Right Starts

Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes

Catfish Stew with Rice

Baked Fried Chicken Breast with Mixed Vegetables

20-Minute Chicken Creole

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

Baked Pork Chops

Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning

Succotash

New Orleans Red Beans

Mixed Greens

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Honey Candied Yams

Chillin' Out Pasta Salad

Garden Potato Salad

Fruit Salad

Winter and Summer Crisp

Sweet Potato Custard

Angel Food Cake with Mixed Berries

Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Apple Raisin Sauce

Preface

African Americans suffer from higher rates of serious diseases like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. African Americans suffer more serious health problems and die at an earlier age from these diseases. The good news is that eating a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle promote good health and lowers the chances for getting these illnesses.

A healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy diet is also low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

Everyone has the power to make choices to improve his/her health. And eating right doesn't mean giving up our wonderful soul food. In fact, the basic staples of traditional soul food include lots of healthy vegetables: dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and high-fiber black eyed peas just to name a few. But they are often cooked with ingredients that add too much saturated fat, calories and salt to our diet. By making a few simple changes, you and your loved ones can enjoy the flavors of healthy down home cooking. The recipes and hints in this cookbook will help you get started.

Steam your vegetables whenever you can. Use garlic, onions, and herbs for flavor. Use very small amounts of butter, cheese, and sauces.

Use more herbs and spices to flavor greens and other dishes. Cut down on the salt. Try adding Spanish onion and black pepper to black-eyed peas.

Always use low-fat (1% or 2%) or skim milk for cooking instead of whole milk or cream.

Put away that deep fat fryer. Try boiling, roasting, baking, grilling, braising, or stir-frying with a little oil instead.

	Print This Recipe 1
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 342 total fat: 4g saturated fat: 1.4g carbohydrates: 52g protein: 24g cholesterol: 45mg sodium: 101mg dietary fiber: 10g

Ingredients

1 lb beef top round

1 1/2 tablespoon Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning (see Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ²)

8 red-skinned potatoes, halved

3 cups finely chopped onion

2 cups beef broth

2 large cloves garlic, minced

2 large carrots, peeled, cut into very thin 2 1/2-inch strips

2 bunches (1/2 lb each) mustard greens, kale, or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn

non-stick cooking spray

Preparation

Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across the grain into long strips, 1/8-inch thick. Thoroughly coat strips with Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ².

Spray a large, heavy skillet (cast iron is good) with non-stick spray coating. Preheat pan over high heat. Add meat; cook, stirring for 5 minutes.

Add potatoes, onion, broth, and garlic. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 20 minutes. Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender (about 15 minutes). Serve in large serving bowl, with crusty bread for dunking.

	Print This Recipe 3
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 4 Servings calories: 355 total fat: 5g saturated fat: 1.3g carbohydrates: 49g protein: 28g cholesterol: 65mg sodium: 454mg dietary fiber: 7g

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes

1, 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up

1 cup chopped onion

1, 8-ounce bottle (1 cup) clam juice or water

1 cup water

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped

1 lb catfish fillets

1 1/2 tablespoon Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning (see Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ²)

sliced green onion for garnish (optional)

2 cups hot, cooked rice (white or brown)

Preparation

Peel potatoes and cut into quarters. In a large pot, combine potatoes, tomatoes and their juice, onion, clam juice, water, and garlic. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.

Add cabbage. Return to boiling. Reduce heat; cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cut fillets into 2-inch lengths. Coat with Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ². Add fish to vegetables. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, for 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve in soup plates, garnished with sliced green onion. Top with an ice cream scoop of hot, cooked rice. Or, ladle stew over hot, cooked rice in soup plates and garnish with green onion.

To reduce sodium, try low-sodium canned tomatoes.

	Print This Recipe 4
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 245 total fat: 5.69g saturated fat: 2.33g carbohydrates: 21.09g protein: 25.8g cholesterol: 56.61mg sodium: 476mg dietary fiber: 4.56g

Ingredients

non-stick cooking spray

1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons cornmeal

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 large egg white

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

3 cups mixed vegetables

Preparation

Pre-heat oven to 350°. Spray a medium baking pan with cooking spray. On waxed paper, mix bread crumbs, cheese, cornmeal, and ground red pepper.

