Going Greek

In an ongoing, somewhat meandering effort to "GET HEALTHY" and "MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE", I've been testing out a few new recipes, and have a found a blue-ribbon winner in the latest Everyday Food.

I was first attracted to it because it's a recipe that Emeril claims to make with his kids, and it sounded pretty innocuous (ie: my kids might actually eat it). As always, I made some changes, but the results were fantastic!!

Emeril's Chicken Patty Pockets

1 lb. ground dark meat chicken (I bought ground chicken, and just assumed it was a mix)

2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs (I used Panko, as it was all I had)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion (This seemed like A LOT of onion)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. minced garlic

1 tsp. coarse salt

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

2 Tbs. olive oil

Pita pockets + lettuce, tomato, cucumber

Minted Yogurt Sauce (forget this, I have a GREAT Tzatziki recipe for ya)

1. Heat broiler, with rack in highest position. In a large bowl, combine chicken, egg whites, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, salt & spices, and mix until well blended. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and drizzle with 1 Tbs. oil (NO! Don't do that! Save the calories!). Divide chicken mixture into 8 portions and place on sheet. Shape each into an oval patty and use your hand to flatten slightly. Drizzle 1 Tbs. oil over patties (Again with the oil! Wouldn't you rather have dessert??)

2. Broil until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through, about 4 minutes more. Serve in pita pockets, with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and Minted Yogurt Sauce, if desired.

Amy's Tzatziki Sauce

1 8 oz container Fage 0% Greek Yogurt

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded & diced

3-4 Tbs. fresh mint leaves, minced

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix the above & serve with the chicken patty pockets. Also delicious as a dip for pita or veggies.

One patty in 1/2 a wheat pita with veggies & sauce, comes out to about 210 calories!

PS - The healthy living statements are in caps because I always picture them being said by Chris Farley as Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker. Just a little Tuesday Madness.