Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup skim milk
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded American cheese
• 1/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Makes 6 Servings

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions; drain and return to the pot.
2. Add the milk, cheddar, Monterey Jack, American Cheese, mozzarella and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until hte cheeses melt, about 5 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 (generous 1 cup)

Note This recipe appears in the New WW Complete Cookbook. I was super hungry and totaly in the mood for some macaroni and cheese plus I wanted to clean out the fridge. This recipe can be made in about 20 minutes or less. This recipe will work with any shredded cheeses you have in your fridge but be sure that at least one of them is a sharp cheese like cheddar. Sharp cheeses ensure good flavor. Plus, what is macaroni and cheese without cheddar? The pepper also gve this dish an extra kick that anyone will enjoy.

Maryland Crabcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. cooked crabmeat, picked through for shells and cartilage
• 3/4 cup dried bread crumbs
• 2 shallots finely chopped
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 3 tbsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp Chesapeake Bay seasoning
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 1/2 cups mixed green lettuce leaves

Makes 4 Servings

1.  In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, bread crumbs, shallots, milk, mayonnaise, parsley, Chesapeake Bay seasoning and pepper. With moistened hands, form into 8 small round cakes; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. Place the flour on a sheet of wax papper; lightly coat each cake on both sides.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter. Cook the crab cakes until golden brown and crispy, 4-5 minutes on each side. Line a platter with the greens; top with the crab cakes.

WW POINTS VALUE PER SERVING ( 2 cakes) 7 pts.

 

Note This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. This recipe looked so good and I've always wanted to try Maryland Crab cakes. You can substitute canned crabmeat for the cooked crabmeat. If you cannot find Chesapeake Bay Seasoning, you can prepare a special blend of spices containing celery salt, paprika, allspice, cayenne and many other flavors. All these flavors give the crabcakes a fiery taste and tang. The crab cakes also make a great sandwich during the week.

Turkey Cheddar Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 2 tsp coarse grain mustard
• 2 medium whole wheat tortilla(s), warmed
• 4 oz. cooked turkey, chopped.
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp diced onions
• 1 cup watercress or chopped lettuce
• 3 tbsp low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Makes 2 Servings

1. In a small cup, combine the mayonnaise and mustard. Lay tortillas on a cutting board; spread with mustard mixture.
2. Top tortillas with turkey, placing it about 1-inch from edges; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top turkey with tomatoes, onion, watercress/lettuce and cheese.
3. Tuck in  ides of tortilla and then roll it up lightly; cut in half on a diagonal. Yields 2 halves per serving.

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. It's a really good treat after having turkey, chicken or roast beef from the night before.

Herb Crusted Red Snapper (Or Cod or any other fish you want to use!)

Ingredients:

• 
  
  1/4 dried parsely
  
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or water
• 3 tablespoons dried bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 2 tabkespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 1/4 lbs fish filets, cut into 4 pieces
• 4 carrots thinly sliced
• 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons healthy margerine melted

Makes 4 servings

1. Preheat the ove to 375 F; spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stocvk cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, bread crumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. let mixture stand, covered, until it forms a paste-like consistency, about 10 minutes.

3.Place the fish, skin side down, in the baking dish. Spread the herb paste over the fillets with a spatula. Bake until the fish is just opaque in the center and the herb paste has formed a crust, about 12 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, place the carrots in a steamer basket; set in a medium saucepan over 1 inch of boiling water. Cover and steam 5 minutes; add the zucchini and steam until the vegetables are firm but tender, about 3 minutes longer. Toss gently with the butter. Serve the fish, with veggies on the side.

WW Points Value: 5 per serving (1 piece of fish and 1 1/2 cups Vegetables)

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. You can use any kind of fish you want for this recipe.

