Eye-Opening Omelets

4 egg whites
4 tbsp water
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
fresh veggies & herbs

Saute veggies in several teaspoons of water or chicken stock (sodium free) in non-stick pan until tender. Set aside. Heat non-stick skillet over low to medium heat. Mix egg whites, water and pepper, beating with fork until foamy. Pour eggs in skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes. As eggs cook, pull sides gently towards center with spatula, allowing uncooked eggs to spill into open skillet area. When eggs are neatly cooked, sprinkle vegetables over eggs and fold omelet in half. Cover and continue cooking 1-2 minutes or until eggs are done.

Guiltless French Fries

3 large russet potatoes
1 egg white
black pepper, freshly ground

Cut potatoes into thin french fry-size strips. In bowl, whip egg white until foamy. Add black pepper and mix. Add potatoes and toss to coat well. Spread potatoes on non-stick cookie sheet in single layer. Cook for 30-35 minutes at 450 or until potatoes are crisp and brown.

Egg Whites Whipping Stages

Frothy
Large, uneven air bubbles

Begins to Hold Shape
Air bubbles are fine and compact (color is now white)

Soft Peak
Tips of peaks fall over as wire mixing whip is removed.

Almost Stiff
Sharp peaks from where the wire mixing whip is removed, but whites are actually soft.

Stiff, But Not Dry
Sharp, stiff peaks form when wire mixing whip is removed. Whites are uniform in color and glisten.

Stiff and Dry
Sharp, stiff peaks form when wire mixing whip is removed. Whites are speckled and dull in appearance.

Tip:
Make sure eggs are room temperature. Also, ensure that the mixing bowl is clean and dry.

Creamy Potato Salad

1 lb. red potatoes, cut into chucks (about 4 potatoes)
1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian dressing
1/3 cup Mayo
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 hard cooked egg, chopped
4 green onions, sliced

In saucepan, boil water and cook potatoes for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool. Drain again.
Mix dressings and mustard in a large bowl. Add potatoes, eggs and onions; mix lightly.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.

Makes: 4 servings (3/4 cup each)

Prep Time: 30 minutes (not including refrigeration time)

This salad can be made diet friendly by using light dressing and Miracle Whip.

Saving Money on Dairy

Buying powdered milk can save you a lot of money. Especially since milk prices have significantly increased. If your family does not like the taste of prepared milk, use it for cooking and save the other for drinking.

You can also use powdered milk for an instant chocolate drink by mixing half cocoa and half sugar. Dissolve with a touch of hot water and then three to five tablespoons of powdered milk. Powdered milk can be froze.

Try to purchase eggs from local farmers.

Save money on butter by purchasing in pound blocks and section them in quarters yourself. If you buy in bulk, you can freeze excess.