Lightened Up Easter Menu

I love having options, and when it comes to cooking, it’s even more true!  Making Easter dinner made me challenge myself to find recipes with a little less calories and carbs, since most in my family are trying to watch both.  We splurged a little, but it was a good feeling to know that things were made lighter this year! I love the option of making our favorite recipes, but reducing the calories in them!

Spiral Glazed Ham
Baked Potato Casserole
Green Beans with Almonds
Strawberry Kale Salad
Rolls ~ Deviled Eggs
Light Coconut Pie and Light Chocolate Pie

I tried a new potato dish that was really good, but healthier by tweaking just a few ingredients!

Baked Potato Casserole

8 medium potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 3 lb. total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups (8-oz. pkg.) shredded 2% cheddar cheese, divided
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
Sliced green onions (optional)

Directions :

Place potatoes in large saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook over
medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish.
Return potatoes to saucepan; add evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper.
Beat with hand-held mixer until smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and half of bacon. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining 1/2 cupcheese,
remaining bacon and green onions. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
TIP:
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated. Uncover; top with cheese,
bacon and green onions; bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

For dessert I made two pies from Cooking Light – Chocolate and Coconut.  Both are still decadent!

We all splurged a bit for Easter, but maybe that was because we felt a little better about the healthier options in other food!  Did you splurge at Easter or stay to the healthy side?