makeover bacon chicken alfredo

ingredients

1 pkg. (16 oz.) whole wheat fettuccine
8 bacon strips, chopped
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

directions

Cook fettuccine according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Remove to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper.  Cook chicken and garlic in butter over medium heat for 4-6 minutes or until meat is no longer pink;  remove and keep warm.

Combine cornstarch and milk until smooth;  stir into skillet.  Add cream and remaining salt.  Bring to a boil;  cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Add the spinach, chicken, 3/4 cup cheese, Italian seasoning and half of bacon;  cook and stir until cheese is melted.

Drain the fettuccine;  add to chicken mixture.  Cook and stir until heated through.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.

yield:  8 servings

Recipe from tasteofhome.com/healthycooking

black bean soup

ingredients
1 cup tomato salsa
2 (15 1/2 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
sour cream (optional)
cheese, shredded (optional)

directions
Heat the salsa in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.  Stir in the beans and broth.  Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer the soup, covered for 15 minutes.

Let the soup cool slightly, then ladle half of it into a food processor or blender and puree it.  Return the pureed soup to the pot.  Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro and heat the mixture through.  Serve the soup warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with cheese, if desired.  Makes 4 servings.

recipe from Family Fun magazine

whole wheat bread

ingredients

4 cups warm water
1 Tbsp salt
3/4-1 cup honey
1/2 cup wheat gluten
1/4 cup oil
5 cups whole wheat flour (+ about 3 more cups after first mixing)
2 Tbsp instant yeast

Beat all these ingredients together for 5 minutes.  Add more whole wheat flour until the dough pulls away from the sides.  Knead for 8 more minutes on lowest speed with bread attachment.  Shape the dough into loaves.  Let rise (about 45 minutes), then bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Makes 3 loaves
Recipe from Emilee Wells (Toledo 1st Ward)

healthy makeover: shepherd's pie

ingredients

2 lbs all-purpose potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 Tbls Neufchatel, reduced-fat cream cheese
salt and pepper

1 lb extra-lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tsp dried thyme
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen peas
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen corn

directions

In a covered 4-quart saucepan, place potatoes and enough cold water to cover;  heat to boiling on high.  Reduce heat to medium;  uncover and simmer 18 minutes or until tender.  Drain well;  return to saucepan.  Add milk, cream cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper;  mash until smooth.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Heat 12-inch skillet on medium-high until hot.  Add beef and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper;  cook 3 to 5 minutes or until browned and cooked through, stirring.  With slotted spoon, transfer beef to large bowl.

To same skillet on medium-high, add onions, carrots, celery, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and greshly ground black pepper.  Cook 8 minutes or until tender, stirring.  Add wine to skillet;  cook 2 minutes or until reduced by half.  Stir in thyme and reserved beef with any juices.

In 3-quart shallow baking dish, spread half of potatoes in an even layer.  Top with beef mixture, peas, and corn.  Spoon remaining potatoes evenly on top;  spread to cover filling.  Bake for 25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Yield:  6 main-dish servings

Recipe from Good Housekeeping