Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

These turned out really well.  I sorta winged the recipe and will probably tweak abit- which i'm going to note in the recipe here what i'll do different next time.  Kids loved these and had left overs for lunch the next day.

1lb ground turkey
1 cup rolled oats
2 eggs
1/2 a package of frozen spinach thawed and drained (In the one that comes in cubes this worked out to about 6 cubes)
1/2 a cup of feta- go for the crumbled- don't make the mistake I did and be cheap and get the block.  If you can find some with some flavor in it- go for it
Salt and pepper to taste

Pretty simple to make-mix the above ingredients, try to not over work it-mix enough to mix well but then just form into 8 patties.  We BBQ'd these. OIL your BBQ or grill before putting these on they stick like crazy. Cook until well done throughout (several minutes each side).

We served with tomato and fresh lettuce from our garden with grilled asparagus on the side.

Works out to about 177 calories per patty 

Butternut Squash Lasagna

So on impulse I bought a squash the other day.  Then I realized i had no clue what to do with it.  So I tracked down a recipe and this is what I came up with.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
Pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese - part skim
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

In a large skillet heat oil and toss in the squash with salt and pepper (be generous with the pepper for more flavor later). Pour in the water, cover and simmer until soft. Cool slightly then transfer to the food processor and blend until smooth. Place in a container until time to layer the lasagna.

In a sauce pan melt the butter and then add the flour and milk whisking over medium heat. Heat until a boil stirring occasionally until it thickens. Mix in the nutmeg, cool slightly then move to the food processor and blend in the fresh basil. Now i'll admit mine never got very thick- but it thickened up great in the oven so don't fret!

Pour a thin layer of the mixture into the lasagna pan, layer two layers of noodles over.  Then spread a thin layer of Squash then a sprinkle of cheese. Sauce, noodles, squash.  Finish off with a healthy layer of cheese. 

Cook in the oven at 375 F until cheese is melted and noodles are soft. You can substitute fresh lasagna noodles for the oven ready version.

Total calories 311/serving.  Serves 9

Stuffed Potatoes- Light calorie version!

I love potatoes.  I'm trying very hard to shed some pounds and become healthier.  My cooking is part of that journey- that's about more than loosing weight.  But this recipe helps on both counts. It worked out (according to Myfitnesspal.com) to 90calories per serving! I used the microwave to cut down on the length of time these took to prep- and finished in the oven. Preheat to 425F

• 3 russet potatoes- medium size
• 1 cup shredded lite cheese +2 tbsp kept aside (I used marble) 
• 1/2 cup broccoli frozen - chopped (the smaller the piece the easier to get the kids to eat it)
• 1 1/4 cup skim milk 
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp garlic
• salt

Microwave the potatoes (3 potatoes in my microwave was 12 minutes).  Don't forget to pierce them with a fork first. While they are in the microwave mix the flour nutmeg a dash of salt and the garlic in a sauce pan.  Whisk in slowly 1 cup of milk while warming over medium heat.  Bring to a boil for 5 minutes (or until thickens) stirring and keeping it from burning.  Add the cheese, remove from heat and stir until it melts together.

Remove the potatoes from the microwave (use oven mitts) and cut in half. Scoop out the insides leaving about 1/4" left.  In a bowl mash together the potato you scooped out and the milk.  Mix in 1/2 the cheese sauce and the broccoli. On a baking sheet place the empty shells and fill with the mashed mixture. Pour over the remaining cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.

Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are warmed through, cheese melted on top.

Makes 6 servings.  We paired it up with Caesar salad (yes that was store bought) and steaks!