Strawberry Fool

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen strawberries (5 oz.)
• 4 tsp. granular sugar substitute
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup no-sugar-added lite whipped topping

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a food processor, pulse the strawberries on and off to break them up, then process until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons of the sugar substitute and pulse to combine. Let sit in the food processor for 20-25 minutes to thaw completely.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt to lighten, the whisk in the vanilla and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar substitute. Whisk in the whipped topping.
3. Process the strawberry puree again to loosen, then pour over the yogurt mixture. Gently fold in with a rubber spatula, leaving streaks of strawberry.
4. Divide the fool evenly among 4 dessert dishes and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Although this recipe appears in the dessert chapter, you can enjoy this dish at breakfast, dessert or even as a light lunch or snack. It's a really nice fruity treat and it's tastier than store-bought yogurt. You can use blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries or even cherries in this recipe or even a combination of berries and this fool will still be tasty.

Whole Wheat Orange-Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• grated zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Makes 4 Servings (1 waffle & 1 tablespoon maple syrup)

1. Spray waffle make with nonstick spray. Preheat according to manufacturer's directions.
2. Whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, egg, oil, orange zest and vanilla in a small bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring until batter is just smooth.
3. When waffle baker is ready, ladle in 1/2 cup of batter. Close lid and bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer waffle to plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, making a total of 4 waffles. Serve with maple syrup.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. The original recipe was called whole-wheat buttermilk waffles and the orange and the vanilla were different variations. I decided to combine the orange and vanilla to make whole-wheat orange-vanilla buttermilk waffles. Vanilla pair well with any fruit and the dish always tastes good. These waffles are so crisp and delicious you'll have these again and again. If you have any leftover waffles, wrap them in plastic and freeze them And when you want to eat waffles, take them out, defrost them, put your favorite toppings on them, heat them in the microwave and enjoy them. As for enjoying these waffles fresh out of the waffle iron, I highly recommend adding your favorite fresh fruit on top of these waffles to fill you up. One bite of these and you'll never go the local waffles house or pancake parlor again.

Ragu Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (28 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/2 lb. whole wheat spaghetti
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Makes 6 Servings (1 cup per serving)

1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it apart with wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring, until evaporated. Stir in onion, carrot, celery, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with their juice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 12 minutes. Stir in milk and cook, stirring, until creamy and thickened, about 5 minutes longer.
2. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti, according to package directions, omitting salt if desired; drain well.
3. Add pasta and Parmesan to skillet and cook, tossing, until heated through, about 2 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. This is what I call a taste of Italy. Don't be intimidated by all the ingredients. Once you get your mise en place together, it's all smooth sailing from then on. The original recipe calls for dry white wine but I prefer red wine with my ground beef. You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork or veal in the Bolognese and this dish will still be deliciously comforting. You can use the white wine with the white meat and the red wine with the ground beef. I also recommend 3 garlic cloves minced in with the vegetables for a more aromatic flavor and garlic always makes everything taste better. If you make this dinner, I promise you it will bring your family and friends to the table and people will love it. As for the olive oil, you can use a variety of Mediterranean in fused olive oil in this dish. For a selection, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.

Tequilla-Citrus Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3 tbsp. tequila
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 4 (1/4 lb.) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1 thigh per serving)

1. Combine the garlic, orange juice, tequila, lime juice, oil, and cumin in a zip-close plastic bag; add the chicken. Squeeze out the air and seal the bag; turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate, turning the bag occasionally, for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
2. Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill for a medium-hit fire.
3. Lift the chicken from the marinade, shake off the excess marinade, then sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the grill rack and grill until well marked and cooked through, 6-7 minutes on each side.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This is a great chicken dinner that's quick, easy and flavorful. This dish really does remind you of being on a beach in Mexico after you take one bite into it. Who doesn't love the combination of orange, lime, olive oil and garlic mixed in with tequila? As for the olive oil, I highly recommend Lime-Infused Olive oil for a more tropical flavor. For more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.

Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup drained petite diced tomatoes
• 1 1 /2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce

Makes 4 Servings (1 cup bean mixture & 1/2 cup rice per serving)

 

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions, omitting the fat is desired; keep warm.
2. With a fork, coarsely mash 1 cup of the beans; set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Add the whole and mashed beans, the tomatoes with their juice, the cumin, and oregano; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the lime juice and pepper sauce, stirring to mix well. Serve over the rice.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. This dish makes a great meal or side dish alongside a Latin flavored protein. You have three servings of vegetables in this dish so you'll get your share of nutrients. Don't worry if this dish looks like a hot mess, it tastes great and it's full of flavor.

