Yucca Root or Cassava is a waxy root that grows in Southern America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some studies say that yucca is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and helps to ease arthritis pain, but I love it since it’s high in fiber, crucial for intestinal health.

Kids love sweet corn baked in a small dish, just the right size for them! Yogurt and eggs add lots of protein too. Do you have extra summer time corn? Swap out one of the cans of creamed corn and add 2 cups of fresh corn kernels cut from the cob before baking.

Shallots are a sweet and mild, the perfect substitution for garlic or onions. This dressing keeps well over night in an air-tight container

Spicy tuna is my favorite thing to order from sushi house menus. I love cooking Japanese favorites and sometimes I even make sushi at home. If you don’t know how to roll your own sushi, this version is a simple way to enjoy tuna and impress your guests with a light, spicy appetizer.

This is my favorite college party dip gone skinny! I bring it to the neighbors for movie night with toasted pita chips.

Whole wheat brings added nutrition to this southern delight! Serve these with soup for a complete meal or add them to your next brunch buffet.

My Granny always cooked this wonderful, light soup in early fall after she harvested the last of the green beans from her garden. Garnish it with a dollop of sour cream and another tablespoon of fresh dill for an elegant first course or simple summer dinner. This soup is always more flavorful after it rests a day or two in the fridge.

These are similar to the spanakopita that my Greek neighbors in Pittsburgh used to make for parties, weddings, and graduations. I use goat cheese instead of feta, because I love its creamy texture and tart flavor. I substituted melted butter for butter-flavored cooking spray to achieve the “skinny effect”.

Fresh goat cheese adds tang and texture to this classic appetizer. If you can’t find turkey sausage, try chopping up spicy precooked chicken sausage instead, and skip the first step.

Fresh pear adds a juicy sweet component to this Asian-style lunch classic. Mix in a cup of whole-wheat pasta to make it a complete meal.