An Easy Healthy Meal--Cut the Calories with this New England Clam Chowder Recipe

It's our first Friday of Lent.....oh dear what should I make for dinner?

I think most everyone enjoys a meatless meal from time to time. And if you are a seafood lover as my husband and I are, we like to change up how and what type of seafood we eat. Not only is it a great way to eliminate the fear that I used to have when preparing seafood, but it allows us to explore some of the great choices now available from the sea.

I have learned so much by chatting with the lady that works at our fish counter. For instance what is the difference between Farm Raised Fish and Wild Caught Fish?

Farm Raised- raising fish commercially in tanks, and controlled pens usually in lakes, ponds, rivers and oceans.  They live and feed in compact living situations. And they tend to have more diseases, toxins, artificial dyes, and antibiotics. They also may contain more fat then compared to wild caught.

Wild Caught - tend to be higher in Omega 3 fatty acids, and protein. They contain very low levels of disease and are free from antibiotics, pesticides & artificial dyes. They are free to roam the ocean and to find their own food ultimately helping them contain less fat than the farm raised. One issue with wild caught, is it can contain Mercury, however, this can be just as much of an issue with farm raised fish that are raised in the ocean environment. The cost is the down side with wild caught fish being significantly more than farm raised fish. 

I chose Clams to highlight today. One of husband's favorites is New England Clam Chowder. Clams are always available and are so easy to use in a recipe.

A lot of New England chowder recipes are laden with heavy cream driving up the unnecessary calories. This recipe is  from Ellie Krieger and contains 312 Calories per serving, not bad. She has lightened the amount of cream normally used and it tastes fantastic! By adding a colorful side salad of your choice, dinner is served!

Why give it a try tonight?

         http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/new-new-england-clam-chowder-recipe.html

         Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

                                                                                     Kathleen

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