LaaLoosh » Side Dish

Hot or Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe by Rachael Ray – 6 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:13:27 +0000

photo credit: the daily green

As many of you know, I’ve always been a fan of Miracle Noodles. They are a 0 calorie pasta that are so versatile, they can be used in a variety of low calorie recipes. Recently, Rachael Ray prepared a fabulous Hot or Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe using Miracle Noodles, and it is truly an awesome dish. Traditional noodle recipes can rack up a LOT of calories and Weight Watchers Points. However, this slimmed down version, has just a 6 Point Total per serving, and the serving is HUGE!!! It’s half of the entire recipe!! And though this is not an official one of Rachael Ray Weight Watchers Recipes, it’s a great alternative dish that any dieter will appreciate. Sesame noodles are one of my favorite Asian Recipes, but I usually avoided them because of the calorie count. But now with this awesome Rachael Ray recipe, I can enjoy them once again!

Hot or Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 or 2 7oz. bags of Miracle Noodles (the less noodles you use, the more the sauce is distributed, and the more flavorful the noodles are)
- 1/4 cup Kikkoman – Tamari Soy Sauce
- 1/4 rounded cup smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter, softened in microwave 15 seconds on high
- 2 tbsp cider or rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dark sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cabbage and carrot mix
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:
Open bag of Miracle Noodles into a colander and rinse with warm water for a couple of minutes and boil for one minute, pat dry with a paper towel or small hand towel. Cut noodles with scissors to make smaller pieces.

In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together soy, peanut butter, vinegar, sesame oil, and hot sauce. Add noodles and veggies and toss to combine the noodles and coat them evenly with sauce.
Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds throughout the salad and serve.

Or you can heat the sauce for a couple of minutes in a sauce pan, then add noodles and serve hot! It’s makes great leftovers the next day!!

Entire Recipe makes 2 servings
Each serving = 6 Point Total

P.S. If you are interested in seeing the Rachael Ray Clip with Rocco DiSpirito and Miracle Noodles it is here

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

Cauliflower Mashed ‘Potatoes’ Recipe – 1 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0000

photo credit: elev8

Mashed potatoes is one of my favorite foods…you can make them so many ways and they are just the perfect comfort food. But most homemade mashed potatoes recipes come with lots of fat and calories, which can add up to lots of Weight Watchers Points. This alternative dish -Cauliflower Mashed ‘Potatoes’, is a great substitute. While I won’t lie and tell you that it’s as fabulous as traditional mashed potatoes, it definitely makes for a great low point substitute. Just by replacing the potatoes with cauliflower, you eliminate most of the calories. You’ll notice that this Mashed Cauliflower Recipe still uses one small potato. This helps the dish to keep a texture similar to that of regular mashed potatoes and helps add a bit of potato-y flavor. The end result is really quite tasty! And though this is not an official Weight Watchers Mashed Potatoes Recipe, it’s a great meal idea for anyone who wants to eat more veggies and cut excess calories.

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 small head cauliflower, trimmed, core removed, cut into small florets (should yield about 2-3 cups of cauliflower
- 1 small red potato, unpeeled and chopped
- 1 cup turnips, trimmed and cubed
- 2 tbsp fat free half & half
- 1 tbsp fat free sour cream
- 1 tbsp light butter (I used Brummel & Brown)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Top with chives or green onions if you’d like!

*OPTIONAL: add in freshly chopped thyme, sage and rosemary for a fabulous Fall- like flavor

Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add about 1 tbsp salt; add the cauliflower, potato, and turnips as they’re prepped. Reduce heat to maintain a fast simmer, cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are cooked through. Drain well and transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth. Return pureed cauliflower to the hot pan on medium high heat. Stirring often, cook off the excess liquid, about 5 – 10 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients. Transfer to serving bowl. Serve and enjoy!

Serving size is 3/4cup
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

Greek Pasta Casserole Recipe- 3 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:04:46 +0000

This Greek-Style Pasta Casserole Recipe is truly a unique and flavorful dish. I love almost all Mediterranean recipes, so I was excited to give this one a try. And I was NOT disappointed. It’s a pretty easy dish to prepare, and it packs a lot of flavor. With each serving only having a 3 Point Total, this is a wonderful low point dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy. It’s also a great , original dish to take to a potluck as well. If you like mediterranean flavors, you’ll like this casserole…it was delicious. You can also add in some toasted almond slivers for added crunch, but make sure to factor that in to the Point Total. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Recipes, it’s a great meal that just about any dieter will enjoy. You can also prepare this dish cold as a great greek pasta salad recipe!

Greek Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried, low calorie pasta like Ronzoni Smart Taste, penne or rotioni
- 1 1/2 cups butternut squash, peeled and sliced into small pieces
- 3 handfuls spinach, chopped
- 2 cups fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 8 large Kalamata olives, pitted and torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- zest of one large lemon
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an 8×12-inch baking dish with non-fat cooking spray. Sprinkle with lemon zest and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and cook the pasta until al dente. 10 seconds before the pasta is cooked, stir in the spinach and butternut squash; drain quickly and carefully. Run cold water over the pasta, squash and spinach (just enough to stop it from cooking), shake off any extra water and set aside. While waiting for the pasta water to boil, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, garlic, pepper and salt in a large mixing bowl. Set aside until the pasta is ready, then add the pasta-squash-spinach mixture to the yogurt mixture. Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with Feta cheese and the olive pieces and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve sprinkled with some chopped fresh mint.