In pie plate, beat egg white and salt. Dip each piece of chicken in egg white mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture. Place chicken in pan; spray lightly with cooking spray.

Bake chicken for 30 minutes or until coating is crisp and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with the tip of a knife. Add mixed vegetables to chicken. Bake for 5 more minutes. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes ⁵.

	Print This Recipe 6
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 4 Servings calories: 255 total fat: 3g saturated fat: 0.8g carbohydrates: 16g protein: 31g cholesterol: 100mg sodium: 465mg dietary fiber: 1.5g

Ingredients

4 medium chicken breast halves (1 1/2 lbs total) skinned, boned, and cut into 1-inch strips

1, 14-ounce can tomatoes, cut up

1 cup low-sodium chili sauce

1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper (1 large)

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

non-stick cooking spray

Preparation

Reduce heat. Add tomatoes and their juice, low-sodium chili sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, garlic, basil, parsley, crushed red pepper, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Serve over hot, cooked rice or whole wheat pasta.

To reduce sodium, try low-sodium canned tomatoes.

	Print This Recipe 7
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 330 total fat: 5g saturated fat: 1.3g carbohydrates: 42g protein: 29g cholesterol: 60mg sodium: 280mg dietary fiber: 2.7g

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1, 28-ounce can tomatoes, cut up

1 cup finely chopped green pepper

1 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 lb spaghetti

non-stick cooking spray

Preparation

Spray a large skillet with non-stick spray coating. Preheat over high heat. Add turkey; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Drain fat.

Stir in tomatoes with their juice, green pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove cover; simmer for 15 minutes more. (For a creamier sauce, give sauce a whirl in a blender or food processor.)

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain well. Serve sauce over spaghetti with crusty, whole-grain bread.

	Print This Recipe 8
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 186 total fat: 4.9g saturated fat: 1.8g carbohydrates: 16g protein: 17g cholesterol: 31mg sodium: 393mg dietary fiber: 0.2 g

Ingredients

6 lean center-cut pork chops, 1/2 inch thick

1 egg white

1 cup evaporated skim milk

3/4 cup cornflake crumbs

1 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning (see Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ²)

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

nonstick spray coating

Preparation

Trim all fat from chops.

Beat egg white with evaporated skim milk. Place chops in milk mixture; let stand for 5 minutes, turning chops once.

Meanwhile, mix together cornflake crumbs, bread crumbs, Hot 'n Spicy Seasoning ² and salt. Remove chops from milk mixture. Coat thoroughly with crumb mixture.

Spray a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray coating. Place chops in pan; bake in 375° oven for 20 minutes. Turn chops; bake 15 minutes longer or until no pink remains.

	Print This Recipe 9

Ingredients

1/4 cup paprika

2 tablespoons dried oregano, crushed

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Preparation

Mix together all ingredients. Store in airtight container.

Makes about 1/3 cup.

	Print This Recipe 10
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 146 total fat: 3.44g saturated fat: 0.77g carbohydrates: 26.05g protein: 5.89g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 363mg dietary fiber: 6.16g

Ingredients

10-ounce baby lima beans (frozen)

2 tablespoons margarine (such as Promise™ 60% spread)

10-ounce whole kernel corn (frozen)

10-ounce cut okra

15-ounce canned tomatoes (undrained)

1/2 cup chopped onions

Tabasco sauce to taste

Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

Combine lima beans, margarine, corn, tomatoes, onions, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper in a pan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add okra and cook for 10 more minutes.

This recipe is packed with fiber. Fiber is the part of plant foods that your body can't digest. Beans, most fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, and nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol. It also slows down digestion so that the body can absorb more nutrients and better control blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber helps you get rid of waste and keeps you regular.

