Burger and Fries Night

I crave hamburgers. What I don't crave? The pounds eat-in or drive-through burgers can pack on. Try creating your own "Burger Night" at home instead. You'll save money and calories.

For your burger:

• Try to use the leanest ground beef or turkey possible. (I like 93/7)
• Look for reduced-calorie or whole grain buns. Sara Lee makes some great 45-calorie buns!
• Toppings! Get creative with your toppings. Try pickles, lettuce, gourmet mustards, low-calorie cheese or other veggies.

Fries:

• To make healthy fries, cut baking potatoes into sticks (I like skins on!)
• Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Drizzle or spray with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
• Sprinkle with pepper and some Mrs. Dash or salt.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Easy Beef Stroganoff

This is my own recipe for Beef Stroganoff. With a little experimenting, I finally found a version I love. It's hearty and provides a home-cooked, I-worked-on-this-all-evening taste without all the work! I served mine over whole wheat penne with a garden side salad. Enjoy.

Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef stew meat (pre-cubed)
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups light sour cream
2 tbsp corn starch dissolved in 3 tbsp hot water
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Pre-cooked egg noodles or whole wheat pasta (to accompany Stroganoff)

Directions
Season beef with salt and pepper, to taste. In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic to season the oil and cook until golden. Add the beef and brown on all sides, about five minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside in a bowl/plate. Add the onions to the pan. Cook until lightly-golden, stirring and adding 1/4 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan (pick up all the delicious bits stuck on the pan!). Stir in the remaining broth and add the beef with any of its juices to the skillet and simmer for 12 minutes. Stir in the sour cream. Next, while still simmering/boiling, add the dissolved cornstarch and begin to stir. This should thicken the sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Serve over noodles.