Tomato Artichoke Calzone

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pizza dough, thawed out
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (13 1/2 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained & sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• cooking spray

Makes 4 Servings (1/2 calzone per serving)

1. Heat oven to 425ºF. On a lightly floured surface roll out 1/4 of dough into an 11-inch circle; move to a parchment-covered baking pan.
2. Cover half of circle with 1/4 cup of sauce, 1/3 cup of mozzarella, 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and 1/4 of artichokes, leaving a 1/2-inch boarder. Fold dough over sauced half, pinching edge with fingers and rolling edge up one turn. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make three more calzones.
3. Coat calzones with cooking spray. Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weighteatchers.com. Calzones are a wonderful, filling comfort food when they are done right. The combination of  Italian cheeses, homemade tomatoe sauce and artichkoes is quite delicious no matter how you prepare it. If you're thinking of ordering takeout, put down the phone and make this instead. You'll save a lot of money and you'll be more satisfied. 

Heirloom Tomato Lasagna

 Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini or yellow squash, sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup canned chopped artichoke hearts, rinsed
• 2 tbsp. fresh basil leaves, shredded
• 1 tbsp. fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• 3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick, divided
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Makes 6 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish and set it aside. 
2. Place the sliced zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it lightly with salt; set it aside. 
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute it until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, lemon juice, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the liquid has evaporated. 
4. Stir in the artichoke hearts, basil and oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat. 
5. Pat dry the zucchini slices with paper towels. 
6. Cover the bottom of the prepared dish with slightly overlapping tomato slices, using half the slices. Layer the zucchini, mushroom mixture, ricotta cheese, and most of the Parmesan, retaining a small amount for the topping. Finish off the dish with the remaining tomatoes. Brush the top of the tomatoes with a little olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and scatter the remining  Parmesan on top. 
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to brown. Let the lasagna cool slightly in the baking dish before slicing  into 6 evenly cut pieces and serving. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. This is a new and colorful take on a traditional comfort food. This version of lasagna is gluten-free with vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This lasagna has six servings of vegetables and will leave a nice aftertaste in your mouth. If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese works just as well. You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook it and enjoy it. 

Spinach and Artichoke Quiche Cups

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon (5-6 slices) or pancetta, chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped oregano or 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 Tbsp. shredded kefalotiri or Parmesan cheese
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 Servings (1 quiche per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a 6-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners (or grease lightly with butter) and set aside.
3. Whisk together the eggs and heavy cream in a large bowl.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and scallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add the artichoke hearts, bacon, roasted peppers and spinach. Cook for 1 minute until the spinach has just wilted.
6. Add the mixture to the bowl with the eggs and cream. Stir in the olives, oregano and feta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Using a 1/4 cup measure, divide the mixture among the prepared cups, filling until about 1/4-inch from the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and the eggs are set.
10. Remove quiche cups from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Don't be intimidated by the ingredients in this recipe. A quiche is a French dish that usually has a pastry crust and is filled with eggs, milk or cream. Quiches can also be made with vegetables, meat and seafood. These mini quiche cups are filled with Mediterranean flavors, both cheese and vegetables, and are great for breakfast, lunch or an on-the-go snack. Kefalotiri is a hard Greek cheese. If you don't have this chees on hand, Parmesan cheese will work just as well. These quiche cups are flavorful and will quickly fill you up. 

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.

Turkey Antipasto Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp. minced red onion
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 (1lb.) head romaine lettuce, chopped (8 cups)
• 3/4 lb. roasted turkey breast
• 2 large roasted red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
• 6 oz. marinated artichoke hearts (about 8 pieces)
• 4 oz. reduced-fat provolone, mozzarella, or muenster cheese, sliced or cubed

Makes 4 (2 1/2-cup) Servings

1. Place oil, vinegar, onion, salt, and pepper in a small glass jar. Close tightly and shake vigorously.
2. Arrange lettuce, turkey, bell peppers, artichokes, and cheese on 4 plates, antipasto style (separated into piles). Spoon dressing over top and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. Antipasto means before the meal and is usually the first course of an Italian meal. Traditional antipasto meals can include cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, various cheeses, pickled meats and vegetables in oil or vinegar. The people at South Beach have made a classic Italian appetizer into a colorful salad that is deliciously filling. You can enjoy this salad for lunch or dinner. If you don't have marinated bell peppers or artichoke hearts and/or raw turkey or chicken, grill the meat and vegetables and your salad will taste just as delicious. If you're using turkey or chicken, season with salt, pepper and garlic and grill both sides alongside the vegetables 8-10 minutes and your salad will be just as delicious. You can also substitute arugula or spinach in place of the romaine and your salad will be even healthier.

Artichoke & Red Pepper Filling

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red onion, julienne
• 1 1 /2 cup frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
• 2 tsp. garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
• 1 tbsp. basil, chopped
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat a sauté over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, red onion, and artichokes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until lightly brown.
2. Add garlic and red peppers. Cook until garlic is aromatic. Stir in basil.
3. Use filling in omelet; fold over and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is a quick and easy filling that is full of Mediterranean flare. This filling will quickly fill you up and leave you fully satisfied. The combination of artichokes and red peppers goes so well with eggs you'll eat this filing again and again.



Sirloin Steak with Artichokes, Tomatoes, and Olives

Ingredients:

• 4 (6 oz.) sirloin steaks, about 3/4-inch thick
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 (9 oz.) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and quartered
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamala olives, coarsely chopped
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Season steaks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate.
2. Add water to the hot pan, scraping any brown bits from the bottom; reduce heat to medium. Add garlic an oregano; cook until garlic has softened, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook 3 minutes more. Stir in artichokes and olives and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm with steaks.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. This dish is quick, easy, delicious and just as good as what as what you would order in a restaurant. Don't be intimidated by this dish. It's really good and people will love this dish. Tomatoes, artichokes, and Kalamata olives are staples of Mediterranean cooking and these ingredients go great with steak, chicken, pork, lamb, veal and even fish. This dish can be made any day of the week and will quickly become a family favorite. 

