Red Pepper-Potato Frittata

Perfect for breakfast with some fruit and toast or perfect for dinner with a larger sized piece and a salad!

serves 8 ( 4 points +) or serves 6 ( larger piece 1/6 of frittata = 5 points+)

• ½ c. thinly sliced onion
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thinly
• 1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 T. olive oil, divided
• 8 eggs, beaten
• ½ c. reduced-fat shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat an ovenproof cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spray pan with nonstick spray. Add 1 tsp. oil and swirl to coat. Add onions and peppers and cook until onions are tender. Remove onion mixture and place in a bowl. Add remaining 2 tsp. oil to the pan. Add potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until potatoes are browned and tender, stirring often. Remove potatoes from pan and combine with onion mixture. Return potato mixture to pan and press down.
Season eggs with salt and pepper and pour over potato mixture. Sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
Place pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until set in the center. Cut into wedges.

Egg and Hash Brown Casserole

Here's another casserole that I tried for our Christmas morning breakfast. It was gone in a flash! This dish will need to be refrigerated overnight, so plan ahead.

serves 6 ( 6 points +)

• 8 center cut bacon slices
• 2 c. chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 c. shredded hash brown potatoes
• 1/4 c. fat-free chicken broth
• 5 c. fresh baby spinach
• basil to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 oz. reduced fat Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c. skim milk
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten

Cook bacon in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet until crisp, Remove bacon from pan and crumble.
Increase heat to medium-high. Add onion to the pan and saute for 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add potatoes and broth; cook 6 minutes, stirring frequently.Add spinach, basil, salt and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Stir in crumbled bacon and cheese. Place mixture in an 11 x 7 inch pan coated with nonstick spray. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven and uncover dish. Top eggs and milk with salt and pepper to taste. Pour egg mixture over mixture in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 28 minutes. Remove pan and preheat broiler to high; Broil 3 minutes or until top is browned and eggs are just set. Let stand 5 minutes.

adapted from "Cooking Light"

Streusel Topped French Toast Casserole with Fruit Compote

Christmas is such a special time of the year. It is my favorite holiday and so I always look for special foods to make. I make traditional things, but also like to try new recipes, especially for Christmas breakfast. This one was easy to assemble, but had to be refrigerated overnight. The flavor was amazing. I think you will really like it. Try topping with a tablespoon of sugar free maple syrup too! Maybe you can try it for New Year's breakfast!

serves 8 ( 10 points +)

• 1 c. unfiltered apple cider
• 1/3 c. dried cranberries
• 1/4 c. golden raisins
• 1 c. skim milk
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 T. vanilla
• 1-1/4 tsp. cinnamon, divided
• 3/4 tsp. salt, divided
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 ( 1-1/2 oz. slices sourdough bread, crusts removed
• 6 T. flour
• 1/3 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 c. walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 3 T. chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Bring cider to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook until reduced to about 2/3 c. ( about 4 minutes) Add cranberries and raisins; let stand 10 minutes.

Combine milk, sugar, vanilla, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt and eggs, stirring with a whisk,

Coat a 9 inch deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray. Line the bottom of dish with half of bread in a single layer. Pour half of egg mixture over bread; let stand 1 minute. Spread cranberry mixture over bread. top with remaining bread pour remaining egg mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Combine remaining 3/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. salt, flour, pates, walnuts and brown sugar in a bowl. Ct in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Preheat oven to 350. Uncover bread mixture and top with flour mixture. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

from: "Cooking Light"

Pineapple and Orange Salad with Toasted Coconut

This salad is so refreshing in the winter months.  I made this for a Christmas dinner gathering, but it would also be great as part of a breakfast.

serves 8 ( about 3/4 c. = 4 points +)

• 2 c. seedless orange sections
• 1/2 c. pomegranate arils
• 4 sliced peeled kiwi
• 1 ( 4 lb) pineapple, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 tsp. grated lime rind
• 1 T. lime juice
• 1 T. orange juice
• 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1/2 c. flaked, sweetened coconut, toasted and divided

Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine rind and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Gently stir lime mixture into fruit mixture; cover and chill.
Just before serving, stir in 1/4 c. toasted coconut. Sprinkle with remaining coconut.

from: "Cooking Light"

Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella Panini with Balsamic Syrup

This grown-up grilled cheese is sure to please! The tomatoes will take a bit of time to roast, so plan ahead. This recipe is wonderful with tomato soup!

