Cooking for a Few People

Hungry Girl Cookbook

One of the things I hate is trying to cook for less then six people.  Most recipes are written for more than two people.  You can cut down recipes, but somehow it just isn't the same.  I have been on the look out for a cookbook that has smaller portion recipes and is a calorie friendly recipe.  Enter....Hungry Girl Cookbooks.






 
Lisa Lillien is winning me over.  Her cookbook, Hungry Girl 300 under 300, caught my eye the other day and so far I have prepared 3 of her recipes.  We have loved them all.  They are easy and she even suggests ideas for leftover items.  Plus most of the recipes are for 2 or 4 people.  Exactly what I have been searching for in my quest for tasty repast.

8x8 Pan

Here is the recipe for Takes-The-Cake Ziti Bake.
5 oz ucooked whole-wheat or high-fiber ziti or penne pasta
1 cup thinly sliced onion
2 cups chopped brown mushrooms
1 Tblsp chopped garlic
2 cups fresh spinach
3/4 cup light or low fat ricotta cheese
2 Tblsp chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomates
1/2 cup plus 2 tbls shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 Tblsp reduced fat Parmesan-style grated topping.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Prepare the pasta al dente according to package directions.  Place in a bowl and set aside.

Meanwhile, ring an extra-large skillet spray with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove.   Add onion and, stirring occasionally, cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms and garlic, and raise temperature to medium high.  Continue to cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are soft, about 3 minutes.
Add spinach to the skillet and stirring often, cook until spinach has wilted and excess moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes.

Transfer contents fo the skillet to the bowl with the cooked pasta.  Add tomatoes and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Toss gently to mix.

Spray an 8 inch by 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and carefully fill with the contents of the bowl.  Evenly top with Pram-style topping and remaining 2 Tblsp mozzarella cheese.
 

One serving

Bake in the oven until entire dish is hot and cheese on top has melted, about 15 minutes.  Allow to cool slightly, and then serve and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings.

We all loved this meal.  It was easy to make, tasty and for the three of us, enough for dinner and one serving for lunch the next day.  I can highly recommend Hungry Girl.

Thanks Lisa!