Better Homes and Gardens January 2012 Recipes

Nutritionist Ellie Krieger's Butternut Squash Risotto gets its velvety texture from the squash and short-grain rice, not butter.

A Chinese restaurant favorite, sesame chicken "hits the spot in terms of feeling indulgent, but this version is so much healthier because I add a generous amount of broccoli and serve it with fiber-rich brown rice," cookbook author Ellie Krieger says.

TV personality Ellie Krieger makes even the much-loved Philly-style cheesesteak sandwich healthier by starting with a lean cut of beef. "By serving them open-face with a light cheese sauce and lean meat, you can cut calories down to a third of the typical sandwich."

Minestrone is the quintessential vegetable soup, already healthful. Nutritionist Ellie Krieger pairs the soup with a good-for-you panini filled with arugula, part-skim mozzarella, and a touch of prosciutto.

This protein-packed salad from cookbook author Ellie Krieger could be dinner in itself.

For $1 per serving, these pork chops are delicious with this onion sauce spooned over and fresh steamed green beans served on the side.