Nachos

“Loaded” doesn’t have to mean loaded with calories. The combination of black beans, salsa, and nonfat Greek yogurt makes this version of nachos a multicultural feast without the fat. Be sure to buy ground turkey made just from turkey breast—not regular ground turkey, which is made from white and dark meat and skin. The fat and caloric content of the two is significantly different.

This is terrific as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a simple grain dish. I like using stone-ground tortilla chips, which are generally available from natural foods stores and specialty markets. But do explore the varieties available in supermarkets as well. Look for all-natural ingredients and read the nutrition labels, as they vary greatly in fat content. Not more than 3 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving is ideal. Baked tortilla chips can be a good choice as well.

This is the ultimate party dish because you can add it to your spread in no time flat. Almost everything for this mini meal comes out of a bag or a can, but brightening up the dish with some fresh cilantro makes it taste and look really fresh. A few minutes in the microwave makes everything warm and gooey.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be increased to serve any number of hungry people as a main course or appetizer. Chopped olives, chopped red or green bell peppers and kidney beans are also good in this dish.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 45 min

Kraft introduced Velveeta in 1928, and its special cooking properties quickly caught on: When melted, it was as smooth as velvet (hence the name), and it would never curdle when heated. While many Americans today prefer regional or handmade cheeses, a lot of them still secretly indulge in a little Velveeta. After all, Grandma’s macaroni and cheese would never be the same without it. Velveeta makes this dip unbelievably creamy, too; scoop it up with tortilla chips, or try it in tacos.

Make the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off the colors. Pass some purchased red wine vinaigrette or buttermilk dressing alongside.

Susan Richardson of Edina, Minnesota, writes: "My mother worked full-time when I was growing up, so as the oldest daughter in a family of six children, I did a lot of cooking. From the time I was seven years old, my mom taught me how to cook and bake — salad, bread, vegetables, and dessert were pretty much part of every dinner. Even today, I make it a point to prepare and eat dinner with my two teenage children. Though we're very busy, we'll never abandon our dinner ritual. It's the time when we can talk and reconnect."

Two words: Lunch nachos!!!!

Guarantee there’s always a hot, melty batch ready for your guests with this nacho construction strategy.

You might have more of the salsas than you need; serve them on the side for dipping. This is part of BA's Best, a collection of our essential recipes.

Indian grocers sell prepared tamarind chutney, which you can easily substitute for the homemade version here.

Coat seared ground pork in a Thai-inspired glaze, then scatter over fried wonton wrappers, and pile on the nacho treatment with two kinds of cheese, pickled jalapeños, and a shredded cabbage and cilantro salad.