Chinese Barbecue Sauce

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup ginger ale
• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. five-spice powder
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Makes 12 Servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until simmering.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, or longer for desired thickness. Cool 10 minutes before using (or cool and store in a plastic or glass container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks).

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com.  This easy version of Chinese BBQ sauce can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes and it is great on shrimp, scallops or lobster tails, as well as lean pork tenderloin and pork chops. Once prepared, the sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up two weeks so plan to keep it handy so you can pull together a variety of quick meals on time-pressed evenings. The sauce gets its Asian flavors primarily from hoisin sauce and five spice powder, which is made from a combination of star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves and Szechuan peppercorns. Look for it on the international food aisle at your supermarket.

Baby Porcupines

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground skinless turkey breast
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 16 slices pitted black olives (about 4 olives)
• 1/2 cup apple juice or dry white wine

Makes 8 Servings (1 porcupine per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Combine turkey, rice, bread crumbs, onion, ketchup, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until combined well. Form into 8 small oval-shaped loaves; press 2 olive slices into each loaf for eyes.
3. Place loaves in 9 X 13-inch baking dish. Pour apple juice or wine around loaves. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaves registers 165 F, about 35 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These are wonderful treats to make and enjoy on the weekend. These baby porcupines are filled with flavor and a succulent and juicy. If you don't have apple juice on hand, substitute dry white wine and the porcupines will be just as tasty. I also highly recommend adding minced garlic to the porcupines because garlic always makes everything taste better. 

Western Burgers with Grilled Fennel and Spiced-Up Ketchup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup no-salt-added ketchup
• 4 tsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/8-1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. dried bread crumbs
• 1 lb. ground grass-fed bison
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 light whole wheat hamburgers buns, split
• 8 small romaine lettuce leaves

Makes 4 Servings (1 burger per serving)

1. Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat grill to medium-high or prepare medium-high fire.
2. Meanwhile, to make spiced-up ketchup, combine ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and pepper flakes in a small saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil.
3. Combine Worcestershire sauce, egg, bread crumbs, bison, salt and pepper into 4 (1/2-inch thick) patties.
4. Place fennel on grill rack and grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate. Place patties on grill rack and grill 4 minutes. Turn and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan. Grill burgers until instant-read thermometer inserted into side of burger registers 160 F, about 4 minutes longer. Transfer burgers to plate. Place buns, cut side down, on grill rack and grill lightly until lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
5. Place bottoms of buns on 4 plates. Top each with one-fourth of fennel, 1 burger, one-fourth of ketchup, and 2 lettuce leaves. Cover with tops of buns.

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These are what I call gourmet American burgers. These burgers are flavorful, juicy and delicious. I added dried bread crumbs and an egg to make the burgers moist and to hold them together so the point value could be effected. I also added the Worcestershire sauce to make the burgers more flavorful. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice taste of saltiness to the burgers. Serve these burgers at your next gathering and they will be gone.

Turkey-and-Quinoa Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 3/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. ground skinless turkey breast

Makes 6 Servings (1 slice per serving)

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; add quinoa. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; fluff quinoa with fork and let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375. Line bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking dish or baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Squeeze zucchini dry and put in large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup of chili sauce or ketchup, egg whites, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add turkey and quinoa; stir until combined well but not overmixed.
4. Transfer turkey mixture to prepared baking dish and shape into 5 x 11-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup on top of loaf.
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaf registers 165 F. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Meatloaf is a wonderful comfort food and it can be good for you with the right ingredients. This meatloaf is gluten free because it uses quinoa instead of bread crumbs. This meatloaf also uses ground turkey breast instead of ground beef. Ground turkey meatloaf is actually delicious plus it's leaner in protein. I highly recommend adding minced garlic to the meatloaf because garlic always makes everything taste better. I also recommend using homemade ketchup in this recipe because it's better for you and you know what's in the ketchup. Don't forget the vegetables with the meatloaf to make your dinner more filling, colorful and delicious.

Sweet 'N' Spicy Drumettes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 1 /2 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 2 tsp. hot sauce
• 12 chicken drumettes (about 1 lb.), skinned

Makes 4 Servings (3 drumettes per serving)

1. Stir together ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a large shallow bowl. Add drumettes, turning to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
2. Preheat broiler. Spray broiler rack with nonstick spray.
3. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Arrange chicken on prepared broiler rack and spray with nonstick spray. Broil 5 inches from heat, turning, until lightly charred in spots and cooked through, about 12 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is a healthy take on your typical chicken wings. If you can't decide between sweet wings or spicy wings, make these wings. These wings are the perfect blend and balance of sweet and spicy. If you don't have wings, you can use the marinade for boneless, skinless chicken tenders and they will still be tasty. Serve these at your next game day party and your guests will be coming back for more.

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.

Barbecue-Sauced Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2/3 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• few drops hickory liquid smoke
• 6 (1/2-lb.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Makes 6 Servings (1 chicken breast per serving)

1. Spray a grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat grill wo medium-high or prepare medium-high fire using indirect method.
2. Meanwhile, combine ketchup, coffee, brown sugar, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until brown sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in liquid smoke. Let sauce cool to room temperature.
3. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place chicken, meaty side down, on cooler portion of the grill rack and grill, covered, turning once or twice and brushing with sauce, 15 minutes. Uncover and brush chicken with remaining sauce; grill until cooked through, about 5 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the  WW New Complete Cookbook. If you're craving BBQ, this dish is for you. This dish is better than what you would order at the local BBQ joint. It's succulent, juicy and flavorful. I highly recommend cutting the sugar in half, substitute honey in place of the sugar and add minced garlic to the sauce for a much sweeter and more savory flavor. You can also use this sauce with pork, turkey, and even some fish like salmon and arctic char and the BBQ will still be delicious.

Grilled T-Bone with Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. ketchup or chili sauce
• 1 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
•  1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsp. coarse-grained Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 (1 lb.) lean T-bone steak, trimmed

Makes 4 Servings (3 oz. per serving)

1. Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat grill to high or prepare hot fire.
2. To make barbecue sauce, stir together chili sauce or ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard, and ginger in a small bowl.
3. Brush some of the sauce on both sides of steak. Place steak on grill rack and grill, brushing with remaining sauce, until instant-read thermometer inserted into side of steak registers 145 F, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer steak to cutting board and let stand 10 minutes before slicing against grain.

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts.

 

Note: This  recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. If you love BBQ, this dish is for you. The homemade barbecue sauce is absolutely delicious because it's full of spicy flavors. This barbecue sauce is also great on chicken, pork, vegetables and certain kinds of fish. Also, don't forget to season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.





Smoky Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

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

Makes 6 Servings (1 thigh per serving)

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

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

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

Best Grilled Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split & toasted
• 4 slices sweet onion
• 4 thick tomato slices
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves
• 1/4 cup ketchup

Makes 4 Servings

1. Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat grill to medium-high or prepare medium-high fire using direct method.
2. Meanwhile, mix together beef, scallions, egg substitute, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl just until well combined. With damp hands, shape mixture into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) patties.
3. Place patties on grill rack and grill until instant-read thermometer inserted into side of burger registers 160 F for well done, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Place burgers on bottom of buns and top each with 1 onion slice, 1 tomato slice and 1 lettuce leaf. Cover tops of buns and serve with ketchup.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. If you're ever craving a juicy hamburger, you have to cook and eat these. The burgers are better than what you would get at your local fast food joint or at a restaurant. Grilled burgers are the best because they are so flavorful and juicy they melt right in your mouth when you eat them. You can use any kind of lettuce in this burger if you don't have romaine lettuce. If you don't have ketchup, use tomato paste mixed in the burgers to make them more flavorful. I also highly recommend using minced garlic in these burgers because garlic always makes everything 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.

Apple Cider Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp. granular brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. molasses
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 16 Servings (2 cups total, 2 tbsp. per serving)

 

Combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer to dissolve sugar. Do not boil or reduce.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 0 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. If you are desperate for a delicious barbecue sauce, this sauce is for you. This sauce can be made in 20 minutes or less and can sit in your refrigerator for 3 months. I highly recommend using this barbecue sauce on chicken or pork for a succulent and juicy meal. The sauce literally melts in your mouth and it's absolutely delicious.

