Appetizers:

Dinner:

Dessert:

Light Snacks for the Holiday Weekend:

Totals for Marilyn's Holiday Menu:

  • 1435 calories
  • 46 fat grams

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Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
on Zucchini Slices

  • 3 ounces dry sun-dried tomatoes
  • Olive oil spray
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup parsley leaves
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 4-5 small crisp zucchini, washed and chilled

Place the tomatoes in a vegetable steamer with a couple of inches of boiling water in the pan. Steam for 8 to 10 minutes or until tomatoes are soft and reconstituted. Cool. Cut into strips with kitchen shears. Put into a bowl. Spray with enough olive oil spray to lightly coat. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

In food processor with steel blade, blend together the garlic, cheese, basil, capers, parsley and cayenne pepper until smooth. Add the tomatoes and pulse on and off until they are mixed in but still in small pieces.

Trim the ends from the zucchini.

Cut at a diagonal to form oval slices.

Spread the cheese spread on the zucchini slices no sooner than an hour before serving.

Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves.

Serves 12.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 44.23 Fat—total 2.67 g
Protein 2.23 g Saturated Fat 1.60 g
Carbohydrates 3.36 g Vitamin AR RE 41.49 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.56 g Vitamin C 3.26 mg
% Calories from fat 52% % Calories from carbs 29%

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Smoked Salmon Spread
on Cucumbers

  • 12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup fat-free half and half
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped lemon zest
  • Generous dash hot pepper sauce
  • 2 European style fresh crisp cucumbers
  • Salmon caviar

In food processor with steel blade, blend together the cheese, cream and salmon until smooth.

Add the scallions, parsley, lemon juice and zest and hot pepper sauce to taste.

Spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip (7-8 mm).

Wash and trim the cucumbers.

Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.

Pipe the cheese mixture onto the cucumbers and top each with a dollop of salmon caviar.

Makes about 4 dozen. Serves 12.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 84.00 Fat—total 7.01 g
Protein 4.00 g Saturated Fat 4.27 g
Carbohydrates 1.53 g Vitamin AR RE 72.01 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.18 g Vitamin C 1.82 mg
% Calories from fat 74% % Calories from carbs 7%

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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

  • 6 to 8 pound fresh turkey breast, bone in
  • 4 tablespoons light butter (50% calorie reduction), softened
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • Vegetable oil or olive oil spray
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Wash and pat dry the turkey.

Using fingertips, carefully loosen the skin on each side of the top part of the breast to make a "pocket" between the skin and the meat.

With a fork, blend the butter with the herbs, salt, pepper and garlic. Divide the mixture in half and with fingertips, carefully slide half of it under the skin on each side of the breast.

Spray outside of the breast with the vegetable spray. Season the cavity area well with salt and pepper.

Place, with cavity down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast in the center of a preheated 400 °F. oven for 1 hour.

Reduce to 375 °F. and continue roasting until thermometer inserted in thickest part of the meat registers 165 - 170 °F. The turkey breast should be a dark golden brown.

Let sit 15 minutes before carving.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 241.08 Fat—total 3.29 g
Protein 49.65 g Saturated Fat 0.83 g
Carbohydrates 0.21 g Vitamin AR RE 28.36 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.08 g Vitamin C 0.47 mg
% Calories from fat 13% % Calories from carbs 0%

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Roasted Vegetable Savory Bread Dressing

  • 10 cups lightly toasted cubed French bread
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups of the Light and Easy Stock
  • 2 large red Spanish onions
  • 3 large leeks
  • 4 large shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 5 ribs celery
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped Italian parsley
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 egg whites
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and pour over the stock to moisten. It should be thoroughly moistened, but not soggy.

Peel the onions and cut in half lengthwise. Slice, crosswise, into 1/2" slices.

Trim the tough tops and root ends from the leeks. Slice, lengthwise, 3/4ths of the way through. Wash thoroughly, holding the layers apart to remove all of the grit. Slice, crosswise, into 1/2" slices

Peel the garlic and lightly crush the cloves,

Slice the celery into 1/2" slices.

Place all of the vegetables in a single layer on heavy baking sheets. Toss with the olive oil. (There should be just enough to coat.) Place in a preheated 450 °F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir twice so the vegetables on the edge won’t get too brown. Remove and cool. Place on a cutting board and chop into a fine dice. Add to the bread mixture.

Add the parsley.

Beat together the eggs and the whites. Toss into the mixture with the seasonings. (To correct the seasonings, cook a small amount in the microwave and taste.)

