Thanksgiving favorites



GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

To lighten up this traditional favorite, we used crushed low-sodium crackers on top of sautéed fresh onions instead of fried onions, which reduced the fat, sodium and calories.  Substituting nonfat milk for whole milk further decreased the fat and calories. 
Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon soft margarine
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can low-sodium, low-fat cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup nonfat milk
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (9-ounce) packages frozen French-cut green beans, thawed and drained
• 10 Ritz low-sodium crackers, crushed
   
  Directions:
• Sauté chopped onion in 1 teaspoon margarine until soft.
• Combine soup, milk and pepper in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and stir until blended.
• Stir in beans and half the sautéed onion. 
• Top with remaining onion.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot. Stir.  Sprinkle with crushed crackers.
• Bake 5 minutes longer.
   
  Traditional: (per 3/4-cup serving): 170 calories
  Healthier Makeover:  (per 3/4-cup serving): 105 calories, 3 grams total fat, 0.8 grams saturated fat, 224 milligrams sodium, 17 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 3 grams dietary fiber
  Saving: 65 calories
  Serves: 6



Sweet Potato Casserole
Servings: 10 • Size: 1/10th • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 132.6 • Fat: 1.8 g • Protein: 1.5 g • Carb: 29.5 g • Fiber: 2.7 g

Ingredients:

2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled

agave

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

pinch nutmeg

pinch allspice

8 oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained

2 tbsp chopped pecans

1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

Cut sweet potatoes into large chunks; boil potatoes in a large pot covered with water until potatoes are soft if pierced with a fork. Drain and return to the pot.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Mash the sweet potatoes (I used my magic bullet blender) and add in agave, spices and pineapple.

Lightly spray a pie dish, casserole dish or even individual ramekins with oil, spoon in sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with pecans and marshmallows. Bake for 15 minutes.