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

An Italian favorite gets a below the border twist. Chef Meg made just a few tweaks before giving this one her seal of approval! She adds the spices early in cooking to help boost flavor and added a full pound of turkey for a more filling meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Order a banana split at the drive thru, and you're looking at 800 calories. This version has 110, and it's easy enough for kids to make!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Frozen bananas rival soft serve when given a whirl in the food processor. Trust us, it's AMAZING: no fat, no cholesterol, no added sugar, just creamy and sweet bananas!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Who can resist thick, creamy decadent cheesecake? Try this low-fat version in the single serving size.

This is a great recipe for summer, when you have a surplus of zucchini in the garden. Double or triple the batch and freeze them for quick and healthy breakfasts.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Ditch the toaster pastry. They're loaded with sugar and fat--and not much else. My hand tarts are full of fruit, and if you make them ahead of time your kids can grab them and go.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

As the sweet grapes, creamy cheese, and hint of salty fish hit your mouth you will fall in love with this quick and easy appetizer.

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

This pie crust has a crunchy addition: pepitas, or shelled pumpkin seeds. They add a nice nutty flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This dish is simple and quick--you'll love it. Serve it for Thanksgiving or any night of the week.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Use this on falafel or a salad. Add fresh or dried herbs and it becomes goddess dressing. The toasted sesame oil imparts a stronger sesame flavor to the dressing.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Pair onions and sweet potatoes with tangy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a stand-out side dish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These are addictive. They're sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy. Cut back on the sriracha/chili flakes to tame these fiery nuts. Use smoked (not hot or sweet) paprika.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a wholesome chewy cookie that satisfies the sweet tooth, but isn't just empty calories--it's a great way to incorporate whole grains. Substitute a multi-grain mix for added nutrition and fiber. Add mini chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or coconut for variation.

Submitted by LIVE_TO_LOVE

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

The trend of mini desserts is a healthy eater's salvation. When sweets are pre-portioned, it's harder to cheat. You can't say, "Well, I'll just have a small sliver" or "I'll just even out this side of the cake..."
These Lemon-Berry Tartlets scream summertime to me. I imagine eating them on a patio after a luncheon with my girlfriends while sipping iced mint tea and feeling the warm breeze. They're just so refreshingly clean on the tongue.
Lemon and raspberries pair well. Each has a sourness with hints of sweetness and an acidity. You could use blueberries or strawberries, but I just love this combination.
Phyllo dough is a secret weapon for the healthy baker--it even comes in whole wheat varieties. The paper-thin layers of dough are often painted in butter for pastries like baklava, but they'll serve as a low-calorie pie crust with minimal added fat. The dough itself is basically just flour and water.
The "curd" filling is basically a lemon pudding. You can serve it on scones or muffins, as a topping for ice cream or sorbet, or as a pie filling, as you see here.

These cut-out cookies are a stand-in for gingerbread. Their sweet cinnamon taste is a nice change from the strong spices often used in holiday cookies.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

Call it a parfait, call it a sundae, call it anything you want. Just call on it at snack time.

Submitted by SPARKSOLUTION

Applesauce makes this cake healthier than your regular cake.

These hunger-busting bars are ready in a snap, and they're perfect for a hike or an after-workout snack.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Great for a party. It's actually something low fat to munch on!

This meal is fast and fun, a great way to spice up a dull morning and bring a brunch favorite to the work week.

Submitted by SPARKSOLUTION