If you want to surprise that special someone with a delicious Valentine’s Day dessert recipe, try these delightful red velvet cupcakes.

Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe – 199 calories

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
2 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
6 tablespoons red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

For the frosting
1/2 cup butter
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
4-5 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Sift the cake flour in a small bowl, set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the sugar and butter for about 5 minutes (until very light and fluffy).
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the vanilla, cocoa and red food coloring. Add to the batter and beat well.
6. In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk.
7. Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat.
8. In a small bowl, stir together the baking soda and cider vinegar.
9. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.
10. Fill a cupcake tin 2/3 full with batter.
11. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes (until a toothpick or knife comes out clean).
12. Cream together the butter and cheese until smooth and creamy.
13. Gradually stir in the sugar.
14. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla.

Servings: 48

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 199
Total fat: 8.6 g
Cholesterol: 36.6 mg
Sodium: 166.8 mg
Total carbs: 29 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 2.3 g
Weight Watchers points: 5

Photo credit: //ZERO

You might also like these low-calorie cake recipes:

• Vanilla Cupcakes recipe – 182 calories
• Low Calorie Apple Cake recipe – 182 calories
• Cinnamon Cupcakes recipe – 183 calories
• Low Calorie Tiramisu recipe – 151 calories
• Diet Coffee Squares recipe – 134 calories

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Ceviche is a seafood dish that is regularly served on the beaches of Mexico. Ceviche is usually accompanied by side dishes that complement its flavors, such as corn, sweet potato, lettuce, or avocado. As this dish is not cooked with heat, you must make sure that you only use fresh ingredients.

Mexican Ceviche recipe – 181 calories

Ingredients:
1 lb halibut fillets or 1 lb red snapper fillet or 1 lb sea bass fillets (or use a mixture of fish and shrimp)
1 cup diced fresh tomato
5-6 limes
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro or 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 dash Tabasco sauce
lettuce leaf (to line the serving bowls)
black olives, sliced (optional, for garnish)
avocado (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:
1. Dice the fish into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Marinate the fish in the lime juice overnight in the fridge, stirring often.
3. Pour off most of the lime juice, leaving it just moist.
4. Add the remaining ingredients except the avocado, lettuce and olives.
5. Toss well and arrange in individual serving bowls that are lined with lettuce leaves.
6. Garnish with sliced black olives and avocado slices if desired.

Servings: 4

Nutritional information for one serving:
Vanilla cupcakes calories: 181
Total fat: 2.2 g
Cholesterol: 68.1 mg
Sodium: 247.7 mg
Total carbs: 15.4 g
Fiber: 4.2 g
Protein: 27.3 g
Weight Watchers points: 3

Photo credit: y6y6y6

You might also like these low-calorie Mexican recipes:

• Rice Salsa recipe – 101 calories
• Jalapeno-Lime Chicken Breasts recipe – 162 calories
• Jicama Sticks recipe – 23 calories
• Roasted Serrano Chile Salsa recipe – 46 calories
• Mexican Cashew Snack recipe – 85 calories

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Palak paneer is an Indian dish consisting of spinach and paneer (Indian farmer’s cheese) in a thick curry sauce based on pureed spinach. It is a popular vegetarian dish that is usually served with naan or roti bread, or boiled rice.

Indian Spinach Paneer Palak recipe – 199 calories

Ingredients:
4 bunches spinach (Palak)
2 tablespoons butter
paneer cheese (made from 1 litre milk)
2 medium onions
1 1/2 tablespoons red chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons dhaniya powder (corriander powder)
1/2 teaspoon jeera powder (powdered cumin seeds)
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
10 cashews
2 tomatoes
1/2 cup curds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon sugar
salt
clove
cinnamon
black pepper

Preparation:
1
Cut the paneer cheese into cubes and set aside.
2. Wash and finely chop the spinach.
3. Cut the onions into small pieces.
4. Cut the tomatoes into 2 inch cubes.
5. Heat a little butter and fry the spinach until it shrinks.
6. Allow the spinach to cool and grind to a smooth paste.
7. Grind the poppy seeds and cashews together to a smooth paste.
8. Fry all the spices in a little ghee butter and then powder.
9. Heat the rest of the butter with a little oil and fry the onions until golden and crisp.
10. Add the chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and tomatoes.
11. Stir for about one minute, then add the whipped curds.
12. Cook on reduced heat until the oil floats on top.
13. Add sugar, salt, turmeric powder and the ground spinach leaves, and cook for a few minutes.
14. Mix the cashew-poppy paste and pour just enough water required for the gravy.
15. Cook on medium heat until the gravy becomes thick.
16. Add the paneer cheese pieces.
17. Remove from the heat.
18. Sprinkle some garam masala powder and serve hot with finely cut onions and lime.