Steak with a new Flavor: Filet Mignon with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tsp butter, softened
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or dried
• 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon, or dried
• 1 tsp chopped chives
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 (3oz) filet mignons, 1/2 inch thick, trimmed
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Make 4 servings

1. With a fork, mash together the butter, thyme, tarragon, chives, lemon zest and 1/4 tsp of the salt in a cup, set aside.
2. Sprinkle the beef with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray; set over medium-high heat. Add the beef; cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of a steak registers 145 F for medium, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a platter and top each steak with one-fourth of the herb butter.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Minutes Cookbook. I've cooked this recipe a couple of times and it's a nice and different flavor of steak. You can use any kind of steak for this recipe. It's also a great dinner for someone who's had along day or is going out for a long night; you can cook this dish in 15 minutes or less.

Bayou-Style Tuna with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt (Optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 (6 0z) tuna steaks, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (5 oz) jar of roasted red pepper, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1 garlic clove, peeled or 1 tsp minced/powdered garlic

Makes 4 Servings

1. Combine the paprika, sugar, cumin, oregano, 3/4 tsp of salt and black pepper on a sheet of wax paper. Coat the tuna steaks with the paprika mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres.
2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the tuna and cook about 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
3. Meanwhile, combine the roasted  red pepper, half-and-half, garlic and the remaining 1/4 tsp of salt in a blender and puree. Transfer to a microwavable bowl and microwave on high, stirring twice, until bubbly, 1-1 1/2 minutes.
4. Sppon the sauce evenly on 4 plates and top each with a tuna steak.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 minutes Cookbook. I cooked this last night and it was so good and so Hot! I highly recommend drinking a lot of water. I also cut back on the paprika and used Creole seasoning. Creole seasoning works just as well. If you have the Griddler like I do, use it when cooking the tuna steaks to save you time and the fish will taste just as good.

Chili Rubbed Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp table salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 20 oz lean pork loin, boneless center-cut chops, four 5 oz pieces
• 1 spray(s) cooking spray

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
Butterfly pork chops by laying them flat on a cutting board and slicing in half horizontally, stopping a 1/2-inch from edge to keep halves attached. Pry chops open, then flatten them on your work surface. Rub spice mixture on both sides of chops. Place chops on a plate, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Coat grill rack or a large grill pan with cooking spray; heat grill or set pan over medium heat. (Note: Never spray cooking spray directly into a heat source, whether a grill or a stove.)


Grill chops for 3 minutes, then turn and continue cooking until grill marks appear and chops are firm, about 4 minutes more. (An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of a chop should register 160°F.) Transfer to a serving plate or cutting board; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Yields 1 chop per serving.

WW Points Value: 5

Filet Mignon with Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 beef tenderloin steaks (4 0z.) 1 inch thick
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup A.1 Steak Sauce

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add steaks; cook 10 -13 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Remove steaks from skillet; cover to keep warm.
2. Add tomatoes, oil and garlic to skillet; cook 1 minute. Stir in beef broth. Increase heat to medium-high; cook and stir 5 minutes or until liquid is slightly reduced. Remove from heat. Stir in steak sauce. Serve over steaks.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

Note: This recipe appears courtesy of http://www.kraftfoods.com/. I was desperate for a healthy recipes for Christmas dinner and this looked so good. It's one of my favorites and one of the easiest. You can use any kind of steak with this as well as chicken, pork, turkey or even duck in this dish and it will still be yummy. Also, if you don't have any beef broth, use red wine in place of the broth or even a mixture of both. I highly recommend serving a side of potatoes and vegetables with this dish and this dinner will be better than what you'd order at a steakhouse.

 

         

Roast Pork Puertorriqueno

Ingredients:

• 
  
  grated zest of 1 orange
  
  
  
• 
  
  1/4 cup orange juice
  
  
  
• 
  
  4 tsp olive oil
  
  
  
• 
  
  1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (wear gloves to prevent irritation)
  
  
  
• 
  
  2 garlic cloves, sliced
  
  
  
• 
  
  1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  
  
  
• 
  
  1/2 tsp salt
  
  
  
• 
  
  1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
  
  
  
• 
  
  1 (1lb) pork tenderloin
  
  
  

Makes 4 servings

1. 
   
