Greek Sloppy Joes with Feta & Whole-Wheat Orzo

 Ingredients:

• 5 oz. whole wheat orzo (3/4 cup)
• 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 lb. lean ground sirloin
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 4 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Makes 4 Servings 

1. Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain well. 
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. 
3. Add the beef and break up with a spoon. Sprinkle with oregano, cayenne, and cinnamon. Cook until the beef is almost browned but still a little pink, about 3 minutes. 
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until the sauce is thickened and flavorful, about 10 minutes. 
5. Divide the orzo evenly among 4 bowls and ladle the beef mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon feta and some scallion. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. without the orzo, 8 pts. with the orzo

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Sloppy Joes are a wonderful comfort food when they are done right. These Sloppy Joes have a Greek flare to them and they are quite delicious. The whole wheat orzo takes place of the traditional bun and also give the Sloppy Joes a Mediterranean fare. These guilty pleasure comfort foods will become a new favorite at your table for lunch or dinner. 

Crispy Catfish with Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. fat-free mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. pickle relish
• 2 tsp. capers
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and finely chopped
• 2 tsp. dried thyme
• grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 4 (5 oz.) catfish fillets
• lemon wedges

Makes 4 Servings (1 fish fillet and about 1/3 cup sauce per serving)

1. To make the tartar sauce, stir together yogurt, shallot, parsley, lemon juice, mayonnaise, pickle relish, capers, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and cayenne in a serving bowl. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. 
2. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. 
3. Mix together bread crumbs, almonds, thyme, and lemon zest on sheet of wax paper. Pour buttermilk into pie plate. Dip fish fillets, one at a time, into buttermilk, then coat with bread crumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. 
4. Place fillets on prepared baking sheet; spray with nonstick spray. Bake until just opaque in the center, about 10 minutes. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. If you enjoy fish and chips with a side of tartar sauce, you will enjoy making and eating this dish. You can use any kind of fish (cod, halibut, tilapia, etc.) and your meal will be delicious. The fish literally melts in your mouth it's that good. The tartar sauce is both tangy and delicious and it goes great with fish and potatoes. 

Mexican Veggie Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

• ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. onion, chopped
• ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. (or 3/8 cup) grape tomatoes, chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk
• cayenne pepper (optional)
• black pepper (optional)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• ¼ cup or 4 Tbsp. pepper jack or shredded cheese of choice
• 1/2 avocado 
• 1 tsp. lime juice (optional)

Makes 2 Servings 

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. As the oven is preheating, chop/dice your pepper, onion and tomatoes finely.
2. Crack the eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk them with the almond milk.
3. Add your diced vegetables into the egg mixture, stir well and then sprinkle with cayenne pepper and black pepper. If you prefer not to season your eggs, you can omit the cayenne pepper and/or black pepper.
4. Grease four of the muffin cups of a large muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Fill each of the sprayed muffin cups evenly with the egg mixture.
5. Sprinkle one tablespoon of shredded pepper jack cheese, or cheese of choice (including light Mexican cheese, cheddar cheese or part-skim Mozzarella cheese, if you prefer less spice) to the tops of each muffin cup.
6. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set and slighlty golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin cup should come out clean.
7. Let them cool for about 5-10 minutes before using a fork or knife to lift them out carefully from the muffin tin.
8. Serve immediately, topping them with avocado slices or avocado mashed with lime juice. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on the www.southbeachdiet.com/recipes. Eggs are wonderful for breakfast  when they are done right. Mexican veggie egg muffins are both filling and flavorful. You have a colorful variety of vegetables with the Mexican cheese of your choice. Eggs and vegetables do fill you up. Feel free to omit the avocado and save your ½ serving of Healthy Fat to use at a different meal. Place the remaining two egg muffins in a resealable bag in the refrigerator to enjoy on your second practice day. 