Servings: 4

Nutritional information for one serving:
Vanilla cupcakes calories: 199
Total fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 17.1 mg
Sodium: 395.4 mg
Total carbs: 24.1 g
Fiber: 10.2 g
Protein: 13.2 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

Photo credit: emmadiscovery

You might also like these low-calorie Indian recipes:

• Beef with Cucumbers recipe – 176 calories
• Spicy Indian Snack Mix recipe – 181 calories
• African Chapati Bread recipe – 158 calories
• Potato Salad with Curried Mayo recipe – 194 calories
• Crunchy Spiced Sweet Potatoes recipe – 151 calories

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What a wonderful chicken soup recipe! It’s so quick and easy to put together, and the balance of flavors is just fantastic. If you love spicy Asian food you MUST try this recipe!

Vietnamese Chicken Soup recipe – 163 calories

Ingredients:
8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ounce cellophane noodles
1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fish sauce
28 ounces chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Preparation:
1. Soak the cellophane noodles in very hot water.
2. While the noodles are soaking, cut the chicken breasts into thin julienne strips.
3. In a deep skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat; add the chicken, ginger, garlic and pepper flakes.
4. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring; then add the fish sauce and broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 8 minutes (until the chicken is done).
6. Drain the noodles and cut into short pieces (about 1-1 1/2 inches long).
7. Arrange noodles at the bottom of the bowls; ladle the soup over the top and sprinkle with cilantro, basil and green onions.
8. Serve with chile paste or Tuong Ot Sriracha (Vietnamese hot sauce) if desired.

Servings: 4

Nutritional information for one serving:
Vietnamese chicken soup calories: 163
Total fat: 6.1 g
Cholesterol: 36.2 mg
Sodium: 1427.6 mg
Total carbs: 8.6 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 17 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

Photo credit: katclay

You might also like these low-cal chicken recipes:

• Lemon Chicken Soup recipe – 110 calories
• Mango Chicken recipe – 141 calories
• Low Calorie Chicken Thigh recipe – 200 calories
• Healthy Chicken and Mushroom recipe – 189 calories
• Mahogany Chicken recipe – 186 calories

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I like the simplicity of this vanilla cupcakes recipe. Almond extract can be used in place of the vanilla if desired.

Easy Vanilla Cupcakes recipe – 182 calories

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar (or 3/4 cup Splenda)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk (or half and half cream)
1/2 cup shortening
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla (or 1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract)

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar with the flour, salt and baking powder until combined.
3. Add in the milk or shortening cream, eggs and vanilla
4. Beat on medium speed of an electric mixer until just blended, scraping the bowl constantly. If the batter is too thick, you may add in a few more tablespoons milk or cream.
5. Pour into paper-lined muffin tins, filling under just three-quarters full.
6. Bake for about 20-22 minutes or until the cupcakes are done (be careful not to overbake as the cupcakes will become dry).
7. Immediately remove from the pans and let cool completely before frosting.

Servings: 1

Nutritional information for one serving:
Vanilla cupcakes calories: 182
Total fat: 6.7 g
Cholesterol: 22 mg
Sodium: 193 mg
Total carbs: 28 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 2.4 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

Photo credit: Rachel from Cupcakes Take the Cake

You might also like these low-calorie dessert recipes:

• Banana Blueberry Muffins recipe – 174 calories
• Sugar-Free Biscotti recipe – 111 calories
• Creamy Lemon Squares recipe – 106 calories
• Low Calorie Biscotti recipe – 90 calories
• Rice Crispy Bars recipe – 181 calories

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This beef and broccoli recipe easily rivals any Chinese restaurant beef and broccoli. It’s delicious and it doesn’t require any unusual ingredients. Serve over hot rice.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe – 153 calories

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless round steak or 1 lb charcoal chuck steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips
4 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
2 tablespoons water, divided
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preparation:
1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water with the garlic powder and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth.
2. Add the beef strips and toss.
3. In a wok or large skillet over medium high heat, stir-fry the beef in 1 tablespoon oil until it reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm.
4. Stir-fry the onion and broccoli in the remaining oil for about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pan.
6. Combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger and the remaining cornstarch with water until smooth; add to the pan.
7. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Servings: 4

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 153
Total fat: 7.1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 1363.1 mg
Total carbs: 19.5 g
Fiber: 7.8 g
Protein: 4.9 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

Photo credit: gkdavie

You might also like these low-calorie beef recipes:

• Beef with Cucumbers recipe – 176 calories
• Ground Beef Gyros recipe – 198 calories
• Vietnamese Beef Meatballs recipe – 85 calories
• Low-Fat Beef Meatballs recipe – 171 calories
• Bulgarian Princess Sandwich recipe – 177 calories

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Whenever you’re in a hurry, you can fix this quick side dish recipe. It has an awesome flavor as it is, but for an even more superb taste you can add a little garlic and balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Mushrooms and Green Beans recipe – 176 calories

Ingredients:
3 lbs fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed
1 lb fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2 bunches green onions, sliced
1/2 cup butter
salt, to taste

Preparation:
1. Melt the butter and saute the onions and mushrooms in a large skillet.
2. Add the green beans and cook until tender.
3. Season with salt to taste and serve.

