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. 

Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Cups

 Ingredients:

• 4 oz. turkey sausage or crumbled turkey bacon
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 5 large eggs
• 1 (12 oz.) package sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Makes 6 Cups (1 cup per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Coat a 6-cup nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups. 
2. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, pepper and onion for 5 minutes, or until the sausage is no longer pink. Soon the mixture into a bowl and cool slightly. Stir in the  eggs and mushrooms. Evenly divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with the cheese. 
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until egg is set. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. These treats are a healthier and different take on the typical egg muffin you would get at a fast food restaurant. You can use bacon or sausage in these egg muffins and they will fill you up. You can also use any kind of shredded cheese in these muffins and they will still be tasty. You can make these muffins on the weekend and warm them in the microwave for a fast treat for breakfast or an on-the-go snack. 

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. 

Home-Style Chicken & 'Rice'

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tbsp. tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 cups cooked cauliflower rice
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan.
2. Pat the chicken dry. Dice it into 1/2-inch pieces and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook it for 3-4 minutes, until brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving the grease in the pan. 
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to melt. 
4. Add the onion, carrot, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are browned. 
5. Sprinkle the vegetables with tapioca flour and stir for 1 minute to incorporate. 
6.  Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and paprika to the mixture. Bring it to a light boil. 
7. Return the chicken to the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. Evenly distribute the cauliflower rice into 4 individual bowl; than add the cooked chicken and veggies. Garnish with parsley and serve. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Keto-Friendly South Beach Diet book. I had chicken and rice for dinner as a kid and it was NOTHING like this dish. This chicken dish is filled with vegetables and flavor. The rice in this dish is shredded cauliflower. Shredded cauliflower is so good you'll forget it's not rice. The sauce has a nice, spicy taste to it adding flavor to the succulent chicken and vegetables. Serve this comfort food dish and it will become a staple favorite on the weekeday. 

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Zucchini Fettuccine

Ingredients:
Chicken:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tbsp. sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 4 pieces (about 4 oz. each) thinly-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tbsp. cream cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken stock or water

Filling:

• 2 tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp. capers, chopped
• 3 tbsp. freshly chopped Italian parsley
• 3 tbsp. pine nuts

Fettuccine:

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium zucchini or yellow squash, spiralized, sliced, or peeled into ribbons with a vegetable peeler, or sliced into thin rounds
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped basil leaves

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil and set it aside. 
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet and sauté the shallots, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes for 2-3 minutes. Add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and all liquid has evaporated, about 4 -5 minutes. 
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the Parmesan cheese, capers, parsley, and pine nuts to create a filling for the chicken.
4. Place the chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic food wrap and gently flatten them to about 1/2-inch, using a meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Spread each chicken fillet with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese and spoon 1/4 of the filling on top. 
6. Roll up the breasts, tucking in the ends, and secure them with kitchen twine or wooden toothpicks. 
7. Arrange the stuffed chicken, seam side down, onto the greased baking dish. Add the chicken stock and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm; set aside. 
8. To make the fettucine, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, adding the spiralized or otherwise precut zucchini, garlic and tomatoes. Cook, tossing often, for 2-3 minutes, or until the zucchini pieces are just tender. Stir in the basil and remove the mixture from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
9. Slice the stuffed chicken breasts evenly into 4 slices and serve alongside the zucchini fettucine. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New-Keto Friendly South Beach Diet book. Don't be intimidated by the ingredients in this dish. This Italian dish is flavorful and full of vegetables. The stuffing for the chicken is quite tasty and the zucchini fettucine is quite delicious. You won't miss the traditional pasta that goes with the chicken. The chicken is also succulent and flavorful too you will want to eat it again. 

Beef with Mushrooms and Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. London broil, 1-inch thick
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 4 tsp. crushed dried rosemary, divided
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, sliced lengthwise
• 1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb. white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern by carefully making 1/8-inch-deep diagonal cuts with a sharp knife at 1-inch intervals. Rub half of the garlic and 2 teaspoons of the rosemary into both sides of meat and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook, turning once, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Heat remaining oil in the same skillet. Add onion and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes. Add remaining garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add asparagus and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until asparagus is crisp-tender and almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and remaining rosemary, season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Cut steak into thin slices and serve with the vegetables. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. Meat and vegetables make a great meal and you don't have to go to a fancy restaurant ora fast food joint to enjoy this quick and easy meal that is both elegant and delicious. The combination of lemon, roasemary and garlic give this meal a nice Mediterranean flare. You can use any kind of steak in this recipe and your dish will still be tasty. 

Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. steak, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 8 oz. white or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 Servings

1. Add the olive oil to a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the steak cubes to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned.
3. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Using the same pan, sauté the onions, mushrooms and garlic until cooked and onions are transluscent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the steak back to the skillet. 
6. Add beef broth, tomato paste and heavy cream to the pan and bring to a boil.
7. Turn the heat down and simmer until the steak becomes tender, about 15 minutes.
8. Stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper. 
9. Garnish with parsley and serve.

WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on the South Beach Diet website. Beef Stroganoff is a simple and an elegant dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. This version of the dish is Keto friendly and it omits the pasta and rice. This dish is filled with meat and vegetables and is very filling. I added tomato paste to this dish for a extra kick of flavor and it makes the dish more decadent.

Vegetable Tart

Ingredients:

Tart Shell:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, thyme
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 10 tbsp. ice water

Filling:

• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large shallots, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced mushroom caps
• 1/2 lb. asparagus, cut into1-inch pieces
• 1 (10 oz.) frozen spinach thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3 large eggs
• salt 
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese 

Makes 8 Servings

1. Heat the oven to 325 F. Coat a 9-inch tart pan with cooking spray. 
2. For the tart shell: In a large bowl, stir together the flour, herbs and salt. Blend in the oil with your fingers. Add the water, a couple of  tablespoons at a time, blending until a ball forms. Knead a few times until smooth. Pat into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 15 minutes. 
3. Meanwhile, to  make the filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Add the asparagus and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the spinach. 
4.  Roll the dough out to a 12-inch circle. Press into the tart pan, tucking the edges under. Prick the dough with a fork several times. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the crust looks dry. Let cool briefly. Increase the oven temperature to 350 F. 
5. In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta, eggs, vegetable mixture, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread in the tar shell. Top with the Swiss cheese. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve warmed or at room at temperature. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. This tart is a delicious treat. This tart is both filling and flavorful with the herbed crust, vegetables, eggs and cheeses. If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, use cottage cheese and the tart will be just as delicious. Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan cheese work just as well as Swiss cheese. Kale and arugula work just as well as spinach in this recipe too. This recipe will be a new comfort food for both meat lovers and vegetarians. 

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. 

Baked Tomatoes with Crab

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground nuts such as pecans or walnuts
• 2 large tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh lump crabmeat, well-drained
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil

Makes 4 Servings (1 tomato half with mixture per serving)

1.  Bake the oven to 350 F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Place the ground nuts on a plate. Coat both sides of the tomato halves with cooking spray. Dip the cut sides into the nuts to coat well. Place the tomatoes, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the crabmeat, cheese, olives, mushrooms, parsley, garlic, oregano, and basil. Evenly divide the crab mixture among the tomatoes. 
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is a quick, easy and filling dish to make and enjoy to kick-start your lifestyle or get back on track. The combination of shellfish and tomatoes is deliciously divine when it's done right. The original recipe calls for Monterey Jack cheese, but I highly recommend using mozzarella cheese or any other kind of Italian cheese in this recipe for an authentic Mediterranean flare. This dish is very filling and tasty and will leave you satisfied.  

Sausage, Pepper, & Mushroom Paella

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (13 oz.) package chorizo sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 (10 oz.) package sliced white mushrooms
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (8 oz.) package yellow rice mix
• 2 tsp. ground smoked paprika
• pinch saffron
• 1 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Makes 8 Servings (1 cup per serving)

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, stirring, until browned, about 8 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Heat remain 2 teaspoons oil in Dutch oven. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add rice to mushroom mixture, stirring until coated well. Stir in broth, wine, tomatoes, and chorizo; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Stir in peas. Remove Dutch oven from heat; let stand, covered, until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. I have never been to Spain but paella is considered to be the national dish of Spain. Paella is so delicious when it's done right. Paella can be served for almost any occasion: game day, get togethers, movie night or even holidays. The original recipe calls for water but I substituted vegetable broth and dry white wine to make the paella more flavorful. I also added a touch a paprika and saffron for an authentic Spanish taste. The original recipe called for turkey kielbasa but I used chorizo for a more authentic Spanish taste. Paella is so delicious it will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Green Beans with Mushrooms & Crisp Onion Crumbs

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs. green beans, trimmed & halved crosswise
• 1 lb. small white mushrooms, thinly sliced

Makes 8 Servings (1 cup per serving)

1. To make crumb topping, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat; add panko, onion flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until crumbs are lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Transfer crumb mixture to plate and set aside. Wipe skillet clean.
2. Heat oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted. Add green beans, mushrooms and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until mushrooms are lightly browned and green beans are crisp-tender; about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved crumb topping.

