Sunday, December 31, 2017

Ricotta Mousse with Berries

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup light ricotta cheese
  • 2 tbsp. orange liqueur
  • 2 tbsp. agave nectar or honey
  • 1 tsp. orange zest
  • 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • fresh mint leaves (optional)
Makes 4 Servings
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, 1 tablespoon of the orange liqueur, agave or honey, and orange zest. Cover and chill 1-24 hours.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the berries, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon orange liqueur. Cover and let stand at room temperature 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
  3. To serve, divide fruit mixture among four dessert dishes, spooning any juices over fruit in dishes. Top with ricotta mixture. Drizzle with honey. If desired, garnish with mint.
WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. The original recipe calls for this dish for dessert but you can enjoy this sweet dish for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a snack. The combination of berries, ricotta cheese and orange liqueur is absolutely divine. If you don't have orange liqueur on hand, use lemon liqueur (such as Limoncello), brandy, rum, or even a mint liqueur. You can also use lemon zest in place of the orange zest. The best part of this sweet dish is that there is no added sugar in this dish. 

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Snow-Capped Chocolate Yule Log

Ingredients:
  • nonstick spray
  • 5 oz. unsweetened chocolate, divided
  • 2 tbsp. brewed coffee
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 5 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
  • 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 4 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 tbsp. confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups light whipped topping
  • 5 vanilla meringue cookies, roughly crushed
  • 2 striped peppermint hard candies, coarsely smashed
Makes 12 Servings (12 slices total, 1 slice per serving)
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. Coat a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick spray. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides; coat paper with nonstick spray.
  3. Roughly chop 4 oz. chocolate. In a small microwavable bowl, combine chopped chocolate and coffee. Microwave on high 20 seconds; stir until smooth. Set aside and let cool.
  4. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
  6. In another large bowl, with an electric mixer on high speed, beat egg yolks, remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and vanilla until mixture is pale yellow and forms a ribbon when beaters are lifted, about 3 minutes.
  7. With a spatula, gently fold chocolate-coffee mixture into egg yolk mixture just until blended. Then gently fold 1/3 of beaten egg white mixture into bowl just until no streaks of whites remain; fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions.
  8. Sift half of the flour mixture over chocolate mixture; gently fold just until blended. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture.
  9. Spoon batter into prepared pan; spread evenly. Bake until top springs back when lightly touched in center, about 10 minutes.
  10. Meanwhile, sift confectioners' over a large clean kitchen towel on a flat surface; immediately invert hot cake over towel. Carefully peel off and discard parchment paper. Starting from a long side, gently roll up cake, jelly-roll style, using towel. Cool rolled cake on wire rack.
  11. While cake cools, puree ricotta in a food processor; transfer to a large bowl and fold in whipped topping.
  12. Carefully unroll cake, leaving it on towel (cracking is OK). Spread with filling, leaving 1-inch border on long side opposite you. Reroll cake and transfer to serving plate. (Leave as one long log or cut off a branch.).
  13. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining 1 oz. chocolate on high for 20 seconds; stir until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate evenly over cake; sprinkle with crushed cookies and candies. Slice into 12 pieces; serve.
WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Magazine. Do not be intimidated by this recipe. There are multiple step in this elegant French dessert but it's worth it. This is a healthy take on the French Christmas classic-a Buche de Noel, or a Yule Log. This was my second attempt at making a Buche de Noel and it was a success. The original recipe called for semisweet chocolate. I used unsweetened chocolate in this recipe. Unsweetened chocolate makes a dessert much richer in taste. The combination or chocolate and coffee is heavenly delicious. I also added a 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the chocolate-coffee mixture for a richer flavor and for a Latin flare. I also used whole wheat pastry flour to make this dessert healthier. Also, if you don't have vanilla meringue cookies on hand, don't worry. You can sprinkle confectioners' sugar on top or skip the sugar or meringue cookies to cut back on the sugar. The dessert as a whole is so delicious. I highly recommend serving this to company over the holidays because it  make a perfect sweet ending to a delicious holiday meal.

Tomato-Basil Soup

Ingredients:
  • 2 all-purpose potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup packaged matchstick-cut carrots
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen cut green beans
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed torn fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup shredded fat-free Swiss cheese
Makes 4 Servings ( 1 3/4 cups per serving)
 
Combine the potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and broth in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, about 5 minutes. Stir in the zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, peas, and pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; stir in the basil and sprinkle with the Swiss cheese.
 
WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. Tomato soup is a wonderful comfort food when it's done right. This tomato soup is packed with vegetables and is flavorful too. I added minced garlic to this soup because garlic always makes everything taste better. I also recommend pureeing the vegetables in a food processor or blender to make this soup creamier and to give this soup a thick and flavorful texture. You can make this soup any night of the week and it can be enjoyed throughout the week during the cold winter months. It's perfect for lunch or dinner and you'll enjoy it again and again.

Pork Loin Stuffed with Dried Figs & Granny Smith Apples

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. boneless pork loin, fat removed
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup dried figs, cut in quarters
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp. agave syrup
  • 1 tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 lb. pork loin, fat removed
  • pinch salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard
  • lemon juice
Makes 4 Servings (2 slices per serving)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Season pork with salt and pepper. Place the pork on a cutting board. Insert a long thin knife in the center of the pork loin so it extends through the other end. Wriggle the knife to form a 1 1/2-inch slit down the center of the pork. Make another slit perpendicular to the original slit in the center of the pork, forming a + shape. This is where you will place the filling.
  2. Heat a sauté pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then the apples. Sauté on high until the apples are golden brown. Add the figs, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar; cook until dry. Add 1/4 cup of the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the apples are almost tender and the broth has reduced to a syrup, about 10 minutes. Stir in the agave syrup. Place apple mixture on a plate to cool in the refrigerator. Add the remaining chicken broth to the sauté pan to deglaze. Bring to a simmer. Set aside.
  3. Gently open the slit in the pork loin. Stuff the cooled apple mixture into the center of the pork loin. Compact it as tightly as possible, and fill from both sides of the pork loin. You will have a few tablespoons of stuffing left, which will be added to a pan for a sauce.
  4. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat; add remaining olive oil and pork loin. Sear the pork loin all over until well browned. Reserve the sauté pan for the pan sauce. Place pork on a roasting rack on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the center of the roast is 150 F. Remove from oven and let rest in a warm place.
  5. Return the sauté pan to medium heat; add the leftover filling to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute; then add the reserved chicken broth mixture. Stir in the whole-grain mustard; reduce by half or until the flavors meld. Adjust seasonings with pepper and lemon juice if necessary.
  6. To serve: Slice roast into 8 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 slices on each plate and serve with 2 tablespoons of sauce.
WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Don't be intimidated by this dish. If you don't want to have a roasted pork, you can grill or broil the pork instead. This meal is delicious roasted, grilled or broiled. You can even serve the dried figs and Granny Smith apples alongside the pork. This dish is perfect for the fall and winter holiday season when apples and figs are in season. This is a beautiful dish in presentation and in taste. Serve this dish to company and they will be raving about it.


Cider-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
  • 6 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs.) sliced into 8 wedges each
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened apple cider
Makes 8 Servings
 
 
Heat oven to 400 F. Toss together potato slices, oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer to a large baking dish and drizzle with cider. Roast until lightly browned and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
 
WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Baked sweet potatoes are flavorful and delicious when they are done right. These sweet potatoes are perfect for the fall and winter holidays because they will warm your kitchen and your stomach. The combination of apple cider and ground cinnamon make a delicious combination with sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes offer a healthy dose of vitamins B6, C, fiber, iron and potassium you will forget they are good for you. Serve these alongside pork, turkey or chicken and they will help make your meal complete. 

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Spiced Tea

Ingredients:
  • 9 cups water
  • 2 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 tsp. whole cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
  • 3 (1-inch) strips lemon zest
  • 3 (1-inch) strips orange zest
  • 10 caffeinated or decaffeinated black tea bags
  • 3 tbsp. granular sugar substitute (optional)
Makes 8 Servings (3/4 cup per serving)
  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and zests. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. When ready to serve, return ginger mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. Squeeze tea bags into liquid, then strain and discard solids. Add sugar substitute for a sweeter tea, if desired, and serve hot.
WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. I was never a tea drinker when I was younger but I enjoy tea now. This tea will get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, it will make you feel like you're in a Charles Dickens novel after having one sip. The combination of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ginger mixed with fruit zest is very comforting. This tea can be enjoyed during the cold winter months any time of day.  


Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:
  • juice of 2 limes
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into strips
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 2 tsp. canola oil
  • 1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 4 (8-inch) whole wheat tortillas, warmed
Makes 4 Servings (1 fajita per serving)
  1. Mix together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, garlic, chili powder, pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper in medium bowl; add chicken and stir until coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  2. Meanwhile, to make salsa, combine tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, remaining lime juice, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in another medium bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to blend.
  3. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer vegetables to medium bowl and keep warm.
  4. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and any marinade remaining in bowl, but discard garlic (juices will sizzle so be careful of splattering liquid). Cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes.
  5. To serve, put one-fourth of chicken on each tortilla; top each with about 1/2 cup of vegetables and 1/2 cup of salsa.
WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. If you're having a Mexican fiesta or have a craving for Mexican food, these treats are for you. Fajitas can be very filling and delicious when they are done right. If you have access to a grill, I highly recommend grilling your chicken and vegetables because grilled  chicken and vegetables is SO delicious. You can use pork, chicken or even turkey in these fajitas and they will be delicious no matter what.

Raspberry Squares

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/3 cup + 3 tbsp. confectioners' sugar
  • 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 cup red raspberry preserves
  • 1 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries
  • 24 fresh raspberries (optional)
Makes 24 Servings (1 square per serving)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Place flour, 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar, butter, and almond extract in a food processor; pulse to combine, until the butter is in pea-size pieces.
  3. Spoon flour mixture into 9 x 13-inch ungreased baking dish; smooth into an even layer and tap with back of a spatula to for ma crust. Bake until just starts to turn golden, about 20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine preserves and frozen raspberries; cook, stirring occasionally, until preserves liquefy and frozen raspberries thaw, 3-5 minutes.
  5. When crust is ready, pour raspberry mixture over top of hot crust and smooth into an even layer; bake until set, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan until just warm. Cut into 24 even pieces, remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack. When raspberry bars are completely cool, dust with remaining 3 tablespoons confectioners'' sugar. Top each square with a fresh raspberry, if desired.
WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Magazine. This dessert will get you into any holiday spirit. The longer you set these squares, the easier they will be able to cut and enjoy. If you don't have almond extract on hand, use vanilla extract instead because the combination of fruit and vanilla is delicious. You don't even need the extra confectioners' sugar on top of these squares because they are that tasty. These squares are also tasty with topped with any kind of berry or even dried apricots.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Mini Vanilla Bean-Pomegranate Cheesecake Tarts

Ingredients:
  • 30 mini-phyllo shells, thawed if frozen
  • 8 oz. light cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Makes 30 tarts (1 tart per serving)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Place phyllo shells on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes; let cool.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl briskly whisk together softened cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Split vanilla bean pod in half and scrape seeds into bowl; gently stir into cream cheese mixture.
  4. Evenly divide mixture among shells; top each with pomegranate seeds and a mint leaf. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Magazine. These desserts are a sweet take on traditional cheesecake. These sweet treats have the flavor and texture of a traditional cheesecake. This filling has a lot less granulated sugar, a little more vanilla and they are topped with pomegranate seeds and mint. These tartlets are very tasty and can be enjoyed during the fall and winter holidays. 

Holiday Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3-4 tbsp. low-fat milk, divided
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 28 tsp. colored sugar or  sugar pearls (9 tbsp. + 1 tsp.)
Makes 56 Servings (1 cookie per serving)
  1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla; beat well. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture to egg mixture, a little at a time, just until blended.
  3. Divide dough into 4 equal balls and shape each into a disk; wrap each with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper (or use 4 baking sheets and cook all at once).
  5. Unwrap 1 disk of dough (keep remaining dough refrigerated). Between 2 sheets of lightly floured wax paper, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness; remove top wax paper. Cut into cookies with 2-inch round cookie cutter; freeze raw cookies on wax paper until firm. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake until edges of cookies turn light golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool; repeat with remaining dough, rerolling scraps to yield 56 cookies.
  6. Meanwhile, make icing; in a small bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and enough of the remaining 2-3 tablespoons milk to make icing smooth and of drizzling consistency. Decorate each cookie as desired with 1/2 teaspoon icing and 1/2 teaspoon colored sugar or sugar pearls. Let icing set before serving.
WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Magazine. You can have your cookies and eat them too during any holiday. It's hard to find a sugar cookie recipe because the end result doesn't turn out the way you had hoped. These sugar cookies are soft, moist and flavorful. They're even more delicious without the colored sugar or sugar pearls. Make these cookies for any holiday and they will be devoured. 