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size is 1/8th of dish
Each serving size = 3 Point Total

Sweet Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:26:59 +0000

I LOOOOOVE sweet potatoes, so when I found this awesome recipe, I was psyched to give it a try! It’s super creamy and yummy, and loaded with fiber and antioxidants. This low calorie sweet potato soup is a perfect easy crock pot recipe for any weight watcher. It tastes great and is good for you too! Plus, it’s seasonal flavor makes it a wonderful soup to add to your collection of holiday crock pot recipes. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Crock Pot Recipes, I think anyone watching their weight will truly enjoy this sweet potato soup.

Sweet Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cups fat-free chicken broth
- 4 medium sized sweet potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
- 2 packets Splenda or Truvia
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard

OPTIONAL: I topped mine with a tablespoon of non-fat sour cream for additional flavor and 0 points

NOTE: To make this into a vegetarian recipe, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth

Directions:
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes. Place them with the chicken broth in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on medium for about 3 hours (or until the potatoes are tender).
Using an immersion blender (or putting the sweet potatoes and broth into a food processor), blend until smooth. Put the soup back into the crock pot. Add the half-and-half, Splenda, salt, dry mustard and allspice. Cover and cook on medium for about 1-3 hours.

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Nutritional Stats:
Calories: 112
Total fat: 1g
Sodium: 298mg
Total carbohydrates: 23.1g
Dietary fiber: 2.6

Vegetable Casserole Recipe – 4 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:44:39 +0000

Well, it’s that time again…another new year is upon us. Welcome 2010!! And yet again, we are all ready and motivated to get in shape, lose weight, and get healthy! But dieting isn’t always easy. And if you like to eat like I do, it can be truly impossible at times. That’s why I created this blog…to share recipes that feel bad for you, but are actually good! As a weight watcher myself, I know that the key to sticking to any diet plan is to feel SATISFIED with what you eat. So I’m always on the hunt for popular diet recipes that can be rejuvenated to create a more filling flavorful dish. And to start off the new year, here’s a FANTASTIC mixed vegetable casserole recipe that I found and altered to be diet friendly!
This healthy casserole is a great way to get your veggie servings in! All the other yummy flavors really enhance the dish, so if you don’t like the taste of vegetables, this casserole may help you get you get those all important daily vegetable servings. Each serving has just a 4 Point Total, and makes an excellent side dish recipe to take along to a potluck dinner, or a great main dish recipe to serve at any family meal. It’s a pretty quick and easy casserole to make and doesn’t involve any veggie chopping (yes, I can be that lazy at times to appreciate this). Though this is not an official Weight Watchers Recipe, I think that anyone who is following the Weight Watchers program will certainly find a use for this tasty recipe. Plus, this dish is loaded with fiber, calcium and Vitamin A, so not only is it low calorie, but it’s good for you too!

Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2lbs of any mixed frozen vegetables of your choice (I used the broccoli, cauliflower and carrot mix)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Fiber One cereal, ground into fine, breadcrumb-like consistency
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spray

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large pot, combine broth and milk and set on medium heat. Whisk in the flour and dry mustard; continue to whisk until thick and bubbling, about 4 minutes or so. Stir in all the cheddar and 6 tablespoons parmesan cheese until melted; then add in the vegetables, salt and pepper. Pour into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the Fiber One crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and the remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. Then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Finally, spritz about 10 sprays of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” Spray all over the top of the casserole.
Bake until bubbling and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Let stand at least 5 minutes at room temperature before serving. Cut into 8 equally sized pieces. Enjoy!

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size = 1 piece
Each serving = 4 Point Total

Pumpkin Oatmeal Crock Pot Recipe – 3 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:12:23 +0000

It was a cold and chilly morning here in LA, and I was craving a hot and hearty breakfast. And this tasty Pumpkin Oatmeal Crock pot Recipe really hit the spot! All of the autumn like flavors in this breakfast recipe were just what I was looking for on this winter’s day. This delicious oatmeal recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser that not only tastes fantastic, but is really quite good for you too! It’s also a wonderful vegan or vegetarian recipe. Though this is not an official Weight Watchers breakfast recipe, it’s a wonderful dish for any weight watcher who wants a hot, nutritious slow cooker oatmeal recipe that will warm you up anytime of the year! And with just a 3 Point Total per serving, this filling breakfast will leave you feeling satisfied.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Crockpot Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 15 oz can of canned pumpkin OR 3 cups of fresh pumpkin (peeled, seeded, and cut into small cubes)
- 5 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
OPTIONAL: Garnish with a few dried cranberries, for a fabulous taste and dislpay

Directions:
Combine everything in a crock pot, cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir well before serving.
NOTE: If you use the canned pumpkin instead of the fresh, your oatmeal texture will be creamier and more like a chunky puree.

Entire Recipe makes 8 servings
Serving size is approx 1 cup
Each serving = 3 Point Total