LaaLoosh » 2 Point

Bacon Collard Greens Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:32:21 +0000

Shamefully, I have to admit that this was my first attempt ever at cooking collard greens. I was always curious, but just didn’t think that cooked greens could actually taste good. I don’t think I could have been more wrong. Not only was this Bacon Collard Greens Recipe to die for delicious, it has become one of my absolute most favorite Weight Watchers Recipes. My husband and I gobbled this dish down like it was a hot fudge brownie sundae. Yes, it was that good. We completely forgot about the main dish recipe that night and just tore up these Bacon Collard Greens like there was no tomorrow. If you are looking for a fantastic vegetable recipe that will help you get your greens in, what better way is there to eat them than cooking them with bacon!?? Seriously…go get the ingredients, and make this ASAP. And at just 2 Points + per serving, it’s the perfect low calorie side dish recipe to compliment your favorite Southern meal!

Bacon Collard Greens Recipe

Amazingly full of flavor, this low Points side dish of Bacon Collard Greens will certainly satisfy your Southern appetite without sacrificing your waistline. Each serving is just 2 Points + and it tastes wonderful!

Ingredients

1 pound fresh collard greens, chopped
6 slices extra lean turkey bacon (like the kind from Jennie-O)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fat free chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

Spray a large nonstick pot or skillet with nonfat cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.
Add bacon, and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and set aside to cool.
Re-spray the pan with a bit of the nonfat cooking spray and then add in the onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic, and cook until just fragrant.
Add collard greens, and fry until they start to wilt.
Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Chop or crumble the cooled bacon and add it into the pot.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until greens are tender.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Southern)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is approx. 1 cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 70 calories; 1g fat; 8g carbohydrates; 10g protein; 4g fiber

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:50:15 +0000

I have recently become obsessed with Subway’s White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, but given that they are 6 Points + each (according to my handy Weight Watchers Dining Out Companion), that’s just not a treat I can afford to indulge in often. So I’ve been baking away in the kitchen trying to come up with my own knock-off version for a healthy White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookie Recipe, and boy oh boy was I successful! Each cookie is just 2 Points +, making them an ideal low calorie snack to indulge in. It took me a few tries to get the ingredients just right, and in my attempts, I realized that I couldn’t use certain types of butter substitutes and/or egg substitutes. So I had to figure out a way to fit all the good ingredients in, but still keep it a low calorie, low fat cookie. In the end, an amazing, low Points White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies Recipe was born that tastes just as good as the higher fat version, but is a lot better in helping you reach your weight loss goals. Now you can have your cookie and eat it too! Enjoy!

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

A divine way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these low Points White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are soft, chewy and just 2 Points + each.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups white whole wheat all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light butter-like spread, at room temp (I used Country Crock)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup roughly chopped raw macadamia nuts
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium sized bowl, combine the butter and sugar and smooth. Then add in the egg, the vanilla extract and the almond extract.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking soda.
Slowly stir the sugar mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
Stir in the white chocolate chips and nuts. Drop the dough by tablespoon onto cookie sheet. There should be enough dough for 24 cookies.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit on cookie sheet for another 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 2

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 24 cookies
Serving size is 1 cookie
Each cookie = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 92 calories; 5g fat; 10 carbohydrates; 1.5g protein; 1g fiber

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:09:45 +0000

Since I cannot stop fantasizing about cookies lately, I decided to try out this recipe for Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, and I am SO glad I did! The original version uses regular, chunky peanut butter, but I decided to use my favorite peanut butter substitute – Better’n Peanut Butter, so that I could eat more cookies for less Points. It worked out really well, and the end result was a deliciously sweet and satisfying treat that will for sure be on my tray of Chrismukkah Cookies this year! I use the term Chrismukkah because I celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, which means more presents and yummy food!! Each cookie is just 2 Points +, which isn’t bad considering how rich and flavorful they are. I’m satisfied with eating just two or three of them, and I don’t go overboard. So if you are looking for another great Christmas cookie that won’t blow all your Weight Watchers Points, then this Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a must try. I mean, really, does it get any better than peanut butter and chocolate together in a moist and chewy cookie? No, it doesn’t. So get yourself to the kitchen pronto and whip up some of these low calorie Christmas cookies ASAP!