Serves 8 ( 8 points +)

• 2 ( 10 oz) loaves French bread baguette
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella
• salt and pepper to taste
• basil and oregano to taste
• 2 T. olive oil, divided
• 6- 8 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar

Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 350. Place tomatoes in a single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 T. olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 50-60 minutes or until softened.

Bring vinegar to boil in a small pot. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced to about half.

Meanwhile, cut each baguette into 4 pieces and slice open. Brush one side of each bread piece with remaining 1 T. olive oil. Place cheese on the other side of the bread. Top cheese with roasted tomatoes.
Grill sandwiches on a grill pan or panini pan. Drizzle each panini with balsamic syrup.

Tomato and Cheese Tortellini Soup

This "doctored up" tomato soup is perfect for those hurried evenings when you want something hot, but do not have lots of time to cook. I have made this for years and my kids love it. This is great served with grilled cheese.

serves 16 ( 1 c. = 4 points +)

• 1 large can ( 50 oz) Campbell's condensed tomato soup
• 50 oz. water
• 1 can ( 15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 12 oz. frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 T. oregano
• 1 T. basil
• 4 T. Parmesan cheese, grated

Mix soup and diced tomatoes with 50 oz. water in a large pot. Add oregano and basil; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Meanwhile, bring another pot of water to boil. Add tortellini and cook until pasta rises to the top of the water. Drain.
Add tortellini to tomato soup. Stir to heat through. Top each serving with 1 tsp. Parmesan cheese.

Pecan Date Bars

A nice little holiday treat!

serves 24 ( 3 points +)
Crust:

• 1 c. four
• 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 c. chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Filling:

• 3/4 c. dark corn syrup
• 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
• 1/4 c. egg beaters
• 2 T. flour
• 1 T. bourbon
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c. chopped pitted dates
• 1/3 c. chopped pecans, toasted
• 2 T. mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
For crust, combine dry ingredients and cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press into an 11 x 7 pan coated with nonstick spray. Bake 12 minutes. Cool completely

Reduce oven temperature to 350

For filling, whisk all ingredients together and pour over crust. Bake 30 minutes or until set. Cool completely and cut into 24 bars. Chill until serving.

from "Cooking Light"

Cavatappi with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans

Another great meatless meal that is easy to prepare!

serves 8 ( 1 generous c. = 6 points+)

• 8 oz. uncooked cavatappi
• 1 lb. yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 can ( 15 oz.) green beans, drained
• 1/2 c. refrigerated, store-bought pesto sauce
• 2 T. Parmesan cheese, grated
• salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil; add cavatappi and bring to a boil again. Cook until noodles and potatoes are tender. Add green beans during the last minute of cooking to heat through. Drain entire mixture.
Place pasta mixture in a large bowl. Toss with pesto and Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Roast Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers

Fast, easy, moist and juicy...this dish is sure to please!

serves 4 (1 breast half and about 1/2 c. pepper mixture = 7 points +)

• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. oregano
• 4 ( 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
• 2 T. olive oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 c. thinly sliced, onion
• 1 c. fat-free chicken broth
• 1 T. balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 450.
Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat,
Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano in a dish.
Brush chicken with 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil ( both sides). Sprinkle with salt mixture.
Add 1-1/2 tsp. oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add chicken; cook for 3 minutes on one side. Turn and cook for 1 more minute.
Remove chicken and place in a baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Cook in the oven for 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Meanwhile add remaining 1 T. oil to the skillet. Cook peppers and onions about 3-4 minutes. Add chicken broth to pan, scraping any browned bits. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3 minutes.
Serve pepper mixture over chicken.

adapted from "Cooking Light"

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

This recipe would be perfect for a hearty hors de ouvres party. I would even serve these as a main dish as they are quite hearty. There is a little work involved, so give yourself time! You will love these!

