FAGE Good Living (Part 2): Second Helping Cheesy Potato Casserole

I am sooooo happy it is Wednesday! My body is sore, I hurt my back, and I was punched in the mouth today at rehearsal (dance can be a contact sport!) Hence, I'm very thankful that I have the next two days off from work. I feel so bad for retail employees who have to work on Thanksgiving night to open stores one day earlier for our over-consuming society. I definitely like to shop but I feel like this is all a bit extreme. I only did Black Friday shopping once and it was only to buy a new bedroom set from a furniture store. I've had my fill! The crowds and the craziness are not my thing. I did see on Facebook recently that on November 26, American Express is hosting shop Small Business Saturday. A day to focus on supporting small businesses and shopping small by shopping local. Things like this make me aware of things we can do in our own lives to make our communities better. Shopping local is one way for sure. One of my goals this year is to try to find and buy more things that are made locally.  There are quite a few local boutiques and holiday shows coming up that I can't wait to go to this year!

My second post for a chance for myself (and for you by clicking here!) to win a trip to Greece also incorporates some more yummy Fage Greek yogurt. I love this recipe because it reminds me exactly of some "good living" in my past. Growing up, Thanksgiving at my house, at times,  had to revolve around my performances in The Nutcracker. I knew I couldn't eat a ton because then I would have to go and perform. However, I always enjoyed the side potato dishes so much that I had to have seconds! When I look back to my childhood, I realize I've been on this great ride of trying to bring "good living" to my life. Even though I had to perform on those days I never deprived myself of a little second helping. I may never have been the skinniest ballerina in the Nutcracker but I sure was a happy one!

Now that I'm older, I've even more conscious of what I put into my body. Those recipes that are healthier recreations of classic recipes always catch my eye. Thanks to one of my favorite magazines, Cooking Light has come to the rescue again! They recreated this popular dish but made it a bit healthier so you can go back for seconds! The original recipe was made with canned soup, sour cream, and potato chips. Wow, a lot of not very healthy things...........BUT: In this recipe the Greek yogurt gets a standing ovation because it has the perfect starring role in replacing that unhealthy sour cream!

Cheesy Potato Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• Canola oil cooking spray
• 2 pounds red potatoes, diced
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (I used FAGE Total %0)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon plus a pinch of salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups crushed unsweetened corn flakes

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch (or similar-size) baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place potatoes in a large pot, add water to cover and bring to a boil. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water; drain well. Return to the pot.
3. Meanwhile, whisk milk and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking often until bubbling and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, 2 to 4 minutes total. Remove from the heat and stir in Cheddar, yogurt, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper until combined. Pour the sauce over the potatoes and mix well. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Sprinkle the casserole with corn flakes. Using short bursts, coat the corn flakes with cooking spray; sprinkle with the remaining pinch of salt. Bake until browned and bubbling at the edges, about 1 hour. Let cool for 20 minutes before serving.

I only got one picture of this dish and now it's already been eaten! While most of you already probably have your Thanksgiving menus down, this is a great dish to make for potlucks and other holidays! In fact, I'm already planning to make this one again very soon.....and I'll be sure to have seconds!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!

I have some other great recipes for Thanksgiving/Holidays coming your way!

Question: What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

"As part of the Foodbuzz Featured Publisher program, I have been entered for the chance to win a trip to Greece courtesy of FAGE. You too can enter to win one of three trips to Greece by entering the FAGE Plain Extraordinary Greek Getaway here: http://www.fageusa.com/community/fage-greek-getaway"