This fruity and yummy dessert is great during the summer.  The tanginess of this sherbet comes from the buttermilk and is perfect with the sweet strawberries.  You can also use other berries and other fruits or combine several of your favorite fruits together for a tastier sherbet.

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped fresh or frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/2 cups nonfat or low-fat buttermilk, 1/2 cup half-and-half, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Procedure:

1.  Combine strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and let stand with occasional stirring until the sugar starts to dissolve for about 10 minutes.  Process the berry and sugar mixture in a…

This recipe is definitely healthy, easy and quick to make. This pasta salad is also great for barbecue parties and is sure to impress the crowd.

Ingredients:

12 ounces large whole-wheat pasta shells, 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise,1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt or reduced-fat sour cream, 1/3 cup mango chutney, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ground cayenne pepper, 2 cups poached chicken (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1/2 cup raisins, 1/2 cup chopped scallions, 1/2 cup diced celery, salt & freshly ground pepper

Procedure:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse.  Set aside.

2. Toast almonds in a dry skillet over low heat for…

This Japanese inspired dish is healthy, aromatic and rich in protein.  Although Japanese cooking uses a lot of sugar, you can reduce or omit the sugar for a less traditional flavor.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups instant brown rice, 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 2 large egg whites, 1 large egg, 8 ounces boneless and skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2-inch pieces), 6 scallions (trimmed and thinly sliced)

Preparation:

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions.

2. Combine chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce and mirin in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce to medium-low heat after the mixture boils.

3. Combine…

This rustic Italian-inspired dish packs a lot of flavor.  The flavor comes from the sun-dried tomatoes and Romano cheese while fresh marjoram gives the dish a great aroma.  Make the dish healthier by serving with sautéed fresh spinach or steamed broccoli.

Ingredients:

8 ounces orzo (preferably whole-wheat), 1 cup water, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), 1 fresh tomato (diced), 1 clove garlic (peeled), 3 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram (divided), 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided), 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (trimmed), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1 9-ounce package frozen artichoke hearts (thawed), 1/2 cup finely shredded Romano cheese…

Chicken is a good source of protein.  Chicken has a great taste, healthy, low fat and is easy and versatile to cook with.  Try this chicken recipe with a yummy mushroom cream sauce.  Just add a little bit of cream to masking the delicate flavors of the chicken.

Ingredients:

2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed and tenders removed), 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon canola oil, 1 medium shallot (minced), 1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps, 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or scallion greens

Procedure:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2.  Heat oil in…