Recipe Modifications - how to make a little less fattening!

The ingredients and methods used to cook food have a direct impact on the fat content of the final piece. To keep the fat content low it is important to use low fat cooking methods such as baking,grilling and steaming as much as possible. The following are some healthier alternative options:

• Roasted potatoes can be prepared to be low in fat by first pre-boiling cut potatoes until partially dne. Next, put them in a bowl and drizzle a teaspoon or two of oil over the top. Mix so that all the potatoes are coated lightly with oil. Place in a pan that has just been wiped with oil. Cook on the top shelf of a very hot oven Oven chips are also cooked in the same way.
• If the recipe calls for sautéing, try sautéing in broth, wine or water rather than oil. If you must use oil, put the oil in a spray bottle and dispense it that way, or use n more than 1 tsp of oil in your pan. Alternatively, use a non - stick spray on the pan.
• Steam vegetables
• If the recipe calls for butter, lard or shortening, use vegetable margarine.
• If baking a cake try replacing half or all f the fat with a pureed fruit such as steward prunes or apple sauce. If you do this you can also decrease the sugar used
• If the recipe calls for whole milk or cream, use canned evaporated, skimmed or low fat milk.
• If the recipe calls for sour cream or double cream use plain low fat yoghurt or fromage frais. if it is to be heated, mix in one teaspoon of flour for each 240g used, to avoid separation.
• If the recipe calls for creamed cheese use half the amount called for or substitute it for a lower fat cheese. Try "quark" cheese instead of cream cheese.
• If the recipe calls for nuts use sparingly - limit to 1/4 or 1/2 cup per person.
• If the recipe calls for mayonnaise try using half the amount or less.
• Use a low fat yoghurt.
• If the recipe calls for flour, substitute half as whole wheat (wholemeal) flour but it is not suited for everything!
• If the recipe calls for salt, use half the amount or less.
• If you are making gravy or soups, refrigerate the stock and skim the fat off the top. 

I hope this helps a lot of you to tick with your new years resolutions!