LaaLoosh » 5 Point

Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:02:51 +0000

Since I’ve become more aware of all the amazing quinoa heath benefits, I’m always on the lookout for delicious new Quinoa Weight Watchers Recipes. One of the best I have ever made was this fantastic Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad. The ingredient list looked a bit crazy to me at first and it seemed like such a mad mess. But after combining them all together, all I can say O M G. It was truly amazing. The mint, the raisins, the lime, the toasted almond slices, the sesame oil – all the textures and flavors combine to create a delicious and nutrient rich quinoa salad recipe that boasts just 5 Points + per serving.

And in case you aren’t familiar with the health benefits of quinoa, here’s a little bit of info: What makes quinoa such a healthy option is the protein it provides. The protein quality of quinoa is considered to be on par with the protein quality of milk. This is because quinoa, unlike most grains, includes all of the eight essential amino acids that are needed for tissue growth and repair. Not only is the “mother of all grains” high in protein, but it is also incredibly low in fat. Also, quinoa is high in manganese, which acts as a disease and cancer fighting antioxidant in the body. Other vital nutrients that quinoa provides are: magnesium, fiber, calcium, riboflavin, copper and potassium. Because quinoa is protein-packed, it presents vegetarians with an awesome alternative to the proteins found in meat. Additionally, quinoa provides an alternative to those who are allergic to wheat and who are suffering from Celiac disease. This is because the super seed is entirely glutten free. So, if you are a quinoa virgin, you now have a million and one reasons why you should give it a try. And this recipe would be a fantastic option to be your first quinoa dish. Enjoy!

Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe

Enjoy an amazingly delicious Tomato Mint Quinoa Salad Recipe ornamented with fresh vegetables and toasted almonds and seasoned with fresh mint. A truly fantastic and healthy side dish recipe that will cost you just 5 Points +.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
3 tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup radishes, quartered and sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup almond slices, toasted
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Zest from ½ a lime

Instructions

Bring water to boil in a small saucepan. Pour in quinoa, raisins, and a pinch of salt. Cover, and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, radish, cucumber, lime zest and almonds in a large bowl.
Add in the cooled quinoa, then stir in the mint, parsley, cumin, lime juice, sesame oil, and salt & pepper. Chill for 1 hour prior to serving.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

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

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 scant cup
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 198 calories; 6g fat; 28g carbohydrates; 7g protein; 4g fiber

Spiced Yam Chips Recipe with Lime Yogurt Dip – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:10:13 +0000

When I first came across this Spiced Yam Chips recipe on the amazing eat make read blog, I was BEYOND excited to try it. The flavor combination sounded incredible, and the idea of a lime yogurt dip intrigued me. I couldn’t wait to get in the kitchen and try this, and I am so glad I did…WOW! They were delicious. At just 5 Points +, it’s a wonderfully filling and flavorful healthy snack recipe, that would also be a good side dish recipe, and is super easy to make. The sweet and spicy flavors of the yam chips perfectly contrast the deliciously tart lime yogurt dipping sauce, and it is oh so yummy. I really didn’t have to do much to her original recipe. But most importantly, I used a non-fat cooking spray instead of using olive oil. This cut way back on Weight Watchers Points in the recipe, so the yam chips won’t have that fried, crispy texture, but I feel that it’s definitely worth the sacrifice, and it really doesn’t affect the overall taste. Truly, an amazingly decadent snack recipe, these Spiced Yam Chips are perfect to add to your list of Weight Watchers Super Bowl Recipes for Sunday’s big game, or to just indulge in by yourself, any old time you want.

Spiced Yam Chips Recipe with Lime Yogurt Dip (adapted from eat make read)

The prefect gourmet snack idea for your healthy Super Bowl Recipes collection, these Spiced Yam Chips are just as tasty as they are good for you. Just 5 Points + gets you a nice serving of yam chips and dipping sauce!

