Rock-your-world Grilled Cheese

This sandwich will change the way you look at grilled cheeses forever. Now I know this sandwich can be notorious for the sky-high calorie count thanks to the usual over zealous amounts of butter and cheese. Hop on my bandwagon and that won't be the case. You're really only looking at about 300 calories for the whole sandwich. Not too bad, huh? How is it possible? Well for started I use mozzarella cheese. Did you know mozzarella has the least amount of calories per ounce of all the standard cheeses? Also, one of my grilled cheese secrets has always been to substitute italian dressing for the butter. It cuts calories and adds a great extra blend of flavors.
Curious yet? Well prepare to be amazed:

(Just for the record, this recipe only makes one sandwich because I often just makerth

Ingredients:
2 slices of whole wheat bread
1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 Roma tomato, sliced into about 1/4 inch slices
1/2 Tbsp. pesto
1 Tbsp. Italian dressing
Garlic salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Arrange the cheese on one of the bread slices. Microwave for about 25 seconds to kick-start the melting process (this let's you cook the grilled cheese on the skillet faster without burning the bread). While heating the first slice, spread pesto on the other slice.
2. Place tomato slices on top of melted cheese and sprinkle with garlic salt and ground pepper. Then place the pestoed (not really a word) bread slice on top.
3. Heat Italian dressing in skillet on medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle place your sandwich in the skillet. Turn immediately to ensure both sides get the Italian dressing on them.
4. Heat on each side until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

Looking for a friendly little offering to give your neighbors or parents' teachers for the holidays? These tasty little munchies are the perfect gift! Quick, delicious, easy, makes a large batch, and budget-friendly! My only complaint is the sticky pan left when you're done.

Ingredients:
3 cups of almonds
1 cup sugar
1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup water

Directions:
1. Combine sugar, cinnamon and water in large skillet. Add the almonds and stir constantly with a spoon over medium heat, coating the almonds with the syrupy mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar crystallizes.
2. Remove the pan from heat and scoop the almonds onto wax or parchment paper. Let the cinnamon almonds cool before serving. These can be made a few days ahead.

Quick Banana Dessert

Another Pinterest find. This literally takes less than 5 minutes to make. So easy. So good. And I can even pretend I'm being healthy because the main ingredients are banana and yogurt! If you wanted an extra pick-me-up in the morning, you could easily get away with having this for breakfast. I mean really, most cereals have more sugar in them than this does. Totally justifiable.

Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 Tbsp. butter
Greek yogurt

Directions:
1. Slice the bananas.
2. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan, add the bananas, sugar and cinnamon and saute for a few minutes until slightly caramelized.
3. Serve over yogurt while hot.

Source: Andie's Veggies

Roasted Green Beans

I got this recipe from a magazine that my cousin. Dana, handed down to me. The magazine is full of great recipes, including this gem. We recently made this as a side and I loved it. I'm normally not a huge fan of green beans but thanks to this recipe I am now converted.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lb. green beans, trimmed (5 cups)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 1/2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 Tbs. olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

2. Toss all ingredients in bowl; season with salt and pepper (don't forget this step - I forgot the first time I made them and felt the difference). Spread on rimmed baking sheet. Roast 15-17 minutes, or until beans are tender and browned in spots, stirring occasionally. 

Makes 6  2/3-cup servings.

Source: Vegetarian Times

Per serving:

110 calories; 3g protein; 9g total fat (<1g saturated fat); 7g carbohydrates; 0gm cholesterol; 5mg sodium; 3g fiber; 3g sugars

Nutritional Information: