LaaLoosh » Snack

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

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

Dulce de Leche Cheerios – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:41:24 +0000

Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please!! With the new Dulce de Leche flavored brand of Cheerios coming out this month it’s an absolute possibility. And I already have some great ideas on how I can plug them into some Weight Watchers Dessert Recipes! The nutritional stats are pretty decent – each 3/4 cup serving is just 3 Points +. Granted, it’s not Dulce de Leche ice cream, but hey, for just 3 Points, it’s a pretty decent substitute. I can already see myself just eating handfuls of them when my late night sweet tooth kicks in. Sweet and crunchy is a great combination. I’ll definitely be grabbing a box or two of these Dulce de Leche Cheerios as soon as they hit my grocer’s shelves!

Dulche de Leche Cheerios

Here’s what General Mills has to say about their new caramel flavored Cheerios…

“Dulce de Leche (pronounced “DOOL say day LAY chay”) is a Spanish term for a thick caramel sauce popular in Latin America that inspired this new Cheerios flavor.”
They boast:

100 calories per serving
19g of whole grain per serving which is 39% of the daily recommended amount of whole grain*
Saturated fat free
Naturally cholesterol free
Good source of calcium
Good source of vitamin D

Serving size is 3/4 cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 100 calories; 1.5g fat; 22g carbohydrates; 2g protein; 2g fiber

Baked Kale Chips Recipe – 1 Points +

LaaLoosh — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:48:52 +0000

If you haven’t tried a Baked Kale Chips Recipe yet, you are really missing out! When you are craving something crunchy and salty, this is a MUCH healthier alternative to potato chips, Pop Chips or popcorn. I admit that I was a bit reluctant to believe that roasted kale would actually taste good, but I was pleasantly surprised and I’ve been a fan of baked kale chips ever since. I also love that these are a kid friendly veggie. My 3 year old son gobbles these down, which says a LOT! If a picky toddler eats them, then they’ve got to taste good, right? They are easy and cheap to make, and each 1 cup serving is just 1 Points +. Which means you don’t have to fee guilty about mindlessly eating them while watching TV at night :). So the next time you are thinking about grabbing a bag of potato chips, just make this Baked Kale Chips Recipe instead, and save yourself a ton of Weight Watchers Points Plus, while still feeling satisfied.

Baked Kale Chips Recipe

A delicious and healthy alternative to potato chips, this Baked Kale Chips Recipe has all the crunch and flavor you crave but for just 1 Points + per cup.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of fresh kale leaves
1 tsp sea salt
Light misting of olive oil

Instructions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Line a non-insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces.
Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Pat excess water with a paper towel.
Lightly spray kale with olive oil from an oilve oil mister and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegan

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat, Reduced carbohydrate

Number of servings (yield): 2

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 2 servings
Serving size is about 1 cup
Each serving = 1 Points +

PER SERVING: 44 calories; 1g fat; 7g carbohydrates; 2g protein; 3g 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

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

Baked Maple Glazed Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe – 6 Points +

LaaLoosh — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:15:58 +0000

photo credit: indulging in guilty pleasures

Though I can’t give a new Mini Doughnut Maker to all of you, I can share this delicious recipe for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Maple Glaze that I found. Bake your own low fat doughnuts and indulge in a decadent treat for less Points Plus than most doughnut recipes. Made with delicious apple cider and pure maple syrup, these tasty doughnuts are made by using a mini Bundt pan, and taste so good, it’s hard to believe they are just 6 Points + each. I wish I could get the Points even lower, but these are doughnuts after all, and I didn’t want to sacrifice too much of what we all LOVE when eating doughnuts!

Baked Maple Glazed Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe

Indulge in a big, delicious, guilt-free Apple Cider Doughnut with Maple Glaze. For just 6 Points +, these baked doughnuts are made by using a mini Bundt pan, so they are just as pretty as they are tasty.

Ingredients

1 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup apple butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup apple cider
1/3 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
3 tbsp canola oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Maple Glaze
1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

To make doughnuts: Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat molds of a mini-Bundt pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, shaking out excess.
Whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl; set aside.
Whisk together egg, brown sugar, apple butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, cider, yogurt and oil in another bowl.
Add dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Divide half the batter among the prepared molds, spooning about 2 tablespoons of batter into each mold.
Bake about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched lightly. Loosen edges and turn the cakes out onto a rack to cool.
Clean the mini-Bundt pan, then re-coat it with cooking spray and sugar. Repeat with the remaining batter.
To make maple glaze: Combine confectioners’ sugar and vanilla in a bowl.
Gradually whisk in enough maple syrup to make a coating consistency.
Dip the shaped side (underside) of the “doughnuts” in the glaze to coat. Then set them, glazed-side up on a rack over wax paper for a few minutes until the glaze has set.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 12 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 12

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 12 servings
Serving size is 1 doughnut
Each serving = 6 Points +

PER SERVING: 234 calories; 3 g fat ; 49 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber

Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix Recipe – 3 Points +

LaaLoosh — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:04:54 +0000

Want a healthier, but tasty sweet treat snack recipe to indulge in instead of digging into all that high calorie Halloween candy? Well this Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix is sure to fit the bill. Sweet and salty, it’s a deliciously satisfying snack that has just 3 Points + per serving, so it will satisfy your sweet tooth without using up a lot of your daily Points Plus allowance. Make it as a healthy Halloween treat for kids! It makes a fantastic Fall snack recipe to serve at parties too.

Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix Recipe

Chewy and crunchy, sweet and salty, this Chocolate Crunch Snack Mix has it all! And for just 3 Points + per serving, it’s a great low calorie snack to indulge in when that sweet tooth strikes.

Ingredients

1 cup Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup pretzel sticks broken in half
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp bittersweet chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

Combine Chex, pretzels and cranberries in a medium sized bowl.
Drizzle with melted chocolate; stir to combine.
Spread the mixture on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is ¾ cup
Each serving = 3 Points +

PER SERVING: 200 calories; 2 g fat; 27 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber

Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt – 3 Points Plus

LaaLoosh — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:57:53 +0000

If you are a fan of frozen yogurt, you’re going to flip for the new Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt. Not only is it super creamy, and much better tasting than most frozen yogurts I’ve tried, the nutritional stats are awesome! Each 1/2 cup has just 3 Points Plus. I also love that it has a lot more protein than most other frozen yogurts, and it’s organic. Not too tart tasting, it’s a perfect healthier alternative to ice cream and comes in 4 fabulous flavors!

Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt

Greek yogurt has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, about twice the protein of regular yogurt, less lactose, and fewer carbs. So it’s no wonder Greek is flying off the shelves. Stonyfield Oikos Organic Nonfat Greek Frozen Yogurt come in 4 amazingly good flavors: Blueberry, Honey (my personal favorite), Vanilla and Chocolate. Currently, you can only get it at Whole Foods, but hopefully it will be in all major grocery stores soon!

Entire container has 4 servings
Serving size is 1/2 cup
Each serving = 3 Points Plus

PER SERVING: 100 – 110 calories; 0g fat; 19 – 22g carbs; 6 g protein; 0 – 1g fiber