Try 2 Classic Wintertime Comfort Foods and Their Lighter Makeovers

Dig in to luscious clam chowders and sweet bread puddings. Whether you opt for pure indulgence or a lighter take, these recipes are comfort food done right.

Clam Chowders: Indulge or Go Healthy

Indulge: New England Clam Chowder II

Go Healthy: Cauliflower Clam Chowder

Healthy Tricks

The Cauliflower Clam Chowder has 311 fewer calories, 14 fewer grams saturated fat, and 869 fewer milligrams sodium than the New England Clam Chowder. Here's why:

• Puréeing the cauliflower and potatoes keeps the chowder creamy for less calories and saturated fat.
• Replacing traditional bacon with turkey bacon cuts saturated fat.
• Using low-sodium chicken broth instead of clam juice keeps the chowder flavorful without excessive sodium. Celery leaves and lemon zest balance each bite so you need less salt.

Indulge or Go Healthy: Bread Pudding

Indulge: Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

Go Healthy: Tres Leches Bread Pudding

Healthy Tricks

Tres Leches Bread Pudding has 109 fewer calories and 10 fewer grams saturated fat than Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding. Here's why:

• Nixing chocolate chips and powdered sugar and instead using cinnamon to mimic sweetness helps cut calories and added sugar.
• Using fat-free or reduced-fat dairy products lowers saturated fat.
• Whole-wheat bread and walnuts provide a toothsome and crunchy bite, plus good-for-you fats and fiber.

This article originally appeared in the December/January 2022 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.

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