Cheddar-Scallion Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup finely shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped scallion
• 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp. light sour cream

Makes 19 biscuits (1 biscuit per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour and cayenne pepper in medium bowl. With a pastry blender or two knives used scissors-fashion, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cheddar, scallion and Parmesan, tossing until just mixed. Add sour cream, stirring with a fork just until very soft dough forms.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, with floured hands, pat dough to 3/4-inch thickness. With floured 1 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out biscuits, pressing scraps together, making total of 19 biscuits.
4. Place biscuits, 2 inches apart, on prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned, 13-15 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool slightly before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These biscuits are a different take on the cheddar cheese biscuits I usually make. These biscuits are made with sour cream and chopped scallion. The key to making these biscuits delicious is using extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar always makes food taste better.

Chicken Veronique

Ingredients:

• 2 (3/4 lb.) bone-in chicken breasts, skinned and cut crosswise in half
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 lb. seedless green grapes, halved
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon

Makes 4 Servings

1. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, 5-6 minutes on each side. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add the grapes and tarragon; simmer; covered, until the grapes are slightly softened, about 2 minutes longer.
2. Divide the chicken and tarragon among 4 plates. Spoon the pan juices over.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This is a quick, easy and tasty French dinner to cook at home. Veronique is a French cooking term that is used to describe a dish garnished with seedless white grapes. This dish is quite tasty and don't be intimidated by cooking  grapes and serving them alongside chicken. It's actually quite good. You can substitute dry white wine in place of the chicken broth and your dish will be just as flavorful. I highly recommend seasoning the chicken with minced garlic because garlic always makes everything taste better.

Peach-Almond Parfaits

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 2/3 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2/3 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp. granular sugar substitute
• 3 medium peaches, cubed (2 cups)
• ground cinnamon
• ground nutmeg

Makes 4 (1 cup) Servings

1. Heat the oven to 275 F. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine ricotta, yogurt, and sugar substitute and process until smooth. Spoon 1/4 cup of the peaches into each of 4 parfait glasses or dessert dishes. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over the peaches. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg and 1/2 tablespoon of the almonds. Top evenly with remaining peaches, remaining ricotta mixture, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, and remaining almonds.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. This is what I call a summer sweet treat. These sweet treats can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Who knew that peaches mixed in with ricotta and yogurt could be addictive? You can use other stone fruit such as nectarines or plums in this recipe and the parfaits will be just as yummy. I highly recommend grilling or broiling the peaches or stone fruit because grilled stone fruit tastes delicious. I also highly recommend adding vanilla to the ricotta-yogurt mixture for more flavorful parfaits.

Summer Vegetable Chicken Saute

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves cut into1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano or thyme
• 2 cups sliced yellow summer squash and/or zucchini
• 1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a covered medium saucepan, cook green beans in a small amount of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain; submerse beans in enough ice water to cover and let stand until cool. Drain again; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a very large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. In a large bowl, toss chicken with oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the hot oil in skillet; cook for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Do not overcrowd the pan or the chicken will not brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Add squash to the skillet; cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Stir in chicken, green beans, cannellini beans, chicken broth, and garlic. Bring to boiling. Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Cook about 1 minute or until heated through.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is certainly a taste of summer than is good for you. It's different yet satisfyingly filling. This dish is also very colorful with all the summer vegetables in it. You can use turkey, pork or even tofu in place of the chicken and your dish will be delicious. You can also use white wine in place of the chicken broth when deglazing the pan.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. canola oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Makes 20 Biscotti (1 biscotti per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; stir in chocolate chips.
3. With electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until frothy, about 2 minutes. Make well in center of flour mixture and pour in egg mixture; stir just until  it comes together and forms dough.
4. Shape dough into 3 X 13-inch log on prepared baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes. With 2 spatulas, transfer log to wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 300 F.
6. With serrated bread knife, cut long on slight diagonal into 1/2-inch slices, making total of 20 biscotti. Stand slices, about 1 inch apart, on baking sheet; bake 12 minutes. Transfer to rack and let cool completely.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. A biscotti is a twice-baked Italian cookie and it is delicious. These cookies are a delicious treat to enjoy after dinner and any time of day. The original recipe called for 1 cup of granulated sugar but I cut the sugar in half and the cookies still tasted delicious. I also recommend using dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, ground cinnamon and nutmeg for more rich and flavorful cookies.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 12 oz. cooked pasta shells (2 1/2 cups)
• 2 1/2 cups small broccoli florets, cooked