	Print This Recipe 11
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 8 Servings calories: 171 total fat: 0.5g saturated fat: 0.1g carbohydrates: 32g protein: 10g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 285mg dietary fiber: 7.2g

Ingredients

1 lb dry red beans

2 quarts water

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

4 bay leaves

1 cup chopped sweet green pepper

3 tablespoons chopped garlic

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly. In a 5-quart pot, combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir and mash some of the beans against side of the pan to thicken the mixture.

Add green pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat until creamy, about 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

Serve over hot, cooked brown rice, if desired.

	Print This Recipe 12
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 8 Servings calories: 18 total fat: 0.1g saturated fat: 0g carbohydrates: 3g protein: 1g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 153mg dietary fiber: 2g

Ingredients

2 bunches mustard greens or kale

2 bunches turnip greens

pepper to taste (optional)

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)

Preparation

Rinse greens well, removing stems. In a large pot of boiling water, cook greens rapidly, covered, over medium heat for about 25 minutes or until tender.

Serve with some of the pot liquor (liquid from the cooked greens). If desired, cut greens in pan with a sharp knife and kitchen fork before serving.

Beet greens like collards, mustard and turnip greens are a good source of potassium which helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Potassium counteracts the effect of sodium on blood pressure. Too much sodium causes the blood pressure to rise. Dark green leafy vegetables are naturally high in potassium and low in sodium.

	Print This Recipe 13
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 4 Servings calories: 141 total fat: 0.3g saturated fat: 0.2g carbohydrates: 29g protein: 6g cholesterol: 2.0mg sodium: 70mg dietary fiber: 2g

Ingredients

1 lb potatoes (2 large)

2 cups skim milk

2 large cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Preparation

Peel potatoes; cut in quarters. Cook, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Drain. Cover the pot.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan over low heat, cook garlic in milk until garlic is soft, about 30 minutes.

Add milk-garlic mixture and white pepper to potatoes. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed or mash with a potato masher until smooth.

Use low-fat (1% or 2%) or nonfat/skim milk instead of whole milk.

	Print This Recipe 14
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 79 total fat: 0.99g saturated fat: .20g carbohydrates: 17.92g protein: 0.66g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 21mg dietary fiber: 1.04g

Ingredients

3 small yams

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon light margarine

1/4 teaspoon lemon flavor

Preparation

Wash and peel yams. Cut in quarters and then cut into 2 pieces each. Rinse pieces.

Place yams, honey, water, nutmeg, margarine, and flavor in a sauce pan and heat until boiling.

Turn heat down to medium, cover and let simmer until all water boils out and the sauce is syrupy.

	Print This Recipe 15
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 12 Servings calories: 140 total fat: 1g saturated fat: 1g carbohydrates: 0.1g protein: 14g cholesterol: 60mg sodium: 135mg dietary fiber: 1.3g

Ingredients

8-ounce (2 1/2 cups) medium shell pasta

1, 8-ounce carton (1 cup) plain nonfat yogurt

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

2 tablespoons salt-free herb seasoning

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

1 cup sliced green onion

1 lb cooked small shrimp

3 cups coarsely chopped tomatoes (about 3 large)

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; cool.

In a large bowl stir together yogurt, mustard, and herb seasoning. Add pasta, celery, and green onion; mix well. Chill at least 2 hours.

Just before serving, carefully stir in shrimp and tomatoes.

	Print This Recipe 16
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 10 Servings calories: 151 total fat: 0.5g saturated fat: 0.2g carbohydrates: 30g protein: 6g cholesterol: 2.3mg sodium: 118mg dietary fiber: 3.1g

Ingredients

3 lbs potatoes (6 large)

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup sliced green onion

2 tablespoons chopped parsley


DRESSING
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

3/4 cup skim milk

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon dillweed

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Preparation

In a blender, blend cottage cheese, milk, lemon juice, vinegar, celery seed, dillweed, dry mustard, and white pepper until smooth. Chill for 1 hour.

Scrub potatoes; boil in jackets until tender. Cool; peel. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Add celery, green onion, and parsley.

