Here are some great tips on saving calories.

1.  Substitute applesauce for the oil required in cake, brownie or specialty bread recipes (zucchini, pumpkin etc.).  It will make your recipes moister and cut down the fat content.

2.  All  meals should contain a small amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates.  Reduce oil consumption by using cooking spray on your pan or substitute broth or wine.

3.  Making an omelet requires several eggs.  If you are concerned about high cholesterol, use one whole egg and then use egg whites for the rest of the recipe.

4.  Cooking methods can be key in reducing the amounts of fats used to prepare meals. Try stir frying, microwave, roasting, grilling, baking, poaching, sauteing or steaming foods.

5.  Gravy is always a crowd pleaser.  Instead of using flour, replace it with cornstarch.  Take one cup of stock and mix in a Tbsp. of cornstarch.  Heat the remaining broth and then add the cornstarch/stock mixture.  Continue heating until thickened.

6.  Remove fat from your hot stock by refrigerating: the fat will solidify for easy removal.  If time is of the essence, use a paper towel to soak up excess fat from your stock.

7.  Don't use oil in the water when boiling your pasta; it won't prevent the noodles from sticking together.  Once the pasta is drained, put your noodles back in the pot and add just enough sauce to coat the noodles.

8.  Instead of using sour cream, substitute low-fat cottage cheese (put it in the food processor to remove the lumps).

9.  Eat a handful of nuts a day.   If it isn't meal time yet and I need a snack, I eat a few walnuts or almonds.  It reduces the hunger and gives me a shot of healthy protein.

Refer to our cookware cleaning page for some great tips!