Beef Fondue

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 recipe South Beach Teriyaki Sauce
• 1 recipe South Beach Tomato Sauce
• 1 recipe South Beach Barbecue Sauce
• 1 recipe South Beach Cocktail sauce
• 1 recipe South Beach Ketchup
• canola oil or beef or chicken broth

Makes 4 Servings

 

Evenly divide the beef among 4 individual dishes. Place the sauces in individual bowls. Heat the oil or broth in a fondue pot to about 375 F. Using skewers, dip the beef tenderloin cubes in to the hot oil or broth to cook it. Then dip the beef into one of the sauces.

 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is a great dish to serve when you're having company over. I tried this dish this past weekend but it didn't work out as I had hoped because the fondue pot wasn't working properly. This dish will work if you have a fondue pot that works. If not, you can always sauté or grill the meat and then serve them alongside the dipping sauces. 

Barbecue Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. pork tenderloin, fat removed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp. barbeque spice rub
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp. molasses
• 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 8 Servings

1.  Season the meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle all over with spice rub. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Combine the ketchup, molasses, cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Place in crockpot. Add pork. Cook over low heat for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender, but not falling apart.
3. Remove from sauce. Degrease sauce and return meat to sauce to store.
4. To serve: cut meat across the grain in thin pieces. Toss with some of the sauce.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is a great meal to make on a Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Who says you have to go to your local barbecue joint to enjoy barbecue? The key to good barbecue is slow cooking time and the sweet or spicy barbecue flavors. If you have a crockpot, fire it up and cook this dish. I highly recommend using Cajun Spice or Southwestern Spice in this recipe for a kick of heat. I also highly recommend using South Beach Ketchup in this recipe because it's so good. If you don't have molasses, ketchup and cider vinegar, use barbecue sauce mixed with 1/4 cup chicken broth. I also highly recommend adding a touch of garlic in this dish because garlic always makes everything taste better.

Red Wine Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. garlic, minced and chopped
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. molasses
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 1 cup, 8 Servings (2 tbsp. per serving)

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and onions. Saute until onions are caramelized and tender. Add garlic until aromatic, about 1 minute. Stir in red wine and mustard. Bring to a simmer and reduce by three quarters.
2. Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, and molasses. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Blend with a handheld blender or in a blender until smooth.

WW POINTS VALUE: 1 pt.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Who doesn't love a good barbecue sauce once in a while? You can make your own sophisticated barbecue sauce at home  in 30 minutes and it's better than what you would get at the grocery store. Barbecue is an American staple and each region takes great pride in their own. What makes this barbecue sauce stand out are the red wine and Dijon mustard. Reducing the wine removes the alcohol and eliminates the raw wine flavor so it is safe to serve to people under 21. I highly recommend using this barbecue sauce on chicken, turkey, pork, steak and even fish for your next sophisticated barbecue because it will stand out.

Sweet-and-Sour Jumbo Shrimp with Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 3 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 3 tsp. canola oil
• 1 1/2 lbs. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Makes 4 Servings

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Meanwhile, combine reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar in medium bowl.
3. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, turning once, until just opaque, 4-5 minutes; transfer to plate. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add bell pepper and carrot and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add pineapple chunks and cook 1 minute. Add pineapple juice mixture and shrimp; bring to boil and cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Divide shrimp and rice among 4 plates or bowls and sprinkle with scallions. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. (1 1/2 cups shrimp & 1/2 cup rice)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Are you a fan  of Chinese takeout? If so, this dish is for you. You can have healthy Chinese meals at home without ordering from your takeout menu. Plus, there is no MSG or any other mystery ingredients in this Chinese meal. This dish literally is sweet-and-sour and so colorful you'll forget it's healthy for you. This meal is also packed with flavor you'll want to eat it again and again. You can also use chicken, turkey, pork or tofu in this recipe and it will still be delicious. If you're thinking about ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE and cook this. You  and your guests will be very happy, trust me. 

