Shrimp Cocktail with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

 Ingredients:

• 24 jumbo shrimp
• 6 tbsp. tomato paste
• 3 tbsp. minced celery
• 3 tbsp. minced sweet onion
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. chipotle powder

Makes 4 Servings (6 shrimp & 1/4 cup sauce per serving)

1. Peel and devein the shrimp. In a steamer, cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, or until pink and just opaque in the center.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together the tomato paste, celery, onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, chipotle powder, and 5 tablespoons water. Serve 6 shrimp and 1/4 cup chipotle sauce per person. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This treat is super easy and super delicious. A shrimp cocktail is a wonderful treat for a light lunch or as an appetizer. This sauce has a nice kick to it thanks to the chipotle powder. I highly recommend serving this at your next party or get-together because it's quick and easy to make and flavorful to enjoy. 

Pork Roast with Winter Vegetables

 Ingredients:

• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• grated zest of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (2 lb.) boneless center-cut pork loin roast, trimmed
• 1/2 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 16 pieces
• 2 large parsnips, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 large carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 4 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Makes 8 Servings (2 slices pork & 1 cup vegetables per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray large roasting pan with olive oil nonstick spray.
2. Mix together garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in cup. Rub all over pork. Place pork in roasting pan. Scatter squash, parsnips, carrots, and celery around pork; sprinkle with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of pork registers 160 F for medium and vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. 
3. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Cut pork into 16 slices and serve with vegetables. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook.  Roasted pork and vegetables are delicious together they should be on your weekend comfort food menu. Roasted pork is succulent and juicy it will melt in your mouth. The roasted vegetables will melt in your mouth too they are that good. If you didn't like vegetables, you will love eating vegetables after eating this meal. 

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 tsp. dried dill
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1.  Place the chicken breasts and hot sauce  in a large zip-top bag and toss until the chicken is well coated. Marinate them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and store the mixture in the refrigerator  while you prepare the rest of the salad. 
3. Lightly grease with olive oil and preheat a grill or grill pan. Add the chicken, pouring any remaining hot sauce over the top. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through. 
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before slicing. 
5. Combine the romaine lettuce, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion and divide into 4 bowls. Place the sliced chicken on top of each portion and drizzle with the ranch dressing. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. This is a flavorful salad that is a great way to kick-start your healthy lifestyle. Grilled buffalo chicken is so succulent and juicy it will melt in your mouth. The salad is nice and crunchy and the homemade dressing is tangy and delicious. It goes great on the salad or on the chicken. The yogurt ranch dressing balances out the hot spice in the buffalo chicken salad. This salad will become a favorite in your kitchen, I promise. 

Chicken Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive  oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 1 (one-inch) piece fresh gingerroot, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1 lb. lean ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
• 1 small dried bay leaf
• 2 cups packed baby kale

For the Topping:

• 2 cups finely chopped cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp. ghee or butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 
2. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and turmeric and cook, stirring for 30 seconds, until fragrant. 
3. Add the chicken and turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, thyme, marjoram and bay leaf, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the baby kale and turn off the heat. 
4. Meanwhile, steam the cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes, until soft. Transfer the cauliflower to a large saucepan and mash it with the ghee, heavy cream, turmeric (if using), and cheddar over medium heat, until creamy. If you prefer a smoother mash, blitz the mixture in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set it aside. 
5. Transfer the filling to a large pie dish or divide it among 4 individual pie dishes or ramekins. Top it with the mashed cauliflower, ruffling it with a fork. 
6. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Shepherd's Pie is considered the national dish of England and a classic comfort food. This version is keto-friendly because it contains a lot of vegetables and uses lean ground meat. The mashed cauliflower is used in place of traditional mashed potatoes. You can use lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey in this recipe for a succulent flavor. Don't worry if the plate looks messy; it still tastes delicious. 

Beef and Vegetables Stew

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. butter, divided
• 1 lb. diced beef
• 1/2 cup pearl onions or chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 8 oz. Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
• 1 cup diced turnips
• 1 tsp. gelatin powder
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/4 canned white beans, rinsed and drained (optional) 
• 2 tbsp. chopped parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. 
2. Pat the beef dry and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Add the beef to the pot and brown it for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the beef and set aside. 
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the butter to the pot and melt.
4. Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
5. meanwhile, pour 1/4 cup of water into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Set the mixture aside to soften for at least 5 minutes. 
6. Add the garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, until golden. 
7. Add the lemon juice, tomato juice, and beef broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. 
8. Add the beef and beans (if using) to the pot and bring the stew to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. 
9. Whisk the gelatin into the water and blend to dissolve it; then add the mixture to the stew. Simmer the stew for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the broth is slightly thickened. 
10. When you are ready to serve, ladle the stew evenly into 4 bowls and garnish with the parsley. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts. with or without the beans

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. Beef stew is an elegant and wonderful comfort food to enjoy. This version of beef stew is filled with tender beef, pearl onions, mushrooms and the options of white beans. If you want to make this stew with fewer carbs, make it without the beans and add a touch of diced tomatoes instead and the stew will be just as flavorful. 