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One Pan Moroccan-Spiced Salmon Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 oz. salmon fillet
• 5 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Moroccan spice blend (1/8 tsp. each of cumin, ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, ground cloves, turmeric and allspice)
• ½ cup cucumbers, sliced (or about 6 slices)
• ½ cup grape tomatoes, sliced (or about 12 small tomatoes)
• 2 Tbsp. onions
  
• 2 tbsp. mixed greens
• 4 walnut halves
• 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Makes 2 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Brush salmon front and back with a teaspoon of olive oil (half of a teaspoon per three ounces of salmon filet). Combine your spices, mix and brush salmon lightly with spice blend. You can store any excess spices in an airtight container for future use or cook additional salmon filets if desired.
2. Place salmon on a baking sheet or glass baking dish and cook for about 20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
3. While salmon is cooking, gather remaining ingredients and slice cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.
4. Place one cup of lettuce, a quarter of a cup of sliced cucumber (or about three slices), a quarter of a cup of sliced grape tomatoes (or about six small tomatoes), one tablespoon of sliced onion and two walnut halves in each salad bowl. Toss with two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil and one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. 
5. Remove salmon from oven, place on top of salad bowl and enjoy!

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.southbeachdiet.com. This is a very filling and flavorful meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner. Moroccan flavors are spicy and can help you will with your health. Salmon is also good for you with omega-3 fats and is heart healthy. The salad  is flavorful and crunchy and will fill you up as well. You can also grill the salmon and the meal will be just as tasty. 

Sweet Onion, Bacon, and Cheese Tarts

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices Canadian bacon, finely chopped
• 1 egg, mixed well
• 2 tbsp. fat-free half-and-half
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• pinch cayenne 
• 24 frozen mini phyllo tart shells
• 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese

Makes 24 tarts (1 tart per serving)

1. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring, until onion is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
2. Add bacon to skillet and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add to onion and mix well. 
3. Preheat oven to 350 F. 
4. Meanwhile, whisk together egg, half-and-half, mustard and cayenne in a small bowl. Arrange tart shells on baking sheet. Spoon onion-bacon mixture evenly into shells. Top each with about 3/4 teaspoon egg mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Swiss cheese; bake until filling is set, about 15 minutes. Serve warm. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These tarts are both filling and delicious. These tarts may be little but they pack a lot of flavor. These tarts can be served as appetizers at a fancy party or can be enjoyed as a light snack at home. 

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Bell Pepper

Ingredients:

• 1 large red bell pepper, quartered
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 4 (1/4 lb.) thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 (7-inch) whole wheat pocketless pita breads, warmed
• 1 large Kirby cucumber, halved lengthwise, sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt

Makes 4 Servings (1 filled pita per serving)

1. Spray nonstick ridged grill pan with canola spray; set over medium heat. Place bell pepper in pan and grill, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat. Transfer chicken to pan and grill, turning once, until chicken is browned and cooked through, 5-6 minutes.
3. Transfer bell pepper and chicken to cutting board and cut into strips. Top pitas evenly with chicken, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and yogurt. Roll up pitas and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. A gyro a staple of Greek cuisine that is traditionally made of pork, chicken, or lamb and served in a wrapped pita with onion, tomato, tzatziki sauce and sometimes French fries. These gyros are healthier and more filling and flavorful (in my opinion) because the chicken and vegetables are grilled. This gyro also has a little crunch to it thanks to the cucumber and onion. This treat is flavorful and filling and make a great lunch or dinner any day or night of the week. 

Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup no-salt-added, reduced-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 (8 oz.) package fat-free cream cheese, cut into quarters, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp. each dried basil, oregano, marjoram, coriander, paprika
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Makes 16 Servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

1. In a food processor, pulse the cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, mustard, and cayenne until  very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the cream cheese, herbs, salt and pepper; process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Scrape with a spatula onto a large sheet of  plastic wrap.
2. Wrap the plastic around the cheese mixture and shape it into a 4-inch ball or 7-inch-long log with your hands. Refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. Just before serving, sprinkle half of the parsley in a circle onto a sheet  of plastic wrap. Unwrap the cheese ball or log and place onto the parsley. Sprinkle the remaining parsley on top and press to help leaves adhere. Carefully roll any uncoated areas in the loose parsley, and smooth the shape, if needed. Place on a serving plate and serve with cut up vegetables of your choice.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. These treats make a great appetizer or snack. These treats are cheesy and flavorful. The original recipe called for a .9-oz. package of dry vegetable soup/recipe mix but I use a combination of dry herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, coriander, marjoram and paprika and the cheese balls were just as flavorful and spicy. These cheese balls are also spreadable for crackers and bread too. 

Tandoori Lamb with Almond-Apricot Couscous

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 small onion, quartered
• 1 tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne 
• 1 (2 lb.) boneless leg of lamb, butterflied and trimmed
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Makes 8 Servings (4 slices lamb & scant 1/2 cup couscous per serving)

1. Stir together yogurt, lime juice, onion, ginger, garlic, paprika, coriander, and cayenne in a small bowl.
2. Place lamb on work surface; with meat mallet or rolling pin, pound to even thickness. Put lamb in large shallow baking dish and spread yogurt mixture all over. Cover dish with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
3. Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat grill to medium-high or prepared medium-high fire using direct method. 
4. With paper towel, wipe excess yogurt mixture from lamb; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place lamb on grill rack and grill, turning, until instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of lamb registers 145 F for medium, about 25 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and let stand for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to package directions. Transfer to serving bowl and top with almonds and apricots. Cut lamb across grain into 32 slices. Serve with couscous.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. This exotic dish is a wonderful dish to dinner. You  can use any cut of lamb in this recipe and the meal will still be delicious. This lamb dish is spicy and flavorful it will melt in your mouth. The side of couscous goes well with the lamb for cooling the spice of your taste buds. Couscous is a granular semolina and a staple of North African cuisine. The sliced almonds and sliced apricots add a touch of flavor to the couscous and go well with the lamb. 

Cajun-Style Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
• 2 tbsp. fat-free cream cheese
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne
• 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken breast
• 2 tbsp. minced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill

Makes 8 Servings (1 tbsp. per serving)

 

Combine the sour cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, hot pepper sauce, and cayenne in a medium bowl until well blended. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, and dill; stir until blended. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Serve at once or cover and refrigerate for up to several hours.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This dip is delicious with or without the chicken. This dip is delicious with vegetables, baked tortilla chips and goes great on other proteins as well. I added garlic to this dip because garlic always makes everything taste better.

Moroccan-Style Roast Leg of Lamb

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 (2 lb.) bone-in leg of lamb, trimmed

Makes 6 Servings (2 slices per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Stir together all ingredients except lamb in cup. Rub mint mixture all over lamb.
3. Place lamb on rack in a roasting pan. Roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb registers 145 F for medium, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Cut into 12 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Lamb is absolutely delicious no matter how you season it or cook it. The original recipe calls for this lamb to be roasted but you can use lamb shoulder or  lamb loin chops and grill these and the lamb will still be delicious. I used lamb shoulder in this recipe and I grilled the lamb about 5 minutes on each side to make it succulent and flavorful and the end result was delicious. If you want an authentic Moroccan flare, serve cooked couscous sprinkled with chopped mint. If you want a European flare to this dish, serve grilled potatoes and/or vegetables alongside the lamb and dinner will be delicious.