Makes 10 ( 1 empanada = 6 points +)

• 2 c. flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 c. canola oil
• 1/4 c. water
• 1 T. cider vinegar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 poblano chile
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 c. mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• 1 c. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 c. chopped green onions
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp. ancho chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Combine flour with 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl.
Combine canola oil, water, vinegar and eg in a medium bowl. Add oil mixture to flour mixture, stirring until moist. Knead lightly until smooth. Shape dough into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill for 1 hour.

Preheat broiler. Place poblano on a foil lined baking sheet. Broil for 8 minutes or until blackened, turning once. Place poblano in a paper bag and let stand for 15 minutes. Peel chile, cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Finely chop chile.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine cumin, poblano, sweet potatoes and next 5 ingredients ( through salt) in a large bowl; mash until almost smooth. Divide dough into 10 equal portions and roll each into a 5 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Spoon poblano mixture into the center of each circle. Moisten edges of dough with egg white, fold over and crimp edges.
Place empanadas on a baking sheet coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 16 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.

"Cooking Light"

Creamy Butternut, Blue Cheese and Walnut Cavatappi

This dish is a main dish, but could easily be a side dish too. A side dish serving of 1/2 c. would be 4 points +)

serves 6 ( 1 c. = 8 points +)

• 4 c. ( 1/2 inch) cubed, peeled butternut squash
• 2-1/2 tsp. olive oil, divided
• salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz. uncooked cavatappi
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 T. crushed garlic
• 1 c. (2%) milk, divided
• 1 tsp. flour
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 c. blue cheese, crumbled
• 3 T. chopped walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 425 and spray a jelly roll pan with cooking spray.
Combine squash with 1-1/2 tsp. oil, salt and pepper. Place on the jelly roll pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until tender, stirring once.
Cook pasta; drain and keep warm.
Heat a medium saucepan over med-high heat. Add 1 tsp. oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add onion and garlic an cook 3 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in 1/2 c. milk, salt and pepper.
Combine remaining 1/2 c. milk with flour and egg yolks. Slowly add to mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 5 minutes or until thickened.
Combine squash, pasta and milk mixture in a large bowl; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and nuts.

adapted from "Cooking Light"

Two-Potato Gratin

Loved this creamy gratin recipe from "Cooking Light". There was some prep work, but it can be done ahead of time and then baked later. This is a perfect accompaniment to chicken, beef or pork! I made this with Italian Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce, Peas and a Green Salad. I have adapted the instructions for this recipe to make it  a little easier.
Hope you like it!

serves 8 ( 6 points +)

• 2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick ( about 3 cups)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick ( about 4 cups)
• 2 quarts fat-free chicken broth
• 2 T. canola oil
• 3 T. flour
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1-1/2 c. 2% milk
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 c. shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
Place potatoes in a large stock pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil; cook 4-5 minutes.
Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve 1 c. broth.

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil to pan. Sprinkle flour over oil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Combine milk with 1 c. reserved broth (discard remaining broth)
Gradually pour milk and broth into flour mixture,, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add thyme. 
Bring to a boil and cook 4 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper and Gruyere or Swiss cheese.

Spread 1/2 c. sauce in the bottom of baking dish.
Arrange potatoes over sauce. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper. Spoon remaining sauce over potatoes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender.
Remove gratin from oven. Preheat broiler. Broil gratin for 3 minutes or until browned.