Big Easy Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 2 strips turkey bacon or Canadian bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (16 ounces) chopped tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. hot-pepper sauce
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Makes 4 Servings 

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble when cool. Remove and discard all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from the skillet.
2. In the hot drippings over medium heat, cook the onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes (with juice), bay leaf, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot-pepper sauce. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the shrimp and bacon and cook for 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This dish has Creole flavors and is both filling and flavorful. This dish has plenty of vegetables and they go great with the shrimp. You can enjoy this dish on Phase 1 but you can add cooked brown rice if you're on Phase 2. The rice goes great with the shrimp and vegetables.

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1 tsp. garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli stems
• 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. thyme, chopped
• 1/2 cup canned white beans, drained
• 1 tbsp. sour cream

Makes 4 (1 cup) Servings

1. Fill a mixing bowl halfway with ice and enough water to cover it. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the broccoli florets until they are tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the florets from the pot to the ice bath. Remove when they are cold, in about 1 minute. Set aside. 
2. Heat a pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, onion, celery. Cook for 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook until aromatic Add broccoli stems and cook for 10 minutes over low heat until soft. 
3. Add chicken stock, bay leaf, thyme, and beans. Bring to a simmer. 
4. Add broccoli florets. Simmer for 5 minutes or until warm. 
5. Remove bay leaf. Pour soup into a blender and blend until completely smooth. Adjust seasoning and stir in sour cream. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Homemade soup is delicious. This soup is flavorful and tasty. The cannellini beans and a touch of sour cream give this soup a creamy texture to it. If you don't have celery on hand, use chopped carrots and the soup will taste just as good. There are four servings of vegetables in this soup, you will forget it's good for you.  

Dog 'N' Dips

Ingredients:

Dogs:

• 5 (97 % fat-free) beef hot dogs

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill hot dogs until well browned on all sides, 7-10 minutes. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, and slice each hot dog on the bias into 8 equal pieces (about 3/4-inch each). Skewer each piece with a toothpick and set on a serving platter. Serve warm with dips. 

Makes 10 (4-piece) servings 

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt. 

Herbed Mustard Dip:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp. minced red onion

Stir together mustard, mayonnaise, basil, and onion in a small bowl. Serve with hot dogs. 

Makes 2/3 cup (1 tbsp. per serving)

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt. 

Roasted Red Pepper Dip:

• 3 large roasted red peppers (from a jar)
• 3 tbsp. low-fat cottage cheese
• freshly ground black pepper
• hot pepper sauce

Puree red peppers and cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season to taste with black pepper and pepper sauce, if using. Serve with hot dogs. 

Makes 1 cup (1 tbsp. per serving)

WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts.

Sauerkraut Dip:

• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 celery stalk, minced
• freshly ground black pepper

Stir together sauerkraut, sour cream, and celery in a small bowl. Season to taste with pepper. Serve with hot dogs.  

Makes 1 cup (1 tbsp. per serving)

WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts. 

Note: These recipes appear in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Hot dogs can be a delicious treat for all ages. These hot dogs have a new twist on them. They are not served with buns and the dips are homemade and flavorful. You don't need to put these hot dogs in buns. You can serve these dogs on toothpicks and have little serving bowls for the flavorful dips. You can also use turkey and vegetarian hot dogs in this recipe and everything will still be delicious. You can also use the flavorful dips on burgers as well. 

All-American Potato Salad

Ingredients:

•  2 lbs. small red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
• 1 cup fat-free mayonnaise 
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 small celery stalks with leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp. cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Makes 8 Servings (3/4 cup per serving)

1. Put potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover by 1 inch; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes; drain. 
2. Meanwhile, mix together all remaining ingredients in serving bowl. Add potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Let cool to room temperature. Serve at once or cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook.  Who does not love potato salad? You don't have to buy potato salad at the grocery store. This potato salad does take time but it is worth the effort. This salad is flavorful, delicious and kind to your waistline. This salad is perfect for a warm weather picnic.  

Poached Salmon with Cucumber-Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

Salmon:

• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. chicken-flavored bouillon cubes
• 6 peppercorns
• 4 sprigs fresh dillweed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 rib of celery
• 1 small lemon, sliced
• 6 (4 oz.) salmon fillets, 1/2-inch thick

Cucumber-Dill Sauce:

• 1/3 cup peeled, seeded, finely chopped cucumber
• 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
•  2 tsp. chopped fresh dillweed
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• fresh dillweed sprigs

Makes 6 Servings 

To make the salmon:

1. Combine the wine, water, bouillon peppercorns, dillweed, bay leaves, celery, and lemon in a skillet. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the salmon to the mixture in the skillet and cook for 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
2. Transfer the salmon to a platter, using a slotted spoon. Cover, and chill thoroughly. Discard the liquid mixture remaining in the skillet.

