Goat Cheese Tartlets with Spiced Apple-Fig Compote

 Ingredients:

• 30 Mini phyllo shell(s)
• 1/3 cup reduced-fat whipped cream cheese spread
• 1/3 cup soft-type goat cheese
• 1 Egg white
• 2 tbsp.honey
• 1 tbsp. whole wheat flour
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled & coarsely grated
• 1/2 cup fig Jam
• 1/8 tsp. Ground allspice
• 1/4 cup Mint leaves, for garnish

Makes 30 Servings (1 tartlet per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange phyllo shells on a cookie sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, egg white, honey and flour until thick and creamy, about 5 to 6 minutes; spoon 1 teaspoon of filling in each shell. Bake until set, about 15 minutes; remove from oven and let cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine apple, jam and allspice; set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until jam melts and mixture thickens slightly (juice from apples will evaporate); remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Just before serving, spoon 1 teaspoon apple compote onto each tart; garnish with mint. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. You can bring the taste of fall to your table with these delicious tarts filled with cream cheese, goat cheese, fig jam, honey, Granny Smith apples, and allspice. Fresh mint makes an excellent garnish for this dessert. These fancy looking tarts are actually a snap to make with store-bought phyllo shells. They're mini in size – perfect for portion-control. They make a beautiful presentation and are great as an appetizer or dessert. The tartlets and compote can both be made one day ahead. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

Sausage and Goat Cheese Frittata

 Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 4 oz. goat cheese, divided
• 2 Italian sausage links, casing removed
• 1-pint fresh portabella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 9 Servings 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream and salt and pepper. Once combined and fluffy, add 3 ounces of the goat cheese and fold together. Set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage links with the casing removed. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it is cooking. Once the sausage is no longer pink, move it from the pan onto a paper towel-covered plate to absorb any excess fat and allow to cool.
4. Using the same skillet, add the mushrooms and cook until soft. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the spinach. Cook until wilted and set aside to cool.
5. After the vegetables and sausage have cooled for a few minutes, gently stir them into the egg mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ounce of goat cheese on top.
6. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until the eggs are puffed and appear cooked. The center of the frittata should slightly wiggle if you gently shake the pan. Remove the frittata from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.
7. Garnish with herbs, slice with a knife and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on palm.southbeachdiet.com/recipes. Frittatas are delicious when they are done right. Egg dishes are great for breakfast because they fill you up and leave you satisfied. The combination of eggs, goat cheese, sausage and vegetables is deliciously filling. You can have these frittatas on a weekday for breakfast on-the-go or even serve it for Sunday brunch. 

Smoky Goat Cheese & Almond Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
• 1 (10 1/2 oz.) package soft goat cheese
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic and/or onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground cumin

For the Garnish:

• 1/3 cup smoked almonds, chopped
• 3 tbsp. fresh chopped chives
• 1 tsp. fresh chopped thyme

Makes 24 balls (1 ball per serving)

1.  Whisk together all of the cheese ball ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. 
2. Line a flat serving platter with parchment paper and set it aside. 
3. Mix together the garnish of smoked almonds, chives, and thyme in a small bowl. 
4. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the cheese ball mixture and roll it into the almond garnish. Arrange the balls on the prepared platter and refrigerate until firm. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. These little cheese bites pack a creamy punch of flavor. These cheese balls make a nice snack and an appetizer for a gathering. The cheeses and the mashed avocado give these treats a nice creamy texture and they melt in your mouth. These cheese balls make a wonderful snack on their own or with vegetables or keto-friendly chips. 

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quesadilas

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small Vidalia onion or other sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 (10 oz.) package cremini mushrooms
• 1 (3 1/2 oz.) package sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat goat cheese
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 4 (7-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup fat-free salsa

Makes 4 Servings (1quesadilla and 2 tablespoons salsa per serving)

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeno and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms, salt  and black pepper; cook, stirring, until mushrooms are softened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. 
2. Meanwhile, preheat broiler and spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Combine goat cheese and cream cheese in a small bowl. 
3. Spread 1 tablespoon cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Spoon one-fourth of mushroom mixture onto bottom half of each tortilla; fold top over filling. Place quesadillas on baking sheet. Broil until tops are browned, 1-2 minutes. Flip over and cook until browned and cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Serve with salsa. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier that Takeout Cookbook. If you're craving fast food or Mexican food, put down the phone and put down the car keys. You can make these delicious treats at home in 30 minutes or less. These quesadillas are very filling with the vegetables and cheeses. If you don't have cream cheese available, use shredded Mexican cheese and the quesadillas will still be delicious. I also highly recommend adding a touch of ground cumin to these quesadillas for more flavor. 

