Banana Bread

 Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 5 ripe bananas
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp.baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt (optional)
• 5 tsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown granular sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Makes 18 Servings (1 slice per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a large loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. Peel and mash 3 bananas. Peel and cut 2 bananas into small chunks. Set both aside.
3. In a large bowl, sift together both types of flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
4. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat to incorporate.
5. Alternating in batches, add mashed bananas, flour mixture and milk to bowl with butter mixture. Combine well but do not over beat; fold in walnuts and banana chunks.
6. Turn batter into prepared pan; bake until a tester inserted in center of bread comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool in pan for 15 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool more. Cut into 18 slices. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4-5 pts. per serving

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. Moist and rich, this banana bread makes a great breakfast or snack that you and your loved ones won't be able to get enough of. It's the best way to use up bananas that you think are about to go bad; there's definitely no need to waste them. I used two cups of whole wheat flour, cut the brown sugar in half and added ground spices to make this banana bread healthier. The chopped walnuts are a crunchy treat as well, but feel free to omit them if you don't particularly want them in your bread. I added dark chocolate chips to add more flavor to the bread and made it more mosit too. You can enjoy it plain or toasted with some reduced-fat cream cheese smeared on each slice.

Air fryer churros with chocolate sauce

 Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3/4 tsp. Vanilla extract, divided
• 2 1/2 tbsp. granular sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp.cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. light butter, melted

Makes 6 Servings (1 churro & 1 tbsp. sauce per serving)

1. In a small bowl, place flour, yogurt, and ½ tsp vanilla; stir well with a wooden spoon until just combined and then keep mixing dough in bowl with your hands until smooth (about 1 minute of kneading).
2. Place a large piece of parchment or wax paper on a work surface and sprinkle lightly with a little flour. Place dough on paper. Use a knife to cut dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 5-inch long rope.
3. Preheat air fryer, if necessary, to 375°F. Coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange dough ropes in air fryer, leaving some space between them. Lightly coat dough with nonstick cooking spray. Air-fry until golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes.
4. While churros cook, combine 2 tbsp sugar and cinnamon in a pie plate or other shallow dish. In a glass measuring cup, whisk milk, cocoa, cornstarch, pepper, and remaining 1½ tsp sugar and ¼ tsp vanilla. Microwave on High until bubbly and thick, about 1 minute, whisking every 20 seconds.
5. When churros are done, brush all over with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with sauce.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwachers.com. Churros are the official comfort food of Mexico. They are also a delicious take on doughnuts. I think these doughnuts are better than the doughnuts in America. The dough gets a flavor boost with vanilla extract, and is then rolled into ropes and air-fried until crisp and light. To create the churros effect, the cooked dough gets brushed with a little butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. The accompanying microwave sauce gets a gentle chile kick that amps up the goodness (you can omit it if you’d like). If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the dough at 375°F for about 8 minutes; these churros will just be a little denser than air-fried ones.

Banana-stuffed French toast

 Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. cream cheese
• 4 slices cinnamon-raisin bread
• 1 medium banana, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. maple syrup, warmed
• Berries of your choice

Makes 1 stuffed French toast with toppings per serving.

1. Spread the cream cheese on the bread. Divide the banana over 2 slices of the bread and top each with a slice of the remaining bread.
2. Combine the milk, egg, and vanilla in a small shallow bowl; beat lightly with a fork.
3. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Briefly dip the sandwiches, one at a time, into the egg mixture. Place both sandwiches in the skillet. Cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes on each side. Place a stuffed French toast on each of 2 plates; top each with 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup and 3 of the sliced strawberries. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 12 pts. per serving

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. This delicious stuffed French toast is the best treat for breakfast, brunch or dinner. Whatever kind of bread you use, e, you can either remove the crusts or leave them on. Serve this hearty breakfast dish with a variety of your favorite fresh fruits alongside or on top. And to warm the maple syrup, place it in a small custard cup and microwave on High for about 20 seconds. For a creamier taste, you can substitute fat-free half-and-half for the milk if you like, which shouldn't affect the recipe's nutritional value.