   To prepare the marinade, in a gallon-size ziplclose plastic bag, combine the orange zest, orange juice, oil, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper; add the pork. Seal the bag, squeezing out the air; turn to coat the pork. Refrigerate, turning the bag occasionally, at least 2 hours or overnight.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Preheat the oven to 450 F; line a roasting pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Place the tenderloin in the pan; drizzle with the remaining marinade. Roast 5 minutes; reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 F, 15-18 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into 12 slices.
   

WW Points Value: 4 per serving (3 Slices)

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. I have been cooking for 10 months now and of all the healthy recipes I have cooked, this was my least favorite. There was very little flavor when I my dinner. It did smell delicious when I was ccoking it though. Of the many recipes I've cooked, this was the only one that was not good. Not Bad.

Souffle Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 oz.) Stouffer's frozen Spinach Souffle, not thawed
• 4 boneless, skinless chiken breasts, pounded into 1/4" thickness
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced or 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• salt (optional)
• ground pepper
• 
  
  1 tbsp shopped parsley, for garnish
  
  
  
• 
  
  Lemon Slices for garnish
  
  
  
• 
  
  Sprig parsely, for garnish
  
  
  

Serves 4

1. 
   
   Preheat hte oven to 400 F. Using a serrated knife, cut the spinach souffle crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Top half of each whole breast with one of the pieces of souffle. Flod half of the chickenover the filling and fasten the edges with wooden picks.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until golden. Discard the garlic. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 7 minutes per side, or until well-browned on both sides.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Remove the chicken breasts to an oven-proof dish. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 170 F and the juices run clear.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   While the chicken is baking, add broth, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper to the skillet. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low,cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced to 1/2.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   To serve, remove and discard the wooden toothpicks. Arrange the chicken on a warm serving platter, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with the chopped parsley, lemon and parsley sprig.
   

WW Points Value: 7

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. My dish DID NOT appear like the picture in the cookbook but it was a nice dinner. I used frozen spinach instead of the Stouffer's frozen spinach souffle and it worked just as well. I also reduced the number of chicken breasts in half and I cut the chicken breasts in half because I don't eat as much chicken as Iused to.

Greek-Style Cod Filets-who knew fish tasted so good?

Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion(s), chopped
2 tsp garlic powder
2 (14 1/2 oz) canned diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 (5 oz) cod fillets raw
1/4 tsp table salt
3 tbsp Feta cheese, crumbled

Serves 4

1. Heat the Oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the the tomatoes with their juice, oregano, and pepper; cook, stirring, until heated throught, about 3 minutes.

2. Sprinkle the cod with the salt. Place in the skillet and spoon some of the tomato mixture on top. Cook, uncoverd, until the fish is just opaque in the center, 6-8 minutes. Spinkle with the Feta Cheese and serve.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW in 20 Mintues Cookbook. This is one of my favorite recipes and my mom loves this dish too. Mediterranian food tastes so good you forget htat it's good for you. If you have any leftover fish, you can eat it fo lunch and it tastes just as good as you cooked it.

Spicy South Beach Diet Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole-wheat or spelt elbow pasta
• 1 tbsp trans-fat-free margarine
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1 1/4 cups fat-free half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, or 2 tbsp dried
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
• 2 large plum tomatoes, chopped, or 1 (14.5 oz.) can of diced tomatoes
• freshly ground pepper

Makes 4 (1 1/4-cup servings)

1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds.
2. While pasta is cooking, in a large nonstick skillet melt margarine over medium heat. Add flour and cayenne, reduce the heat to low, and whisk constantly until flour is incorporated, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the half-and-half to the skillet, bring to a simmer over low heat, and cook, whisking, until blended and thickened, 3-5 minutes. Add cheese, basil and salt; stir until blended. Add pasta and stir until coated and warmed, about 1 minute; remove from heat.
4. Lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer macaroni and cheese to the baking dish. Sprinkle tomatoes on top and mix them in with the macaroni and cheese. Season with pepper. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Place under the broiler and broil until the top is lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

WW Points Value: 7

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. I was in the mood for a pasta dish tonight and I was dying to try this recipe. Pasta is such a nice comfort food once in a while and this was a nice pasta dish with a very cosmopolitan flavor. You'll forget you're eating macaroni and cheese. Besides, it's healthier than eating the one from Kraft or Velveeta, TRUST ME!

