Vickie Hutchins - Comfort food lightened up: keep it simple, make it special

Appreciation Thanks to everyone who shared their very favorite, lightened-up comfort food recipes with us!

BeveragesBreadsBreakfastsDessertsMains/BeefMains/Chicken & TurkeyMains/Fish & SeafoodMains/PorkMains/Vegetable & GrainPizzasSaladsSandwichesSidesSlow-Cooker MealsSnacks & AppetizersSoups & Stewsand the memory that makes it special for you! If we select your recipe for a brand-new Gooseberry Patch cookbook, your name will appear right along with itand youll receive a FREE copy of the book! Submit your recipe on our website at www.gooseberrypatch.com/sharearecipe *Please include the number of servings and all other necessary information. Visit www.gooseberrypatch.com to join our Circle of Friends! Free recipes, tips and ideas plus a complete cookbook index Get special email offers and our monthly eLetter delivered to your inbox Busy-Day Slow Cooking Farmers Market Favorites Our Favorite Recipes Under 400 Calories Fresh & Easy Family Meals Mom Knows Best Cookbook Our Favorite Recipes for a Crowd Cook it Quick Our Favorite Recipes for One or Two Tastes Like Home 5 Ingredients or Less 150 Best-Ever Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes 101 Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Slow Cooker to the Rescue www.gooseberrypatch.com Lighten up the party with a sampling of these classic starters and snacks that everyone will enjoy! Share some Simple Tomato Bruschetta on whole-grain toast, serve Tangy Meatballs made with heart-healthy oatmeal and enjoy Chili Sweet Potato Fries baked to perfect crispiness! Whether you are preparing an appetizer for that special party or just a snack to tide you over to the next meal, make it a healthy version of those favorite comfort foods you love so much. Good for you! Serves 6. 1 bunch asparagus, about 12 pieces, trimmed 1 T. olive oil 1 t. pepper 3-oz. pkg. sliced prosciutto, cut into strips with fat removed Optional: lemon slices Toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper. sliced prosciutto, cut into strips with fat removed Optional: lemon slices Toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper.

Arrange in a single layer on an ungreased rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of prosciutto. Return to oven and bake for 4 more minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender and prosciutto is slightly browned.

Nutrition Per Serving: 50 calories, 3g total fat, 1g sat fat, 13mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 5g protein Makes 4 dozen. Serves 24. 2 lbs. lean ground beef 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 t. salt 3/4 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked 1-1/3 c. chili sauce, divided 1/4 c. grape jelly Optional: dried parsley Combine ground beef, eggs, salt, oats and 1/3 cup chili sauce. grape jelly Optional: dried parsley Combine ground beef, eggs, salt, oats and 1/3 cup chili sauce.

Shape into one-inch balls; place in an ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes; drain. Combine grape jelly and remaining chili sauce in a large saucepan; cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture is well blended. Add meatballs and continue cooking until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serves 24. 16-oz. can salmon, drained and flaked 8-oz. pkg. light cream cheese, softened 1 T. lemon juice 1 t. prepared horseradish 2 t. onion, grated 1/4 t. salt 1/4 t. low-sodium Worcestershire sauce 1/2 c. chopped pecans 3 T. fresh parsley, chopped whole-grain crackers Place all ingredients except pecans, parsley and crackers in a medium bowl. fresh parsley, chopped whole-grain crackers Place all ingredients except pecans, parsley and crackers in a medium bowl.

Mix thoroughly; shape into a log. Place pecans and parsley on wax paper; roll log in mixture until coated. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Serve with crackers. Nutrition Per Serving: 65 calories, 5g total fat, 1g sat fat, 18mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 5g protein

Serves 6. pizza or pasta sauce 1 c. baby spinach 1 c. shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese 2 plum tomatoes, sliced Place pita rounds on an ungreased baking sheet. shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese 2 plum tomatoes, sliced Place pita rounds on an ungreased baking sheet.

Spread each with 1/4 cup sauce; top with spinach, cheese and tomato. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Nutrition Per Serving: 158 calories, 4g total fat, 2g sat fat, 10mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 7g protein Quick tip Let the kids lend a hand in the kitchen! Preschoolers can wash veggies, fold napkins and set the table. Older children can measure, stir and help with meal planning.

Serves 10. fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, honeydew and cantaloupe, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes or slices 10 wooden skewers Arrange fruit pieces alternately on skewers. fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, honeydew and cantaloupe, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes or slices 10 wooden skewers Arrange fruit pieces alternately on skewers.

Serve dip alongside fruit kabobs. Nutrition Per Serving: 37 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 1g protein

Serves 10. 1 c. low-fat vanilla yogurt 2 T. honey 4 t. vanilla extract 1 t. poppy seed Stir together ingredients in a small bowl. poppy seed Stir together ingredients in a small bowl.

Keep chilled. Nutrition Per Serving: 35 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 2mg cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, 1g protein

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