Lasagna...I Know Ya Wanna

After much debate I decided to cook healthy lasagna for my main course recipe.  Lasagna has always been one of my favorite dishes, but it is also one of the most fattening.  An average serving of lasagna contains about 870 calories.  That's more than half of a day's total calories!  When I found out the true nutritional facts for the pasta dish, I knew I had to find a healthier alternative.  The recipe I made contains about 240 calories for one serving.  That is less than half of the calories found in the average lasagna.  In order to slim down this meal I used thin slices of eggplant instead of ground beef or vegetables soaked in oil.  I also used fat-free ricotta cheese and fat-free mozzarella cheese.  As opposed to using multiple layers of lasagna noodles, I only used two.  In the recipe, I also used a variety of different spices to add flavor.  Not only did this recipe reduce the calories by a significant amount, but the flavor was so rich and delicious!

Today was not only a day of cooking for me.  I also met with my mentor to make sure I am still on track with my project.  We discussed the recipes I have already completed as well as the recipes I am going to try in the future.  Mrs. Patterson also gave me new ideas for my upcoming recipes.  We decided that each week she is going to present to me a new "challenge" to incorporate into my cooking.  Next week I am going to try the three B's of healthy cooking: Bake, Broil, and Boil.  This challenge has gotten me thinking of what I am going to cook next week.  I'll keep you posted!

Besides planning my upcoming recipes and reflecting on past recipes, I have also been looking into cooking classes with my mom.  We found a program that offers cooking classes on a variety of foods, and have begun researching to see if and when we can start.  Hopefully, within the next week I will be all signed up and ready to attend my first class.  As for now, I am going to continue cooking, researching, and exercising to keep up with my healthy lifestyle.

RANDOM FACT: When cooking, instead of using olive oil or butter to grease the pan, use a nonstick cooking spray such as PAM!