LaaLoosh » Appetizer

Pizza Bread Sticks Recipe – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:10:42 +0000

When I found this recipe for Pizza Bread Sticks, I was impressed. Not only did it sound delicious, but it was prepared differently than I expected. I came across this recipe at Health Discovery.com, which is a Weight Watchers support network. And I adapted the recipe a bit, making a few small changes. I was super excited to give it a try, and I was not disappointed! They were yummy and flavorful, and though it’s not a perfect substitute for a slice of real NY pizza, I enjoyed it nonetheless. It also makes a unique appetizer recipe to use for parties or potlucks. And it would make a tasty snack for the kids. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Bread Stick Recipes, I think that any one who’s looking for a tasty, low point total snack, will find this dish a real treat. Enjoy!

Pizza Bread Sticks Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded, reduced fat mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 1/2 of a small red onion
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh chopped basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Non-fat cooking spray

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray 2 large nonstick baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in small bowl; stir until yeast dissolves. Let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly.

Meanwhile, place all remaining ingredients except oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, garlic powder, Kosher salt and Parmesan cheese, in food processor; process a few seconds to combine. With food processor running, gradually add yeast mixture and oil. Process just until mixture forms a ball. (Add an additional 2 tablespoons flour if dough is too sticky.) Transfer dough to lightly floured surface; knead 1 minute. Let dough rest 5 minutes. In the meantime, combine the 1/2 tsp oregano, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Roll out dough with lightly floured rolling pin to form 14X8-inch rectangle; cut dough crosswise into 14, 1/2-inch-wide strips. Twist dough strips (optional); place on prepared baking sheets. Lightly spray strips with non-fat cooking spray, and then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and Parmesan cheese mixture. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until lightly browned.

**Try serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!

Entire recipe makes 14 servings
Serving size = 1 pizza stick
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Cilantro Almond Dip Recipe – 1 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:56:05 +0000

photo credit: sweet beet and green bean

If you are looking for a tasty, low point spread recipe to spice up your sandwich or to dip your veggies in, this Cilantro Almond Dip Recipe is a fabulous option. Creamy and flavorful, it can be used anywhere! Make it as a cracker spread for a party, use it as a dip for raw vegetables or pita chips, or spread it onto a low calorie turkey sandwich to kick up the flavor notch. It’s super easy to make and can be prepared the night before it’s being served. It’s an ideal appetizer recipe or sandwich spread. With just 1 Point Total for 2 tbsp, this low calorie dip recipe is a great addition to any weight watchers recipes collection.

Cilantro Almond Dip Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
- 2 tbsp low fat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 medium jalapeno chopped, seeds and membrane removed
- 1 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
- zest from 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- dash of white pepper

Directions:
Purée all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate for 2 – 3 hours before serving.

Entire recipe makes 2 cups
Serving size = 2 tbsp
Each serving = 1 Point Total

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs Recipe for your Superbowl Party – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:38:52 +0000

photo credit: earl and pearl

It’s no surprise that the creamy dips, greasy chips, fried finger foods, and super-sized sandwiches usually served at Superbowl parties are not diet or health-friendly. The good news is that with a few recipe makeovers, all the flavors of football can be savored without wreaking havoc on your New Year’s weight-loss resolutions. So today, I’m sharing one of the YUMMIEST meatball recipes EVER. These Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs are crazy delicious and still pretty low in Points Total. They are a perfect Superbowl party food that will be adored by weight watchers and non-weight watchers alike. They stay nice and warm and moist in your crock pot, and the spicy BBQ sauce adds such a nice flavor to the meat. And with just a 2 Point Total per serving, these make a great appetizer recipe. Or, double the size of your meatballs, and serve it as a main dish recipe! Though not an official one of Weight Watchers Superbowl Recipes, these barbecue meatballs will definitely be a hit with all weight watching Superbowl snackers, and makes a great Superbowl party food idea.

Crock pot BBQ Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked quick oats
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 cup liquid egg whites
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the meat, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, onions, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, soften the oats with the wine for 10 minutes Add the oats and wine to the meat mixture and mix well – you will need to do this with your hands in order to get everything incorporated well. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape meatball mixture into sixty 1-inch balls; place on baking sheet.
Bake at 350ºF until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a crock pot to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat barbecue sauce and beef broth over medium-high heat until hot. Pour sauce over cooked meatballs, toss gently and serve. For parties, I just set the crock pot up on the food table, set on warm.