WW POINTS VALUE: 3 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is a quick and easy side that can be made in 20 minutes or less. If you don't have onion flakes on hand, any sliced onion will work just fine in this recipe. I also highly recommend adding minced garlic when cooking the beans and mushrooms because garlic always makes everything taste better. This side dish goes great with almost any protein and will quickly fill you up.

Chicken & Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium leek, light green & white parts only, outer layer removed
• 4 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 6 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 oz. Brussels sprouts, halved
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings (1 3/4 cup per serving)

1. Trim leek, keeping root intact. Slice in half lengthwise, submerge in cold water, and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice into 1/4-inch pieces.
2. Bring broth, water, and thyme to a low boil in a large saucepan. Add leek and mushrooms; reduce heat and simmer until leek is softened, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and Brussels sprouts. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. This is a healthy take on chicken noodle or chicken soup. Don't be intimidated by the Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts add a rich flavor to the soup and also add vitamins A, B, fiber and folate. They also give the soup a nice buttery taste to it. If you're not a fan of Brussels sprouts, either double the amount of mushrooms or add diced celery and carrots to the soup and the soup with be delicious. Also, don't forget to add minced garlic to the soup because garlic always makes everything taste better. 

Beef with Asparagus and Mushrooms

roilIngredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs. London broil, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 4 tsp. crushed dried rosemary, divided
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, sliced lengthwise
• 1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb. white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tsp. grated lemon zest
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern with carefully making 1/8-inch-deep diagonal cuts with a sharp knife at 1-inch intervals.  Rub half of the garlic and 2 teaspoons of the rosemary into both sides of meat and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook, turning once, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Heat remaining oil in the same skillet. Add onion and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes. Add remaining garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add asparagus and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until asparagus is crisp-tender and almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and remaining rosemary, season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Cut steak into thin slices and serve with the vegetables.

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. Who doesn't love a really good steak dinner? You can make this elegant and tasty dish any night of the week and everyone will be satisfied. The aromatic flavors of rosemary, garlic and a zesty lemon give an ordinary steak and vegetables a sophisticated bite. If you're 21 or older, don't forget a glass of red wine to make the dinner complete. 

 

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.

Provencal Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean round steak, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups white mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1 /2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Makes 6 Servings ( 1 1 /4 cups per serving)

1. Put beef in a 5-quart slow cooker.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over meat heat. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add to slow cooker along with carrots and half of beans.
3. Put remaining beans and 1/2 cup of broth in a blender and process until smooth; stir into mushrooms mixture. Add remaining 1 cup broth, the tomatoes, oregano, salt, thyme, and pepper. Cover and cook on high until beef is fork-tender and carrots and softened, 6-7 hours.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is what I call comfort food. Beef stew is a wonderful dish to enjoy year round. You can even enjoy this dish during the hot summer months. You can cook this in your crock pot and let it simmer for the whole day and not worry about clean up afterwards. The French certainly knew their beefy comfort foods and this beef stew certainly reminds you of France. It's loaded with beef, vegetables and herbs which means a lot of flavor. I highly recommend substituting 1/2 cup of burgundy or any French wine in place of the 1/2 cup of beef broth for an authentic Provencal flare. Plus, wine always makes beef taste better.

Sole Stuffed with Crabmeat

Ingredients:

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

Makes 4 Servings

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

WW POINTS VALUE: Who knows?

 

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

Spinach & Basil Salad with Beef

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small very ripe pear, cored & peeled
• 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups lightly packed torn fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
• 6 oz. sliced cooked beef, cut into thin strips (about 1 cup)
• 2 small oranges, peeled and sectioned, or 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange sections, drained
• 2 tbsp. sliced almonds

Makes 2 Servings

1. For dressing, in a blender or food processor combine the pear, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Cover and blend or process until smooth.
2. In a bowl toss together the spinach, mushrooms, and basil leaves. Add the beef strips and orange sections. Toss lightly to mix. Add the dressing; toss to mix. Sprinkle each serving with almonds.

WW POINTS VALUE: 8 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. Who knew that beef salads could be so tasty? A beef salad  can be succulent, juicy and flavorful when mixed with the right ingredients. The combination of basil and spinach put a Mediterranean twist on the traditional salad along with juicy oranges, beef and mushrooms. The pear dressing gives a vibrant flare to the salad too. Don't forget to season your beef with salt, freshly ground black pepper and minced garlic when you cook your beef for a flavorful piece of meat.

Hunter-Style Chicken

Ingredients:

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

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

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

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

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