Watermelon- Mint Skewers in a Balsamic Syrup

What a fun party treat! I made these for a bridal shower this weekend and then made another batch for my niece's graduation party. I will be making them again for my granddaughter's first birthday party in a couple of weeks. This recipe makes a lot, so plan to make them for a party, or make in smaller amounts. You will love this little treat because it is 1 points +

Makes 100 ( 2 skewers = 1 points +)

• 1 seedless watermelon
• 1 package fresh mint
•  salt and pepper
• 1/2 c.balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 T. olive oil
• toothpicks

Cut watermelon into small cubes. Place 2 cubes onto each toothpick. Top with a small piece of torn mint. Combine balsamic with sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until sugar dissolves ( 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Place skewers in a large dish with sides. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Refrigerate until serving.

Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Dip

This recipe comes from my cousin, Cara. I have lightened it a little. It is awesome! You can serve this with anything you like to dip...veggies, crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips or pretzel crisps. For those attending Weight Watcher's, this dip is great with the Rosemary Olive Oil Pretzel Crisps!

serves 6 ( 1/4 c. = 1 point + )

• 1 medium/large eggplant
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 onion
• 1 T. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Pierce the eggplant on all sides. Place eggplant, peppers and onion on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spray veggies. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes, turning once.

Place peppers in a brown paper bag or in a bowl covered with a plate. Let stand for 10 minutes. Peel charred skin off of peppers and take seeds out. Do the same for the eggplant.

Place eggplant, peppers and onion in a food processor with 1 T. olive oil. Pulse 3-4 times. You want this slightly chunky. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Mayan Surprise Cookies

This recipe comes from my niece, Alyssa. They are full of flavor and pack a little punch! I hope you like them as much as I do!

makes 60 cookies ( 1 point + each )

3/4 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. sugar

1 egg

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

1-1/2 c. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

3/4 c. cocoa

1/4 c. miniature chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.

Sift together the remaining dry ingredients. Add to the butter mixture. Mix well. Form dough into balls about the size of a quarter. Place 1 T. sugar in a shallow dish. Dip the bottom of a glass in the sugar and press into the cookies to slightly flatten. Press 4-5 mini chocolate chips into the center of each cookie. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. YUM!