Healthier Holiday Cooking

Some simple changes to your favorite recipes, can reduce the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.

1. Use non-stick cookware and spray coating for butter, oil, or margarine.
2. Using a cooking bag to roast your turkey can help you make lower fat gravy.
3. Use water, defatted broth or wine for sauteing instead of oil or butter.
4. Keep several cans of chicken broth in the refrigerator. The fat will coagulate on the top for removal before serving.
5. Use cornstarch mixed with several tablespoons of cold water to thicken sauce and gravy.
6. Puree cooked vegetables and add to sauces and gravies to thicken them.
7. Remove all skin and fat from poultry and meat before cooking.
8. Substitute low or non-fat products in your favorite or new recipes.

          Here are some suggestions:

• Use evaporated skimmed milk or skim milk instead of whole or 2% milk, cream, or half and half. Try using it in mashed potatoes, cream soups, and casseroles for rich flavors.
• Use egg substitute or egg whites instead of eggs.
• Use fat free Parmesan cheese, fat free cream cheese, fat free mayonnaise, fat free sour cream, and fat free margarine or butter.
• Substitute clear broth sauces in recipes calling for cream sauces.
• Use low or non-fat whipped toppings, puddings, and canned milk.
• While baking, if a recipe calls for a small amount of oil or butter use unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, pumpkin, peaches, or prunes as a substitute.