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2” diameter, 5” long)
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp sugar
Zest from 1 lime
Juice from ½ lime
Non-fat cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
To make the dipping sauce, mix the yogurt, sugar, lime juice and lime zest in a small bowl and set aside.
Scrub, peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes.
In a small bowl, combine salt, cumin, and cinnamon.
Spray a baking sheet with non-fat cooking spray and lay the potatoes out on the sheet. Then spray the potatoes with the non-fat cooking spray.
Gently sprinkle the potatoes with the ½ of spice mixture and bake for 20 minutes.
Flip the potatoes, spray with the non-fat cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining spice mixture. Place back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are browned and crisped.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 40 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Reduced fat, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 2

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 2 servings
Serving size is ½ of entire recipe
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 184 calories; 0g fat; 33g carbohydrates; 14g protein; 4g fiber

Maple Pear Muffins Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:51:39 +0000

This weekend, I was a baking madwoman, experimenting with a couple new Weight Watchers recipes and having lots of fun! One of my baking triumphs was this Maple Pear Muffins Recipe. Each muffin has just 5 Points + per serving, which isn’t bad for a carb-based food using sugar AND maple syrup. They were the perfect wintery treat, and were so delicious when served warm with a tablespoon of Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread. They were sweet, dense, moist and satisfying, and make a great idea for a healthy breakfast on the go. So instead of buying on of those atrociously fattening (and overpriced) muffins at Starbucks, make a batch of these delicious low fat Maple Pear Muffins, and save yourself some calories and some cash!

Maple Pear Muffins Recipe

Sweet and healthy Maple Pear Muffins makes a great low calorie breakfast idea if you need something quick. It also makes a satisfying, low fat snack when you are craving something sweet.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cup whole wheat all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cup quick oats
2 large pears, peeled, cored and diced
1 cup non-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
½ cup dark brown sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup applesauce or pureed pears
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-fat cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
In another bowl, mix the pears, oats, sugar, buttermilk, maple syrup, applesauce (or pear puree), oil and egg substitute. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
Mix the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir until blended.
Spoon the batter into the muffin pan cups. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Place muffins on a wire rack to cool.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: class="cooktime">20 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 12

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire Maple Pear Muffins recipe makes 12 servings
Serving size is 1 muffin
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 175 calories; 2g fat; 38g carbohydrates; 5g protein; 4g fiber

Crab Eggs Benedict Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:26:57 +0000

I once had an AMAZING Crab Eggs Benedict at a restaurant in Malibu, and ever since then, I salivate at the mere thought of crab, hollandaise sauce and egg on a toasted slice of English muffin. Because it’s a breakfast recipe that I know isn’t very Weight Watchers friendly, I have avoided it, only indulging once in a great while. This past weekend, I was determined to make a healthier version that was low in Points Plus so I could eat Crab Eggs Benedict more frequently. Knowing that the two most fattening components in this dish are the hollandaise sauce and the egg yolk, I knew sacrifices had to be made. The first thing I did was use a poached egg white, instead of a whole poached egg. Yes, I know that this means there’s no runny egg yolk on the eggs Benedict. But I don’t feel that it affects the overall flavor of the whole dish very much. Now, when it came to the hollandaise sauce, there was no way I was going to NOT use it. I am the kind of girl who is all about condiments and sauces, so I had to find a way to make this happen. I decided to try out a holladaise sauce recipe using liquid egg substitute instead of eggs and using my favorite butter alternative – Brummel & Brown Yogurt Spread. It worked perfectly! The sauce was delicious, and flavorful and exactly as I had hoped for. But it was a lot less calories than traditional hollandaise. A few other minor alterations to my Crab Eggs Benedict, and the delicious dish was a hit! And just 5 Points + for the whole thing. Now I can eat my favorite breakfast on a very regular basis. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Crab Eggs Benedict Recipe

Enjoy a delicious, healthy Crab Eggs Benedict for a lot less fat and calories, but still with all the flavors you’d expect. Just 5 Points + per serving makes this a great idea for a Weight Watchers Breakfast Recipe.

Ingredients

2 whole wheat, high fiber English muffins
4 egg whites
12-14oz lump crabmeat
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Hollandaise Sauce:
3/4 cup non-fat buttermilk
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
1 tbsp light butter (I used Brummel & Brown)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

Slice each English muffin in half, and toast.
Poach 2 egg whites using a poaching pan or by following the instructions in the NOTES below.
Empty lump crab meat into a bowl, and drain it of any excess water.
To make the Hollandaise Sauce: Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan on low heat. Cook until butter is melted and turns golden in color. Set aside.
In a medium sized saucepan, whisk together ¼ cup of the non-fat buttermilk, cornstarch, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
Add in the rest of the buttermilk and liquid egg substitute.
Set the pan on medium-low heat, and whisk continuously until it begins to simmer and thicken.
Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice and butter.
On a plate, set one toasted English muffin half and top it with ¼ of the total crab meat. Then gently place your poached egg on top.
Top each Crab Eggs Benedict with about 1/4 cup of the hollandaise sauce, and garnish with fresh chives.