Baked Portebello Caps with Melted Goat Cheese

Ingredients;

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 large portebello mushroom caps
• 4 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese
• 2 tbsp. pine nuts, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• basil sprig, for garnish

Makes 4 Servings (1 stuffed cap per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Spread the sauce in the bottom of a 9" x 9" baking dish. Arrange the mushroom caps, grill side up, on top. Place the goat cheese on each mushroom. Sprinkle evenly with the pine nuts. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Top with the chopped basil. Garnish with the basil sprig.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is a simple dish to either kick-start your healthy lifestyle or if your fell off the wagon and want to get back on track. You can enjoy cheese, tomato sauce and mushrooms when they are cooked the right way. These mushroom caps are like mini pizzas without the guilt. I highly recommend using homemade tomato sauce in this recipe because you know what is in the sauce and homemade sauce is more flavorful.

Endive Spears with Walnut Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 small heads Belgian endive
• 1 (3 1/2 oz.) package goat cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 tbsp. minced shallot
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 (3-piece) Servings 

1. Heat oven to 275 F. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven; cool and finely chop.
2. Trim the base of endive heads and separate in to leaves. Set aside the 18 largest leaves; save the remainder for another use.
3. Stir together walnuts, goat cheese, shallot, salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Spoon rounded teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture onto the wide ends of the endive slides. Transfer to a platter and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. These little French hors d'oeuvres are a wonderful treat. They are creamy, flavorful and delicious. Toasting the walnuts gives the goat cheese filling a nice aromatic flavor with the addition of the minced shallot and chives. Spoon the goat cheese filling onto a nice, crisp piece of endive and you have a sophisticated appetizer at your next gathering. 

Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps finely chopped
• 3/4 tsp. herbes de Provence
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese, softened
• 4 (1/4-lb.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 3/4 reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 6 tbsp. dry sherry
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 tsp. cold water

Makes 4 Servings (1 stuffed chicken breast with 3 tablespoons)

1. Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms, herbes de Provence, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden, 5-6 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl; add the cheese and stir until combined. Let the mixture cool completely.
2. Make a pocket in the side of each chicken breast by inserting a sharp paring knife into the thickest part, then gently cutting back and forth to make a small pocket in the side. Do not cut through to the back or the sides of the breasts. Enlarge the pockets gently with your fingers. Fill each pocket with 2 tablespoons of the mushroom-cheese mixture.
3. Wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook until chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through, 7-8 minutes on each side. Cut each chicken breast into 4 or 5 slices, transfer to a serving plate, and keep warm.
4. Add the shallot to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broth and sherry; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water in a small bowl. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 1 minute. Serve the sauce over the chicken.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. The folks at Weight Watchers call this dish a company favorite. It will be a company and a family favorite. This dish is an elegant comfort food dish that 's full of flavor. The creaminess of the goat cheese and sautéed garlic and mushrooms make the chicken more succulent and juicy. Serve a colorful side of vegetables alongside this chicken and you'll have a dish that's both colorful and flavorful.

Chicken Rollatini

Ingredients:

• 6 (1/4-lb.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ tap. salt
• 18 arugula leaves, tough stems removed
•  1 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese
• 12 marinated sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry & halved
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 1 /2 tsp. salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning

Makes 6 Servings (1 stuffed breast per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch dish with nonstick spray.
2. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface, place a chicken breast on top of it, then cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap. Pound the breast to a 1/4-inch thickness with a meat mallet or heavy saucepan. Remove the top layer of plastic wrap, set the chicken breast aside on its bottom layer of plastic wrap, and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
3. Top each breast with 3 arugula leaves. Spread 2 teaspoons goat cheese evenly across the leaves on each breast. Place 4 sun-dried tomato halves on the cheese. Roll the chicken breasts up, pulling of plastic wrap as you go. place the breasts seam side down, in the baking dish. Sprinkle the apple juice over the chicken, then sprinkle with the lemon-pepper seasoning.
4. Bake, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Let the chicken stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This is what I call elegant comfort food. This Mediterranean dish is creamy, succulent, flavorful and delicious. Feta cheese or cream cheese work just as well in this dish. If you don't have arugula on hand, shredded escarole or baby spinach make delicious substitutes. I also highly recommend adding minced garlic on top of the leafy greens because garlic always makes everything taste better. Also, I highly recommend substituting white wine in place of the apple juice for a more elegant taste.