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Get your chocolate-peanut butter craving satisfied quickly, with these moist and chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. Sweet and rich, they pack a big peanut butter punch for just 2 Points +.

Ingredients

1 cup Better’n Peanut Butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Turbinado sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
4 tbsp fat free plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Beat Better n’ Peanut Butter, oil, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until the sugars are blended. Beat in egg substitute, yogurt and vanilla until combined.
Whisk flour, cocoa, oats, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture until blended. (It will be sticky.) Stir in chocolate and peanut butter chips.
Using a small cookie scoop or slightly rounded tablespoons of dough, place cookies 2 inches apart on un-greased cookie sheets.
Dip the bottom of a glass in water and then in Turbinado sugar. Use the sugared glass to flatten the cookies slightly, leaving a thin layer of sugar on top, re-wetting the glass as needed.
Bake the cookies in batches until they are just set and the tops appear cracked, 8 to 10 minutes. (Do not over-bake or they will be dry.)
Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.

Quick Notes

Turbinado sugar is a coarse looking sugar and is light brown in color. Find it in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets or at natural-foods stores.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 36

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 3 dozen
Serving size is 1 cookie
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 96 calories; 3g fat; 12 g carbohydrates; 3g protein; 1 g fiber

Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:52:33 +0000

If you need a tasty, yet healthy idea for a Hanukkah party appetizer (or any holiday party!), this delicious Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe will have your guests squealing with delight. Incredibly flavorful but light, each 1/4 cup serving has just 2 Points +. And I LOVE the addition of almonds which gives it a sightly more coarse texture and adds a very mild hint of sweetness…oh so yummy. You can serve the mushroom olive tapenade alongside crusty bread with goat cheese, grilled vegetables or chicken, or even toss it with some 0 calorie Miracle Noodles or another high fiber, low calorie pasta for an amazing meal. I especially love serving this at Hanukkah because it does have some oil, but it has so much less than all the latkes and other traditional oily foods. Plus, it’s delicious and unique, and no one has any idea that it’s Weight Watchers friendly. There are days when I will just make this for myself and dip some raw veggies into it as my evening snack while catching up on my DVR. Enjoy!

Olive and Mushroom Tapenade Recipe

A delicious and light appetizer recipe that is ideal for Hanukkah and other holiday parties, this divine Olive and Mushroom Tapenade is an amazing treat. With just 2 Points + per serving, it’s a dip that makes you feel like you’re indulging, but still keeps you on track.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted green olives
1/2 cup portabello mushrooms
1/4 cup almonds, toasted
1 anchovy fillet, rinsed and drained
3 tbsp fresh parsley
4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp dried tarragon
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a food processor, combine all ingredients.
Pulse until roughly chopped.
The spread should have a coarse but easily spoon-able texture. Let stand for about 30 minutes for the flavor to develop.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time:

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Spanish

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is ¼ cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 88 calories; 5 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber

Molasses Cookies Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:08:21 +0000

photo credit: janes sweets

We are still weeks away from Christmas, and I’m already fantasizing about Christmas cookies! This year, I plan on doing a LOT of baking, and since I know I’ll be surrounded by tons of cookies, I’ll be using some healthier, lower calorie versions of popular Christmas cookies. One of my favorites, is this delicious Molasses Cookie Recipe. It’s so simple, but it just tastes so Christmas-y to me, and it’s a must have on my cookie tray. By making a few changes to the traditional molasses cookie recipe, I was able to knock off some extra fat and calories, making this version just 2 Points + per cookie. Not bad considering the rich ingredients used in this particular type of cookie. And considering it’s such a powerful cookie with lots of intense flavors, one or two of them is just enough to satisfy.

