Slimmed down apple cranberry stuffing

By
Sara Lewis
Jan. 01, 2019
Holidays
Living Well
Thanksgiving table

That “stuffed” feeling you get after a heavy holiday meal? It’s usually a sign that unhealthy overeating has occurred. According to the Calorie Control Council, the average American eats more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving alone – well above the average daily recommendation of 2,000 calories.

To help reduce your calorie intake this holiday season, here, City of Hope dieticians offer a healthier version of a classic side dish.

First, a few healthy-start quick tips:

  • Avoid skipping meals and shopping for food when hungry. People often make bad choices when they're hungry.

  • Control intake of liquid calories.

  • Stay away from the food table before the big meal; snack on healthy foods instead.

  • Watch your portion sizes, and lower the proportion of sugar, saturated fat and calories.

  • Cut back on high-fat meats and creamy casseroles.

  • Increase the use of vegetables, fruits and other fiber-rich foods.

  • Try recipe makeovers.

  • Take a post-dinner walk.

 

Apple Cranberry Dressing

Yield: 16 servings (1/2 cup per serving)
 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 2 tablespoons margarine

  • 1 cup apple juice

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

  • 1 cup chopped apple

  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

  • 10 ounce box poultry flavored stuffing mix

  • 1 egg

  • 1 cup cranberries, chopped

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

 

Instructions

In a large skillet, sauté celery and onion in margarine until tender. Stir in apple juice, water, brown sugar, apple and black pepper. Heat to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 2 minutes; remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix and apple juice mixture. Stir in egg; lightly fold in cranberries and parsley. Spoon mixture into greased, 2 quart or 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cover; bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 more minutes. Serve hot.


Nutrient analysis per serving:

  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 4 g

 


Other helpful resources:

    
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