Moroccan Spiced Beef Burgers

Ingredients:

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

Makes 4 Servings

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

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

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

Vegetable Quiche with a Spinach Crust

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup white mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup crumbled reduced-fat goat cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, garlic powder, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are lightly browned and no liquid remains, 6-10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat to allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
4. Line the bottom of a 9-to-10-inch quiche pan or glass pie plate with the spinach.
5. Add the vegetables to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the spinach leaves and top evenly with the goat cheese.
6. Bake until the eggs have fully set and are no longer wobbly (a wooden pick inserted in the center will come out clean), 30-35 minutes.
7. Cut into 4 wedges and serve hot or at room temperature.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Gluten Solutions Cookbook. You can have your quiche and eat it too gluten-free or not. This dish may look a little messy when it comes out of the oven but it's flavorful and you'll forget it's good for you. If you cook this quiche on a Sunday, you can enjoy it for breakfast the next day and maybe the following week depending on how many people live in your home. You won't miss the crust in this quiche, The crust is made from spinach which means this quiche is lower in fat and calories that your typical quiche. The goat cheese adds an extra kick of tart to it. If you're looking to add more vegetables to your diet, this dish is for you.

 

Rosemary Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil cooking spray
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cups arugula
• 3 cups packed baby spinach (about 3 oz.)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled

Makes  4 (2-cup) Servings

1. Preheat the broiler with the rack 4 inches from the heat. Rub the chicken all over with rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil.
2. Broil the chicken until cooked through but still a little pink, 3-4 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts). Transfer to a cutting board and when cool enough to handle, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken, arugula, spinach, and tomatoes to the dressing. Toss well to coat.
4. Divide the chicken mixture among 4 plates. Divide evenly, sprinkle the goat cheese over the salads.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Gluten-Free Solution Cookbook. This Phase 1 salad is gluten-free, quick, easy and can be enjoyed any day of the week. You can use all arugula or all spinach in this salad, red and yellow grape tomatoes or feta cheese in place of the goat cheese and your salad will be delicious. I highly recommend seasoning your chicken with garlic because garlic always makes everything taste better. The homemade dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is so good you will forget that it's healthy for you.

Inside-Out Cheeseburgers

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup flaxmeal ( 2 oz.)
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 tbsp. reduced-fat goat cheese
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 very thin whole-wheat sandwich rolls (1.5 oz.) split, or 8 slices multigrain bread (optional)
• 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 4 thick slices tomato
• romaine lettuce

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, flaxmeal, bell pepper, scallions, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the goat cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and ground pepper. using your hands, blend well and form into 4 balls. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and stuff each with 1 tablespoon of the remaining goat cheese. Pinch the turkey mixture to seal in the cheese and gently form into 4 patties. Make them as flat as you can (to speed the cooking), taking care not to squeeze the cheese out.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the pan with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat  to medium, add the patties, and cook until browned on 1 side, about 3 minutes. Turn the patties over and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add 1/4 cup water to the pan, reduce the heat to a high simmer, and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the burgers are cooked all the way through.
3. Meanwhile, lightly toast the sandwich rolls, if using.
4. To serve, brush 1 side of each of 4 roll halves with balsamic vinegar. Top with a burger, a tomato slice, lettuce (if using), and the other roll half.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. without the bun, 9 pts. with the bun

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Once again, the folks at South Beach have created a delicious cheeseburger. What makes this cheeseburger stand out is the flaxseed. Flaxseed is a power plant and power food that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. If you're unable to get your hands on flaxseed, use whole wheat bread crumbs instead. It won't be as healthy but it will taste just as good. I really love the scallions, peppers and goat cheese in the burgers because they added flavor. Plus, I forgot how many vegetables were in this dish. I added garlic to the cheeseburger because garlic always makes everything taste better. Also, don't forget to season your burger with salt and ground black pepper to taste. If you want a flavorful balsamic vinegar on  this burger, I highly recommend visiting www.TheImperialOlive.com for a selection of balsamic vinegars.



Provence Goat Cheese Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground sirloin
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsp. minced onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. herbes de Provence
• 4 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled (2/3 cup)
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 whole-wheat or whole-grain hamburger buns, lightly toasted

Makes 4 Servings

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 5pts without bun 8 pts. with bun

1. In a large bowl, combine ground sirloin, egg yolk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, mustard, herbes de Provence, and goat cheese. Season beef mixture with salt and pepper at your own leisure. Form mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.
2. Lightly coat a large skillet or grill with olive oil flavored cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add burger patties and cook until cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers to 160 F.
3. Serve burgers on buns, if using, or on bed of romaine lettuce, arugula or spinach and top with aioli, grilled onions, sliced tomatoes or sun-dried tomato pesto.