Makes 8 Servings (1 1 /2 cups per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spray 2 quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until light golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to small bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Parmesan and set aside.
3. Wipe saucepan clean. Whisk together milk and flour in saucepan until blended; add onion. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce is bubbly and thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in cheddar, mustard, salt, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan until cheddar is melted.
4. Add pasta and broccoli to saucepan; stir until mixed well. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with bread-crumb mixture. Bake until bubbly along edges, 20-25 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is what I call gourmet macaroni and cheese. Who knew that adding broccoli, onions, bread crumbs, and Dijon mustard could make macaroni and cheese taste so delicious? You wouldn't find this gourmet dish at an upscale restaurant. You can make this dish at home and enjoy it just as much as boxed macaroni and cheese. I highly recommend using a variety of mixed shredded cheeses for a more flavorful dish. I also highly recommend adding a touch of minced garlic when you're melting the butter because garlic always makes dishes taste better.

Five-Ingredient Tomato-Cheese Pizza

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb. whole wheat pizza dough, at room temperature
• cornmeal, for the pan
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Makes 8 Servings

1. Place oven rack on bottom rung oven and preheat oven to 500 F.
2. Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface. With lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough into 12-inch round. Sprinkle pizza pan or large baking sheet with cornmeal. Transfer dough to prepared pan, gently pulling dough back into 12-inch round. (If dough resists, cover lightly with clean kitchen towel and let rest about 10 minutes.)
3. Spread tomato sauce over dough; sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until crust is golden and cheeses are melted, 12-15 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is a quick and easy dish that is better than takeout. The only thing hard about this recipe is actually rolling out the dough because pizza dough sometimes has a mind of its own. This pizza tastes better and is cheaper than what you would order at a pizzeria. I highly recommend putting on homemade tomato sauce on this pizza as well as fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a more authentic Italian taste. It will be more than 5 ingredients but it's worth it.

Warm Spinach Salad with Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tsp. red wine vinegar
• 12 oz. baby spinach (10-12 cups)
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 8 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 (2 cup ) Servings

1. Combine shallot, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Place spinach in a large mixing bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and add to spinach.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms and warm oil to bowl with spinach, making sure to use all of the oil. Add shallot mixture and remaining oil; gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook.  Who says a salad has to be boring? This quick and easy dish can be made in 20 minutes or less and it tastes great alongside chicken, steak, pork, turkey, lamb and even fish. The walnuts add a nice crunchy texture to the salad. I highly recommend adding a touch of minced garlic to this salad because garlic always makes everything taste better.

Moroccan Spiced Beef Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, peeled
• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 2/3 cup + 2 tbsp. nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt
• 2 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise

Makes 4 Servings

1. On the large holes of a box grater, grate the onion into a large bowl. Add the beef, 2 tablespoons of the yogurt, tomato paste, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and salt and gently combine. Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick.
2. Preheat the broiler with the rack 4 inches from the heat. Broil the burgers until browned on the top, about 3 minutes. Gently turn the burgers over and broil 1-2 minutes longer for medium-rare.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together the remaining 2/3 cup yogurt, goat cheese, and cucumber.
4. Place a burger on each of 4 plates. Divide evenly, spoon the yogurt mixture on top of each burger.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet  Gluten Solutions Cookbook. You can have your burger and eat them too when you kick-start your healthy lifestyle. These exotic burgers are full of spicy seasonings and are succulent and juicy. Grating the onion for the burger mixture ensures that the onion will not have a raw taste and will cook through along with the burgers. I highly recommend adding garlic and freshly ground black pepper to the burgers for more flavor.