Spray 1 or 2 shallow baking dishes with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake in a preheated 375 °F. oven until hot through and lightly browned….45 minutes to 1 hour.

Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 180.28 Fat—total 5.08 g
Protein 6.57 g Saturated Fat 1.02 g
Carbohydrates 26.65 g Vitamin AR RE 47.20 RE
Dietary Fiber 2.95 g Vitamin C 12.09 mg
% Calories from fat 26% % Calories from carbs 60 %

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Light and Easy Stock

  • 8 cups fat-free canned chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 sprigs each parsley, thyme, sage and rosemary
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped celery, with leaves
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped onions
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Salt to taste

Pour broth, water and wine into a large non-reactive pot. Add herbs, vegetables and peppercorns.

Bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered, for 45 minutes.

Strain through a fine strainer.

Season with salt to taste.

Makes about 12 cups.

Nutrients: not applicable.

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Lower-fat Gravy

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 3 cups Light and Easy Stock, heated
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

In a heavy saucepan blend together the oil and flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for 3 minutes. Whisk in the warm stock and the white wine. Cook, whisking, until mixture is just thick enough to coat a wooden spoon. Whisk in the cream. Cook until bubbly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes about 4 cups.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 148.87 Fat—total 8.08 g
Protein 2.34 g Saturated Fat 1.12 g
Carbohydrates 8.99 g Vitamin AR RE 0.40 RE
Dietary Fiber 1.72 g Vitamin C 0.50 mg
% Calories from fat 53% % Calories from carbs 26%

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Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 large sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Peel the potatoes. Cut into 1" slices. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Sprinkle over the olive oil, salt and rosemary. Toss with fingertips to coat.

Place in a preheated 450 °F. oven.

Roast for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 55.62 Fat—total 2.45 g
Protein 0.54 g Saturated Fat 0.33 g
Carbohydrates 7.96 g Vitamin AR RE 652.41 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.28 g Vitamin C 7.25 mg
% Calories from fat 39% % Calories from carbs 57%

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Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

  • 3 pounds large red skin or Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
  • 4 ounces Parmigano-Reggiano (imported Parmesan cheese) = 1 cup grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Peel the potatoes and cut into pieces. Place in a large saucepan and cover with cold water seasoned with salt to taste. Cover pan and bring to a boil. Uncover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

Drain, reserving the liquid, and return to the hot pot.

Heat the milk.

On lowest speed of the portable mixer, start mashing the potatoes. When they are broken into small pieces, gradually add the hot milk and whip until smooth.

Add the cheese and whip until melted. Add some of the reserved cooking water, as needed, for a fluffy texture.

Season with salt to taste and the pepper.

Serve warm.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 134.43 Fat—total 1.89 g
Protein 5.27 g Saturated Fat 1.04 g
Carbohydrates 24.15 g Vitamin AR RE 10.87 RE
Dietary Fiber 2.29 g Vitamin C 8.41 mg
% Calories from fat 13% % Calories from carbs 72%

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Make-Ahead Fresh Green Beans

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, in 1/4 strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, blanched
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese

Sauté bell pepper in oil until tender. Add garlic, green beans, vinegar, salt and pepper. Heat until beans are warmed. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated cheese.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 53.33 Fat—total 2.35 g
Protein 2.31 g Saturated Fat 0.61 g
Carbohydrates 7.16 g Vitamin AR RE 90.00 RE
Dietary Fiber 1.15 g Vitamin C 26.62 mg
% Calories from fat 36% % Calories from carbs 48%

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Fresh and Light Apple-Celery Salad

  • 4 large heads Belgian Endive
  • 4 large firm red apples, cored and halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 6 large ribs celery, strings removed
  • 1 cup white raisins
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed, dried and chilled
  • 1/2 chopped walnuts
  • Watercress sprigs
  • 1 recipe Creamy Lemon Dressing

Wash the endive, separate into individual leaves, wrap in paper towels and place in a plastic bag. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Slice the apple halves into thin slices. Toss gently in the lemon juice. Slice the celery into thin slices.

Toss together the apples, celery and raisins with the dressing.

Shred the romaine.

Arrange 3 or 4 endive leaves on an individual salad plate.

Make a bed of the shredded romaine in the center of the leaves.

Top with a spoonful of the apple mixture.

Sprinkle with the walnuts.

Garnish with a watercress sprig.

Serve immediately.

