Low Fat (and delicious!) Hidden Valley Ranch

It has been far too long! But here it is: My recipe for a Low Fat (but still delicious) Hidden Valley Ranch.

What is it about Hidden Valley Ranch that makes it taste so good? I have  no idea their secret and I have given up on making a completely from scratch version as they've never turned out right. I have however found a lower fat version that tastes very good. Yes I know Hidden Valley makes a low fat version of their ranch that is nutritionally "better" than this recipe but I this recipe actually tastes good. 

First the Ingredients: 1 Packet Hidden Valley Ranch. 5 ounces 0% Fat Greek (or normal) Yogurt, 1/4 cup Light Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Light Sour Cream, and 3/4 cup Skim Milk.

Dump the Yogurt, Mayonnaise and Sour Cream into a bowl. Then add the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch mix and stir until combined.

Add in the milk and start stirring. Don't be alarmed if it looks lumpy and like soupy cottage cheese as pictured below. Just keep stirring. 

After a few minutes the dressing will come together. It's a little thin at this point but will firm up after an hour in the fridge. 

The Original Hidden Valley Ranch                           My Low Fat Version
Serving: 2 TBL                                                          Serving: 2 TBL
Calories: 140                                                              Calories: 26
Fat: 14                                                                        Fat: 1.5
Carbs: 2                                                                      Carbs: 2
Protein: 1                                                                    Protein: 2

Yes: You can make this recipe with just the 0% Greek yogurt and Skim milk, however going back to taste- for me this is the perfect balance.

(savory) Sausage Gravy Oatmeal

Let's just skip to the (money shot).

I love sausage gravy and biscuits. Who doesn't? However taking the time to make fresh, hot biscuits and a creamy pan sausage gravy does not fit into my everyday schedule (or calorie intake).

This oatmeal is a great quick choice for busy mornings and while not exactly the same still delivers the same flavors and mouth feel of a plate of the classic it's inspired from.

Behold the amazing (savory) Sausage Gravy Oatmeal: Delicious, Healthy, and (super) Easy.

Necessary items:
1/2 cup Oatmeal (I used Old Fashioned Rolled Oats)
1 cup Water
2 oz (cooked) Reduced Fat Sausage
1/4 t Onion Powder
1/4 t Garlic Powder
1/2 t Sage
Black Pepper + Salt

Optionals:
Crushed Red Pepper

1. Mix the Oatmeal and Water in a microwave safe bowl. Cook for 2 min.

2. Stir in the Reduced Fat Sausage. Cook for an additional 1-2 min (time will vary by microwave oven and your own preference).

3. Add in seasonings (Seasonings should ALWAYS be personalized- put in what you want and adjust them to your taste. Different brands will have different potency levels as will how old your spices are so keep that in mind).

4. Mix and enjoy!

*for a more creamy oatmeal add in a shot of milk (or cream). I am (very sadly) lactose intolerant and my recipes reflect that.

Nutritional information:

1 Serving

Calories: 290

Total Fat: 14g
(saturated): 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium:350mg
Potassium:
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
(fiber): 4g
(sugar): 1g
Protein: 14g