Whole Wheat Skillet Pancake with Pears and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs 
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 Bartlett pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp. confectioners' sugar

Makes 6 Servings (1 wedge per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Place large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet in oven to heat up. 
2. Meanwhile, combine eggs, egg whites, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Add flour and pulse just until combined. Wearing oven mitt, remove skillet from oven and spray with nonstick spray. Pour in batter. Top with pears and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake until pancake is puffed and browned and pears are softened, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and cut into 6 wedges. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Menu. This is a new take on pancakes and this dish is quite delicious. The combination of fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg is heavenly decadent. If you don't have pears available, use apples and the pancakes will taste just is good. I also highly recommend adding a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor of the pancakes. 

Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. flank steak
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
• 2 tsp. granulated brown sugar
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 recipe Chimichurri Salsa

1. Season meat with salt and pepper; let sit for 10 minutes. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts at 1-inch intervals; set aside.
2.  Combine vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar. Rub with marinade and let sit for 1 hour to overnight in the refrigerator. 
3. Remove the steak from the marinade (discard the marinade). 
4. For a charcoal grill, place meat on the rack of and uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place meat on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as above.
5. Transfer grilled meat to a cutting board. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. To serve, slice very thinly across the grain. Serve with chimichurri salsa.

Chimichurri Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, packed
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 1 tbsp. fresh oregano leaves
• 2 tbsp. shallots, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• salt 
• freshly ground black pepper

1. Finely chop parsley, cilantro, and oregano leaves. Place in a bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix well.
2. Let sit for at least 2 hours before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This dish is better than what you would order in a steak house or at a nice restaurant. This dish is said to represent the taste of wine country. Chimichurri salsa is an uncooked sauce that hails from Argentina. This sauce is used in cooking and is made of chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Chimichurri may be brushed, basted, or spooned onto meat as it cooks, or onto the cooked surface of meat as it rests. The steak is absolutely delicious and the chimichurri salsa is delicious. The salsa goes great with potatoes and grilled vegetables as well. If you a re looking for a wine to pair with this dish, a red wine such as syrah, merlot or cabernet from Pursued by Bear Wine. 

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/3 cup packed sucralose-brown sugar blend
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tsp. confectioners' sugar

Makes 12 Servings (1 cookie per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, pastry flour, brown sugar blend, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. With a wooden spoon, stir in the butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Add the egg whites and vanilla; stir until a smooth dough forms (you may need to use your hands).
3. Put the confectioners' sugar in a small bowl. Divide the dough into  12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Lightly roll each ball in the confectioners' sugar to coat. Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until set but still soft in the middle, 10-12 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a rack and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

WW POINTS VALUES 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Best-Ever Desserts Cookbook. These are a healthy take on the traditional chocolate crinkles. They are not that bad if and when you're having a chocolate craving. You can even crumble these crinkles and put them on top of ice cream or mix them in with fruit and yogurt and you'll have a flavorful treat.

Smoky Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 3/4 tsp. oregano
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. onion powder
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 1 /2 lbs.)

Makes 6 Servings (1 thigh per serving)

1. Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill for a medium-hot fire.
2. To make the glaze, mix together the ketchup, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, the vinegar, and oregano in a small bowl.
3. To make the spice rub, mix together the paprika, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar in another small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs.
4. Place the chicken on the grill rack and grill 8 minutes. Turn the chicken and grill 8 minutes longer. Turn the chicken and brush with half of the glaze; grill 3 minutes. Turn the chicken and brush with the remaining glaze; grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh registers 165 F, about 3 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. If you love Barbecue, this dish is for you. Forget your local BBQ or fast food joint, make this dish and your family and friends will eat this dish up. The spices and the sauce give this dish an nice smoky and sweet flavor to it. Plus, your chicken or protein dish will be succulent and juicy. If you increase the batch of the spice rub, transfer the rub to a glass jar and store it in your pantry for a couple of months. The spice rub and the sauce is perfect on pork chops and tenderloins and it will go great on all cuts of beef, salmon and shrimp.  