Note: This is a recipe I created this past weekend when I was cleaning out the refrigerator and had a craving for a gourmet cheeseburger. Sometimes when you're craving beef but you don't want to cook steak and vegetables a cheeseburger will do just fine. I was craving a gourmet cheeseburger and so I was looking through my refrigerator to see what I had to eat. Thank goodness I had all the items I needed to make a gourmet cheeseburger. I have never been to France but I can only imagine this is what Provence tastes like: creamy and heavenly delicious. The crumbled goat cheese gave the burger a nice tangy taste and the tomato paste gave it an extra kick of flavor. If you have to use bread crumbs in this burger to hold everything together, I highly recommend it. As for the toppings, I highly recommend a bed of romaine lettuce, arugula or spinach, sliced grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, tomato, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and/or sun-dried tomato pesto for an authentic Mediterranean flare. As for the olive oil, I highly recommend Herbes de Provence Infused Olive Oil from the Imperial Olive. Fore more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.
 

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, Carmalized Onion & Goat Cheese Fritatta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup onions, julienned
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 8 eggs
• 1/4 cup skim or low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• pinch Kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp.freshly ground black pepper
• Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
• 1/4 tbsp. crumbled goat cheese
• sliced scallions (optional)
• fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Makes 4 servings

1.  Spray a skillet with nonstick spray. Saute the onions and garlic over medium heat until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Add diced roasted red peppers and spinach; sauté until wilted. Drain excess liquid in a colander. Return to sauté pan.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, scallions, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Pour eggs into skillet; do not stir. Ass eggs set, run a spatula around the edge of the skillet, lifting eggs so uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking and lifting edges until eggs are almost set (surface will be moist).
4.  Remove skillet from heat; Sprinkle in pieces of crumbled goat cheese. Cover and let stand for 3-4 minutes or until top is set. Loosen edge of frittata. Transfer to a serving plate; cut into wedges to serve. Garnish with additional sliced scallions and parsley, if desired.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Who does not love a frittata from time to time? This is what I call a Mediterranean frittata because of the roasted red peppers, spinach and goat cheese. The original recipe called for feta cheese but goat cheese works just as well and make the frittata more creamy and delicious. You can make this on a Sunday and enjoy it for breakfast every day of the week. Eggs and vegetables will quickly fill you up and you're not as hungry throughout the day.

Broccoli with Goat Cheese & Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. broccoli, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1 oz. semisoft goat cheese or feta chees, crumbled

Makes 6 Servings

1. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon salt; bring back to a boil and add broccoli. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, parsley, mustard, olive oil, thyme, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Add the broccoli and red onion; stir gently to coat. Top with walnuts and goat cheese.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. I really love broccoli and this side dish is delicious and packed with flavor. You can also add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes in place of or along with the broccoli and the side dish will still be colorful and delicious. You can prepare this dish ahead of time by doing all the things except do not top with walnuts and goat cheese. Cover and chill for up to 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with walnuts and goat cheese. 

Goat Cheese & Arugula-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. soft reduced-fat goat cheese, cut into pieces
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 (6 oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 bunch arugula (3 oz.), trimmed and coarsely chopped
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup lower-sodium chicken broth

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a small bowl, stir together the cheese and garlic.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit through the thickest portion of each chicken breast to form a deep pocket. Stuff each pocket with an equal amount of the cheese mixture and the arugula. Press the edges of the pocket together to seal. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the broth, cover, and simmer for about 6 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked through and still juicy. With a slotted spatula transfer to 4 serving plates. Serve hot.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This is another delicious chicken dinner that's a great way to kick-start your healthy lifestyle. I've had different variations and I must say this was the creamiest version. The goat cheese mixed in with the arugula make this so creamy. You can use spinach or any other mixed greens in this dish and it will still be yummy. You can also add some of your favorite herbs in the cheese mixture such as basil, oregano or parsley to add a little more flavor. You can also use white wine in place of the chicken broth or a combination of wine and broth as well. I highly recommend topping the chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto for an authentic Italian flare. 

Asparagus & Red Pepper Fritatta with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning or tarragon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. trans-free margarine
• 3 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a 10-inch broilerproof skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and bell pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, tarragon or Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and the margarine to the pan. Stir well to melt the margarine and to coat the bottom and sides of the pan with oil. Pour in the egg mixture and dot the top with the goat cheese. Cook, uncovered without stirring, until the eggs are set around the edge and still a little wet in the center, 12-14 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat the broiler.
5. Broil the frittata 6 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes, until the top is just set and the cheese is melted. Cut into 4 wedges and serve hot, warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Eggs are a great way to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. They're full of protein and quickly fill you up. A large wedge or piece of this frittata will leave you full and satisfied for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The vegetables add color to the frittata while the goat cheese adds creaminess. The best part of having a frittata for dinner is any leftovers can be eaten for breakfast or lunch the next day. You can substitute spinach in place of the asparagus if you want leafy vegetables. you can also use any color bell pepper as well and use any kind of cheese and your frittata will still be delicious.