Skirt Steak with Gorgonzola Polenta

This is a super fast recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with a mixed greens salad or green beans.
Polenta is an Italian cornmeal similar to the grits of our southern states. It is a nice change up from potatoes and is quick and easy to make.

serves 4 ( 8 points + for 1/2 c. polenta with 3 oz. steak)

• 2 c. + 1 T. fat-free chicken broth, divided
• 1 c. 2% milk
• 2/3 c. quick cooking polenta
• 1/4 c. crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb. skirt steak, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 T. finely chopped shallot or onion
• 1/2 c. dry red wine
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1-1/2 tsp. honey
• 1/4 tsp. cornstarch

Combine 2 c. broth with milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, Gradually whisk in polenta, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with nonstick spray. Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Cook 3 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Transfer meat to a cutting board and cover with foil.
Melt butter in skillet and cook onion. Add wine, thyme and honey. Cook until reduced by half. Combine remaining 1 T. broth with 1/4 tsp. cornstarch. Stir into sauce.

Cut steak, diagonally across grain into thin slices.
Spoon sauce evenly onto plates and top with polenta and steak.

from "Cooking Light"

Roast Stuffed Pork Loin with Port Sauce

This recipe requires a bit more prep work, but it is very nice for a special dinner. You may even consider this for Christmas Eve!

serves 12 ( 1 slice pork with 1-1/2 T. sauce = 6 points+)

• 1 c. port or other red wine of your choosing
• 1/2 c. dried cherries, coarsely chopped
• 2 T. canola oil, divided
• 1 c. finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 c. fresh bread crumbs, toasted ( about 2 slices of bread processed in a food processor) 
• 2 T. butter, divided
• 2-1/2 c. fat-free chicken broth, divided
• 1 T. chopped, fresh sage, divided ( or 1 tsp. dried)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 ( 3 lb) boneless pork loin
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. dried sage
• 2 T. finely chopped onion or shallot
• 1 T. flour
• 2 T. water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine wine and cherries in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Drain cherries in a sieve over a bowl, reserving wine for later.
Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 T. oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Combine onion, cherries and bread crumbs in a large bowl. Melt 1 T. butter and drizzle over bread mixture. Add 1/4 c. chicken broth and toss. Stir in sage, thyme, salt and pepper.

Cut horizontally through center of pork, cutting to, but not through the other side. Open pork to lay flat. Place between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness. Brush 1-1/2 tsp. oil over inside of pork. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread stuffing down center of pork, leaving a 1/2 inch border around all outside edges.
Roll pork, jelly roll fashion securing with twine or toothpicks.
Brush outside of pork with 1-1/2 tsp oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat the large skillet over medium heat. Add pork and brown on all sides.

Place pork on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Pour remaining 2-1/4 c. chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 45 minutes-1 hour or until pork is cooked through. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing into 12 slices.

Sauce:
Place the roasting pan over medium high heat. Add reserved wine. Season with 1/4 tsp. thyme and sage. Add shallot or onion. Cook until liquid is reduced to about 1 c.
Combine flour with water and stir into sauce. Cook until thickened. Stir in 1 T. butter and salt and pepper to taste. Serve sauce with pork.

adapted from "Cooking Light"

Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Gremolata

This steak was packed full of flavor! It turned out juicy and tender and the topping had a bit of a kick to it! I served this for my dad's birthday. This was served with roasted potatoes, peas and a mixed greens citrus salad and a cranberry upside-down cake for dessert.  Everyone loved it!

Serves 4 ( 6 points +)

• 4 ( 4 oz) beef tenderloin steaks ( about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
• 4 tsp. canola oil, divided
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 3 T. chopped, fresh cilantro
• 1-1/2 tsp. crushed garlic
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Coat a nonstick cast-iron skillet with spray; Sprinkle steak evenly with about 1/4 tsp. salt and cracked pepper. Add 1 tsp. oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add steak to pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. Place pan in an oven heated to 425 degrees and cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine remaining 1 T. oil, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl to make the gremolata. Serve steak with gremolata topping.

from "Cooking Light"

Creamy Turkey Rice Soup

This soup is quite amazing. It makes great use of your left over turkey too. My husband loved it so much that he ate three bowls in one sitting! It is thick and rich. It will thicken more upon standing, so if you reheat it, you may add some water to achieve desired consistency.