Quick Notes

How to Poach an Egg White:
Fill a small sauce pan with water and bring to a boil. The size of the saucepan and the size of the eggs will determine how much water you should use. You need at least a couple of inches of water in your saucepan for the poached egg whites to turn out right.While waiting for while to boil, crack an egg and empty the white into a small bowl or cup. To separate the egg white from the yolk, you can do this one of two ways. The first way is to use an egg separator. Simply pour the egg through the separator. The white will go through the separator and into the bowl while the yolk remains in the separator. You can then discard the yolk. The second way you can separate the egg is by cracking the egg shell into two parts. Hold one part in your left hand and the other in your right. Separate the egg by transferring the egg back and forth between the two parts. Keep the yolk in the shell and allow the egg white portion to go into your bowl.
Once the water has come to a boil, bring the heat down to a simmer. Now add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the water.
Bring the cup with your egg white as close to the water as possible and gently pour the separated egg white into the simmering water. If you are using more than one egg you will want to wait at least 30 seconds for the egg to begin to set before adding a second one to the saucepan. This will help keep eggs from clumping together.
Allow the egg to cook for approximately 3 minutes, If the egg starts to break up and spread around the pan, use a slotted spoon to guide it back to the center.
When the poached egg white reaches the desired level of done-ness remove it from the water with a slotted spoon.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Diet type: Pescatarian

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

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 Crab Eggs Benedict
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 180 calories; 4g fat; 17g carbohydrates; 20g protein; 2g fiber

Goat Cheese and Fig Muffins Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:35:08 +0000

photo credit: delish

Need a healthy idea for something to serve on Christmas morning? Well these amazingly delicious Goat Cheese and Fig Muffins are not only tasty and festive, they are just 5 Points + each. Each healthy fig muffin is stuffed with a rich, creamy honey and goat cheese filling. They are moist and fluffy, and oh-so yummy! The combination of the sweet figs and honey combined with the tangy goat cheese make for a wonderfully decadent treat. These yummy muffins also make a great gift to bake for your friend, neighbor, or child’s teacher!

Goat Cheese and Fig Muffins Recipe

Make a batch of these healthy Goat Cheese and Fig Muffins for Sunday morning, and then enjoy one for breakfast all week long. They’d also make a great Christmas morning breakfast recipe idea!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 cups chopped dried figs
1 cup crumbled goat cheese at room temp
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute (like Eggbeaters)
1 large egg white
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup low fat buttermilk
1/3 cup canned pure pumpkin
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups with paper liners or coat with non-fat cooking spray.
Thoroughly combine goat cheese, honey, lemon zest and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla in a small bowl. Set aside.
Whisk flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
In another bowl, beat liquid egg substitute and egg white; add brown sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and whisk until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in buttermilk and pumpkin until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; don’t mix too much.
Fold in figs.
Spoon half the batter into the prepared muffin cups.
Add 1 teaspoon of the reserved cheese filling to the center of each muffin, and cover with the remaining batter.
Bake the muffins until the edges start to brown and the tops spring back when gently pressed, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 20 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 12

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 12 muffins
Serving size is 1 muffin
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 200 calories; 3g fat; 38g carbohydrates; 7g protein; 3g fiber

Potato and Zucchini Latkes Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:21:45 +0000

This Hanukkah, instead of preparing the usual greasy and oily latkes, try this Potato and Zucchini Latke Recipe! You get 3 latkes with a side of tzatziki sauce for just 5 Points +. They are made with potato and zucchini which helps lighten them up and get the Points + value lower. But the best thing though, is that these latkes are SO incredibly delicious! And I truly think they are even better than traditional, all potato latkes. The flavors are delicious and the fact that they aren’t soaked in oil makes them light and crisp. Served with a side of fresh homemade tzatziki sauce, these are a MUST make for Hanukkah. Even if you don’t spin the dreidel, serve these Potato and Zucchini Latkes up anytime and treat the family to a healthy and delicious side dish!