Ham and Cheese Frico Breakwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
• 4 tsp. coarse-grain Dijon mustard
• 2 oz. sliced smoked ham, cut into 8 pieces
• 4 roasted red pepper halves (from a jar)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Makes 4 Servings (1 sandwiches per serving)

1. Heat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using 2 tablespoons for each, sprinkle the cheese into 8 mounds on the baking sheet. Spread each mound into a 3-inch round. Bake for 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and spread lightly. Remove from the oven and let stand on he baking sheet until the cheese sets, about 2 minutes.
3. Using a thin-bladed metal spatula, lift the rounds off the baking sheet. Brush the smooth side of each round with mustard. Top each of 4 rounds with 1 piece of ham, a red pepper, another piece of ham, and one-fourth of the onion. Top with the remaining cheese rounds, mustard side down, and serve warm.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This is a breakfast sandwich but you can eat this 'sandwich' for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This sandwiches are made from frico, or cheese crisps in place of bread. You can use a variety of shredded cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Provolone, Mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyere, etc, a variety of meats such as sliced turkey, roast beef, Canadian bacon, and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, arugula, etc. and use pesto, chimichurri, romesco in place of the mustard for a variety of breakwiches and you'll have endless possibilities.  

Dark Chocolate Bark with Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 6 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate, finely chopped

Makes 20 pieces (2 per serving)

 

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, or until fragrant. Cool, the coarsely chop.
2. Place 4 ounces of the chopped chocolate in a medium glass bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave for 30 seconds longer, or until just melted. (If the chocolate hasn't melted, microwave an additional 20 seconds.) Add the remaining chocolate to the bowl, stirring until melted. Stir in the walnuts.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. Spread the warm chocolate mixture on the sheet into a 6 X 9-inch rectangle. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm but not brittle. Cut or break into about 20 pieces and serve, or refrigerate for later (the bark will keep for 2 weeks in an airtight container).

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. These treat will be your new guilty pleasures after you make them. You can have your chocolate and eat it too. What makes these treats even sweeter is that there is no granulated sugar. You can use any kind of nut such as almonds or macadamia nuts in this recipe and your treats will be delicious. If you want to add and extra kick of flavor to these treats, I highly recommend adding a touch of orange zest in with the chocolate and your treats will get an extra kick of zing.

Flank Steak Stir-Fry with Ginger & Scallions

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 3/4-lb. flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 4 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp. peanut oil
• 1 tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 5 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Makes 4 Servings (3/4 cup beef mixture & 1/4 cup rice  mixture per serving)

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Combine steak, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons soy sauce in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Combine remaining 2 teaspoons soy sauce with hoisin in small bowl.
3. Heat oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add beef and cook, stirring occasionally, just until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add ginger and cook 30 seconds. Stir in bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add hoisin mixture, stirring, 30 seconds. Remove from heat; stir in scallions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Divide beef mixture and rice among 4 plates.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. This is what I call gourmet Chinese food. I've said it once and I'll say it over  and over again: if you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE!! You can make this elegant meal in 20 minutes or less and it will taste just as good as takeout. You can use any cut of beef (porterhouse, sirloin, skirt, etc.) and this meal will be delicious. I highly recommend seasoning the beef with freshly ground pepper as and minced garlic to enhance the flavor. You don't need salt because the soy sauce is already salty. Any kind of vegetable such as broccoli, snap peas, or shitake mushrooms will work just as well too.

Crunchy Oven-Fried Chicken with Herb Gravy

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups cornflake crumbs
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 2 (1/2 lb.) bone-in chicken breast halves
• 2 ( 1/4 lb.) chicken drumsticks
• 2 ( 5oz.) bone-in chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme or rosemary
• 1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1/4 chicken with 1/4 cup gravy)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a large shallow baking pan with foil. Place a wire rack in the pan; spray the rack with nonstick spray.
2. Place 1/2 cup of the flour and the cornflake crumbs on separate sheets of wax paper, Put the egg whites in a shallow bowl.
3. Put the chicken in a large bowl; sprinkle with salt. Whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a glass measure; pour over the chicken and turn to coat.
4. Coat the chicken, one piece at a time, with the flour, then dip into the beaten egg whites, allowing the excess to drip off. Coat the chicken with cornflake crumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere. Place the chicken on the prepared rack; lightly spray with nonstick spray. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 45 minutes (do not turn).
5. Meanwhile, to make the gravy, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the thyme and black pepper. Divide the chicken among 4 plates and serve with the gravy.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. Forget going out for fried chicken, you can make this at home and it will be just as good as the fast food chains or any other country kitchen. You can have your 'fried chicken' and eat it too. I recently made this dish and it was delicious. I highly recommend using boneless, skinless, chicken breast in this recipe for a meatier and healthier take. The herbed gravy is so good you'll want to pour it over your mashed potatoes and vegetables. If you have time, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk overnight in the fridge so it becomes more flavorful, tender and juicy when you cook it and eat it.

