Think it's IMPOSSIBLE to enjoy guilt-free "fried" calamari? It's NOT!

Ingredients:
4 oz. raw calamari rings (not breaded)
1/4 cup Fiber One Original bran cereal
3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs (like the kind by Progresso)
2 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt
black pepper, to taste
Optional: reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping, lemon wedges, low-fat marinara sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Using a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One cereal to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Pour crumbs into a plastic container that has an airtight lid (or into a sealable plastic bag). Add panko, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add as much pepper as you like. Seal and shake to mix thoroughly.

Make sure calamari rings are as dry as possible. (Use a paper towel to soak up moisture.) Place them in a dish, and cover with egg substitute. Toss to coat evenly.

Transfer rings to the crumb mixture, and secure lid or seal bag. Shake until rings are thoroughly coated, and then place rings on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Open any rings that are sticking to themselves.

Bake calamari in the oven for 15 minutes, flipping them about halfway through, until firm and fully cooked. If you like, sprinkle with Parm-style topping and serve with lemon wedges and/or marinara sauce. YUM!

MAKES 1 SERVING

We've all been there before. You're out with friends and SOMEONE decides to order the fried calamari. The plate shows up and although you try to resist, you grab one little ring. Then another. And another. So how bad are those oily little pieces of breaded, deep-fried squid? Um, pretty BAD. The Calamari Fritti (don't let the dainty Italian name fool you) appetizer at Macaroni Grill has over 1,100 calories and more than 80g fat! (Granted it's meant for sharing, but the stats are still insane no matter how many squid lovers you cram into your booth.) Those crazy numbers aren't unlike most other similar-sized appetizers of this stuff. But don't fret, calamari-cravers. Our swap is unbelievably delicious and contains a tiny fraction of the calories and fat. Here's looking at you, squid!