 

Pissaladiere Squares with Tomato Coulis and Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 vidalia onion or 2 yellow onions, halved lengthwise then thinly sliced crosswise
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp butter
• 8 small tomatoes, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 recipe or 1 pound Basic Pizza Dough, at room temperature
• 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• 10 nicoise or other small oil-cured black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried

Makes 6 Servings

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer onion to a plate; set aside.
2. To make the tomato coulis, in the same skillet, met the butter; add the tomatoes and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and simmer, about 1 minute.
3. Arrange one rack on the bottom rung of the oven. Preheat theoven to 450 F.
4. With floured hands, stretch and press the pizzadough onto the bottom of a 10 1/2 X 15 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan. Spread the onion onto the dough. Spoon the tomato coulis on top. Sprinkle evenly with the goat cheese, then the olives, and thyme.
5. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly melted, 15-20 minutes. Cut into 6 Squares.
    

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. A Pissaladière is a pizza-like dish made in Nice, Marseilles, Toulon and the Var District of Southern France. Typical toppings include carmelized onions, olives, garlic aand anchovies. If you're thinking about ordering pizza, PUT DOWN THE PHONE! This gourmet pizza is just as delicious as what you'd get at a restaurant or at a pizza joint and better for your health. The tomato coulis is made by reducing the tomatoes with a little sugar and vinegar to intesify the flavor. This pizza is totally different than what you'd order  at your local pizza joint because the tomato coulis is intensified with flavor and the olives and goat cheese give it an extra kick of zing. I do recommend adding a little bit of garlic to the tomato coulis because garlic always makes everything better. Since this is a French pizza I recommend using Infused Herbes De Provence Olive Oil from The Imperial Olive in Williamsburg, VA for a more authentic French flavor. If you're hosting a French dinner party and you have vegetarian dinner guests, I highly recommend serving your vegetarians guests this because they will be very happy and leave satisfied.



Black Bean & Goat Cheese Tostadas

Ingredients:

• 4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 (15 oz.) can black soybeans, rinsed and drained
• 4 ounces reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)
• 1/2 (1-pound) head romaine lettuce, chopped (4 cups)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, quartered
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. Lightly spray tortillas with cooking spray and place, slightly overlapping, on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly puffed and browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. While tortillas are toasting, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in beans and heat until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
4. With tortillas still on the baking sheet, top with beans and cheese; bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes and scallions. Squeeze lime ovver top and serve hot.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. I wanted a light dinner with out any meat and I came across this recipe and it looked to good to pass up. My mother and I loved these tasty Mexican treats. All the veggies in these tostadas make them colorful and quickly fill you up. The goat cheese makes these tosadas even creamier. I also loved how the tortillas puffed up in the oven and took their own bowl shape when they came out of the oven and cooled. I would totally serve these Mexican vegetarian delights at your next fiesta. Vegetarians and meat lovers will loves these totadas and eat them up. Celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Jose Garces and Aron Sanchez would be very impressed with these treats as well. Iron Chef Flay, I'm still waiting to challenge you to an Iron Chef Throwdown!

 



Peppery Zucchini Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 pepperoncini (from a jar), minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. whole-wheat penne pasta
• 1 large zucchini, shredded
• 2 oz reduced-fat goat cheese, crumbled (1/3 cup)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Makes 4 (1 1/2 cup) Servings

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, 3-4 minutes. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil, pepperoncini, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and conmtinue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes to flavor the oil. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
2. Bring a  large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserving 2 tablespoons of pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta.
3. Add pasta, reserved pasta cooking liquid, zucchini, cheese, tomatoes and basil to skillet; toss to combine. Cook over medium heat until pasta is just heated through and cheese  is melted, 1-2 minutes. Season with additional pepper to taste and serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. This is what summer comfort food should taste like. This dish totally hit the spot earlier this evening because it  was colorful an-d filling and it tasted like what Italy in the summer should taste like-cool, comforting, savory. Zucchini, cherry and grape tomatoes and fresh basil are in season and this pasta dish makes a great dish for an outdoor gathering. You can also use oregano, parsley or any other Italian herb with the basil to make this pasta dish even more delicious.