Serves 12 ( about 1 c. = 4 points +)

• 1 large onion
• 1 large carrot
• 1 celery rib
• ¼ c. light butter
• ½ c. flour
• 8 c. fat free chicken broth
• 1 c. uncooked Jasmine or white rice, cooked according to package directions
• 2 c. turkey breast, cooked and cubed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 c. (2%) evaporated milk

Place onion, carrot and celery in a food processor and process until finely chopped.

Heat butter in a large nonstick pot or Dutch oven. Add vegetables and cook until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually whisk in chicken broth.

Cook and stir until starting to thicken. Add turkey, cooked rice, salt and pepper. Cook until thickened. Stir in evaporated milk and heat through.

Vegetarian Antipasto Penne

Great for a meatless meal! You can serve this dish hot or cold!

serves 8 ( about 1-1/4 c. = 7 points +)

• 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 oz. chopped black olives
• 1/2 c. refrigerated pesto sauce
• 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 can ( 15 oz) artichoke hearts, not packed in oil, drained
• 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 oz. part-skim mozzarella, diced

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, combine red pepper, olives, tomatoes and artichoke hearts in a large bowl. Add drained pasta, pesto, Parmesan and mozzarella. Toss to coat.

Butternut Squash, Onion and Gorgonzola Gratin

This dish goes very nicely with roasted chicken.

serves 6 ( 5 points +)

• 5 c. cubed, peeled butternut squash
• 1 slice white bread
• 3 tsp. olive oil, divided
• 2 c. thinly sliced onion
• 1/2 tsp. dried sage
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 c. crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray baking sheet. Place squash on baking sheet, cover with another piece of foil and bake 10-20 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, place bread in a food processor and pulse until crumbs form. Toss with 2 tsp. olive oil; set aside.
Heat remaining 2 tsp. oil in a nonstick skillet. Cook onion until tender.
Combine onion and squash in a bowl. Season with sage, salt and pepper. Place squash mixture in an 11 x 7 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with Gorgonzola, then bread crumb mixture. Bake an additional 10 minutes.

Italian Vegetable Soup

Just got back from a trip to Italy! After all of the heavy eating we did, including pastries and gelato every day, I wanted to make something light for lunch this week. This soup was easy, light and tasted great.

serves 12 ( 1 c. = 1 point +)

• 4 c. vegetable broth
• 1 c. water
• 1 T. crushed garlic
• 2 c. fresh broccoli florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 c. chopped cabbage
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 can ( 15 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can ( 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 12 tsp. parmesan cheese

Place all ingredients, except Parmesan cheese in a large sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. ( about 30 minutes). Top each serving with 1 tsp. Parmesan cheese.

Individual Italian Shepherd's Pies Topped with Butternut Squash

I think you will find this version of Shepherd's Pie much more satisfying and interesting! These little cups are only 4 points each. The recipe makes 12, so think of serving these for a little party or they make great left overs for lunch the next day. I served this with a green salad and some hot, crusty French bread.

Serves 12 ( 4 points +)

• 2-1/2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
• 2 T. butter
• 1-4 c. - 1/2 c. fat-free chicken broth
• 5 T. Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
• 19.5 oz. ( 5 links) Jenny O hot turkey Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 c, fat-free beef broth
• 1 ( 28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• oregano, salt, pepper and basil to taste
• 1 can ( 14.75 oz) cut green beans, drained

Preheat oven to 425 and spray 12 ( 8 oz) ramekins with nonstick spray. Place ramekins on a large baking sheet.

In a large saucepan, cook squash in boiling water until tender. Drain. Return squash to pan and add butter, 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and chicken broth starting with 1/4 c. using up to 1/2 c. for desired consistency. Mash.

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until no longer pink. Remove from pan and drain.

Spray pan with nonstick spray, Add 1 tsp oil. Cook onion until tender. ADd garlic and cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened ( about 5 minutes). Stir in green beans. Return sausage to pan and heat through.
Spoon sausage mixture evenly into ramekins. Top with mashed squash.

Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Sprinkle with remaining 1 T. Parmesan cheese. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Caramelized Squash Salad with Pecans and Goat Cheese

I do not know what to say about this salad other than "AMAZING"! 
I first saw a similar recipe in the "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine, but decided to come up with my own version to cut points values. I think you will really liked this! This recipe involves marinating the squash for 1-4 hours, so leave yourself time to do this. You will also have to roast the squash in the oven, so additional time will be needed. Trust me, it is worth it!

serves 8 ( 4 points +)

• 1 c. Tropicana Light orange juice ( Trop 50)
• 3 T. Log Cabin sugar-free syrup
• 1-1/2 T. Dijon mustard
• 1 T. grated, fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/2 inch wide wedges
• salt and pepper
• 4 T. olive oil
• 8 c. red leaf lettuce, torn
• 1/4 c. chopped pecans
• 1 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled

For marinade, in a large bowl, combine orange juice, syrup, Dijon and ginger. Set aside 1/2 c. for the dressing later. Place remaining marinade in a large ziplock bag, along with squash pieces. Seal and turn to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 1-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Place squash pieces on baking sheet and discard marinade. Bake for 30 minutes or until browned and tender, turning once halfway through cooking time. Remove from oven and set aside.

For dressing, whisk together reserved marinade with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Toss squash with 3 T. dressing mixture.

Place lettuce on a large platter. Top with squash pieces. Sprinkle with pecans and goat cheese. Drizzle remaining dressing over salad.

Filet Bourguignonne with Mashed Potatoes

This amazingly aromatic and flavorful meal can be made in less than an hour! Our entire family loved this!

serves 4 (  1/2 c. potatoes and about 3/4 c. stew = 9 points +)

• 1 pound baking potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 c. frozen pearl onions
• 1 lb. beef tenderloin, cut into 2 inch pieces
• salt and pepper
• 5 tsp. butter, divided
• 1 bacon slice, finely chopped
• 1 ( 8 oz) package sliced mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. tomato paste
• 1/2 c. red wine
• 1 c. fat free beef broth
• 2 T. water
• 2 T. flour
• 3 T. milk

Place potatoes in a saucepan; cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until very tender. Drain. Return to pan and keep warm.

While potato cooks, place onions in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 4 minutes.
Finely chop 1 ( 2 inch) cube of tenderloin and set aside.

Pat dry the remaining beef cubes with a paper towel and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 1 T. butter in pan.
Add seasoned beef cubes and saute 3 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove beef from pan and keep warm.
Add finely chopped beef and bacon to the pan and saute 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms and saute until brown ( about 5 minutes).
Add garlic, thyme and sugar. Saute 1 minute. Add wine, and tomato paste and bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook until liquid is reduced by half.
Add onions and broth; bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute. Combine flour with water, stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture to pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Return browned beef cubes to pan and cook until heated through.

Add 2 tsp. butter, milk and salt and pepper to taste to the potatoes in the pan. Mash with a potato mashed until desired consistency.
Serve beef and sauce over potatoes.


adapted from "Cooking Light"

Italian Roasted Broccoli

Simple, healthy and delicious!

serves 4 ( 2 points +)

• 4 c. fresh broccoli florets
• 1 T. olive oil
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• 1 T. Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Toss broccoli with olive oil and spread on baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and toss with Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot.

Italian Wedding Soup

This soup was so easy to make. It took about 30 minutes from start to finish. Even though this soup is light and healthy, it is very satisfying!

serves 8 ( 5 points +)

• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 8 c, fat-free chicken broth
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 bag ( 5 oz) fresh, baby spinach

Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add onions and carrots and cook until onion is translucent. Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
Meanwhile, mix turkey with bread crumbs,  Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt and pepper. Form into 48 small meatballs. Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet.

Reduce heat under broth to medium. Drop meatballs, one at a time, into the broth. Let the soup simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook about 3 minutes more.

Ladle into bowls and top with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Italian Flank Steak with Onions and Tomatoes in a Red Wine Sauce

Still in the pan...just out of the oven

Trayed and ready to serve!