Molasses Cookies Recipe

Enjoy a lower calorie version of this popular Molasses Christmas Cookie Recipe. Each cookie has just 2 Points +, and has that delicious seasonal flavor you know and love.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy. Add in egg and molasses, and mix well.
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and ginger until well blended.
Stir in crystallized ginger.
Blend the flour mixture into the butter mixture slowly, mixing well.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
Place the remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the dough into 36 1-inch balls and then roll in the sugar. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies, in batches, until they crackle on top, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 3

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 3 dozen
Serving size is 1 cookie
Each cookie = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 52 calories; 1 g fat; 14 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 0 g fiber

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:51 +0000

photo credit: the nourishing cook

I don’t think there’s ever been a time in my life where I said no to chowing down on some Spinach and Artichoke Dip. If you are like me and are seriously in love with this ooey gooey vat of deliciousness, then you know that the delicious taste also comes with some hefty nutritional stats, making most traditional Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipes not very Weight Watchers friendly. This healthier version has a lot less fat and calories, but still packs a tasty, cheese filled punch. By making some easy changes to a popular version of this recipe, I was able to re-create it with just 2 Points + for 1/4 cup. Serve it with some 0 Points Plus veggies or my favorite Organic Reduced Fat Tortilla Chips and indulge with zero guilt.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Enjoy this slimmed down version of one of America’s most popular dip recipes! At just 2 Points + for each 1/4 cup serving, you can indulge in this delicious, cheesy dip and still stay on track with your Weight Watchers goals.

Ingredients

2 14-oz cans artichoke hearts, drained
1 cup chopped frozen spinach, thawed
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup fat free plain Greek Yogurt
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Chop artichoke hearts in a food processor.
Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft
Add Parmesan, cream cheese, yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt and pepper into food processor; puree until smooth. Empty into a bowl, and stir in the spinach.
Pour into shallow baking dish (use more than one if necessary).
Bake the dip until golden on top and heated through, 10 to 20 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 16

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 16 servings (about 4 cups)
Serving size is ¼ cup
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 65 calories; 3 g fat; 6 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber

Autumn Spiced Squash Saute Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:32:34 +0000

If you’ve ever seen this pretty, Fall-looking squash at the grocery store but wondered what it was and what you could do with it, you’re not alone! I have seen it many times, but didn’t even know what kind of squash it was, let alone how to cook it. Well, apparently, it’s called a delicate squash, and it’s delicious. I came across a recipe using it, and decided to give it a try. So glad I did!! Now I have another yummy vegetable in my repertoire to work with. I revamped the recipe, and made a lot of delicious changes. The end result was a tasty Autumn Spiced Squash Stir Fry that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect as a healthy side dish recipe to many meals, this dish has just 2 Points + per serving. It’s a great way to really enjoy the fabulous flavors of Fall!

Autumn Spiced Squash Saute Recipe

This low calorie Delicata and Butternut Squash Recipe is the perfect Fall side dish to go with a variety of meals. Flavored with delicious autumn spices, this sweet and savory recipe is a real bargain at just 2 Points + per serving.

Ingredients

1 large (4 cups) delicata squash, thinly sliced
1 cup butternut squash, chopped into bite sized pieces
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 gloves garlic, minced
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp orange zest
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes.
Add both types of squash, orange zest and juice, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring once, until the squash is almost tender, 8-10 minutes.
Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the squash is tender and beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes more.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1/4 of recipe
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 80 calories; 1 g fat; 19 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 5 g fiber

Applegate Organic Beef Hot Dogs – 2 Points Plus

LaaLoosh — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Hot Dogs have always been a staple in my diet…they are quick and easy to cook, are mostly inexpensive, and let’s face it….pretty damned delicious. Though, when I was pregnant, I avoided eating them because of all the nitrates in most brands. So when I found these Organic Beef Hot Dogs from Applegate, I was pretty excited to give them a try! Not only are they Organic, uncured, and nitrate-free hotdogs, but they are just 2 Points Plus each. And I have to say, they were delicious!! I feel they were a much better alternative to the Ballpark Turkey Hot Dogs I usually chose. Wanna learn more about today’s Fabulous Food Find? Keep reading!

