From my notebook:

You are going to love making and serving these amazingly delicious casseroles. Imagine low-calorie Chili Rellenos, Cabbage Rolls, Jambalaya, Paella, Pizzas, Cheese Blintzes. You will never guess that such delicious food can be healthy, too. The whole of The Moderation Diet is crammed full of the most exciting recipes, that have been created for you to enjoy with pleasure and good health in mind.

Casseroles are one of the true joys of the culinary experience. They are homey, casual, informal, great for buffets. They can be varied with, different vegetables, or substituted with chicken for beef or fish for shellfish. There are some very special ones in this chapter and I want to point them out to you.

Eggplant Lasagna is a fine vegetarian choice for lunch or dinner. The Pink Orzo with Basil & Chives is a delicious accompaniment. Who doesn't love Chili? Chili with Red Beans & Pink Rice is one of the best. And if beef is not your choice, it is equally good with chunks of chicken.

Lots of vegetable frittatas and crustless quiches...Royal Artichoke & Spinach, Eggplant Frittata, Crustless Tart with Tomatoes & Goat Cheese, Frittata with Artichokes & Red Peppers, Spinach Frittata and many more, are all excellent for lunch or dinner.

Lots of Stuffed Vegetables...The Big Chile Relleno with Salsa and Pink Rice is a taste treat and very easy to prepare. Tomatoes stuffed with Turkey is an excellent light meal and serving it with sautéed mushrooms and a generous portion of another vegetable will still keep the calories low. Old Fashioned Stuffed Peppers, Cabbage Rolls, Eggplant Stuffed with Ricotta are all exciting and delicious and excellent family meals.

And several casseroles that serve as complete meals and are truly enjoyable. Paella Valencia, made without the usual sausage or ham is lovely with seafood. It is equally good with chunks of a firm-fleshed fish. Hot and spicy Jambalaya Creole with Shellfish can also be made with fish. Vegetable Paella is a very light and very satisfying casserole. It has all the flavor of Paella without meat or fish.

A couple of interesting omelets, Cottage Cheese Pancakes, and a wonderful Cheese Blintze recipe will help make breakfast, brunch or lunch a happier time. The crepes are light and thin and can be filled with any number of fillings from savory to sweet. Example: Slices of any of the frittatas can be wrapped with crepes for a different presentation. They can be filled with iced milk and topped with a little sauce for dessert.

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