Sweet Onion, Bacon, & Chese Tarts

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, quartered and finely sliced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices, Canadian bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute
• 2 tbsp. fat-free half-and-half
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• pinch cayenne
• 24 frozen mini phyllo tart shells
• 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese

Makes 24 Servings (1 tart per serving)

1. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add, onion, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until onion is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
2. Add bacon to skillet and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add onion and mix well.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together egg substitute, half-and-half, mustard, and cayenne in small bowl. Arrange tart shells on baking sheet. Spoon onion-bacon mixture evenly into shells. Top each with about 3/4 teaspoon egg mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Swiss cheese; bake until filling is set, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These are what I call breakfast treats in a tart. If you love bacon and eggs, these treats are for you. These tarts are filled with flavors of breakfast and they are very delicious. If you don't have egg substitute, use 1 egg mixed and the tarts will still be delicious. I highly recommend adding minced garlic with the onion because garlic always makes everything taste better. If you don't have Swiss cheese, substitute any Italian cheese, Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese and the tarts will still be tasty. 

Skillet Pork Chops Apricot-Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup apricot jam
• 2 tbsp. coarse-grained Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 4 (5 oz.) boneless pork loin chops
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Makes 4 Servings (1 pork chop & 3 tablespoons per serving)

1. Combine the jam, mustard, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and cayenne in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Sprinkle the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned and cooked through, 4-5 minutes on each side; transfer to a platter to keep warm. Add the jam mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chops.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. This is what I call an elegant dinner dish. Apricot preserves mixed with Dijon mustard is absolutely delicious. If you don't have lime juice on hand, substitute apple cider vinegar because apple cider vinegar goes well with pork chops.

Butternut Squash and Sage Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 1/2-3 lb.) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, & cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large leek, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried sage
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• pinch cayenne pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1 1/2 cups per serving)

1. Put squash in a steamer basket; set into large saucepan over 1-inch boiling water. Cover and cook until squash is tender but still holds its shape, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, leek, and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add squash and all remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until squash is very soft, about 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; let cool 5 minutes.
3. Puree soup, in batches if needed, in food processor or blender. Return soup to pot and reheat over medium heat.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. This soup is the perfect comfort food to enjoy in the fall and early winter. It's hearty and filling and very tasty too. If you run out of vegetable or chicken stock, use apple cider or pureed apples on hand to make the soup more hearty and flavorful and more into the autumn season.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2 tbsp. light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp. minced fresh chives

Makes 6 Servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

 

In a blender or food processor, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, cheese, garlic and cayenne; pulse until nearly smooth. Sprinkle in the chives. Cover and refrigerate at least 1/2 an hour (or up to 2 days) to allow the flavors to blend.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Forget buying salad dressing at the grocery store; make this at home instead. This blue cheese dressing is quick, easy and delicious. This dressing is also creamy and flavorful. It goes great on beef, salad and makes a great dip for raw vegetables.

Crab and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. chopped roasted red pepper (from a jar)
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 lb. lump crab meat
• 1 large ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 (scant 1-cup) Servings

 

Combine cilantro, mayonnaise, red pepper, lime juice, and cayenne in a medium mixing bowl. Mix in crabmeat and season and pepper, Gently fold in avocado and serve.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. This is a very tasty dish to eat and enjoy. You can make this dish in 10 minutes or less and it will be both filling and delicious. This recipe can be used as a salad served on a bed of leafy greens of your choice or sliced tomatoes or as an appetizer with raw vegetables. When you're on later phases, you can serve this as an hors d'oeuvre with whole wheat crackers or in a sandwich or wrap filling. I highly recommend adding a touch of minced garlic in this recipe because garlic always makes everything taste better.



Caribbean-Style Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

• grated zest and juice of 1 orange
• grated zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• pinch cayenne
• 1 (1 lb.) pork tenderloin, trimmed

Makes 4 Servings ( 3 slices per serving)

1. Combine orange zest and juice; lime zest and juice, oil, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne in large zip-close plastic bag; add pork. Squeeze out air and seal bag; turn out coat pork. Refrigerate, turning bag occasionally, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 450 F.
3. Lightly spray roasting pan with nonstick spray. Place tenderloin in pan; drizzle marinade over top. Roast for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and roast until instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the tenderloin registers 160 F for medium, 15-18 minutes. Transfer to cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 12 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Who knew that pork could be so succulent and juicy with citrus flavors? This pork is flavorful and juicy after one bite. The acidity from the juices cools down the heat from the cumin giving the pork a nice bite to it. You can use boneless pork chops in this recipe and you can either sauté, broil or grill the pork chops and they will still be delicious. 