Applegate Organic Beef Hot Dogs

If you are a Weight Watchers member who not only wants to eat foods that are low in Points Plus, but that aren’t made out of mostly artificial ingredients and preservatives, then you’re gonna flip for Applegate’s Organic Beef Hot Dogs! These low fat franks are made with select cuts of USDA certified organic grass-fed beef, and are lower in fat than your average beef hot dogs. They have just 2 Points Plus each and are bursting with old-fashioned classic hot dog flavor—juicy, flavorful and delicious. They are also uncured and contain no nitrates, no preservatives and are an ideal easy low calorie lunch idea.

Serving size is 1 hot dog
Each serving = 2 Points Plus
PER SERVING: 90 calories; 6 g fat; 0 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 0 g fiber

Low Calorie Cheesecake Brownies Recipe – 2 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:00:17 +0000

photo credit: food network

Ok people….Labor Day is over, which means summer is coming to an end. And soon, the gluttonous holiday season will be upon us. So, it’s time to crack down NOW, and stick with your weight loss plan!! And this delicious Low Calorie Cheesecake Brownie Recipe will be just what you need to help you stay on track, but still feel like you are indulging. By making a few simple substitutions in a traditional cheesecake brownie recipe, I was able to create a DELICIOUS moist and sweet cheesecake brownie that has a lot less fat and calories than before. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, and need a little something to take the edge off, try these low calorie cheesecake brownie bars! You can enjoy a fabulous, guilt-free dessert for just 2 Points +!

Low Calorie Cheesecake Brownies

For just 2 Points +, indulge in a decadent treat with this low fat Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe. The perfect low calorie snack or dessert for any Weight Watcher, this easy recipe is the perfect solution for your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Brownie:
2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup strong coffee
2 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Topping:
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Coat a 7-by-11-inch brownie pan or baking pan with cooking spray.
To make cream cheese topping: Place cream cheese in a small mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add egg, flour, yogurt and vanilla; beat until well blended.
To prepare brownie: Whisk whole-wheat flour, cocoa and salt in a bowl. Place egg, egg whites and brown sugar in a large bowl and beat with the electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add applesauce, coffee and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed just until well blended, stopping once to scrape down the sides.
Scrape about half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Slowly pour the topping evenly on top. Drop the remaining brownie batter in large dollops over the topping. Draw the tip of a sharp knife or skewer through the two batters to create a swirled effect.
Bake the brownies until the top is just firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 2 hour(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 24

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 24 servings
Serving size is 1 brownie
Each serving = 2 Points +

PER SERVING: 76 calories; 2 g fat; 15 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber

Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame – 2 Points Plus

LaaLoosh — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:50 +0000

Though this product has been on the market for some time now, I was surprised that not a lot of people know about it. And it’s just too good not to be shared again. Gallo makes an amazingly yummy Light Italian Salami that gives you 5 slices for just 2 Points Plus! If you are lover of Italian meats like I am, you know that, while they are delicious, they are typically high fat and/or high calorie meats. So I was pretty excited when I came across this light salami at the store. And I was very surprised that it actually tasted really good! Put those 5 slices between some light bread, add on some zero Points Plus vegetables, and you can make one pretty darn tasty Weight Watchers friendly Italian sandwich. Keep reading to learn more about this Fabulous Food Find…

Gallo Light Italian Dry Salame

Gallo’s Light Italian Dry Salame is made with turkey and pork and has 60% less fat and 40% fewer calories than regular dry salami. The taste is fantastic, and each 5 slice serving has just 2 Points Plus. I found this product at Ralph’s and Von’s, and it should be available at most grocery stores. If it’s not at yours, contact Gallo (their phone number is on their website), and ask where you can buy their products in your area!

Serving size is 5 slices
Each serving = 2 Points Plus

PER SERVING: 60 calories; 4 g fat; 1 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 0 g fiber