Cooking on the Lite Side by Chef Nick Cavataio

Whole Grain Cold Cereal
 Once you have this recipe made, just add milk and serve.

1 cup Apple Juice
1 T Honey 
1/8 cup. Maple Syrup
1/2 T Vanilla
Cinnamon
1 42 oz. canister of Quaker whole rolled oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup dried raspberries

 Preheat oven to 375.  Microwave juice until hot. Stir in honey, syrup, vanilla, and a couple shakes of cinnamon. Lightly spray a LARGE baking or roasting pan with cooking spray; empty canister of oats in pan. Slowly pour juice over oats to distribute evenly. Stir the oats well.  Bake until the oats are completely dry and golden. Stir every 15 minutes. Let cool. Add the fruit and stir to mix.  Store is air tight container.

Cran-Apple Oatmeal 

1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups oats, quick
1+ cups chopped peeled apples
2 T. dried cranberries
2 T. brown sugar or sugar substitute
1/2 t. cinnamon

 In medium saucepan, bring milk and water to boil. Stir in remaining ingredients and cook until thick.  Cover and let stand a few minutes.

Low Fat Banana Breakfast Shake

1 1/2 cup nonfat milk
1 peeled and sliced medium banana, frozen
1/2 t vanilla extract
1/4 t almond extract
cinnamon 

 In blender container, combine all ingredients except cinnamon. Blend until smooth, about 20 seconds.  Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. 

 Makes 2 servings

• Freezer Cooking Classes
 Join me for monthly Freezer Cooking Classes at the Goodrich Settlement Grange, 21 Glenmary Drive, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Dates are  September 16 or 30, October 21 or 28, November 18, December 2 or 16. Registration must be made five days in advance. Call (607) 687-5654.

• Tip of the Month:
 To prevent butter from burning use medium heat and try a little vegetable oil in the frying pan before adding the butter.
 I'd like to hear from you.  E-mail me at nfc@stny.rr.com or write to Chef Nick, 99 Hall Rd, Owego, NY 13827.  Visit my web site at conqueringhealthierrecipes.com.