Potato and Zucchini Latkes

Light and delicious, these non-traditional latkes are the perfect Hanukkah treat. Served with a fresh tzatziki sauce, each serving has just 5 Points +!

Ingredients

1 pound zucchini, shredded
2 cups shredded cooked potato
1 medium onion, peeled and shredded
2 medium shallots, minced
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2 cups whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup crumbled fat free feta cheese
1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, seeded and shredded
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, divided
1 tbsp red-wine vinegar
1 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450° F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Toss zucchini, potato, onion, and egg substitute in a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs, feta, 1 tablespoon dill, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine. Form the mixture into 12 patties.
Generously spray a large nonstick skillet with non-stick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add 6 patties, cover and cook until crispy and browned on one side, 2 to 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the latkes to the prepared pan, browned-side down.
Repeat with the remaining latkes, and re-spray pan with cooking spray as needed.
Transfer the latkes to the oven and bake until firm and heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki: Combine yogurt, cucumber, vinegar, the minced shallot, 1 tbsp dill and the remaining salt and pepper in a small bowl. Serve the latkes with the tzatziki sauce on the side.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 35 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 3 latkes and ¼ cup tzatziki sauce
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 225 calories; 2g fat; 38g carbohydrates; 15g protein; 10g fiber

Sweet and Sour Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:48:21 +0000

photo credit: babybites

The perfect, quick weeknight dinner recipe, this delicious Sweet and Sour Beef Cabbage Soup is not only super easy to prepare in a pinch, you get a whole 2 cup serving for just 5 Points +! And it’s nice to enjoy such a satisfying dish without using up so many Weight Watchers Points, so that means there’s room for dessert :). Bulked up with veggies, trimmed down with extra lean beef, and drowning in a tangy, sweet & sour broth, this soup is oh so flavorful and very filling. With the winter weather really kicking in, this hot and hearty soup is a great low calorie meal idea!

Sweet and Sour Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe

Healthy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful, this tasty Sweet and Sour Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe gets a lot of bang for its buck. Each 2 cup serving has just 5 Points +, making it a very satisfying meal without using up too many Points.

Ingredients

1 lb extra lean (94% or leaner) ground beef
6 cups fat free beef broth
1 15-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
4 cups coarsely chopped Savoy, or green cabbage
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 tsp canola oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 ½ tsp caraway seeds
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp paprika, preferably Hungarian sweet
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Set a Dutch oven over medium heat, and add in the oil.
Add beef and caraway seeds and and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is mostly browned, about 4 minutes.
Stir in onion s and celery; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Stir in broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, honey and paprika and adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Stir in cabbage, vinegar and salt & pepper and cook just until barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

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

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: Russian

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 2 cups
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 198 calories; 3 g fat; 20 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 4 g fiber

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

What would Thanksgiving dinner be without the stuffing?!? That heavenly, carb-laden dish is the one I look forward to the most each year, but not surprisingly, it’s also one of the most fattening. After some putting some time in the kitchen this past weekend, I was able to create a MUCH healthier version that has about 1/3 of the fat and calories most traditional Thanksgiving Recipes have. I simply took my mom’s recipe (which is THE BEST stuffing in the world, by the way), and altered it. It was easier than I thought, and the end result was pretty darn good! For just 5 Points +, you get a huge 1 1/2 cup serving! Now, that’s what I’m talking about. It does require you to make your own bread cubes vs. using prepared ones out of a box, but considering the Points is saves you, it’s so worth it. With stuffing this yummy and healthy, there’s no need to wait til Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Make your own delicious, homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing with this easy, low calorie recipe. With all the traditional flavors you’d expect, but a lot less Points +. It’s the perfect healthy Thanksgiving side dish recipe!

Ingredients

12 slices of low calorie, high fiber bread (I used Sara Lee Delighful), dried and cut into bite size cubes (see Tip)
4 cups water
2 extra large chicken bouillon cubes (about 1oz)
5 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion chopped
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2 tbsp light butter (I used Brummel and Brown)
1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large saucepan, heat water, butter and bouillon to a boil.
Add in celery, onion, sage, thyme, rosemary and pepper, and turn heat down to medium. Simmer until celery and onion are soft, about 15-20 min.
In the meantime, put bread cubes into a large oven safe bowl or casserole dish.
Pour broth over bread cubes and combine gently until all bread cubes are saturated.
Gently mix in the egg substitute.
Place stuffing into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until stuffing reaches desired texture.