Egg White Frittata with Cheddar & Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups egg whites (about 8 large egg whites)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 scallions, sliced on bias

Makes 4 Servings

1. Whisk together egg whites, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until frothy.
2. Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add egg whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to set, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat and cook, without stirring, until eggs are almost set, about 6 minutes longer.
3. Meanwhile, preheat broiler.
4. Sprinkle cheddar over frittata. Broil 5 inches from heat until cheese is melted and eggs are set, 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with scallions. Cut into 4 wedges.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This egg dish is a quick and easy dish to make any night of the week or on the weekend. This dish is also vegetarian and gluten free if those are your concerns. The combination of eggs, vegetables and cheese makes a filling and tasty combination. If you have any leftover frittata, wrap the leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The leftovers make a nice light lunch or a nice sandwich filling.

Teriyaki Turkey & Pineapple Kebabs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded & minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Makes 4 Servings ( 1 kebab per serving)

1. Combine teriyaki sauce, jalapeno, and garlic in a large zip-close plastic bag; add turkey. Squeeze out air and seal bag; turn to coat turkey. Refrigerate, turning bag occasionally, at least  20 minutes or up to 1 day.
2. Preheat broiler. Line broiler pan with foil and spray broiler rack with nonstick spray.
3. Remove turkey from marinade; discard marinade. Thread turkey, bell pepper, and pineapple alternately onto 4 (12-inch) metal skewers. Broil kebabs 5 inches from heat, turning frequently, until turkey is cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Complete Family Meals Cookbook. These elegant kebabs are easy to make and taste delicious. They also have a nice fusion taste to them. I highly recommend making your own teriyaki sauce because you know what's in it and you can modify what you put in it and if you want to add a little more to the kebabs while they are cooking. The turkey and the pineapple make these kebabs succulent and juicy. If you don't have metal skewers, use bamboo skewers instead. Don't forget to soak the bamboo kebabs in cold water for 30 minutes so they don't burn.

Sonoma Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 1/4 lbs.)
• 1 (15 oz.) jar roasted red and yellow bell peppers, drained & cut into strips
• 1 (6 oz.) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tbsp. capers, rinsed & drained
• 1 recipe Red Wine Vinaigrette (see below)
• 6 large butterhead (Bibb or Boston) lettuce leaves
• 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, shaved

Makes 6 Servings

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, red onion, almonds, parsley, and capers. Drizzle with Red Wine Vinaigrette; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for 1-24 hours.
2. To serve, place a lettuce leaf on each of six dinner plates. Spoon chicken salad onto lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

 

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot. Let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly until combined. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Makes about 1/3 cup.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This colorful salad will quickly fill you up and leave you satisfied. The combination of shredded cooked chicken mixed with vegetables topped with a tangy vinaigrette will wake up your taste buds. You can use cooked pork tenderloin or turkey breast in this recipe and your salad will be delicious. This salad makes an elegant lunch or dinner any day of the week. You can even use grilled bell peppers and artichokes if you don't have jarred vegetables on hand.

Cinnamon Cherry Scones

Ingredients:

• olive oil cooking spray
• 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 tbsp. monk fruit natural no-calorie sweetener
• 1 tbsp. gluten-free baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chopped gluten-free all-natural, no-sugar-added dried cherries

Makes 8 Scones (1 scone per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with foil (for easier cleanup) and lightly spray with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, almond flour, coconut flour, monk fruit sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir in the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in the dried cherries.
4. Divide the dough into 8 balls and place on the baking sheet. With moistened hands, flatten and shape the dough into 8 triangles, 1 1/2 -2 inches thick. Make sure the triangles are at least 2 inches apart.
5. Bake until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of the scone comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Let cool on pan.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Gluten Solutions Cookbook. Who doesn't love a scone once in a while? Cherries and cinnamon make a heavenly combination any time of day. If you don't want to go completely gluten free, I highly recommend using fresh Bing cherries for a juicier bite and more zing to your scones. These scones can be made ahead and be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 1 (1 lb.) container strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• pinch salt
• 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup fat-free half-and-half

Makes 12 (1/3 cup) Servings

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and salt in a medium bowl; with potato masher, crush strawberries. Let stand, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together yogurt and half-in-half in large bowl until smooth. Stir in strawberry mixture. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.
3. Pour strawberry mixture into ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to freezer container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This sweet treat has so much flavor and zing, it's better than what you would get at the local frozen yogurt shop. If you have plain yogurt, add a touch of vanilla to the yogurt mixture to make it more heavenly. You can also use honey or agave nectar in place of the granulated sugar for a sweeter flavor and to cut the sugar intake. Real strawberries make this treat even sweeter and juicier. You can use any kind of berry in this recipe and your frozen yogurt will still be delicious.

