I’m starting to see some of the early varieties of potatoes at the farmers’ market, and potato salad recipes are calling out to me! This picnic and barbecue fave is often heavy on the fat and calories (especially when it has gobs of mayo!), but it doesn’t have to be. Here are my favorite ways — plus some recipes — to lighten up this summertime classic.
Bobby Flay is a definite grill master (Did you see him with that burger in this month’s Food Network Magazine?). He doesn’t disappoint with this dish. Doctored up with a spice mix that echoes Old Bay’s flavor, these steak fries are an easy side for your weekend cookout.
(P.S.: Dana talked about faux frying yesterday — this recipe is another lighter french fry alternative.)
Potatoes are the most popular veggie around. Most folks like them fried or mashed, but they’re more versatile than that. Learn their benefits and lighter ways to love them.
I love mashed potatoes — garlic-flavored, sweet potatoes, chunky, skin-left-in or just the plain old creamy ones. Alas, most recipes call for tons of butter and that means loads of calories and fat. Thankfully, there are workarounds.
Try it: Oven-Crisped Potato Latkes
Hanukkah is my favorite Jewish holiday — all the lights, songs, presents, parties and, of course, fried foods. Every night we light candles, sing together and then snack on the Hanukkah classic, fried latkes (potato pancakes). Eating lots of fried foods can surely lead to holiday weight gain, but there are ways to indulge in these favorites without increasing your waistline.
Latkes are traditionally made by mixing grated potatoes and onions, eggs and matzo meal or flour. Then they’re formed into “pancakes” and deep fried, and served with sour cream, horseradish or applesauce.
One simple substitution is to use egg substitutes instead of fresh eggs in the batter. You could also cut down the amount of potatoes in the batter and add in parsnips, squash or carrots instead. Skip the traditional frying, and instead form the uncooked cakes, spray them with canola oil and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
If you just can’t live without that traditional fried flavor, decrease your portion sizes. Create smaller-sized latkes and eat one or two with 1-2 tablespoons of applesauce, horseradish or plain Greek yogurt. Stay away from the regular sour cream as it adds unnecessary calories, fat and cholesterol.
If that is the case, it should say something about the fruit juice it's self. They are not real fruit. How can something so natural be so bad for you? Think about that. I would try a Yoli Health Drink to be on the safe side.