Cinnamon Apple Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork tenderloin
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar, packed
• 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored, sliced
• 2 tbsp. dried cranberries or raisins

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place tenderloin in roasting pan or casserole dish.
3. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon the apple mixture around the tenderloin.
4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove cover and spoon apple mixture over the tenderloin. Continue to bake 15 minutes or until the pork tenderloin is browned and cooked through, about 150 F on a meat thermometer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is a wonderful comfort food to cook for any holiday or any special occasion. The combination of pork and cooked apples is so heavenly delicious when they are cooked right. As for the cooking apples, you can use, Golden, Delicious, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Pippin, McIntosh or Honey Crisp for a rich, fruity flavor. One bite of this dish and you'll have a new taste for pork chops and applesauce.

Crumble Topping

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 2 cups oatmeal, old-fashioned style
• 4 tbsp. oat bran
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 tbsp. coconut oil
• parchment paper

Makes 2 1/4 cups, 20 Servings (2 tbsp. per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. Place brown sugar and almonds in a spice grinder or food processor. Grind to a fine powder. Combine almond mixture, oatmeal, oat bran, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in coconut oil until well distributed. Leave clumps.
3. At this point you can either bake the mixture and use it as topping or leave uncooked and bake on a crumble or fruit. If you bake it now, place mixture in a parchment-lines sheet pan. Bake in a preheated oven for 8 minutes, stirring periodically for evening browning. Cool.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This homemade topping is so yummy it's better than store bought. This crisp bite is so good on any fruit combination from fall & winter fruits such as apples and pears to your favorite summer berries. Grinding the almonds with sugar prevents them from becoming almond butter. This recipe has many variations: replace oat bran with wheat bran, replace coconut oil with canola oil or make it gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats and oat bran. You can use this topping in your yogurt, on your favorite fruit pies, or even in baked fruit muffins.

Chocolate-Walnut Biscotti

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Makes 32 Cookies (2 biscotti per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. With electric mixer on medium speed, beat brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Beat in flour mixture until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
3. Divide dough into 3 pieces. On floured surface, roll each piece in flour to coat, then shape each into 12-inch log. Transfer logs to prepared baking sheet, placing 3 inches apart. Bake until firm when pressed, about 30 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on rack for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 300 F. Transfer one log at a time to cutting board. With serrated knife, cut into 1/2-inch-thick diagonal slices, making total of about 64 slices. Stand slices on baking sheet. Bake until dried and crisp, 15-20 minutes. Transfer biscotti to racks to cool completely.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. These treats are best made for the weekend because they take time and effort. These classic Italian cookies are worth the time and effort. They have a nice after taste to them and you forget they're good for you. 

Morning Carrot-Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 1/2 tbsp. canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 small Granny Smith apple, cored, peeled and shredded
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 cup raisins

Makes 12 Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking powder and soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in apple, carrot, zucchini and raisins. Add flour mixture and stir until combined.
3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool completely on rack.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. If you're lacking fruits and vegetables in your diet, these muffins are for you. You can have your fruits, vegetables and muffins and eat them too for breakfast or as a light snack. These muffins are light and flavorful. Who knew shredded zucchini would taste so delicious in a baked good? The combination of shredded carrot, apple, zucchini and raisins mixed with brown sugar and oats make these muffins so good you'll forget they're healthy for you.

Streussel-Topped Apple-Buttermilk Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 3 tbsp. canola oil
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 3 tbsp. old-fashioned oats
• 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts

Makes 12 Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and  1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, applesauce, maple syrup, egg whites, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl. Add to flour mixture and stir until just flour mixture is just moistened. Fold in apple. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl. Add oats and walnuts; mix with fingers until evenly moistened. Sprinkle oat mixture over batter, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool in pan on rack 10 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool completely on rack.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. These muffins are absolutely delicious and are full of flavor. They're chewy, moist and perfect for weekend baking and anytime you need a quick snack during the week. If you make these muffins on a Sunday and you have some leftover, freeze the rest of them and take one out during the week if you need a quick bite to eat. They will fill you up right away. Also, I highly recommend adding a 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and a teaspoon of almond extract because nutmeg goes very well with cinnamon and the almond extract will add a little more nutty flavor to the muffins.



Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Frosting:

• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tbsp. light cream cheese
• 1 tsp. fat-free buttermilk
• 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

Makes 12 Servings

1. To make filling, combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. To make dough, preheat oven to 425 F. Spray 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, egg and 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture and stir dough forms. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead until smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. With floured rolling pin, roll out dough on floured surface to 12 X 9-inch rectangle. Brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and sprinkle with filling mixture. Tightly roll up dough from long side. Pinch seams to seal. Turn roll seam side down, and with serrated knife, cut into 12 slices. Arrange cut-side down in pan. Cover pan with foil. Bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake until rolls are golden, 12-14 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes.
4. To make frosting, with electric mixer, beat all ingredients in small bowl until smooth. Spread frosting on rolls. Let stand 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier Than Takeout Cookbook. Remember those packaged cinnamon buns in the freezer isle of the grocery store? And you brought them home, took them out of the package, put them in the pan, baked them and spread the gooey frosting all over them? These are just like the ones you buy at the grocery store but they're much better tasting. Yes, they are packed with sugar but they are SOO GOOD! They are packed with flavor and are much more moist than the brand names at the grocery store. These treats do take time but they are worth the effort.

Triple Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup stick light butter
• 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp. instant espresso powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Makes 16 Servings

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a  9-inch square baking pan with foil, extending foil over rim of pan by 2 inches. Spray foil with nonstick spray.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a small bowl; set aside. Melt butter, chocolate, and espresso powder in medium saucepan over low heat. Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture and chocolate chips until combined. Scrape batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 20-25 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. Lift from pan using foil. Cut into 16 squares.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. I was craving chocolate so bad I had to make them. These brownies were so delicious! They were so chocolatey and moist I went back for more. You can also taste the espresso in these treats. Espresso powder always goes well with chocolate because it enhances the chocolate even more. These are way better than the boxed mix at the grocery store and better than convenient store brownies. Totally serve these at your next gathering because people will be raving about them.

 

New-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp trans-free margarine. softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened natural creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated brown sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute
• 1 large egg, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups sifted oat flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp salted peanuts, chopped

Makes 24 Cookies

1. Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the margarine and peanut butter for 1 minute, or until very smooth. Add the brown sugar and sugar substitutes and beat for 2 mintues, or until well-combined and light in color. Gradually beat in the egg and vanilla extract, beating unti lvery smmoth and a little fluffy. Mix in the flour and baking  powder, beating until a moist but cohesive dough forms. Stir in the peanuts.
3. Drop by the tablespoons about 2 inches apart on nonstick baking sheets. Use the tines of a fork dampened in cold water, flatten each cross-hatch pattern until 2 inches in diameter.
4. Bake for 15 mintues, or until golden brown.Remove to a rack to cool.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. I was glued to the TV when they were trying to get the Boston Marathon Bomber and I was craving for dessert. I also needed to keep busy and was craving peanut butter. These cookies totally hit the spot. You can use anykind of peanut butter, almond butter, etc in this recipe as well as any knid of nuts and the cookies will still be delicious. You can use all-purpose flour in this recipe if you don't have any oat flour on hand. You can also add some chocolate chips but they may affect the points value.

Warm Pear Cobbler

Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 3 medium pears, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger and star anise
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp margarine
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp confectioners' sugar

Makes 6 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine pears, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of flour, lemon juice and cinnamon in a large bowl; toss to coat pears and pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
3. In a medium-size bowl, combine the remaining flours, remaining brown sugar and baking powder; cut in margarine with a pastry blender, or quickly with your fingertips, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and toss with a fork until flour mixture is moist.
4. Drop four heaping tablespoons of dough onto pear mixture. Bake until crust is lightly browned and fruit is bubbly, about 40 to 45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar and cut into 6 pieces

WW POINTS VALUE: 4pts

 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. Winter is here and you can have the seasonal fruit cobbler to warm yourself up. Pears are still in season right now and they are perfect to enjoy cooked at this time of year. I added the ground nutmeg, ginger and star anise with the cinnamon because those spices go very well together, especially with cooked fruit. I highly recommend serving vanilla ice cream, plain fat-free yogurt or creme freche if you really want to spoil yourself but that may affect the points value.