Cherry Pie

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans sour cherries packed in water, drained juice reserved
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract
• Pie Dough for double crust (See recipe)

Makes 16 Servings (1/16 pie per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. To make filling, stir together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large bowl. Add cherries, 1/2 cup reserved cherry juice, lemon juice, and almond extract gently stirring to mix well.
3. On lightly floured work surface with lightly floured rolling pin, roll one disk of dough into 12-inch round. Gently fold in quarters and ease into 9-inch pie plate, pressing it against side of pie plate. Trim edge, leaving 1-inch overhang. Spoon cherry filling into pie shell.
4. Roll remaining disk of dough into 12-inch round. Fold in quarters and place on top of filling. Tuck edges under and decoratively crimp. With tip of small knife, make several 1-inch slits in top of pie to allow steam to escape.
5. Place pie on baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 F. Loosely cover pie with foil during last 25 minutes of baking prevent overbrowning, if needed, and bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling in center. Let cool on wire rack about 1 hour to serve warm, or let cool completely.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Whether or not you are a pie fan, you will love this sweet ending. Homemade fruit pies always taste the best. I've always enjoyed apple pie but cherry pie in the summer is heavenly delicious. I highly recommend adding a  touch of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon or nutmeg and sliced rhubarb to the cherry pie for a sweeter flavor. The home made crust is absolutely delicious with this pie. If you want out reduce your sugar intake, substitute honey or agave nectar and your pie will be just as delicious.

Yogurt-Marinated Lamb Kebabs

Ingredients:

• 1 1 /2 lbs. well-trimmed boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for grill
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Place lamb in a mixing bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, add yogurt and garlic, and toss to combine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. While lamb is marinating, heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place bell pepper and onion in a mixing bowl, toss with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Thread vegetables onto skewers. Brush grill with oil and grill vegetables until browned, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes.
3. Place lamb on skewers and grill 4 minutes per side for medium-rare or 5 minutes per side for medium. Serve lamb with vegetables.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. If you're in the mood for grilled Greek cuisine, this dish is for you. Garlic infused grilled lamb with grilled onions and peppers will bring the classic flavors of Greece to your table. Lamb is fattening but it's also packed with protein so it will quickly fill you up. If you can't find a leg of lamb, lamb loin chop will work just as well and you won't need skewers. You can even grill the vegetables in a grill basket and they will taste just as delicious. 

Capanata

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. eggplant, sliced into 3/4-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, sliced into 1/4-inch half moons
• 2 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 1 cup red or yellow bell peppers, julienned
• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. agave nectar
• 2 tbsp. capers, rinsed
• 3 cups tomatoes, cored & coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp. raisins
• 3 tbsp. chopped oregano or basil, chopped
• 3 tbsp. green olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp. pine nuts
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• nonstick cooking spray
• parchment paper

Makes 8 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Lay slices of eggplant on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in hot oven for 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Cool and cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, onions, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until aromatic. Add peppers' saute 2 minutes. Add vinegar and agave syrup; reduce by half.
4.  Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook or 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically until the tomatoes have reduced by one quarter. Add eggplant, capers, and raisins; cook for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is thick, slightly sweet, and fragrant. Stir in herbs, olives, and pine nuts. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Caponata is a traditional Sicilian seasoning or topping that is made from cooked vegetables like eggplant, celery and tomatoes and sweetened with vinegar, capers, raisins, and nuts. This makes a great filling for sandwiches. The eggplant will fall apart at the end of the cooking process. Caponata is always best to sit overnight in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Caponata tastes delicious when served with pasta, cooked meats such as turkey, chicken, beef, pork, lamb and eve fish.