Entire recipe makes 30 servings
Serving size is 2 meatballs
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Buffalo Chicken Dip – Low Calorie Superbowl Recipe – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:53:10 +0000

photo credit: Rachael Ray

Its almost that time of year again….the day we get together, turn on the TV, and allow ourselves to consume large quantities of super yummy, fattening foods, and lots of beer, in order to celebrate the most anxiously awaited game in the NFL…the SUPERBOWL!! I love Superbowl parties as much as anyone, but if you’re not careful, these parties can be a weight watchers nightmare!! So this week, I’m devoting each day to a different low calorie Superbowl recipes that not only taste good, but will help keep you on track to reaching your weight loss goals. Though these aren’t official Weight Watchers Superbowl Recipes, they are ideal for anyone who wants healthier, lower calorie versions of their favorite Superbowl snacks. And today, I’m posting this super rockin’ 2 Point Total Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe that will knock your socks off! It’s a very easy Superbowl recipe that will be adored by all, and is a great (and less messy) alternative to serving buffalo wings. Try serving it with some 0 Point veggies (I like celery and green pepper strips the best), or some low points tortilla chips. If you love buffalo flavored anything, this low calorie dip recipe is a must try!

Make sure to check out all my other weight watchers Superbowl Recipes too!

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Ingredients:
- 16 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 8-oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup fat free sour cream
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 2 tbsp low calorie butter ( I used Brummel & Brown)
- 1/2 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Dry Mix

NOTE: If you are feeling lazy, you can use two 9.75oz cans of white chicken meat in water (drained), instead of the grilled chicken, but the taste isn’t nearly as good as using actual grilled chicken breasts.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rub chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Spray a skillet with non-fat cooking spray, and set on med/high heat. Put in chicken breasts, and cook until brown on both sides and meat is cooked through. Once meat is cooked, cut it up into bite sized shredded chunks. Set aside. In a large, oven safe bowl, stir cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in chicken and other remaining ingredients, and mix until thoroughly combined. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until dip has heated all the way through.

Entire recipe makes 12 servings
Serving size is approx 1/2 cup
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Middle Eastern Pumpkin Hummus Recipe – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:56:32 +0000

photo credit: Koko’s Kitchen

Traditional hummus recipes get a new twist with this flavorful version! When I found this pumpkin hummus recipe, I was really excited to give it a try! I love hummus, and even though it’s good for you, it tends to be pretty caloric, which can really rack up those weight watchers points. This lower calorie version uses pumpkin instead of the traditional garbanzo beans, which helps you get more quantity in each serving than you would with your traditional hummus recipe. It doesn’t taste exactly like regular hummus, but the new taste is absolutely fantastic! Each serving of the Pumpkin Hummus Recipe has just a 2 Point Total, which isn’t bad. And I think it’s a really unique dip recipe that is ideal for any party or appetizer. Try serving with some 1 Point Pita Bread, or with some 0 point veggies! It also makes a great spread for sandwiches too! This hummus recipe has endless opportunities. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can of pure pumpkin
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor.

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Berries and Cream Tostadas Recipe- 4 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:08:39 +0000

If you are looking for a tasty low point dessert recipe, these Berry Cream Tostadas might do the trick! Not only do they taste super yummy, but they look really pretty too! I also love the different textures of the layers. Crunch + creaminess = happy taste buds! Each of these cute little desserts have just a 4 Point Total per serving. This Berry Cream Tostada Recipe, is a great dessert idea for anytime! And though it’s not an official one of Weight Watchers Dessert Recipes, it’s a tasty, low calorie treat that will be enjoyed by anyone trying to find good low calorie desserts. And it’s yummy enough to serve to non-dieters too!

Berry Cream Tostadas Recipe

Ingredients:
- 4 low-fat burrito-size flour tortillas (I used La Tortilla Factory’s)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup lite whipped topping, like Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter-flavored non-fat cooking spray

NOTE: Feel free to use blackberries or strawberries instead, if you prefer.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut 3 circles from each tortilla
for a total of 12 circles. Place tortilla circles on an ungreased cookie sheet; coat lightly with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; sprinkle over tortillas. Bake until crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes; remove from oven and let cool. Gently fold whipped topping and vanilla extract into raspberries and blueberries. Arrange 1 tortilla circle on each of 4 plates. Top each with 1/4 cup of berry mixture; top each with a second tortilla circle. Layer each with an additional 1/4 cup of berry mixture; top each with a remaining tortilla circle. Optional: Top with ½ tbsp of lite whipped topping, a berry or two and a sprig of mint.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 layered tostada
Each serving = 4 Point Total

Lemon Basil Shrimp Recipe – 3 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:54:56 +0000

Ideal as either an appetizer or main dish recipe, this Lemon Basil Shrimp Recipe is truly a meal to be had! Fresh and tangy, this dish will definitely satisfy your tastebuds, while still keeping you on track with your daily point total. Each serving has just a 3 Point Total, so it’s a wonderful low calorie meal idea for anytime of the day. This is a really easy shrimp dish that really looks wonderful, so I love to use it as a low calorie appetizer recipe served before the dinner entree. I think it’s also a great idea for a light and healthy lunch recipe! Though it’s not an official one of Weight Watchers Recipes, anyone who is following the Weight Watchers plan and is looking for low point meal ideas will certainly enjoy it.