Crunchy Oven-Fried Drumsticks with Thyme & Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fat-free buttermilk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. salt
• 6 (1/4-lb.) skinless chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup whole what panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried
• pinch cayenne

Makes 6 Servings (1 drumstick per serving)

1. Combine buttermilk, garlic and salt in a large zip-close plastic bag; add chicken. Squeeze out air and seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Refrigerate, turning bag occasionally, at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day.
2. Place rack on lower third of oven and preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with foil; spray with nonstick spray.
3. Mix together panko, Parmesan, thyme, and cayenne on sheet of wax paper. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Coat  drumsticks, one at a time, in panko mixture, pressing gently so it adheres. Lightly spray drumsticks with nonstick spray and place on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake until browned and instant-read thermometer inserted into drumstick (not touching bone) registers 165 F, about 35 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. If you love fried chicken, this recipe is for you. This version of fried chicken is not actually fried, it's oven-fried or baked in the oven. Oven-fried chicken should be moist and flavorful. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor to it when marinating it. The longer you marinate the chicken in buttermilk, the more flavorful it will be. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe and your chicken will still be melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can also use rosemary, parsley, oregano, or chives in this recipe to. I highly recommend seasoning the chicken with equal portions of salt and freshly ground black pepper for taste. This chicken is perfect for a picnic or as elegant comfort food for company or movie night.

Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 1 /2 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• 3/4 lb. ground turkey breast
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. granular brown sugar
• 4 (6-inch) taco shells or tortillas
• picked onions (optional)
• Pico de Gallo
• Easy Taco Fixin's (optional)

Makes 4 Servings

1. Stir together chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne in a cup. Set aside.
2. Cook turkey in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 3-5 minutes. Add spice mixture and the water, stirring until mixed well. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is evaporated, 10-15 minutes. Stir in vinegar and brown sugar; simmer 3 minutes longer.
3. To assemble tacos, spoon 1/2 cup turkey mixture into each taco shell. Top each with 2 tablespoons pickled onion, 1/4 cup pico de gallo and taco fixin's of choice.



WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. If you're ever craving tacos, make these! These tacos are better that what you would order at a fast food joint, taco truck or any Mexican restaurant. These tacos are so filling and flavorful you will forget they are good for you. These are great for lunch or dinner. They're even great for when you're watching a movie or for game day.

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.

Coffee BBQ Sauce-Slathered Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2/3 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup packed granulated light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed with the large side of knife
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 6 (1/2 lb.) bone-in skinless chicken breast halves

Makes 6 Servings (1 piece of chicken per serving)

1. To make BBQ sauce, combine the ketchup, coffee, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the cayenne in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 10 minutes. Pour the sauce through a strainer set over medium bowl; let cool to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill for indirect cooking and maintain a medium-hit fire.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place the chicken, skinned side down, on the cooler portion of the grill rack and grill, covered, turning once or twice, 15 minutes. Uncover the grill and continue to grill the chicken, brushing with the sauce, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a breast registers 165 F, about 5 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. If you love an all-American Barbecue, this dish is for you. This is a very simple and delicious chicken dinner cooked on the grill and will be enjoyed by everyone at your next barbecue. I highly recommend using regular or decaffeinated coffee in the sauce for a nice, smoky flavor. You can even cut the brown sugar in half and your BBQ chicken will still taste delicious. I highly recommend slicing the chicken breasts halfway down with about 3-4 slices per chicken so the BBQ sauce can get into the chicken and make it taste more flavorful.