Pour chilled cottage cheese mixture over vegetables; mix well. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

	Print This Recipe 17
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 313 total fat: 9.20g saturated fat: 7.72g carbohydrates: 61.21g protein: 3.71g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 10mg dietary fiber: 9.31g

Ingredients

1 lb seedless black grapes

6 medium red apples

1 pint strawberries

6 medium oranges

16-ounce can of fruit cocktail, packed in juice

1 cup coconut (shredded)

Preparation

Wash all fresh fruits well. Slice grapes. Slice strawberries and remove stems. Peel orange, slice and remove seeds and membranes, and cut into bitesize pieces. Peel apples, remove core, and cut into small pieces. Combine fruit in large bowl.

Add fruit cocktail.

Stir until all fruit is mixed. Level the top and sprinkle coconut. Chill. Serve.

Fruits and vegetables provide many important vitamins, like vitamin A and vitamin C. There are about 20 vitamins needed for life. The best way to get them is to eat the fruits and vegetables that contain them.

	Print This Recipe 18
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 284 total fat: 6g saturated fat: 1g carbohydrates: 54g protein: 3g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 56mg dietary fiber: 5g

Ingredients

FILLING
1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

5 cups unpeeled, sliced apples

1 cup cranberries


TOPPING
2/3 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons soft margarine, melted

Preparation

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, flour, and lemon peel; mix well. Add apples and cranberries; stir to mix. Spoon into a 6-cup baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add melted margarine; stir to mix. Sprinkle topping over filling.

Bake in a 375° oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and top is brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

	Print This Recipe 19
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 144 total fat: 2g saturated fat: 0.7g carbohydrates: 20g protein: 6g cholesterol: 92mg sodium: 235mg dietary fiber: 1.4g

Ingredients

1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato

1/2 cup mashed banana (about 2 small)

1 cup evaporated skim milk

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 beaten egg yolks (or 1/3-cup egg substitute)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup raisins

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Non-stick cooking spray

Preparation

In a medium bowl, stir together sweet potato and banana. Add milk, blending well. Add brown sugar, egg yolks, and salt, mixing thoroughly.

Spray a 1-quart casserole with non-stick spray coating. Transfer sweet potato mixture to casserole.

Combine raisins, sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over top of sweet potato mixture. Bake in a preheated 300° F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

The deep orange color of sweet potatoes is a sign that they are a good source of vitamin A and the antioxidant beta-carotene. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are good for your skin.

	Print This Recipe 10
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 6 Servings calories: 387 total fat: 1.04g saturated fat: 0.07g carbohydrates: 88.64g protein: 9g cholesterol: 0mg sodium: 747mg dietary fiber: 6.70g

Ingredients

1 angel food cake

1 pint blueberries

2 pints strawberries

1 package strawberry glaze (1 cup prepared)

1 pint blackberries

1 lemon (sliced)

Preparation

Bake or buy an angel food cake.

Cut tops off one pint of strawberries. Combine with 1/2 pint of blackberries, 1/2 pint of blueberries, and strawberry glaze. Reserve remaining berries for garnish.

Mix well so that berries are thoroughly coated with glaze.

To serve, spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of glazed berry mixture over each slice of cake. Garnish each slice with a slice of lemon and a few unglazed berries.

	Print This Recipe 20
	Nutrition Content Per Serving Makes 9 Servings calories: 233 total fat: 3g saturated fat: 1g carbohydrates: 46g protein: 7g cholesterol: 24mg sodium: 252mg dietary fiber: 3g

Ingredients

10 slices whole wheat bread

1 egg

3 egg whites

1 1/2 cups skim milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

2 teaspoons sugar


APPLE RAISIN SAUCE
1/4 cups apple juice

1/2 cup apple butter

2 tablespoons molasses

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon orange peel (optional)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray. Lay the slices of bread in the baking dish in two rows, overlapping them like shingles.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the egg, egg whites, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the bread.

In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Sprinkle the spiced sugar over the bread pudding. Bake the pudding for 30 to 35 minutes, until it has browned on top and is firm to the touch.

Serve warm or at room temperature, with warm apple-raisin sauce.

APPLE RAISIN SAUCE
Stir all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Let the sauce simmer 5 minutes. Serve warm.