Greet-the-Sun Breakfast Pizzas

Ingredients:

• 5 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 oz. packed spinach (4 cups)
• 2 (6-inch) whole-grain pitas, halved horizontally
• 2 large plum tomatoes thinly sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 oz reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled or shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (1/3 cup)

Make 4 Servings

1. Heat the oven to 450 F. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp of the oil over medium heat. Add spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
2. Brush inside of each pita round with 1 tsp oil. place pita rounds, oil side up, on a large baking sheet and bake until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven.
3. Divide tomatoes and spinach evenly among pita halves, leaving an empty space in the center of each pita for an egg. Crack 1 egg into the center of each pita. Spinkle with salt and pepper, return to the oven, and bake until yolks are slightly set, 8-10 minutes. Spinkle with cheese and continue baking until cheese has softened, about 2 minutes more. Serve warm.

WW Points Value: 5 pts.

Note: This Recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. I cooked this recipe for the 1st time tonight and my mom and I loved it. Sometimes a vegetarian meal is good for you once in a while. I used both mozzarella and feta cheese on the pizzas and they were delicious! Please be very careful when handling the egg because eggs have a mind of their own.

 

 

Fish with a Fiery Taste: Cajun Fish

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs Red Snapper or Cod or any fish you want
• 1 Tbsp Paprika or Creole Seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
• 
  
  1 lemon, cut into wedges
  
  
  

1. 
   
   Preheat the grill; place the grill rack 5" from the coals.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Spray a sheet of heavy-duty foil with non-stick spray; place the fish, skin-side down, in the center. Fold up the edges to make a pan. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic, onion, pepper, cayenne, oregano, salt and thyme. Drizzle the oil on the fish; sprinkle with the spice mixture, lemon juice and chives.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Transfer the foil to the grill rack, Cover the grill, opening the top and bottom flues Slightly. Cook the fish until just opaque in the center, 10-15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and veggies of your choice.
   

WW Points Value: 4 (1/4 of fish)

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. The orginal recipe was cajun red snapper but you can use any fish you want. If you don't have a grill, no problem. You can bake the fish for 20 minutes @ 350 F or broil the fish for 10-20 minutes. I use onions instead of shallots and it's just as good. Paprika may be too hot for your taste buds so creole seasoning works just as well.

So Sweet, So Good: Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 
  
  4 tsp honey
  
  
  
• 
  
  1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
  
  
  
• 
  
  1 tsp cider/wine vinegar
  
  
  
• 
  
  1/4 tsp salt (optional)
  
  
  
• 
  
  freshly ground pepper, to taste
  
  
  
• 
  
  4 (5-ounce) pork chops, 1-inch thick
  
  
  

1. 
   
   To prepare the marinade, in a small saucepan over low heat, heat the honey until it liquifies. Stir in the mustard, salt and pepper; cool to room temperature.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Place the pork chops in a gallon-size zip-close plastic bag;add the marinade. Seal, the bag, sqeezing out the air; turn to coat the chops. Refrigerate, turning the bag occasionally, at leat 8 hours or overnight. Remove the chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before broiling.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Preheat the broiler. Discard the marinade. PLace the chops on the broiler rack and broil 3- 4 inches from the heat until cooked through, 6-7 minutes on each side.
   

WW Points Value: 4 per pork chop

Note: I do not use a broiler; I use the Griddler from CuisinArt and it works just as well as a broiler. Everything cooks faster on the Griddler, Trust me. This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook.

Healthy and Delicious Side Dish: Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Whisk together the evaporated milk and the flour in a small saucepan until smooth. Whisk in the milk, mustard and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.

2. Stir in the cheddar cheese and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir until the cheese just melts and the sauce is smooth. Serve at once.

WW Points Value:  1 per serving (3 tbsp)

This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook.This side dish will go great on any side dish-chicken, meat, fish, or veggie. It goes great with chips as well. If you ever have a craving for a Philly Steak and Cheese, use this sauce.