Let’s Go Out for… Italian

Fresh Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar
Want a lighter ending than a pastry or gelato? Take a lesson from the Italians and get your sugar fix from something that has a stem. On the Boot, it’s common to finish off a restaurant meal by enjoying a communal fruit bowl. Request sliced strawberries with balsamic vinegar; the sweet-bitter flavor makes for a memorable meal-ender. A liberal sprinkling of sugar will kick it up only 1 PointsPlus value.


Risotto with Mushrooms
Risotto is cooked slowly to attain a creamy consistency, but many chefs also add butter and cheese to make it even creamer. Hence, just 1 cup can contain 12 PointsPlus values — and a typical restaurant serving can run 2 cups. Lighten it up: Order risotto with olive oil and just a pat of butter; it can trim off 3 PointsPlus values. Mushrooms are a great choice for flavoring, as are traditional additions of seafood, squash, peas and saffron. Going with pancetta will add 2 PointsPlus values.


Tortelloni alla Ricotta
Stuffed pastas like ravioli and tortelloni (tortellini’s big sister) are usually filled with ricotta cheese or meat; either will cost you 4 PointsPlus values per 2/3 cup, and a typical restaurant portion of 3 cups can run 18 PointsPlus values. The sauce on these dishes can vary. Lighten it up: “Avoid Alfredo and pesto sauce,” says Dobbins; marinara is a lighter choice. Or consider asking for broth instead ("en brodo"). You’ll have a delicious, authentic dish and could save 3 PointsPlus values over the marinara.


Caprese Salad
This antipasto is simply a plate of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, often with olive oil, pepper, or balsamic vinegar. It can be a good starter — if you go easy on the cheese and oil. Fresh mozzarella clocks in at 2 PointsPlus® values per ounce. For a typical restaurant portion, you’ll be looking at about 6 PointsPlus values in cheese. Lighten it up: If you’re going to have cheese with your entrée, consider having a peppery arugula salad with balsamic vinegar and tomatoes (0 PointsPlus values) to start