Diet Recipes Blog

Soft Pretzels recipe – 126 calories

Ingredients:
3 3/4-4 1/2 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups very warm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
coarse salt

Preparation:
1.In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with the yeast, salt and sugar.
2. Add 1 1/2 cups warm water and the oil.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping the sides frequently. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes (or until the dough is smooth and springy). Cover and rest for 10 minute.
5. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup water with the baking soda, to make the “pretzel wash”.
6. Divide the dough into 16 equal parts. Roll each piece into 24 inch long ropes; form into pretzel shapes.
7. Dip into the “pretzel wash” and place on a greased cookie sheet; let rest for about 5 minutes (or until fluffy or slightly fluffed – depending on how soft you want the pretzel).
8. Just before baking, brush with the reserved “pretzel wash” and sprinkle with course salt.

Recipe preparation instructions…

Seared Scallops with Cabbage and Leeks recipe – 173 calories

Ingredients:
12 large sea scallops (about 1 pound), tough side muscles removed
1 large leek (white and pale green parts only)
1 lb green cabbage (about 1/2 medium head)
1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons olive oil
coarse salt
fresh ground pepper
sliced lemons (to garnish)

Preparation:
1. Half the leek lengthwise, thinly slice crosswise and rinse well.
2. Half the cabbage lengthwise, core it and thinly slice crosswise.
3. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 4 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium high heat until hot (but not smoking).
4. Add the leek, cook until soft (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Stir in the cabbage, and add the stock.
6. Cook (stirring occasionally) until the cabbage is slightly soft (about 5 minutes).
7. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and season with fresh ground pepper; set aside.
8. Sprinkle the scallops with 1/4 teaspoon salt and season with freshly ground pepper.
9. In another large non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons oil over medium heat until hot (but not smoking).
10. Add the scallops and cook, turning once, until dark golden (about 4 minutes on each side).
11. Divide the cabbage mixture between four plates and top each serving with 3 scallops; garnish with lemon slices.

Recipe preparation instructions…

Cilantro Lime Mustard recipe – 32 calories

Ingredients:
1 cup stone ground mustard
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Preparation:
1. Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix together well.
2. Chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Recipe preparation instructions…

Butterscotch Cookies recipe – 82 calories

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons warm water

Preparation:
1. Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together.
2. Cream the butter and shortening; gradually add sugar and beat until light.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and water; mix well.
4. Combine the dry ingredients and creamed mixture; add the nuts.
5. Shape the dough into 2-inches diameter rolls. Wrap tightly in waxed paper. Chill thoroughly (overnight for best results).
6. Bake the cookie 1 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet in the hot oven (400 degrees F) for about 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool the cookies on racks.

Recipe preparation instructions…

Oat Bran Applesauce Muffins recipe – 193 calories

Ingredients:
3 cups oat bran
2 cups applesauce, chilled
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
1 cup honey

Preparation:
1. Stir together the dry ingredients.
2. Mix in the remaining ingredients, stirring until they are completely combined.
3. Spoon the batter into 24 greased muffin cups, and let stand for about 10 minutes.
4. Bake the muffins at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes (or until they become golden brown); remove the muffins from the pans and cool them on rack.

Recipe preparation instructions…