With the onset of Memorial Day and the Indy 500, so come the outdoor cookouts and pot-lucks that we all adore. However, what you probably don't enjoy after the weekend and summer gatherings are the extra "souvenirs" that you may find on your waistline. Pitch-ins do not REQUIRE you to bring a fat, sugar and salt laden dish. . . and there are a few simple and valuable steps you can take to prepare a dish that you know won't be a diet disaster but won't also be an obvious "health" food that people will tease you for bringing (which I have frankly never have understood anyhow!).

I have already experimented with the tips listed below in several recipes. If you do them, make a point to not tell anyone, and chances are high that no one will notice a difference. I do like to share the tips after they have raved about how tasty it was in hopes that they will do the same in the future. Consider it a kind of trickle-down slim-down!

Side dish/main dish makeover tips:

In my experimenting, I have realized that layering healthy flavors and textures have been very successful to a tasty and satisfying dish. Here is one of my favorite recipes that I am actually well-known for. . . whenever I bring it to an event, it is empty before I know it! Give it a try at your next pot-luck and let me know what you think. Also, if any of you readers have a favorite healthy dish please do share; I would love to share it with the other readers.

Chicken Breast (I use canned chicken but if you want lower sodium use chicken breasts and pull the meat), Dried Cranberries, Diced Granny Smith Apple, Diced Red Onion, Diced Celery, Curry Powder, Light Mayonnaise. Combine ingredients and use less or more of each to your preference; Just don't go too crazy on the mayo even though it is lower in fat, and heads up. . . a little curry goes a long way. Bon Appetit!