To make the cucumber-dill sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the cucumber, sour cream, yogurt, dillweed and mustard.
2. To serve, place the fillets on individual serving plates. Spoon the sauce evenly over the fillets. Garnish with fresh dillweed sprigs, if using. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Book. This is a delicious dinner to kick-start your healthy lifestyle or if and when you fell off the healthy bandwagon and want to jump back on. If you don't want to poach the salmon, you can marinate the salmon in this liquid, grill the salmon and then serve the salmon with grilled vegetables of your choice with the Cucumber-Dill sauce. The sauce is actually nice with the grilled fish and vegetables. 

Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt
• 1 tbsp. curry powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• salt 
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1 cup per serving)

Whisk together yogurt, curry powder, and ginger in a large mixing bowl. Stir in chicken, celery, onion, and cilantro; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for more concentrated flavor. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. This salad is both filling and tasty you will fell satisfied. The combination of ginger and curry is spicy and delicious. The red onion and celery add a nice crunch to the salad. When you do cook the chicken, don't forget to season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic for a more flavorful chicken salad. 

Curried Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:

Yogurt Dip:

• 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 1/2 celery stalk, minced
• 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Chicken:

• 3 tbsp. plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 tbsp. curry powder
• 1 tsp. fresh minced ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 3 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 32 (3/4-inch) cubes
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Makes 8 (4 skewer) Servings & 2/3 cup dip (1 generous tablespoon dip per serving)

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. For the yogurt dip: Combine yogurt, celery, lime juice, salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl; set aside.
3. For the chicken: Combine yogurt, curry powder, ginger and garlic in a large bowl; set aside.
4. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, 5 minutes. Transfer chicken pieces to yogurt-curry mixture and toss to coat.
5. Place chicken in a single layer in a large baking pan; bake for 10 minutes. Skewer each cube of chicken with a toothpick and serve warm with yogurt dip.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Don't be intimidated by this recipe. It's easier than it looks. You can grill the chicken and the skewers will be just as flavorful and tasty. The yogurt dip goes well with the spiced chicken skewers and can be used as a dip for vegetables as well. These chicken bites are a sophisticated alternative to chicken nuggets and they make great finger food for any gathering. 

Crown Roast of Pork

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. + 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh sage
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano or 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 (6-7 lb.) crown roast of pork, fat trimmed & bones frenched
• 4 celery stalks, cut into 1 1 /2-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, quartered
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup water + 2 tbsp. water
• 1/4 cup dry red wine

Makes 8 Servings

1. Whisk together 2 teaspoons of the oil, garlic, sage, oregano, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub pork all over with garlic mixture. Cover pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Position rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 425 F.
3. Toss celery, onions, and carrots with remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a roasting pan; set pork on top. Wrap bone tips with foil to prevent burning.
4. Roast pork for 30 minutes, reduce heat to 350 F, and continue roasting, turning pan halfway through, until thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a few pork chops reads 155 F to 160 F, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Remove roast from oven and remove foil from bone tips. Carefully transfer roast to a platter, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes.
6. While roast is resting, remove vegetables from pan and discard. Place roasting pan over low heat and add water and wine. Bring to a simmer and, using a wooden spoon, scrape browned bits of pork from bottom of pan. Simmer until you have a flavorful juice, 3-4 minutes.
7. Carve roast into thick chops and serve with pan juices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. This elegant dish is easy to make. Pork can be an elegant dish to make and enjoy. If you don't have a crown roast of pork, use boneless pork chops or pork loin, rub the mixture all over the meat, grill the meat, let it rest and serve. The meat served alongside the chutney and vegetables is delicious.

Our Favorite Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped white mushrooms
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 large egg whites
• 3 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. finely chopped freshly chopped thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce

Makes 4 Servings (2 slices per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl.
3. Add all remaining  ingredients except tomato sauce to vegetables in bowl; mix well. Press meatloaf mixture into 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 -inch loaf pan.
4. Bake meat loaf 30 minutes. Brush tomato sauce on top of loaf. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meat loaf registers 160 F for well done, 30-45 minutes longer. Let stand about 5 minutes. Cut into 8 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. I can understand why this is called our favorite meatloaf. It's flavorful, it's got lots of servings of vegetables and it's juicy. Who also knew that quick-cooking oats could be a great substitute for bread crumbs in holding the meatloaf together? This is a great comfort food that can be made on the weekend and be enjoyed the next day as leftovers. You won't miss the gravy with this meatloaf. The tomato sauce  makes it more flavorful.