Glazed strawberry hand pies

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped Strawberries
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp. cornstarch
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1½ cups plain fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. Low-fat milk
• pinch of ground cardamom

Makes 8 Servings (1 pastry per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, toss berries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Microwave on High until bubbly and thickened, about 2 minutes. Cool until ready to use.
2. In a medium bowl, place flour, yogurt, and 1 tsp vanilla; stir well with a wooden spoon until just combined and then keep mixing dough in bowl with your hands until smooth (about 1 minute of kneading).
3. Place a large piece of parchment or wax paper on a work surface and sprinkle lightly with a little flour. Divide dough in half. Roll 1 piece of dough into a 12 x 8–inch rectangle; cut into 8 (4 x 3–inch) rectangles. Arrange rectangles about 1 inch apart on prepared sheet pan. Roll other piece of dough into a 12 x 8–inch rectangle; cut into 8 (4 x 3–inch) rectangles. Spoon about 1 tablespoon strawberry filling down the center of each dough rectangle on sheet pan. Top each with 1 dough rectangle. Press edges with tines of a fork to seal; pierce top of each pastry with fork to allow steam to escape. Bake until lightly browned and crisp, about 20 minutes.
4. Cool pastries on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir powdered sugar, milk, remaining ⅛ tsp vanilla, and cardamom. Drizzle glaze evenly over warm pastries.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. When strawberries are at their seasonal peak—supremely fragrant, sweet, and juicy—they don’t need much adornment to taste great. Here, we barely sweeten them for a lightning-fast microwave jam that fills these pastries. The dough is a firm version of our two-ingredient filling.  A pinch of ground cardamom in the glaze pairs perfectly with the berries. These are best enjoyed warm; if you have leftovers, reheat at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Chocolate-Berry Pavlova

 Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp. Cream of tartar 
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1/4 cupsuperfine sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup mascarpone
• 4 oz. softened low-fat cream cheese
• 1½ Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. low-fat milk
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ pound(s), fresh strawberries hulled and sliced (or raspberries)
• 1 oz. bittersweet chocolate

Makes 12 Servings (1 wedger per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. To make meringue, with electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt in large bowl until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. Add superfine sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Sift cocoa over beaten whites in three additions, gently folding with rubber spatula just until cocoa is incorporated, being careful not to deflate the meringue. Spoon meringue onto prepared baking sheet and spread to form 9-inch nest with 1-inch- high edge.
4. Bake meringue 1 1/2 hours. Turn oven off and let meringue cool in oven 2 hours. Remove from oven and slide meringue with parchment onto wire rack and let cool completely.
5. To make filling, with electric mixer on medium speed, beat together mascarpone, cream cheese, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla in medium bowl until smooth.
6. To serve, transfer meringue to serving plate. Spoon mascarpone mixture into center of meringue and top with strawberries. Using vegetable peeler, shave chocolate over berries. Using serrated knife, cut pavlova into 12 wedges and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. This beautiful pavlova will make the sweet finale to any spring party. A chocolatey-crunchy meringue is topped with a mascarpone mixture and topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for a refreshing and irresistible dessert. In the summertime, you could use fresh raspberries, blueberries or blackberries instead. The delicate meringue base is slowly baked to achieve a crispy exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior. You can make the components a few days in advance and keep them separate until ready to serve. Store the meringues in airtight container at room temperature and the mascarpone mixture in the refrigerator. For best results, we recommend enjoying it immediately after it’s assembled.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

 Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 2/3 cup low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. granular sugar
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 6 oz. mini chocolate chips

Makes 24 Servings (1 cookie per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray or cover with parchment paper.
2. Beat cream cheese and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer until sugar is fully incorporated (should not have granules); add egg and vanilla and blend again.
3. Combine both flours, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl.
4. Add half the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture; beat until well incorporated. Add milk and remaining flour mixture; beat until fully blended and then fold in chips.
5. Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto prepared cookie sheet and press dough down with dampened fingers to form 1-inch cookies. Make sure to leave at least an inch between each cookie. Bake cookies until slightly golden on top, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for 1 to 2 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. Here’s your new go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. In this version of a classic American dessert, cream cheese is used to give the cookies a soft, chewy texture and whole-grain flour and brown sugar to add a flavor-boost. Store the baked treats at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 (6 oz.) container fresh raspberries