Servings: 8

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 176
Total fat: 11.9 g
Cholesterol: 30.5 mg
Sodium: 99.5 mg
Total carbs: 16.2 g
Fiber: 7.1 g
Protein: 5.5 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

Photo credit: rolled_trousers

You might also like these diet side dish recipes:

• Kosher Pickles recipe – 67 calories
• Strawberry Cucumber Salad recipe – 41 calories
• Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Sauce recipe – 111 calories
• Brussels Sprouts Fish Sauce recipe – 143 calories
• Savory Sweet Potato recipe – 120 calories

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Ever since I was a kid, I loved Nutella cream. Eating a slice of bread spread with Nutella was always a treat for me. I still have this fondness for the delicious chocolate cream, so today I would like to share with you this easy to prepare homemade Nutella recipe.

Homemade Nutella recipe – 107 calories

Ingredients:
125 g hazelnuts, finely ground and reduced to powder
2 tablespoons cocoa
120 g butter
120 g honey

Preparation:
1. Ground the hazelnuts as finely as possible.
2. Melt the butter.
3. Combine the powdered hazelnuts, melted butter, honey and cocoa; mix.
4. Place in a container and keep in the fridge.

Servings: 20

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 107
Total fat: 9.2 g
Cholesterol: 12.8 mg
Sodium: 42.8 mg
Total carbs: 6.4 g
Fiber: 0.8 g
Protein: 1.2 g
Weight Watchers points: 3

Photo credit: inga_beretta

You might also like these low-calorie chocolate recipes:

• Diet Biscotti recipe – 90 calories
• Diet Rice Krispie Bars recipe – 181 calories
• Peanut Butter Cookies recipe – 78 calories
• Chocolate Kahlua Balls recipe – 146 calories
• Chunky Chocolate Jam Bars recipe – 185 calories

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If you liked our Greek Avgolemono soup recipe, you will love this lemony chicken soup! It’s yummy and comforting, just perfect for this cold weather.

This soup does not form drops like egg drop soup because you stir in the eggs. If you want drops, just don’t stir the eggs.

Lemony Chicken Soup recipe – 110 calories

Ingredients:
4 cups chicken, cooked and cut up
1 cup rice, raw
5 chicken bouillon cubes
5 cups chicken broth
3 carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 eggs
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:
1. Combine the carrots, onions, bouillon cubes and broth in a dutch oven with 5 cups of water; bring to a boil.
2. Add the rice and the chicken, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Whisk the eggs and lemon juice, and quickly add to the hot soup while stirring.
4. Add the oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Servings: 12

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 110
Total fat: 2.1 g
Cholesterol: 53 mg
Sodium: 656.4 mg
Total carbs: 17 g
Fiber: 0.8 g
Protein: 5.2 g
Weight Watchers points: 2

You might also like these low-calorie chicken recipes:

• Mango and Red Pepper Chicken recipe – 141 calories
• Baked Chicken Thighs recipe – 200 calories
• Chicken and Mushrooms recipe – 189 calories
• Mahogany Chicken recipe – 186 calories
• Warm Chicken Spinach Salad recipe – 167 calories

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Here’s a meatless Thanksgiving appetizer that is sure to be a hit with everyone, especially with children. The veggies are arranged to look just like a turkey. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Turkey Vegetable Appetizer recipe – 164 calories

Ingredients:

Cream cheese spread
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces sour cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon season salt

Vegetable Arrangement
1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 bunch red leaf lettuce, washed and dried
1/2 yellow squash, thinly sliced
4 radishes, thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
4 mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 sun-dried tomatoes (for the chest)
1/2 radish (for the head)
1 peppercorn (for the eye)
yellow pepper (for the waddle)
crackers or pretzels, to be used as an optional feather rows (optional)

Preparation:
1. To make the cream cheese mixture: Mix all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, add more paprika if desired.
2. To make the vegetable arrangement: On a large platter, arrange the red lettuce leaves so that red is on the outer edge. Then place the vegetables like turkey feathers. The large plume of feathers behind the turkey are carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, red onions, and radishes layered in rows. The bottom feathers are yellow squash, zucchini, yellow peppers, and celery.
3. For the body, invert a soup bowl and spread the cream cheese mixture over it. Use the mixture as a glue to add the radishes along the bottom in 2 rows and follow with mushrooms, adding until completely covering the bowl.
4. For the chest, place 3 sun-dried tomato halves glued together with some of the cheese mixture on the body of mushrooms.
5. For the head, place 1/2 of a radish. Spread some cheese mixture on the cut side and place just above the tomatoes.
6. For the wattle, adhere a yellow pepper slice to the radish head with the cheese mixture.
7. Place the remaining cream cheese mixture in a bowl for dipping.

Servings: 10

Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 164
Total fat: 14.1 g
Cholesterol: 43.1 mg
Sodium: 183 mg
Total carbs: 4.8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5.6 g
Weight Watchers points: 4

You might also like these low-calorie appetizer recipes:

• Arancini Italian Rice Balls recipe – 107 calories
• Shrimp Cocktail recipe – 195 calories
• Southwestern Onion Rings recipe – 171 calories
• Bean and Sesame Seed Spread (Hummus) recipe – 77 calories
• Stuffed Mushrooms recipe – 175 calories

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