Oh that "greasy spoon!"

I do love myself a good old DINER, or as some affectionately call it, "the greasy spoon". And I can't get enough of Food Network's show "Diners, Drive-in and Dives!" Watching the host, chef Guy Fieri, chow down on burgers, fries, chili, chicken fingers, just to name a few, only makes me HUNGRY!! But how is a B-fitter to add these fun diner foods to his/her diet and still stay on a healthful journey? Well, first don't put miles on your frequent diner card, that is, diners are fun, every once in awhile, but you can't eat those large amounts of fried food and calories all the time if you want to be healthy. Have you seen those slices of cake? As big as your head!

But if you're really hankering for some of your favorite diner favorites, and still want to be the most fabulous mom in carpool (oh come on, some of you out there are using morning school carpool as a fashion runway, I just know it ;) or you want to be the one they talk about at the office "wow she/he looks so put together!" or you just want to be the envy of everyone on facebook with your big smile and sparkling personality, and little black dress that fits oh so perfectly on every curve...well, my point is (there is a point promise.....) you can redo your diner favorites with a recipe makeover!
Here's my two favorites, chicken fingers and fries, but it's all about the redo! And pssst, guess what? I just saved you thousands of calories :)

Crispy Baked Chicken Strips


. 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 cups finely crushed cracker crumbs or plain breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon table salt or kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder *
Cut chicken breasts into thin strips, about one inch wide. Longer sections can be cut in half to have uniform pieces.
Mix cracker crumbs and seasonings well. Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then dredge in crumb mixture. Place on baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake at 375 degrees F, for 10-12 minutes, until crispy on outside and lightly browned.
Dip into favorite lowfat sauce, or serve plain
*For an Italian version, omit chili powder and substitute Italian seasonings. If you use Saltine crackers with salted tops, omit adding the kosher salt.
Per Serving: 381 Calories; 7g Fat (16.0% calories from fat); 2g Saturated Fat; 37g Protein; 41g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 162mg Cholesterol

Sweet potato fries

Makes 2 servings

 1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

1 large sweet potato

1 tsp. olive oil

Directions

1.• In a small bowl, combine the cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
2.• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
3.• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 6 wedges. In a large bowl, combine with the olive oil and the spice mixture. Toss until evenly coated.

4.• Place wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and place on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked through and edges are crisp.
103 calories per serving

Enjoy!!-FoodieGIRL