Healthy Family: Tostadas with avocado-cilantro cream

Serves 8.

Note: Using a few convenience foods, such as canned beans, pre-cut veggies and rotisserie chicken helps make this family favorite a quick and easy weeknight option. Cotija is a Mexican dry, salty cheese. It can often be found in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. Parmesan is a good substitute. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1/2 c. light sour cream

• avocado, halved, pitted and peeled

• 1/4 c. packed fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 serrano chile

• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

• 8 tostada shells

• 1 c. refried beans, warmed

• 4 c. cooked chicken, shredded

• 2 c. finely shredded cabbage

• 1/2 c. finely diced red onion

• 1/2 cup grated cotija cheese (see Note) or Parmesan

Directions

Combine the sour cream, avocado, cilantro, chile, lime juice and salt in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours or until ready to use.

Spread the refried beans on the tostadas. Top with the chicken, cabbage, onion, radishes, and cheese. Drizzle with avocado-cilantro cream and serve.

Variation: If you can't find pre-made tostada shells or would prefer to make your own, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush 8 corn tortillas lightly with the oil and sprinkle with salt or chili powder, if desired. Place in single layer on 2 baking sheets. Bake for 5 minutes, then turn tortillas, rearrange baking sheets, and bake for 3 to 6 minutes longer until the tortillas are crisp and light brown.

Calories300Fat15 gSodium480 mgSaturated fat6 g

Carbohydrates17 gCalcium110 mg

Protein25 gChol73 mgDietary fiber4 g