This dish was amazing! The steak turns out so tender and the flavor is marvelous! I think you will love it!

serves 6 ( 5 points +)

• 1.5 lbs. flank steak
• 1 T. olive oil
• 2 large onions, cut into about 16 wedges each
• 1 can ( 15 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 c. fat-free chicken broth
• 1/2 c. red wine
• salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet coated with nonstick spray. Sprinkle steak with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Brown steak on both sides. Remove from pan.

Spray pan with nonstick spray. Add onions and cook until starting to wilt, stirring constantly.

Add broth and wine. Cook until reduced by about half. Add tomatoes. Season with more salt, pepper and garlic powder. Return steak to pan and cover with onion mixture.

Place pan in the oven and cook for about 30-25 minutes. Remove steak from pan and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve steak with onion mixture.

Mini Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Perfect for a small party or for a family with boys! I made 12 of these tonight and only 3 were left! 

serves 12 ( 7 points +)

• 1-1/2 lbs. lean sirloin steak
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 4 T. Worcestershire sauce
• 1-1/2 tsp. hot sauce
• salt to taste
• 3/4 c. part-skim shredded mozzarella
• 12 ciabatta or French rolls ( 2 oz. each)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray.
Cook steak to desired doneness. Remove from pan and let stand 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Meanwhile, add 2 tsp. oil to the pan. Add peppers and onions and cook until tender. Return sirloin to pan. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and hot sauce. Heat through.

Place sirloin mixture on buns. Top each with 1 T. mozzarella. 

Bake for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Chicken Milanese

A quick and easy recipe with superb taste!

serves 8 ( 6 points +)

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ( 4 oz. each), pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• 6 T. flour
• 1/2 c. egg beaters
• 1/2 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 c. Panko bread crumbs
• 1 T. Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 T. olive oil, divided
• 1 lemon, sliced

Pat chicken breasts dry. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place egg beaters in another shallow dish. Place Italian breadcrumbs, Panko and Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish.
Dredge chicken in flour, then coat in egg beaters, then press in bread crumb mixture. 
Set chicken on a baking sheet and let stand for 5 minutes.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1-1/2 T. oil. Add four pieces of chicken and cook until browned on each side and until chicken is cooked through. ( about 3-5 minutes per side)
Repeat with remaining oil and chicken.

Serve chicken with lemon wedges.

Delicata Squash Rings

Never hearing of delicata squash before, I was intrigued when I saw a recipe in the Rachel Ray "Every Day" magazine. I decided to lighten the recipe to make it Weight Watcher friendly. This small squash is fairly easy to prepare because you do not have to peel it. You can eat the skin! This recipe is also a nice substitute for onion rings!

serves 6 ( 2 points +)

• 1 slice whole wheat bread
• 1/4 tsp. dried sage
• salt and pepper
• 2 T. + 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil, divided
• 2 delicata squash ( about 3/4 lb.)
• 1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Place bread in a food processor. Process until crumbs form. Toss bread with 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil and sage.
Cook bread crumbs in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray until crispy and browned (about 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, heat 1 T. oil. Add half of the squash and cook until golden and crisp around the edges ( about 5 minutes). Flip and cook until squash is tender when pierced with a fork ( about 3 minutes).
Repeat with remaining 1 T. oil and squash. Drain squash on paper towels.
Place squash in a serving dish. Sprinkle with bread crumb mixture and Parmesan cheese.

Banana Walnut Streusel Bread

A twist on traditional banana bread. I think you will like the autumn-like taste of this bread.

serves 16 ( 5 points +)

streusel:

• 1/3 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 c. brown sugar
• 1 T. flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 T. butter, melted
• 2 T. chopped walnuts

Bread:

• 2 c. flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 T. butter, softened
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. egg beaters
• 2 medium bananas
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3/4 c. low-fat buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 and spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.

Combine streusel toppings in a medium bowl and set aside.

For bread, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly. Add egg beaters, bananas and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Spread half of the batter in the loaf pan. Sprinkle with half of the streusel topping. Top with remaining batter and swirl. Sprinkle remaining streusel over the top of the bread. 

Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing bread to cool completely on a wire rack.