Makes 4 Servings

1. Combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium-high  heat stirring, until mixture simmers, about 8 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour cocoa mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; let cool. 
2. Place cocoa mixture in freezer 30 minutes. Remove pan from freezer; with fork, stir cocoa mixture, breaking up any ice crystals on bottom or along sides of pan. Return to freezer, stirring every 20-30 minutes, until mixture is completely frozen. about 2 hours. 
3. To serve, fluff cocoa mixture with fork; spoon evenly into 4 goblets or dessert dishes and top with raspberries. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. The dessert is an oxymoron itself but it is quite tasty. The combination of raspberries and chocolate is quite decadent. Frozen hot chocolate is not that bad and you can enjoy it as a snack during the day. You can use any kind of berries in this dessert and the dessert will still be tasty. 

Cinnamon Rolls

 Ingredients:

Rolls:

• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 packet South Beach Diet Simply Fit Vanilla Shake Mix
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup coconut oil melted (measured solid)

Glaze:

• ¼ cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 3 Tbsp. Swerve granulated sweetener
• 2 tsp. lemon juice

Makes 12 Servings (1 roll per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray a 12 muffin tin with cooking spray or line with baking cups. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well. Add the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Distribute the cinnamon roll batter evenly amongst the muffin tin. Bake for about 15 minutes. Cinnamon Rolls are done when a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Once cooled, prepare your glaze by combining all ingredients and mixing until combined. Drizzle over the Cinnamon Rolls.

WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on www.palm.southbeahdiet.com/recipes. These cinnamon rolls were just fair. They were not the traditional cinnamon rolls you normally eat. They had a nice flavor to them but the texture wasn't there. Also, the cream cheese icing was to watery and it wasn't think and gooey. 

Cream of Broccoli Soup

 Ingredients:

• 6 slices raw bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. chopped chives
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a large stockpot, heat the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, cooking until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the grease in the pan. 
2. Add the butter to the bacon grease and melt. 
3. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. 
4. Add the yogurt, milk, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. 
5. Transfer the soup to a processor and puree until smooth, or use and immersion blender. 
6. Divide the soup evenly among 4 bowls. Garnish with the bacon, chives, and sliced almonds. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet Book. Cream of broccoli soup is quite delicious when it is done right. The Greek yogurt is the key ingredient that makes this soup rich and creamy. The garlic and the shallots also had more flavor to this salad. I highly recommend using an equal amount of chicken and vegetable broth more a more flavorful soup. If you want to go completely vegetarian, use vegetable stock. 

Plum & Toasted Almond Dessert Pizza

 Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp. low-fat milk
• 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla 

Topping:

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 8 ripe purple plums (about 2 lbs.) halved, pitted & thickly sliced
• 1 tbsp. granular sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp. sliced unbleached almonds

Makes 8 Servings (1 wedge per serving)

1. To make the dough, put the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor; pulse to blend. Add the ricotta, butter, egg white, milk, and vanilla; pulse until the dough begins to form a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to overnight. 
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. 
3. Roll out the dough between 2 sheets of wax paper to form a 10-inch round. Remove the top sheet of wax paper and flip the dough onto the baking sheet; remove the wax paper. Fold the edge of the dough over to form a 1/2-inch rim. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool about 5 minutes on the baking sheet on a rack. 
4. Brush the crust with the egg white. Beginning at the edge, arrange the plum slices in concentric circles, overlapping the slices slightly, sprinkle evenly with the sugar. Bake for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the almonds over the fruit and bake until the crust is golden brown and the plums soften but still hold their shape, about 10 minutes longer. Cut into 8 wedges and serve at once. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Best-Ever Desserts Cookbook. Cooked fruit is such a delicious treat and you can enjoy a slice of pizza for dessert. Plum pizza is quite delicious. I reduced the granulated sugar from 1/2 cup to 1/4 cup  in the dough, 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon for the topping and added ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor of  the plum pizza. The dough for the pizza crust is refrigerated before being rolled out for two reasons: to relax the gluten in the flour and to make the dough easier to work with. This plum pizza is so delicious it will become a favorite at your table. 