Turkey-Green Chile Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup light sour cream
• 2 tbsp. canned diced mild green chilies, drained
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp. taco or Mexican seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 12 taco shells, warmed
• 4 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup thinly sliced romaine lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, chopped

Makes 6 Servings (2 tacos per serving)

1. Combine the sour cream, chilies, cilantro, taco seasoning, and salt in a small bowl, set aside.
2. Fill each taco shell with 1/3 cup of the turkey, 1 tablespoon of the cheddar, generous 1 tablespoon of the lettuce, and about 3 tablespoons of the tomato; top with about 1 tablespoon of the sour cream mixture.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. If you're thinking about Mexican fast food, DON'T DRIVE TO THE MEXICAN FAST FOOS JOINT! You can make these guilty pleasures at home. If you don't have turkey breast in your refrigerator, you can use chicken as well. If you have ground chicken or turkey, use about a pound of ground chicken or turkey cooked with a cup of chopped onions and 2 minced garlic cloves for about 8 minutes or until golden brown (in a saute pan with olive oil over medium heat). I highly recommend using a fresh jalapeno pepper diced because fresh chilies taste better. If you don't have taco seasoning, a teaspoon of ground cumin will work and taste just as good. You can also use soft whole wheat tortillas and warm them in the microwave to your desire and enjoy the taco that way. You can enjoy these tacos for lunch or dinner and you'll be satisfied. One bit of these tacos and they will become a favorite and you'll be departing that fast food joint before you know it.

Grilled Pork Chops with Smoky Black Bean Relish

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless pork chops, cut 1/2-inch thick
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 tsp. canned chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped

Makes 6 Servings

1. Trim fat from chops. Season chops with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the lime juice and cilantro; brush over chops.
2. For a charcoal grill, place chops on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 7-9 minutes or until chops are done (160 F) and juices run clear. For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place chops on grill rack over medium heat. Cover and grill as above.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add corn; cook and stir for about 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Clear a spot in the center of the pan, reduce the heat, and add garlic; cook for 30 seconds.
4. In a large bowl, combine the corn mixture, tomatoes, black beans, scallions, 1/4 cup cilantro, chipotle peppers, and the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper.
5. Serve chops with corn mixture.

WW POINTS VALUE: 14 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is a new healthy way to enjoy Mexican food. You get your share of colorful vegetables and your protein too. You can use chicken, turkey, or even fish in this recipe and your dish will still be delish. It may look messy but it's really delicious. You don't always have to enjoy Mexican food in a tortilla.

 

Tomato and Feta Frittata

Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half if large
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Tbsp dried bread crumbs, panko variety

Makes 4 Servings (1 wedge per Serving)

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Coat a large heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillet with cooking spray; set over medium heat. Add shallot to skillet; cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, egg whites, salt and pepper; stir in tomatoes and shallot.
4. Coat bottom and sides of same skillet with cooking spray; set over medium heat. Pour egg mixture into skillet; cook until almost set, loosening edges of frittata occasionally, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over eggs; top with panko.
5. Place skillet under broiler, 4 inches from heat; broil until cooked through and panko browns, about 30 seconds to 1 minute (watch carefully to avoid burning). Remove from broiler immediately and let sit for 1 minute; cut into 4 wedges.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. This is a quick and easy dish that can be made and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even Sunday brunch. If you don't have a shallot, half of a diced onion will work just as well. The combination of tomatoes and feta cheese is creamy they go well in any dish, including eggs. This frittata is even tasty without the bread crumbs. If you don't have feta cheese, any crumbled cheese will do just fine. If you have any frittata leftover, store it in an air tight container and have it for breakfast the next day and it will taste just as good. If you want an authentic Mediterranean flare to this frittata, I highly recommend adding some herbs such as parsley, oregano, or dill.



Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp. whole-wheat flour
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
• 2 (8 oz.) packages low-fat cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs, beaten

Makes 12 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. Line muffin cups with paper or foil liners.
2. Combine the pumpkin with flour and 1/2 of the spices. Set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Scrape down sides as needed. Add sugar, vanilla, the remaining spices, and salt. Mix for 1 minute. Pour in eggs in 2 batches, mixing after each addition. Do not overmix when adding the eggs or the cheesecakes will crack during baking.
4. Remove 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture. Fold remaining cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Divide the pumpkin mixture among the muffin cups. Then divide the reserved cream cheese mixture among the cups. Using a skewer or paring knife, drag tip through the mixture to form a swirling pattern or marbled look.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. The mixture should not be completely set; the centers will move slightly when jiggled. The cheesecakes will continue to cook once removed from the oven.
6. Set on wire rack and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. If you're a cheesecake lover, these min cheesecakes are definitely for you. These cheesecakes have a nice texture to them and are full of flavor for the fall and winter holidays. The key to making these cheesecakes flavorful are the spices-cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Those three spices will kick any fall dessert up a notch. Plus, these treats are perfect portion size so there's an equal serving size for everyone. Be careful, these treats are addictive.

Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic

Ingredients:

• 3 medium garlic bulbs (about 40 cloves), separated & unpeeled
• 1 (3 1/2-4 lb.) chicken, cut into 8 pieces and skinned
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

Makes 8 Servings (1 piece chicken, about 3 cloves roasted garlic, & 2 tablespoons sauce per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. Place the garlic in a single layer in a small baking dish; spray with extra-virgin olive oil nonstick spray. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast 15 minutes. Stir, then cover and roast until the garlic just begins to brown, about 15 minutes. Uncover, then stir and spray with nonstick spray and roast until browned and tender, about 10 minutes longer.
3. Meanwhile, sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a large plate. Add the wine and broth to the skillet; bring to a boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the garlic to the skillet, then add the chicken, nestling the pieces among the garlic cloves.
4. Place the skillet in the oven and roast the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted in a thigh registers 165 F, 10-15 minutes. Lift the chicken from the broth mixture in the skillet and transfer to a serving dish; cover with aluminum foil and keep warm. Transfer 12 of the garlic cloves to a fine-mesh sieve. Arrange the remaining garlic around the chicken. With a rubber spatula, press the reserved garlic through the sieve into a bowl; discard the skins. Whisk the pressed garlic paste into the broth mixture in the skillet; bring to a simmer. Serve the chicken with the remaining roasted garlic and the sauce.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. The combination of roasted garlic, olive oil, white wine and chicken broth is SO heavenly delicious. The roasted garlic sauce may look messy but it's really good. If you're not a fan of garlic, this dish is not for you because this dish is very strong in smell and taste. If you have any leftover roasted garlic cloves, put them on toasted French bread for roasted garlic bread at dinner. This dish makes a great meal whenever you're having company over and will become a company favorite. You can also use turkey, quail, duck or even fish in place of the chicken and your dish will still be delicious.

 

Tomatoes with Crispy Bread Topping

Ingredients:

• 8 Roma tomatoes, cored & cut in half lengthwise
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Sprinkle the cut sides of the tomatoes with kosher salt and pepper. Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, in a shallow baking pan. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, scallions, thyme, parsley, tarragon, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over tomato halves. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatoes are heated through and the bread crumbs are browned and crisp.

WW POINTS VALUE:  2 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This side dish goes great with any Mediterranean protein and will quickly fill you up. They may look a little messy but they are delicious. These have a French flavor to them due to the flavorful herbs of thyme, parsley and tarragon. You can even put Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, marjoram, or parsley if you're cooking Italian food and the tomatoes will still be delicious. Oven roasted tomatoes are so flavorful and delicious they melt in your mouth. You can use flavor infused olive oil in these tomatoes to enhance the flavor. For a complete list of choices of olive oil, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.

 

Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Brussels Sprouts, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup water

Makes 6 Servings

1. Heat the oven to 425 F.
2. Place Brussels sprouts, garlic, oil, salt, and a pinch of pepper in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. Pour the water into the dish and roast until Brussels sprouts are lightly browned and pierced easily with a paring knife, about 25 minutes. Serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. This was my first time cooking Brussels sprouts at home and I must say they wre quite a success. This side dish is bright in color and good for you. You can use this side dish with any flavored protein and your meal will be filling. Oven roasted vegetables are so delicious when they are seasoned properly and they melt in your mouth. I highly recommend using flavor infused olive oil when cooking these. FOr a complete list, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.

 

Guacamole Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp. minced red onion
• salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 (4 oz.) bunches watercress, thick stems removed
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced, with juices reserved
• 2 medium avocados, pitted, peeled & diced

Makes 8 (1-cup) Servings

1. Whisk together lime juice, onion, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a small bowl; let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add cilantro, oil, scallions, and garlic; whisk to combine.
2. Place watercress in a large serving bowl. Add dressing and toss gently; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and their juices and avocados; gently toss again and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. This is a great salad to have when you're starting your healthy lifestyle, you fell off the bandwagon & you want to get back on or you ate so much holiday sweets and you want to cleanse your system. This is really a spring or summer salad but if you're lucky enough to find ripe avocados and tomatoes, this is  the salad for you. The dressing is made from olive oil, lime juice, onions and garlic. Real cooks NEVER use bottled dressing. Real cooks make their own dressing for their salad. This salad can be enjoyed by vegetarians and carnivores alike and guacamole lovers too. I highly recommend using Garlic or Lime infused olive oil for an authentic Mexican taste. Fore more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.