it for the sugar in your recipes.  Not only that but they now make brown sugar Splenda as well.  When it calls for eggs, use egg beaters or any kind of egg substitute for lower cholesterol.  I can’t help you with Karo syrup or canned fruit, but using these other subs will help out a lot.  And as always, if you can’t resist, moderation!

 Chili:  One of my favorite comfort foods is Chili.  There is nothing like it and its really easy to fix low-cal.  Substitue the hamburger meat for ground turkey, load it with beans, and use a low sodium chili seasoning package.  Add a can or two of stewed tomatoes and you’ve got a big pot of hot chili that will last for a week.  Top with low fat chese and sour cream!

Casseroles:  The thing I love about casseroles is that its a full meal.  You basically throw a few ingrediants together in a casserole dish, top it with cheese and you’ve got dinner.  If you do it right, you can add all the food groups and you don’t even need a side dish you just scoop and eat.  I tried this new casserole this week and it was a big hit!  One of my favorite holiday dishes is green bean casserole….mmmm good.  Its creamy and crunchy, love it.  Another favorite of mine was a cream cheese corn casserole my mom used to make.  So I got to thinking.  If you combine the two and add some chicken, you’ve got a steaming hot dinner.  Here is the recipe, I know you’ll love it!

Creamy Chicken Corn and Green Bean Casserole

1 Rotisserie Chicken from the grocery store

2 cans 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup

2 packages low fat cream cheese

2 cans green beans

2 cans corn

3/4  package 2% milk chedder cheese

1 cup skim milk

1 large can of French’s Frech Fried onions

1 tsp black pepper

pinch of red pepper (optional)

First pull all of the chicken off the bones and break into small pieces (set aside on seperate plate).  Place the cream cheese and cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl and stir until creamy.  Add green beans, corn, and milk and stir.  Add chicken, cheese, and  both black and red pepper, stir.  Por mixture in a large casserole dish leaving some room on top for the fried onions.  You may have some extra but thats when I say, put the rest in a small dish and send it to the neighbors (they’ll love that!).  Spread the onions on top and bake at 325 for about 20 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and the sides are bubbly.  Enjoy!!

 The great thing about casseroles is that you can get creative, you can make anything into a casserole.  The key ingrediants are things like cream of mushroom or chicken soup, cream cheese, cheese, and chicken of course.  Whatever you feel like having for dinner can be a casserole really.  Its easy and hassel free.  If you need any more ideas just ask, I’d be happy to dream one up for you!  Until then, happy eating and watch those sweets!!  Cheers.

 Lauren