Barbecue Pork with Mop Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 pork tenderloins (1 1/2 lbs.), trimmed of all visible fat
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. molasses
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Makes 6 Servings

1. Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill for indirect heating.
2. To prepare the spice rub, combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper in a bowl. Rub half of the mixture all over the pork and let stand for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, to prepare the sauce, combine the ketchup, vinegar, molasses and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
4. Rub the pork with the remaining spice rub. Place over the indirect heat section of the grill. Grill 15 minutes. Turn the pork and grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 160 F, 12-15 minutes longer. Remove from the grill, cover loosely with foil, and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting each tenderloin into 12 slices. Serve with the sauce.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. (4 slices pork with about 2 tablespoons sauce)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. My mother and I were craving meat and she asked me to do a simple pork dinner with a side of green beans. I wanted to do a Mexican pork dish so I scrambled to find a pork dinner we'd both enjoy. I came across this one and I always wanted to try this recipe. This dish was SOO delicious. If you love barbecue, you will love this dish, I guarantee. It's called Mop sauce because it comes from North Carolina. North Carolinians marinate their barbecued meats with a dry spice rub and then serve their meats in a vinegary and spicy sauce that gets "mopped up" with a piece of bread. We really love this mop sauce because it was packed with so much flavor and was thick and gooey. It tasted better than the barbecue sauce you would get at the grocery store. I highly recommend making extra sauce because people will be going back for seconds after one taste. You can all use the spice rub and sauce on chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, catfish and even some vegetables when you're in the mood for barbecue.

Parmesan-Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 1/4 lbs. ground skinless turkey
• 4 slices whole-wheat bread, made into fine crumbs
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil, or 1/2 tsp dried
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 freshly ground black pepper

Makes 8 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F; spray an 8 X 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. In a small skillet, heat the oil. Saute the onion until tender, 4-5 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the onion, turkey, bread crumbs, milk, egg white, ketchup, cheese, garlic, basil, thyme and pepper; blend well. Shape into loaf and transfer to the pan. Bake until browned and cooked through, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into 8 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts (1 slice per serving)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Winter is here and meatloaf is delicious comfort food for this time of year. I never liked meatloaf as a kid but I have come to really enjoy meatloaf now as an adult. Ground turkey for meatloaf is really delicious with any flavor. Chicken and turkey are blank canvasses for any flavors from bold to comforting. I really loved this meatloaf because it was very comforting. I highly recommend serving vegetables or a salad with this meatloaf for a fulfilling dinner. 

Spicy Chinese Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp South Beach Ketchup or sugar-free ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp prepared Chinese chili sauce with garlic
• 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp light sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated orange peel
• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Makes 6 Servings

1. In a 1-quart zip-top plastic bag, combine the orange juice, hoisin sauce, ketchup, vinegar, chili sauce, soy sauce, oil and orange peel. Add the chicken. Seal the bag securely and turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, turning thbag occasionally.
2. Coat a grill rack or broiler-pan rack with cooking spray. Preheat the grill or broiler.
3. Thread the chicken pieces onto 6 metal skewers. Place the skewers on the prepared rack and grill over hot coals for 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Or broil 4 inches from the heat for 7 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest portion registers 170 F and the juices run clear.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts

 

Note: This recipe appear in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. Who knew Chinese food could taste so good and be good for you? If you're thinking abuot ordering Chinese takeout, PUT DOWN THE PHONE!! You can make this delicious meal in 30 minutes or less. If you don't have any kebobs, don't worry. You can cut up the chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with vegetables such as red bell peppers and scallions and it will be just as delicious. If you really want to go all the way, serve this protein dish with a side of noodles or some hot brown rice and you won't be hungry. 

Sweet-and-Sour Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp water

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup and soy sauce.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the oil. Add the ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the vinegar mixture and bring to a boil; boil 1 minute. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in the water; stir into the saucepan. Return to a boil and cook until mixture is thickened, 1 minutes longer.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts (3 tbsp per serving)

Note: This recipe appears in the New WW Complete Cookbook. This is a quick and easy sauce to make if you are ever in the mood for Asian. You won't have to order take out again once you have this sauce on your main dish. This sauce can be used on scallops, shrimp, salmon, chicken, pork or even beef. I had this sauce on my pork last night for dinner and it was delicious. You can even use this sauce on vegetables and it will taste just as delicious.