Turkey, Black Bean and Mushroom Chili

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 lb. ground turkey breast
  • 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups thinly sliced white or cremini mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp. dark chili powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Makes 4 Servings (1 1/4 cups per serving)
  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to Dutch oven; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Chili is a wonderful comfort food to enjoy during the cold winter months. It's warms you inside and out. This flavorful chili is made from ground turkey breast, five servings of vegetables and three different spices. Don't be intimidated by the ingredients in this dish. The chili is flavorful and delicious. The chili is even better the next day when you store it in the refrigerator because all the flavors blend together. You can even top this chili with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or homemade guacamole to enhance the flavor of the chili.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

White Chocolate-Drizzled Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1 (7 oz.) package unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped
Makes 24 Servings (1 macaroon per serving)
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together egg whites, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until frothy. Add coconut, vanilla and almond extract, stirring until combined well.
  3. With a small ice-cream scoop, scoop batter by 2 tablespoonfuls and place, 1 inch apart, on prepared baking sheets. (Or using dampened hands, for coconut mixture into 24 (1-inch) balls.) With dampened fingers, slightly flatten each mound.
  4. Bake until macaroons are set and golden brown on the bottom, 22-25 minutes. Lightly spray wire rack with nonstick spray; transfer cookies to rack and let cool completely.
  5. Place cookies with rack over sheet of wax paper. Put chocolate in small bowl and set over small saucepan of simmering water until melted. With small spoon, drizzle chocolate over macaroons. Let stand until chocolate is set, 15-20 minutes. (Can be stored in single layer in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.)
WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. You can have your cookies and eat them too. Plus, they're gluten free. These macaroons have a nice crunch to them and the white chocolate adds a nice sweetness to them. If you don't have almond extract on hand, use coconut extract instead and the macaroons will taste just as good.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Turkey Chili

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (28 oz.) can unsalted diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 lb. cooked turkey breast, skin removed, cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted pinto beans
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Makes 4 Servings (1 3/4 cups per serving)
  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cinnamon. Add broth, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer, partially covered, until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
  2. Add turkey and beans and their liquid; simmer 30 minutes more, stirring occasionally.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with scallions, if desired. Serve hot or warm.
WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Ever wonder what to do with leftover turkey? You can use leftover white meat turkey with a few pantry items to make a delicious comfort food. The flavors blend very well together and the spices give the chili a nice kick to it. This chili is different because it has leftover white meat in it and it's actually good for you. You can buy unsalted pinto beans at your grocery store or at a health store. I highly recommend adding some shredded cheddar cheese topped with a spoonful of sour cream for a more filling meal.

Sweet Potato Chips

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled
  • coarse sea salt
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • lime wedges (optional)
Makes 4 Servings
  1. Preheat oven to 250 F. Line 2 sheet pans with a silpat or parchment paper. Spray generously with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil in a mister
  2. Using a wide vegetables peeler or mandolin, slice the sweet potatoes paper-thin in 1 1/2-inch strips. Lay the strips in a single layer on the silpat. Do not overlap or let the chips touch each other. Sprinkle with salt and spray with nonstick cooking spray or mister.
  3. Place the sheet pan in preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the potatoes are crisp and slightly golden. Remove from sheet pan and place in a single layer on a clean sheet of parchment.
  4. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime over the potato chips.
WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.
 
Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. These potato chips are a healthy alternative to the regular potato chips you buy at the grocery store. Sweet potatoes are quite tasty when they are seasoned well. These chips make a nice snack during the day whenever you get your hunger cravings.