Lemon Basil Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp low calorie butter (I like Brummel & Brown)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (thawed if frozen) with tails
- zest of a lemon
- juice from 1-1/2 lemons (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 red onipns, chopped

Directions:
Heat oil and butter on medium in a large skillet until it just starts to bubble. Add garlic and cook for a minute. Add enough shrimp to cook in a single layer. Cook until just opaque in the center, turning once, about 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining shrimp. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add shrimp and gently combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to 24 hours. To serve as an appetizer, place in dish lined with lettuce leaves and other vegetables, and mound shrimp on top. To serve as a main dish, arrange lettuce leaves on individual serving plates, mound shrimp on one side, and try serving with slices of cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Each serving = 3 Point Total

photo credit: southern living

Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe with Pesto – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:19:36 +0000

I created this low calorie dip recipe based on my undying love for Romesco sauce and Pesto – both of which are crazy fattening. So, this slimmed down dip version was born and it is so insanely yummy, you will seriously have a hard time believing that this is actually a low points dip recipe!! Creamy and flavorful, it goes perfectly served with some 0 point veggies or, my favorite option, a 1 Point Pita Bread. This Pesto and Roasted Red Pepper Dip is not only super easy to make, it has just a 2 Point Total per serving. And though it’s not an official one of Weight Watchers Dip Recipes, it’s an awesome treat for anyone watching their weight. Enjoy!!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip Recipe with Pesto

Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fat free cream cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- salt and pepper to taste

*Serve with 0 Point veggies or a 1 Point Pita Bread!!

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until everything is blended well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1/4th of total recipe
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Spinach Puffs Christmas Appetizer Recipe – 1 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:28:02 +0000

With all the holiday parties coming up, it’s easy to be tempted by all the fabulously delicious food, and to let yourself be seduced into an all you can eat holiday buffet. But just by making some healthier versions of the holiday favorites, you can save yourself some calories and weight watchers points! If you are hosting a holiday party this year, and are in need of a good, low calorie Christmas appetizer recipe, this Spinach Puffs Recipe is a must try. Full of flavor, but low on fat, I found them to be much more yummy than I expected. And it’s a quick and easy Christmas recipe to make if you need something in a pinch. Just prepare it the night before, them pull them out of the freezer, pop them into the oven, and you’re good to go. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Christmas Recipes, I think it’s a great holiday appetizer for anyone who is watching their weight, but wants to serve an appetizer that tastes good enough to serve to everyone.

Spinach Puffs Recipe

Ingredients:
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion (I used red onion)
- 3 egg whites, slightly beaten
- 1 cup dried bread crumbs
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons light butter, melted (I used Balade Light Butter)

Directions:
Squeeze liquid from spinach very well. Chop garlic and onion in food processor and process until finely chopped. Add spinach and remaining ingredients. Pulse two or three times, leaving spinach in distinct pieces but the mixture well combined. Chill 2 – 3 hours or overnight. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet. Freeze. When frozen, transfer to freezer bags.
To serve, bake at 300F for 30 minutes.

Entire recipe makes 36 puffs
Serving size is 1 puff
Each serving = 1 Point Total

Caprese Salad Recipe – 3 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:03:00 +0000

This simple summer salad is probably one of my favorite salad recipes ever. I just adore the taste combination of sweet tomatoes and basil with the tang of balsamic vinegar and the creaminess of the mozzarella cheese. Plus, it’s an incredibly fast & easy dish to make, and it’s pretty diet friendly. It’s also a great way to get some vitamins, calcium and antioxidants into your diet! And each serving has just a 3 Point Total (5 Point Total for two servings). So, while you can’t go hog wild and eat the whole thing, it’s still a healthy, diet-friendly salad to enjoy in controlled portions. This tasty tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad makes a great healthy side dish recipe to serve along with a hearty sandwich or healthy grilled chicken. Though, it’s such a versatile recipe, you can really serve this with just about any meal. It also makes a great appetizer recipe!

Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 large tomato, sliced into 8 slices
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 slices
- 5-6 basil leaves, sliced or whole
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and fresh pepper

Directions:
Place sliced tomato on a large plate or platter. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper. Top tomato slices with mozzarella and then drizzele olive oil and vinegar mixture over all the slices. Spread basil leaves evenly over all slices.

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Each serving = 3 Point Total

This recipe was created by Gina’s WW Recipes.