Turkey Sloppy Joes

This is a healthy version of the comfort food favorite!

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

12 ounces lean ground turkey

1/2 cup bottled steak sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

salt and pepper, to taste

Heat oil in skillet to medium-high heat. Sauté onion until it just turns soft. Add turkey, salt and pepper to taste; sauté 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in steak sauce and ketchup. Heat through; serve on toasted whole-grain rolls.

Spinach Baked Burritos

This is a great source of protein that satisfies your burrito cravings!

4 wheat tortillas

1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cup chunky salsa

1 can fat-free refried beans

1 can pinto beans

10 ounces frozen spinach

fat free sour cream, to taste

guacamole, to taste

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Cook the spinach according to the packaging, then set aside.

Combine the salsa, refried beans and pinto beans in a large bowl. Gently spoon the mixture into each of the tortillas. Spoon 1/4 of the spinach into each of the tortillas, sprinkle generously with shredded cheese then roll/fold accordingly. Gently place the tortillas in an oven-safe casserole dish, and top with remaining cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

This is a great grown-up version of mac 'n cheese: it satisfies your comfort food craving, while still being a respectable gourmet meal.

• 3 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups skim milk, divided
• 2 cups finely shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155°. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss. Spoon into a 2-quart oven-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes.

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

This is the perfect twist to lemonade! Truly quenches your thirst and leaves you refreshed.

4 C water
1/3 C honey (I used local wildflower honey)
2 T fresh chopped ginger
4 C seltzer water
1/2 C lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

Combine the water, honey and ginger in a pot. Bring to a boil, then let it steep for about 20 minutes. Strain, then cool. If you are in a hurry, stick it in the freezer. Otherwise, you can make this a day or two ahead of time. Stir in seltzer water and lemon juice before serving, about 2 parts seltzer water, 1 part lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Balsamic Glazed Sirloin Steak

The balsamic glaze gives this steak a real kick. The glaze could also go well over pork or chicken as well.

2 5-ounce sirloin steaks

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 tablespoons cooking sherry
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
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Season both sides of steaks evenly with salt and black pepper. Let sit for 30-60 minutes. Broil for 5 minutes on each side (depending on thickness of steaks).

Meanwhile, add garlic and red pepper to pan coated with cooking spray; sauté 30 seconds. Add sherry to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 30 seconds. Add soy sauce and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, and cook 1 minute. Serve with steaks.

Gorgonzola and Toasted Walnut Pasta

This was so tasty--I can't wait to try it on ravioli next time!

1 cup fat-free milk

1 tbs. flour

1 1/2 tbs. butter

1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled gorgonzola cheese

3 tbs. toasted walnut pieces

salt and pepper, to taste

Combine milk and flour in a saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook for 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Add butter, stirring until butter melts. Gently stir in Gorgonzola. Add salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4 tsp. of each). Keep on low heat until ready to serve. Pour over pasta and garnish with toasted walnuts.

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Great for a quick breakfast, or even just a snack!

1/2 cup low-fat chocolate soy milk

1/4 cup non-fat plain yogurt

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Combine ingredients above in blender, and enjoy!