16 prodigy recipes

Classic eggplant Parmigiana with breaded and fried eggplant rounds layered with homemade tomato-basil sauce, Parmesan, and sliced mozzarella. The Italian-American staple done from scratch.

Cream of mushroom soup with nearly two pounds of fresh mushrooms, dry sherry, thyme, milk, and heavy cream. Rich, chunky, and homemade in 40 minutes.

Herbed chickpea patties blended with egg whites, bread crumbs, dry mustard, oregano, and basil, pan-fried on a nonstick griddle. Low-fat vegetarian fritters similar to falafel but lighter and easier to make.

Vegan split pea soup: green split peas simmered with celery, carrot, onion, potato, and herbs into a thick, hearty bowl finished with frozen sweet peas and a splash of tamari. No ham needed.

A refreshing vegan brown rice salad tossed with fruit cocktail, tomato, celery, and green onions in a tangy tarragon-Dijon vinaigrette. Light, nutty, and naturally sweet.

Crispy oven-baked potatoes coated in crushed cornflakes, Parmesan, paprika, and garlic salt. A crunchy, golden side dish with no deep frying needed.

Warm sauteed apples, pears, and onion rings in a honey-sherry-vinegar sauce served over fresh spinach. A warm-cold salad with sweet fruit and tangy dressing that wilts the greens.

Vegan baked beans slow-cooked with molasses, brown sugar, warm spices, and tomato sauce. No meat, no dairy, just rich and smoky homemade beans baked low and slow until thick and saucy. A hearty plant-based side dish.

Light apple cake made with whole wheat flour, apple juice concentrate, egg whites, and cinnamon-coated apple layers. Low-fat and naturally sweetened in a ring mold.

Overnight porridge with cracked wheat, rolled oats, molasses, and dried fruit soaked overnight then cooked in minutes. A hearty, make-ahead whole grain breakfast with no added sugar.

Garbanzo guacamole blends chickpeas with avocado, lemon juice, garlic, and green chilies for a high-protein twist on classic guac. Chunky, zesty, and ready with no cooking required.

Vegan garlic soup with three whole bulbs of fresh garlic, pearl barley, wild rice, potatoes, and mushrooms in a thyme-rosemary broth. A hearty, low-fat soup that improves overnight.

Brown rice baked with spinach, mushrooms, cottage cheese, and Parmesan topped with sunflower seeds. A wholesome, high-protein casserole the whole family will love.

This is a versatile dish, delicious warm, cold or at room temperature; with meat, poultry, pancakes, cottage cheese, or yogurt; as an appetizer, condiment, dessert or between-meal snack

Summer vegetable spaghetti tossed with zucchini, yellow squash and green beans in a light tomato sauce with a pinch of chili powder. Low in fat, no oil needed, and just as good served cold as a pasta salad.

A succulent ribs dish that can satisfy anyone's hunger! Just remember to bring the napkins!