 



Grilled Tropical Fruit Kebobs

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp margarine
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 oz. dark rum
• 1/2 medium pineapple
• 2 large mangoes, cut into large cubes
• 2 large bananas, cut into large cubes

Makes 8 Servings

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high or heat a grill pan over high heat.
2. Combine sugar, margarine, ginger and rum in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until well-combined, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
3. Thread fruit onto 8 (10-inch) or 16 (6-inch) metal or wooden skewers (make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for about 20 minutes to prevent charring); brush with sugar mixture.
4. Place kebobs on grill or grill pan; cook until grill marks show on bottom side of fruit, about 1-2 minutes. Turn kebobs; grill until marks appear on other side, about 1-2 minutes more. Serve hot, room temperature or chilled.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts (1 large or 2 small kebobs per serving)

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. Just because summer is winding down, it doesn't mean you still can't "Grill, Baby, Grill." Grilling fruit is fast, easy and delicious. Cooked fruit is so delicious and these yummy treats hit the spot. You can use any kind of fruit such as strawberries, bananas, guavas, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, mangoes, pineapples, etc. and use ground ginger, star anise, cinnamon and/or nutmeg and these grilled tropical fruit kebobs will still be delicious.

Salsa Borracha

Ingredients:

• 1/2 garlic clove, roasted
• 1/2 small onion, roasted and diced
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tomatillo, roasted and halved
• 1 dried ancho chili, seedless and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
• 1 dried guajillo chili, seedless and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
• 2 tbsp dark beer
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 2 Servings

1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat skillet on medium-low heat. Roast garlic, onion and tomatillo for about 10 minutes.
2. Place chilies, onion, garlic, tomatillo, brown sugar, salt and pepper in a blender and blend it all for 5 seconds or into a chunky consistency sauce. Add beer and stir. Serve immeadiately.

W W POINTS VALUE: Who knows?

Note: This recipe is a dish I learned at the Cocina Cosmopolita Culinary School in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Making salsa is a very simple thing to do and this salsa goes with anything: chips, beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc. I'm not much of a beer drinker but the taste of Mexican dark beer in the salsa added a nice taste. You can find dried chilies in the Latin section of you local grocery store and they add a wonderful heat  to the salsa. This salsa is better that the jarred salsa you buy in the grocery store. This salsa is also Iron Chef worthy. Bobby Flay, can you hear me know?

Frosted Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp fat-free margarine
• 1 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 oz milk chocolate chips , about 4 tbsp
• 6 tbsp milk
• 16 oz. powdered sugar

Makes 16 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F Coat 2 (9-inch) round or square cake pans with cooking spray; set aside.
2. To make the cake, combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Mix well with a fork to break up the brown sugar; set aside.
3. Melt 4 tbsp of the margarine. Combine buttermilk, egg whites, melted margarine and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl; using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until blended. Gradually beat in boiling water and then add in flour mixture; mix on low speed until blended.
4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes; invert cakes onto rack, remove pans and cool completely.
5. Eanwhile, to make the frosting, melt remaining  2 tbsp of margarine in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add milk and chocolate chips, cook until blended and smooth, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in remaining 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract; cover surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool, about 15 minutes. using an electric mixer on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar and mix until blended.
6. To assemble cake, spread 1/2 cup of frosting on top of one cake layer. Top with second cake layer and spread remaining frosting over top and sides; slice into 16 slices and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. It was my birthday and I wanted to make my own birthday cake and the photo for this recipe looked so delicious I couldn't pass it up. This recipe is labeled as difficult. The only difficult thing about this recipe is assembling the cake, everything else is easy. It looks overwhelming but all you have to do is have everything in its place and it's smooth sailing. Baking take time and the end product tastes delicious when it's done right. Make sure you mix your dry ingredients separately from your wet ingredients because the cake will be moist and fluffy. My mom and I LOVED this cake because it was fluffy, moist, chocolatey and delicious. It was even better than the cake mixes you but at the grocery store. You can even cut the recipe in half and the cake will still be heavenly delicious. I highly recommend making this cake for a special occasion because it's worth it. 