Italian-Style Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dried black beans
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium red bell peppers, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/8 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, diced avocado and/or reduced-fat sour cream for garnish

Makes 8 Servings

1.  Place the beans in a large bowl. Cover with water and soak for at least 6 hours or over night. Drain.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and celery and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the broth and remove from the heat.
4. In a 5-to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beans, bay leaves, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Pour the vegetable mixture over the beans. Cover and cook over high heat for about 5 hours, or until beans are creamy (or cook for 8 hours on low heat.)
5. Discard the bay leaves. Ladle about 1 1/2 cups of the soup into a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Return to the slow cooker and stir in the lime juice. Serve  hot with your favorite garnishes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This soup is a great way to kick-start your healthy lifestyle. It's creamy, flavorful and very soothing. This vegetarian soup is comforting with a kick of cumin. I highly recommend adding tomatoes or avocado to the soup for more flare to kick it up a notch.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 8 large lettuce leaves

Makes 4 Servings

 

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, scallions, parsley, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Toss well to blend. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is what I call, quick, easy and tasty. This salad is simple to make and it tastes delicious. When you do cook the chicken, be sure to season the chicken with salt, freshly ground black pepper and minced garlic for a flavorful chicken. Nobody wants to eat a bland chicken. I also highly recommend adding some minced celery for an extra crunch to the chicken salad. Celery always adds a flavorful crunch to almost anything.

Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. chopped scallions, white parts only
• 1 celery stalk, stringed & finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 8 oz. fresh crabmeat picked over for shells and cartilage
• 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 lbs. sole filets
• chopped fresh parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet. Add the scallions and celery. Cook them over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the mushrooms and cook another 2 minutes, or until mushrooms are cooked through and have exuded their juices. Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. Stir together the crabmeat, mayonnaise, dry mustard, salt and about 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice. Place the sole fillets on a clean counter. Spread the crabmeat mixture over half of each piece of sole, then score a line where you plan to fold over the other half. Do not cut all the way through the fish. Then, fold it over. You will have the equivalent of a hinged sandwich of sole with the crabmeat in the center.
3. Place the fillets in a buttered baking dish, and dot with remaining butter. Pour the remaining lemon juice over the fish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish are cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: Who knows?

 

Note: This recipe appears in the Legal Sea Foods Cookbook. You can enjoy elegant restaurant dining at home. Sole has no flavor so adding flavorful ingredients makes this dish delicious. Sole stuffed with crab is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend adding minced garlic and maybe some dried bread crumbs to the crab mixture for more texture and flavor. I highly recommend  serving potatoes or steamed vegetables with this dish to make it complete.

Hunter-Style Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 (2 1/2-3 lb.) chicken, cut into 8 pieces and skinned
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3  tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 assorted color bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 lb. white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 (1-pint) container refrigerated fresh marinara sauce

Makes 8 Servings (1 piece chicken with scant 1/2 cup vegetables & sauce)

1. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-6 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet; add the pasta sauce and stir to coat. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. Hunter-Style refers to a dish that is cooked with onions, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes. Hunter-style chicken is known as Cacciatore in Italian restaurants. Chicken cacciatore is a company favorite. You can even cook this dish with pork, turkey or veal and it will be delicious. If you're going to serve this dish to company, I highly  recommend serving this dish over 1 cup of cooked whole wheat pasta for filling and presentation. 

Buffalo-Style Stuffed Celery

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp. blue cheese crumbled
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 5 celery stalks, cut into 4 pieces each
• 2 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Makes 10 Servings (2 pieces stuffed celery per serving)

1. Stir together cream cheese, blue cheese, garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Spoon or pipe out about 1/2 tablespoon cheese mixture into each piece of celery.
2. Arrange stuffed celery on serving plate; drizzle each with about 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce and sprinkle with chives.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These treats make a lively appetizer at a gathering or a delicious snack during the day. You can also serve the cream cheese filling with sliced carrots alongside the celery. Heck, you can even serve the cream cheese as a dip with other vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, baked pita chips or even alongside chicken bites.

Osso Buco-Style Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 (7 oz.) whole chicken legs, skinned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Makes 6 Servings (1 whole chicken leg with 1/2 cup of sauce per serving)

1. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3 chicken legs and cooked until browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat to brown the remaining chicken.
2. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Pour in the broth, stirring constantly to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender, about 40 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. Osso bucco is a Millanese specialty  that consists of veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth, is often garnished with gremolata and served with a side of risotto Milanese. This version of an Italian classic uses chicken in place of the veal and it tastes just as good. This dish is very filling it will leave you satisfied.