Mexican Breakfast Bake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. chorizo sausage
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced white mushrooms
• 2 tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 cups packed chopped baby kale
• 12 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Makes 8 Servings (1 piece per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly coat with butter a 9 x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. 
2. Heat the sausage in a large saute pan over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until it is cooked through. 
3. Remove the sausage, reserving the grease in the pan. Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the kale and and stir until wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly. 
4. Whisk together eggs, milk, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add to the bowl the cooled vegetable and sausage mixture, half the cheddar, and half the Colby Jack. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese. 
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbling. Cut into 8 pieces. Serve warm, garnished with cilantro. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. This dish is both filling and flavorful. Chorizo sausage combined with eggs, vegetables and cheese is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend serving this dish at a brunch it's that good. 

Homestyle Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup ground walnuts
• 1 onion, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and separated into rings
• 1/2 pound baby bella or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 16 oz. frozen French-cut green beans, thawed and drained

Makes 8 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Coat a medium baking sheet and 13" X 9" baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place the buttermilk in a shallow bowl. Place the bread crumbs and walnuts in another shallow bowl; stir to combine. Dip the onion rings into the buttermilk, then dredge in the bread crumbs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Coat the onion rings lightly with cooking spray.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, chopped onion, thyme, and salt. Coat with cooking spray.
5. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their liquid. Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes, or until thickened. Add the green beans and stir to combine.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the onion rings over the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. A green bean casserole can be a comfort food when it's done right. This casserole is both comforting and filling. It has three servings of vegetables and it's quite delicious. I highly recommend adding minced garlic to this dish because garlic always makes everything taste better. 

Whole Wheat Skillet Pancake with Pears and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs 
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 Bartlett pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp. confectioners' sugar

Makes 6 Servings (1 wedge per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Place large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet in oven to heat up. 
2. Meanwhile, combine eggs, egg whites, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Add flour and pulse just until combined. Wearing oven mitt, remove skillet from oven and spray with nonstick spray. Pour in batter. Top with pears and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake until pancake is puffed and browned and pears are softened, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and cut into 6 wedges. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Menu. This is a new take on pancakes and this dish is quite delicious. The combination of fruit, cinnamon and nutmeg is heavenly decadent. If you don't have pears available, use apples and the pancakes will taste just is good. I also highly recommend adding a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the flavor of the pancakes. 

Lemon-Poppy Seed Mini-Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp. poppy seeds
• 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp. grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Makes 24 Muffins (1 mini muffin per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a 24-cup mini-muffin pan with paper liners. 
2. Whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of the sugar, the poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the milk, oil, egg, egg white, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until the flour mixture is moistened. 
3. Fill the muffin cups evenly with the batter. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 10-15 minutes. Let cool in the pan on a rack.
4. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the lemon juice in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave on high until it boils, 45 seconds to 1 minute; stir until the sugar is dissolved. With a wooden skewer, poke 5 holes in each muffin. Gradually brush the lemon syrup over the muffins, letting in soak in before brushing on more syrup. Serve the muffins warm let cool completely. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Best-Ever Desserts. These fruity muffins have a nice taste to them. The original recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar but I cut the sugar in half and the muffins were just as tasty. Lemon muffins are quite delicious and they make a nice treat any time of day. 

PIzza Meat Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the beef, milk, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well. Pat the mixture into a  9-inch pie plate.
3. In the same bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, tomato paste, water, mushrooms, oregano, and onion; mix well. Spoon the mixture over the meat mixture in the pan. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. 
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. If you like meat and pizza, this dish is for you. This is like eating a meaty pizza without the crust. It's filling and flavorful and easy to make. You can use any ground protein in this dish and the meat pie will still be delicious. If you don't have mushrooms on hand, substitute sliced bell peppers and the pie will still be good. 

Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 dried dates
• 6 dried apricot halves, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk

Makes 12 Servings (1/12 of bread per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F; spray an 8 x 4=inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. 
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; stir in the walnuts, dates, and apricots. In a small bowl, beat the egg; add the banana and milk. Pour over the flour mixture; stir until just blended (do not overmix). 
3. Transfer to the pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool completely on a rack. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the WW New Complete Cookbook. Banana bread is a wonderful comfort food on the go or when you're sitting at the table. Banana make this bread moist and the dates, apricots, walnuts and cinnamon make the bread flavorful. You can even cut the light brown sugar in half in this recipe and the banana bread will still be delicious. 

Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 
• 2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 lb. chicken, cooked, cut in 1/2-inch x 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups roasted vegetables
• 1/4 cup peas, frozen 
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Dumplings:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. fresh dill
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. For the dumplings: Combine the flour, baking powder, Parmesan cheese, and herbs in a food processor. Pulse in the butter until it becomes small pieces. Move to a bowl. Stir in the milk until just combined. 
3. For the chicken mixture: Place the olive oil in a saucepan or Dutch oven 9 inches by 3 to 4 inches deep. Heat over medium heat, add flour, and stir and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock in a gradual stream, stirring constantly with a whisk to remove all lumps. Bring to a simmer; then reduce to a bare simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Add the chicken, vegetables, peas, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and adjust seasonings. Drop dumpling mixture by teaspoons on top of stew. Cover and place in preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Diet Cookbook. Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that tastes good. This dish flavorful and filling. I added Parmesan cheese and herbs to the dumpling mixture to add more flavor to the dish as well as adding garlic to the stew. If you don't have roasted vegetables on hand, frozen vegetables of your choice will work just as well. 

Easy Walnut Muesli with Fresh Apricots

Ingredients:

Muesli:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Toppings:

• 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
• 8 fresh apricots, sliced
• 2 cups 1% or fat-free milk

Makes 8 Servings (1/2 cup per serving)

1. For the muesli: Heat the oven to 275 F. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant and lightly browned, about 12 minutes. In a large bowl, combine walnuts, oats, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
2. For each serving, place 1/2 cup muesli in a cereal bowl. Top each with 3/4 teaspoon flaxseed and 1/4 cup apricots. Add 1/4 cup milk and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. Muesli is a popular treat for breakfast in Switzerland and Germany and very easy to make at home. This breakfast treat is flavorful and delicious. I highly recommend adding a touch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to make the muesli more flavorful. You can also use chopped almonds in place of the walnut and the muesli will be just as delicious. 

Southwestern Omelet

Ingredients:

• 8 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup red onions, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 tbsp. chile powder
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup black beans, canned, drained
• 1 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
• 2 oz. cheddar cheese, crumbled
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1 omelet per serving)

1. Heat sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, red onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until slightly brown.
2. Add garlic and chile powder; cook until aromatic. Stir in tomatoes and beans. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Finish with chopped cilantro.
3. Use filling in omelet; top with cheddar cheese and fold over.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Diet Cookbook. Omelets are a wonderful treat from time to time. This particular omelet is very flavorful and filling with all the vegetables. This omelet compliments the flavors of the American Southwest and will quickly fill you up. 

Mini Mexican Frittatas

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup fat-free chucky salsa, drained
• 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• pinch salt
• pinch freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 Servings (1 frittata per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 6-cup muffin pan with foil liners.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salsa, cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.  Ladle about 1/4 cup of egg mixture into each prepared muffin cup.
3. Bake until fritattas puff up and edges are golden, about 20 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. These egg dishes are a compliment to Mexico with all the flavors combined in baked eggs. These frittatas are fluffy and delicious. I added the salt and pepper because I don't like bland food. If you don't have salsa on hand, use diced tomatoes and jalapeno peppers and the frittatas will be just as tasty. You can make these frittatas on the weekend and enjoy them for breakfast during the week instead of having doughnuts on-the-go.