Goodies from Scratch

For the sake of our health, We've been trying to change our diet. We've reduced our salt intake, eat more vegetables, and are more conscientious of what goes in our bodies. We have not completely eliminate deserts and starch.

I have found recipes that have less fat and sugar, but still tastes good. For the next several weeks, I will be posting low-fat meals and deserts. Enjoy.

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1 can (14 ounces) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar and butter; mix until crumbly. Press 2-1/2 cups of crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the milk, egg whites, vanilla and remaining flour. Spoon over prepared crust. In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Ingredients:

• 6- 1/2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 2- 1/4 cups spaghetti sauce
• 6 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shreddled mozzarella cheese
• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach (thawed & drained) *

Directions:

• Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Add butter and toss to coat. In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no long pink; drain.
• * Make the meal healthier. Mix spinach to the cooked hamburger, before layering .
• Spread a fourth of the spaghetti sauce in an ungreased 5 qt. slow cooker. Layer with a third of the noodles, a third of the beef, a third of remaining sauce and a third of the cheese. Repeat layer twice.
• Cover and cook on lover for 4 hours or until cheese is melted and lasagna is heated through.