Cookbook creator says: like to try

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Smoky from the cumin with a hidden serving of vegetables, this dip is equally delicious in a burrito as it is spread on tortilla chips.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Family recipe passed to me from my grandmother

Submitted by SUPERTROUPERJEN

A hearty, homecooked meal that everyone will love! Serve with steamed broccoli and sweet corn for a complete vegetarian meal.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Panzanella is an Italian salad that can be found on trendy bistro menus in the hot summer months. This salad was invented when times were tough, as a way to use up stale bread.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Easy, tasty, good-for-you dessert!

Sweet and sour pork takes a trip to the islands! Printed with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research.

In 15 minutes, this easy recipe will take the chill off a cold evening.

Submitted by PSDAHRI

A terrific dish when served over a bed of brown rice.

Submitted by SERRA55

Creamy pudding makes fantastic frozen treats.

This quick and healthy snack takes minutes to prepare! And as a bonus, it's an easy way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.

Submitted by MATCM81

A low-fat and easy to prepare version of this favorite chicken entree.

Low fat sloppy joes that don't skimp on flavor!

Submitted by RHG2525

Submitted by KATYDID!

Instant coffee in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor. Beating the sugar and eggs together gives the baked brownies a crackly surface.

The batido is a smoothie made with milk and tropical fruits. For a classic Cuban drink, omit the lime juice and substitute frozen guanábana pulp for the mango. Guanábana is an exotic-tasting, rich, tart-sweet, white-fleshed fruit.

Low-fat cottage cheese is the secret to the dressing in this delicious and simple summer side.

A great meal on a cold day!

Submitted by SAUGADREZ

An odd combination that works! Easy crockpot recipe.

Submitted by LASTX70

Submitted by HEARTS4U2

Makes an interesting dessert.

A much quicker version of the Italian classic; less time, but no less taste.

Submitted by VEGGIEKITTY

This is a great moist snack cake!!

A very filling soup that will warm you up on a cold winter day.

Submitted by BRENDA74

This recipe is better (and better-for-you) than takeout!

Submitted by TAM101

Tomato juice, lemons, and mushrooms flavor this chicken recipe the lower salt and lower fat way.

Pasta dish with assorted vegetables

Submitted by 1MOREXAGAIN

With "The SparkPeople Cookbook," desserts and treats are part of the plan. Chef Meg slims down favorite sweets, ditching most of the fat and calories--but keeping the flavor. This is a "must-try" recipe!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by TRISHA26

Buck tradition this Thanksgiving and forgo standard pumpkin pie. Instead, whip up a smooth, spicy and low-calorie flan.

Submitted by DISTENDASI

A makeover of a favorite nutrition bar!

Submitted by GUEST_CHEF

All the taste of a loaded baked potato, in a hearty soup.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe will impress your family and guests with very little effort. For an easy side of roasted potatoes, start with precut potato wedges from the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

Submitted by JOASIA1

Tastes like yummy thin crust pizza!

Submitted by ANDRALA

A sweet and crunchy taste for this terrific chicken dish.

Submitted by HEATHER121

Make this chicken the next you have company for dinner, and they'll swear you hired caterers. It tastes like it came from a restaurant, but for much less money and effort.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A healthy on-the-go snack.

Submitted by SHES.SMOKIN

This is a great slow cooker side dish for backyard barbecues!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These cookies get a boost of nutrition from dried cherries, blueberries and cranberries.

Submitted by PHULLER

This substantial salad offers a healthy balance of vegetables and protein. It provides a wide range of textures, colors, and seasonings.

This hearty entrée uses half ground turkey and half lean ground beef and no added salt for a lower fat and salt tasty treat.

Pumpkin is subbed for butter in this lowfat treat! Cranberries and almonds add flavor and nutrition!

Submitted by CMWELLS83

Start before work, ready to eat later

Submitted by CHIHUAHUAMAMA

A juicy homestyle meatloaf made with lean ground turkey

Submitted by TRBOISE

A homemade sauce, great for pasta.

Submitted by BESWEET

These muffins are as nutritious as they are delicious--enjoy!

Submitted by ADSJLS4

The secret to this hearty vegetarian chili is butternut squash. It holds its shape and adds a layer of flavor and sweetness.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Hearty! Healthy! Low Fat! High Fibre! What more could you ask from a muffin?

Submitted by MYSHARONNA1

A basic pizza crust I learned to make in the Mediterranean.

Submitted by DAMIENDUCKS

Although chocolate and zucchini may sound like an odd combination, these are scrumptious! A whole-grain and veggie treat!

Submitted by ALYSONL

A great on-the-fly recipe.

Submitted by JATSYA

Lemony coriander and smoky cumin pair perfectly with sharp Cheddar in this grown-up spin on scalloped potatoes.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A delicious addition to any meal or by itself.

Submitted by CYRUSFAMILY

If you have Thanksgiving leftovers, this recipe is for you!

These are SUPER easy, quick, and amazing – perfect for snacking on the go.

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

Serve these holiday cookies with a cup of tea or lowfat vanilla ice cream.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Toss the canned cranberry jelly and use this homemade version instead. It's ready in no time, and it's full of healthy fruit!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A healthy and filling middle eastern dip! Eat it as an appetizer or snack with some pita. Why buy your hummus ready made from the store, when you can make it yourself?