Thai Beef and Lettuce Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef (7% fat or less)
• 4 garlic cloves, minved
• 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
• 2 tsp pasked brown sugar
• 1 tsp Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 8 Boston lettuce leaves
• 1 cup matchstick -cut carrots
• 8 fresh cilantro sprigs
• 8 fresh mint sprigs

 Makes 4 Servings

1. Mix together the ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, chili sauce and brown sugar in a medium bowl until combined.
2. Spray a large nonstock skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the beef mixture and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until  browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the sesame oil.
3. Place about 1/4 of the beef mixture on each lettuce leaf. Top evenly with 1/8 of the carrots, 1 cilantro sprig and 1 mint sprig. Fold in two opposite sides of each leaf.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4pts (2 lettuce rolls per serving)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. My mom and I were craving burgers and this was a burger recipe I came across and wanted to try. I've never had Asian burgers before and so I was on a new mission. I really enjoyed this burger as did my mom. Asian burgers stand out from the rest because (from what I understand) the recipes don't include buns. Asian flavors have a different kind of aroma to them and they give you that extra kick and spice in your mouth. If you don't have cilnatro and/or mint sprigs, use a 1/4 cup dry measure to qickly and evenly divide the beef.

Pumpkin Flan

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) unpacked brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp table salt
• 16 oz canned pumpkin
• 1 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup(s) orange juice
• 3/4 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
• 8 Tbsp lite whipped topping
• 1/2 medium orange(s), cut into 8 thin wedges

 Makes 8 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Stir together sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in pumpkin, milk, orange juice and egg substitute; divide among eight 6-ounce custard cups.
3. Set custard cups in a high-rimmed roasting pan and pour boiling water around them to a depth of 1 inch. Bake until firm around edges and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes. Remove cups from water (careful not to burn yourself), cool completely, cover and refrigerate. Before serving, top each cup with a tablespoon of whipped topping and an orange wedge.

 WW POINTS VALUE 2pts.

Note: This recipe appears on http://www.weightwatchers.com/. This is a great dessert and a great alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. All the spices and liquids give this flan a real flavor kick.

Apple-Cherry Crumble

Ingredients:

• 5 apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1 cup sweet cherries
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tsp minced orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 tbsp butter or margarine
• Heavy Cream (optional)

Makes 4-6 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
2. Mix together the apples, cherries, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Place the fruit mixture in a buttered 9-inch pie plate or square pan and set aside.
3. Combine the flour and brown sugar, then cut in 2 tbsp of the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture forms crumbs about the size of small peas. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the fruit, and dot with the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
4. Bake until the apples are cooked through, the top is slightly browned, and the mixture is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Serve either hot or cold, with heavy cream, if desired, to pour over the crumble.

WW POINTS VALUE: Who Knows?

Note: This recipe appears in The New Legal Sea Foods Cookbook. I don't have the WW Point Value because the cookbook doesn't provide the nutritional info. This dessert is similar to the blueberry and peach crumble dessert. You can substitute pears, apples, apricots and even sweet cherries for the peaches and blueberries. This dessert was SOOOOO delicious. I added the vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg to kick it up a notch and it was so good. Apples and cherries mixed with orange juice and zest and vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg make a delicious combination of summer meets fall. Cooked fruit is just as delicious as it's served raw. I do recommend putting in some spices if you want to cook fruit. To the Berkowitz family: If you're reading this posting, the apple and cherry crumble is delicious and it should be on your menu. If you want to spice it up, just add some vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and people will love it, I guarantee.

Berry-Stuffed Cinnamon Crepes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.
• 2 tsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk
• 2 tsp granular sugar
• 1 tsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat ricotta or cottage cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Gently toss together the berries, brown sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl; set aside.
2. To make the crepes, beat the egg, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, butter and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Spray an 8-inch nonstick skillet with a nonstick spray and set over medium heat. When a drop of water sizzles in it, pour in a heaping 2 tablespoons of batter, tilting the skillet to coat the bottom evenly with the batter. Cook until set on the bottom, about 30 seconds. Turn and cook until lightly browned, about 10 seconds longer. Slide the crepe onto a sheet of wax paper. Repeat with the remaining batter to make a total of 8 crepes, stacking them between sheets of wax paper.
4. Spread about 2 tsp of the ricotta in the middle of each crepe and top with 2 tablespoons of the berry mixture; roll up each crepe. Place 2 crepes on each of the 4 plates.

 WW POINTS VALUE: 4 per 2 filled crepes

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. Crepes are a delicious treat for breakfast, lunch and even a light dinner and dessert. If you don't have the patience for making crepes in a nonstick skillet, I highly recommend buying a crepe maker so you won't be frustrated. The Crepe Maker will make your life much easier, trust me. When a recipe calls for ricotta, you can substitute cottage cheese and it will taste just as good. The taste of berries and ricotta/cottage cheese is so delicious it will leave you satisfied.