Quick Notes

TIP: To dry out your bread, turn your oven onto the lowest setting (mine was 175 degrees) and evenly spread out all the slices of bread on a large, un-greased cookie sheet. Let bread slowly toast in the oven for about 4-6 hours. As soon as bread stiffens, turn off oven and leave it in there overnight. Bread should be fully stiffened, with all moisture removed, but not burned or charred.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 45 minute(s)

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

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 1 ½ cups
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 175 calories; 4.5 g fat; 28 g carbohydrates; 10 g protein; 7 g fiber

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:31:25 +0000

Sunday morning breakfast is always a lot of fun for me. We usually have no where urgent to go, and my husband keeps an eye on the kids so that I can take my time and cook up something tasty. During one of my recent Sunday mornings in the kitchen while trying to use up some produce before it went bad, I played around a bit with an old breakfast casserole recipe that had been given to me, and I came up with a MUCH lighter version that tasted fantastic! Each serving is just 5 Points +, and because it’s loaded with fiber and protein, this dish is incredibly filling. Pair it with some zero Points + fruit for a complete healthy, low calorie Sunday morning breakfast. Enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Filled with delicious veggies, and ham, and topped with Swiss cheese, this tasty breakfast casserole is a real treat. At just 5 Points + per serving, it’s a healthy breakfast idea that everyone can enjoy. Great for large parties or brunches too!

Ingredients

1 cup liquid egg substitute
4 large egg whites
6 slices low calorie, high fiber bread (I used Sara Lee Delightful), cut into small, bite sized cubes
1 cup diced lean ham
1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 cup shredded light Swiss cheese
5 cups chopped spinach, wilted
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup fat free buttermilk
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Spray a 7-by-11-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with non-fat cooking spray.
In a large bowl, egg substitute, egg whites and buttermilk. Add mustard, paprika, salt and pepper; whisk to combine.
In another large bowl, toss tomatoes, spinach, bread, ham, parsley, green onions and roasted red peppers.
Add the egg mixture and toss well to coat.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
Bake until the casserole has set, 40 to 45 minutes.
Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the casserole is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more.
Remove from oven and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Cut into 6 equally sized pieces.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

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

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1/6 of casserole
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 146 calories; 4 g fat; 21 g carbohydrates; 28 g protein; 6 g fiber

Also, don’t forget to ENTER TO WIN A FREE MINI DONUT MAKER!!! The contest ends this Saturday, November 12, so make sure you enter by then. Good Luck!!

White Chicken Chili Recipe – 5 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:13:15 +0000

photo credit: incredifood

This low calorie White Chicken Chili recipe has been one of my go to Weight Watchers Recipes whenever I need a quick and healthy dinner idea that can be ready in a pinch. To save time, I usually buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, peel the skin off the breasts and then shred the breast meat. It’s a super easy chili to prepare and has just 5 Points + for a 1 1/4 cup serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a few of my favorite crumbled Reduced Fat Organic Tortilla Chips. Loaded with delicious spices and packed with protein, it’s the perfect, spicy chili for a cold Fall or Winter night!

White Chicken Chili Recipe

Tasty and hearty, this low calorie White Chicken Chili Recipe is not only an easy dish to make, it has just 5 Points + per serving, making it a great idea for a healthy Weight Watchers dinner.

Ingredients

8 oz cooked skinless chicken breast, shredded
2 15-ounce cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 4-ounce cans chopped green chiles
4 cups fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
2 limes, juiced
1 tsp canola oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
3 tbsp reduced fat sour cream
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in chiles, jalepenos, cumin, coriander, chili powder and salt & pepper.Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
Add in beans and broth; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
Mix in chicken, lime juice and cilantro and cook for 5 minutes more.
Dollop each serving with 1/2 tbsp sour cream.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 40 minute(s)

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, High protein

Number of servings (yield): 6

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 ¼ cups
Each serving = 5 Points +

PER SERVING: 223 calories; 3 g fat; 20 g carbohydrates; 29 g protein; 6 g fiber