Serves 10 to 12.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 121.13 Fat—total 2.92 g
Protein 1.67 g Saturated Fat 0.31 g
Carbohydrates 23.93 g Vitamin AR RE 55.36 RE
Dietary Fiber 3.94 g Vitamin C 11.66 mg
% Calories from fat 20% % Calories from carbs 74%

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Creamy Lemon Dressing

  • 1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Whisk together until blended.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 48.18 Fat—total 3.67 g
Protein 0.86 g Saturated Fat 0.67 g
Carbohydrates 3.41 g Vitamin AR RE 1.62 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.05 g Vitamin C 2.01 mg
% Calories from fat 66% % Calories from carbs 27%

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Cranberry-Apple Chutney

  • 2 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into small, thin slices
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger root
  • 2 teaspoons hot curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

In a heavy saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Boil until sugar is dissolved.

Add the molasses and apple slices. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the apples are fork tender.

Add the washed and stemmed fresh cranberries along with the remaining ingredients.

Stir and bring back to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes longer.

Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Best when make a day or two before using. Keeps for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Makes about 4 cups.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 78.58 Fat—total 0.04 g
Protein 0.22 g Saturated Fat 0.00 g
Carbohydrates 20.13 g Vitamin AR RE 1.19 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.90 g Vitamin C 1.90 mg
% Calories from fat 0% % Calories from carbs 98%

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Light Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 6 tablespoons reduced fat olive oil margarine, melted

Stir together all ingredients.

Spray a 9" pie pan with Crisco spray

Press the mixture onto the sides and bottom of the pan.

Bake in a preheated 350 °F. oven for 10 minutes.

Cool on a rack.

Filling:

  • 16 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 cup canned plain pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground dry ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Cube the cheese and whip in the food processor or electric mixer.

Beat in the sugars.

Add the eggs and egg whites and best until mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Mix in the pumpkin, salt, flour and spices.

Pour filling into cooked crust.

Return to a 350 °F. oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until puffed and set.

Make the topping according to following recipe.

Topping:

  • 2 cups reduced fat sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

Remove cake from oven and spread over the topping. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer.

Cool on a rack.

Chill.

Cut into 24 medium squares or 36 small squares and serve chilled.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 202.64 Fat—total 5.02 g
Protein 6.13 g Saturated Fat 0.88 g
Carbohydrates 33.53 g Vitamin AR RE 260.24 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.72 g Vitamin C 0.57 mg
% Calories from fat 22% % Calories from carbs 66%

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Light Snacks for the Holiday Weekend
(Serve with Olean chips):

 

Lighter Lemon-Dill Dip

  • 2 cups fat-free plain natural yogurt
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
  • Pinch salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill weed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Lightly whisk together all ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Garnish with small sprigs of parsley or dill.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Served with mixed crisp vegetables or Fat-Free Pringles® or Light™ chips for dipping.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 34.43 Fat—total 2.48 g
Protein 1.30 g Saturated Fat 0.47 g
Carbohydrates 1.79 g Vitamin AR RE 3.23 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.01 g Vitamin C 1.12 mg
% Calories from fat 64% % Calories from carbs 21%

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Grilled Tomato-Onion Dip

  • 5 ripe Roma tomatoes (or other small firm, fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 medium red Spanish onion
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup light sour cream
  • 3 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and Tabasco, to taste

Core the tomatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Spray with the olive oil spray and sprinkle the cut side lightly with salt.

Peel the onion and cut into 3 or 4 thick, crosswise slices. Spray with the oil spray.

Grill the vegetables on a medium-hot grill or spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 500 °F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tomatoes are cooked and soft. The onions should be "crisp-tender."

Remove and cool.

Remove peel from the tomatoes and squeeze out the seeds.

Chop both tomatoes and onions.

Whisk together the sour cream, cream cheese and mayonnaise.

Fold in the tomatoes, onions, basil and garlic. Season to taste with the salt and Tabasco.

Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Garnish with whole basil leaves.

Serve with fresh crisp fresh vegetables or Fat-Free Pringles® or WOW™ chips for dipping.

Makes about 2 cups.

Nutrients per Serving:

Calories 30.81 Fat—total 2.01 g
Protein 1.24 g Saturated Fat 1.16 g
Carbohydrates 1.97 g Vitamin AR RE 33.83 RE
Dietary Fiber 0.24 g Vitamin C 2.86 mg
% Calories from fat 58% % Calories from carbs 25%

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©All recipes copyright Marilyn Harris, 2006