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 can (13.75 oz.) artichokes in water, drained
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 cup grated aged Asiago or Parmesan cheese

Makes 2 2/3 cups

 

In a food processor, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts,. oil, and garlic powder. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the ricotta, salt, hot pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Pulse until smooth. Add the Asiago and pulse until combined.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This is a great way to kick-start your healthy lifestyle or jump back on the bandwagon if you fell off. Spinach or artichoke dip is a popular party dip that is typically made from a lot of mayonnaise. This recipe calls for part-skim ricotta and Asiago cheese. You can use cottage cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese (I prefer Kraft Reduced-Fat Garden Vegetable cream cheese) and your dip will be just a smooth and creamy. Be sure to use canned artichoke hearts in stead of frozen or jarred marinated hearts canned are much more flavorful and are less fat-laden than those in the jar. This dip goes great with raw vegetables such as celery, carrots, fennel, bell peppers, asparagus, cucumber and yellow squash. It also goes great on top of chicken, turkey, pork, beef and even some fish too. As for the olive oil, I highly recommend using Garlic-Infused Olive Oil from the Imperial Olive for a more garlicky flavor. For more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com. 

Artichoke, Roasted Peppers & Feta Egg Pockets

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp. low-fat milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup sliced artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 large whole-wheat pita bread rounds, cut in half

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a medium bowl, combine egg whites, eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Beat with a wire whisk or rotary beater until well mixed. Stir in artichoke hearts, peppers and basil.
2. Lightly coat a large skillet with nonstick spray. Preheat over medium heat. Add eggs to skillet. cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on the bottom and  around the edges.
3. Using a spatula or a large spoon, lift and fold the partially cooked eggs so the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes or until eggs are cooked through but still glossy and moist. Remove from heat immediately. Fold in feta cheese.
4. Open pita halves to form a pocket. Fill pita halves with eggs.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Pita pockets filled with eggs, cheese and vegetables is so filling and delicious. I really loved these pita pockets because they were packed with real Mediterranean flavor with the vegetables and feta cheese. I highly recommend adding milk instead of water to the eggs because milk makes the eggs creamier. You can use goat cheese, mozzarella or Parmesan cheese in place of the feta and your egg pockets will still be delicious.



Wine-Braised Chicken with Artichokes and Olives

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 (5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 (14-1/2 oz.) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (9-oz.) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
• 8 pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Combine 2 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper on a large plate. Coat chicken breasts, on at a time, in mixture.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; scatter shallots around chicken. Cook, turning chicken once and stirring shallots occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in wine. Cook, scrapping up browned bits from bottom of skillet, about 30 seconds. Add broth. Sprinkle 1 remaining 1 tablespoon flour over broth and whisk in. Bring to boil. Add artichoke hearts, olives, and rosemary. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring sauce occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.
4. Transfer chicken to platter. Continue to simmer sauce until reduced and thickened, about 3 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with parsley.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. (1 piece chicken & 1/2 cup sauce)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Mediterranean food is so good when it's done right.  Even though the recipe doesn't call for garlic, I highly recommend adding garlic to this dish because garlic always makes everything better. You can also use onions in place of the shallots and the dish will still be delish. The combination of white wine, chicken broth, flour, onions and garlic is so comforting and delicious. Don't worry if the sauce looks brown; it's just the flour adding thickness to the broth and wine. The artichoke hearts and kalamata olives give this dish the extra Mediterranean flare. This dish was so heavenly delicious it made me feel like I was dining on the Mediterranean coast. If you're ever craving upscale Mediterranean cuisine but don't won't to go out to a restaurant, this meal is for you and it can be made in 20 minutes or less. Plus, you won't find this dish on the menu. I highly recommend serving this dish to company along with garlic bread because one bite of this dish and  they will be happy as a clam.



Artichoke Tarts

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 16 wonton wrappers
• 1/4 cup low-fat shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 4 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. sweet red pepper, chopped
• 7 oz. canned artichoke hearts, without oil, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley sprigs

Makes 8 Servings (2 tarts per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F Coat a 16-hole muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. Gently press 1 wonton wrapper into each muffin hole, allowing ends to extend above cups. Coat edges of wrappers with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Combine cheeses, cayenne pepper and mustard in a medium bowl; mix well. Stir in red pepper and artichokes; spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each muffin cup.
4. Bake until chees mixture is set and edges of wrappers are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. If you are ever hunger craving and you just want a little something to eat to get you through the day, these treats are for you. Everyone will love these treats, especially vegetarians because they're packed with veggies and bold flavors. These tarts are perfect for your next party or gathering because they look so beautiful and they taste delicious.

Warm Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 ounce finely grated Parmesean cheese (1/4 cup)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 (14-oz) can artichoke hearts, drained
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• assorted whole-grain crackers

Makes 12 (1/4 cup) Servings

1. Blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, garlic and hot pepper sauce in a food processor until smooth. Add artichokes and pulse until well combined but still chunky.
2. Transfer to a microwave-safe serving dish. Microwave on medium heat until heated through. turning once or twice, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with crackers.
    

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. This is a delicous dip whether it's game day or a dinner party. Artichokes have a really nice flavor to them once you acquire a taste for them. Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber and provide good things such as vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium and folate. I highly recommend using Philadelhia Garden Vegetable cream cheese if you want to add more vegetable flavor to this dip because that particular cream cheese is delicious in any savory dish. This dip is also great with baked potatoes, chicken, steak, pork and vegetables.