Easy Low-Fat Appetizer: Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

This is one of my all-time favorite dips, and it’s low in fat and so high in flavor! I have made this numerous times for parties and showers, but I brought it up to the baseball field for my son’s 5:30 game, and everyone went nuts over it. I like to use rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes that are already chopped. These are less fat since they’re not packed in oil, and they can be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. This recipe is so quick, light, simple and delicious. What else can you ask for?

 

Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Prep: 10 minutes

Yield: 11/2 cups

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in a container of a food processor; process until combined. Serve with crackers or vegetables. 

Chicken and Broccoli Sourdough Cobbler

When I told a friend of mine about this recipe, she said, “Chicken Cobbler? Don’t you mean, chicken casserole?” I said, “No, this recipe is much cooler than that!” First, the topping is made with crisp sourdough croutons that are laced with Parmesan cheese and add the perfect toasty crunch. Second it’s filled with broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and a short-cut sauce, low-fat alfredo. Using chopped rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe (you can also use leftover turkey). Last, purchase bagged broccoli flowerets from the grocery produce section to make your life even easier, and there’s no need to pre-cook them. Try it and let me know what you think and whether it’s deserving of it’s special name.

Chicken and Broccoli Cobbler

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

3 cups cubed sourdough bread

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cups broccoli flowerets

3 cups chopped, cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 (10-ounce) container light refrigerated Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup light sour cream

Preparation

1. Drizzle butter over bread cubes in a large bowl; sprinkle with cheese, tossing gently.

2. Combine broccoli and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon filling into lightly greased 2-quart rectangle or oval baking dishes or individual baking dishes; top with bread cubes.

3. Bake uncovered, at 400F for 25 to 30 minute (20 to 25 for individual cobblers) or until bubbly and top is toasted. (Cover, if it starts to brown too fast.)