Submitted by GRANT_ME_WINGS

What a treat these burgers are! I love how the tangy flavor of the sauce and the peppery notes of the greens play off the savory burger.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love a good sandwich, one that's so big you have to smash to fit into your mouth. This one is big on flavor, light on fat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Instead of a whole pie, try making bite-size tarts. The diminutive desserts cook quicker and are automatically portion controlled. Plus, they're easier to make for a crowd, and there's no need for a fork and plate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Serve on whole-wheat buns with plenty of veggies, and you'll have a BBQ meal that even a meat lover will crave again and again.

Those who know me well will say that I am not a snob--except for when it comes to icing. I want the real stuff! To me cakes are ruined with fake whippy icings made with shortening.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and the sweet sauce at Papa John's is my all-time favorite. My viewpoint is, if you're going to make it at home, don't make it "just as good," make it better! So I'm remaking a medium Papa John's pie with pineapple, onion and bacon(BACON!!!). Fresh homemade sauce and premium ingredients make this recipe more than worth the calories, and still trimmer than the fast food original!

Submitted by KRAMTHEGRAM

Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

When the craving for chocolate hits, try this Chocolate-Cinnamon Bread Pudding. The warm melted chocolate makes it a definite comfort food, while the whole wheat bread and evaporated skim milk adds to its nutritional punch.

Lemon zest brings out the bold flavors of fresh asparagus, radish, Parmesan cheese and Simply Dressed® Caesar Salad Dressing. This recipe is from a SparkPeople sponsor.

Submitted by SIMPLY_DRESSED

This Southern staple gets a dose of fiber--with half of the fat of the original. Make a double batch over the weekend and freeze for the busy weekday mornings.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe was inspired by moussaka, eggplant Parmesan and lasagna. The result is a light and tasty meatless meal that makes any night a special occasion.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Take this simple, savory breakfast on the go!

Submitted by MEYLOSE

These spicy and moist pork chops are made with no added fat, egg whites, evaporated skim milk, and a lively herb mixture.

When looking for something stunning to serve at the next spring or summer gathering, try this quick and easy fruit pizza. It makes a delicious, refreshing dessert and a colorful centerpiece.

These sophisticated popped are stuffed with creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon, and tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a great dessert that's delicious when strawberries are in season.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a great meal for a busy night--for some added fun, bring out the chopsticks! Change up the veggies, and you'll have a new meal each time you make this dish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Scones are perfect for weekend house guests, hostess gifts, or picnics. Traditionally made with loads of butter and cream, mine use far less butter--and wheat flour.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

With the abundance of zucchini in summertime, zucchini cakes are a popular seasonal treat.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This comfort food classic is great for a family dinner. Members turn to this meal again and again for good reason: It's easy, tasty, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Submitted by CHALIGAL155

While Chicken Parmesan is traditionally fried, this lighter version is delightful atop a hearty green salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A store near my daughter's house in California has peanut butter granola in the bulk food section. But I couldn't find it anywhere near my house in Illinois, so I found this recipe online and made my own. Now I'm glad I couldn't find it at the store. It's cheaper and I can control the ingredients that are used.

Submitted by SRWOODSY

Growing up in the South, sausage gravy was a staple on our breakfast table, so I wanted to create a healthier version--with a secret ingredient.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Full of fruit, fiber, and protein, and it's YUMMY, too! Top with berries if desired.

Submitted by KARENMON

OK, so Great Northern Beans are not "gigantes," but they yield a creamy, delicious dish. Use Greek gigantes beans if you have them for a more authentic dish.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Bake these over the weekend, and enjoy throughout the week for breakfast or a snack.

This homemade alternative to store-bought granola bars, is a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Tasty and so simple to make! A quarter cup of raisins (not included here) also make a yummy addition!

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

A heart-healthy one-dish meal that is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables, and a spicy, herb mixture.

No forks needed! These sweet, crunchy and buttery hand pies will have you licking your fingers.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish for a cool weather dinner.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

At only 53 calories a piece, these soft cookies are sure to please!

Submitted by COOKINNANCY

This vegetarian chili can be made on the stove top or in a slow cooker.

Submitted by AEGARRISON

Receipe says it makes 36 but I don't have small muffin pans so I had 24 larger ones. They would look better baked in small muffin pans.

Submitted by KKOCYAN

Traditional cookies get a tasty twist!

Submitted by PHULLER

You'll never know these cookies are lower in fat! Customize your cookies by using any flavor of "chips" you prefer!

Submitted by PHULLER

Banana and oatmeal are a perfect pair in these not-too-sweet treats.

What a sweet warm treat for a cold afternoon!

These cupcakes are light and yummy!

Submitted by MOMMACAKES

My family loves potato soup but I prefer loaded baked potatoes. With this recipe, everyone wins!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

By choosing a darker chocolate and fat-free evaporated milk, Chef Meg was able to cut the calories of this chocolate dip in half!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Crispy fillo shells filled with creamy broccoli and cheese are elegant yet simple.

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

My nice way of putting together a desert in no time and making good use of old bread! Or I take some to work for my breakfast!

Submitted by JULIABELANGER

At 300 calories a pop, donuts are an easy way to wreck a healthy breakfast. Not my baked ones. They're bursting with fruit and flavor--not fat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG