LaaLoosh » Vegetarian

Low Fat Cranberry Scones Recipe – 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:05:52 +0000

photo credit: annies eats

This delicious Cranberry Scones Recipe is incredibly easy to make. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been intimidated by scones, assuming they were complicated to make. But after whipping up this low points scone, I was thrilled to see how simple it is! Though not an official Weight Watchers Scones Recipe, this is a low calorie treat that anyone who is watching their weight will enjoy and appreciate. The taste is really quite decadent, and I think that most people would never know that these scones are low in fat and calories. With just a 2 Point Total each, add one to your morning tea, or serve after dinner for a sweet snack and yet still stay on track with your weight loss goals. NOTE: This scones recipe also contains a fat free buttermilk recipe that is a fabulous substitute, if you can’t find fat free buttermilk at the grocery store!

Cranberry Scones Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cup all-purpose flour (Use whole wheat flour to kick up the nutrition a bit)
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp table salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup egg substitute (I like Egg Beaters)
- 1 cup fat free buttermilk
- 1/4 cup low calorie butter, melted (I used Brummel & Brown)

TO MAKE FAT FREE BUTTERMILK: Mix 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice + fat-free milk to make 1 cup & let stand for 10 minutes = 1 cup fat-free buttermilk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a baking sheet with non-fat cooking spray. I used the Pam Butter Flavor kind.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar; mix well and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk and melted butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; fold in cranberries.
Drop 12 equal two-inch mounds of batter on prepared baking sheet about 1-inch apart. Bake until tops just start to turn golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Entire recipe makes 12 scones
Each scone = 2 Point total

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

Cilantro Almond Dip Recipe – 1 Point Total

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

photo credit: sweet beet and green bean

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

Cilantro Almond Dip Recipe

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

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

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

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

Buttermilk Balsamic Salad Dressing Recipe – 1 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:05:44 +0000

photo credit: the whole life nutrition kitchen

This tasty, 1 point salad dressing is not only super easy to make, but it’s a really unique flavor combination that will definitely add a kick to your greens whenever you’ve got the salad blah’s. I really like a LOT of dressing on my salads, so I like to use dressings that are so low calorie, I can use a lot of and not have to worry about adding on those extra Weight Watchers Points. It’s rich and creamy, and full of flavor, and most importantly – doesn’t taste like it’s a diet salad dressing. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Salad Dressing Recipes, anyone who wants to lose some extra calories in their salad dressings will definitely dig this recipe!

Buttermilk Balsamic Salad Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 cup low fat buttermilk
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (warmed to pour more easily)
- 1 tbsp light mayo
- 1/2 tsp basil, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
Blend together until smooth and transfer to a seal tight container. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors.

Entire Recipe makes 1/1/2 cups
Serving size is 4 tbsp
Each serving = 1 Point Total

Middle Eastern Pumpkin Hummus Recipe – 2 Point Total

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

photo credit: Koko’s Kitchen

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

Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

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

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor.

Entire recipe makes 8 servings
Each serving = 2 Point Total

Berries and Cream Tostadas Recipe- 4 Point Total

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

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

Berry Cream Tostadas Recipe

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Butter French Toast Recipe- 2 Point Total

LaaLoosh — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:31:31 +0000

While looking for good Weight Watchers Breakfast Recipes, I came across this fabulous recipe for Apple Butter French Toast with Honey and Almonds! It’s deliciously sweet and flavorful and because it’s baked, it’s super easy to make. I let the bread soak overnight, and then popped it in the oven in the morning for a gourmet breakfast treat! My husband and I both loved it. And with just a 2 Point Total per slice, it’s a great, low point breakfast recipe for anyone who’s looking for a yummy, yet satisfying dish. Though this is not an official one of Weight Watchers Recipes, it’s definitely a must try.

Apple Butter French Toast Recipe

Ingredients:
- 6 slices light bread (I used Sara Lee Delightful)
- 3/4 cup egg substitute
- 2/3 cup fat-free skim milk
- 2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate (I used the frozen kind)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 tbsp honey
- a few spritz’s of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spray
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

*If you prefer to make your own homemade Apple Butter, check out this fabulous low calorie apple butter recipe!

Directions:
Place bread in a 9-inch square baking dish that has been coated with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, combine egg substitute, milk, apple juice concentrate and vanilla extract. Pour over bread and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Spitz with a few sprays of the 0 calorie butter spray, drizzle with the honey, and then sprinkle with the almonds. Combine apple butter and allspice; serve with French toast.

Entire recipe makes 6 servings
Serving size is 1 slice
Each serving = 2 Point Total

photo credit: i heart all things food