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Recipes

Skinny Au Gratin Potatoes

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WARNING!!!…..This dish is Highly Addictive! Au Gratin Potatoes is a classic French dish that I have transformed to a “skinny” favorite. Your family or guest will enjoy this creamy, cheesy & smokey dish that is rich in flavor & easy on your waistline.

Skinny Banana Nut Muffins with Chocolate Chip Streusel

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These Banana Nut Muffins with Chocolate Chip Streusel have the perfect texture and taste while providing you a “skinny” version of a popular bakery favorite. The combination of the banana, oatmeal, walnuts, brown sugar and chocolate chips provide your taste buds with a variety of flavors and textures that your mouth will crave.

Sausage & Kale Lasagna Soup

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Sausage & Kale Lasagna  soup is flavorful and healthy.  The nutrition for this dish is for a serving size of 2 cups (huge portion for little calories/points) !!  If you have some calories/points to spare…..dollop the optional cheese mix on top of your bowl of soup for an extra creamy true lasagna taste.  If you are making this ahead of time….. Once the soup is complete; cool & store in the fridge for later in the week.  The day that you want to serve:  Heat soup mixture in microwave while you are boiling the pasta.  Once both are complete…serve with cheese on top.  Leftovers taste great and are perfect to take to work.  ENJOY!!

Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Makes 5 servings of 1 cup each. Nutrition per cup: Weight Watchers Points + 2 ~ Calories 115.6 ~ Fat 2.4 g ~ Carbs 21.7 g ~ Fiber 6.3 g ~ Protein 4.5 g

Marinara sauce is a popular, robust Italian sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and herbs.  A lot of times you will hear this sauce called “gravy.”  Marinara sauce is usually a little spicier than other standard tomato sauces due to the amount of garlic & a little crushed red pepper.  This sauce is easy to prepare but needs to cook for about 3 hrs.  It is versatile and can be used in various Italian dishes, you can also transform marinara into a fantastic cream sauce (vodka sauce w/o the vodka).  Once you make a big batch, store it in the freezer.  Beware…..once you make your own sauce,  you will no longer enjoy the jarred stuff.

Skinny Chicken Parmesan

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Skinny Chicken Parmesan is the way to go for a figure friendly & family friendly meal. Serve this with salad or veggies for a complete meal. By using a mixture of panko & breadcrumbs you will get a crunchy coating when baking…so, no frying is needed. This meal is a great “prep-ahead” meal that can be warmed later in the week. I used homemade marinara sauce. ENJOY!!

Indian Chicken Curry

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Chicken Curry is an easy breezy dish to make on a weeknight. I picked up some curry powder from Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago because I had received several emails & questions regarding how to use curry powder in lieu of garam masala. I normally don’t use curry powder but I bought it and used it in this dish due to popular request…… I do have to say that I can see using curry powder if you don’t really use a lot of tumeric, mustard, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg & saffron on a daily basis. The chicken curry was quite tasty; I did have to add more cumin powder for more of an “ethnic” taste.

NOTE: there is no red pepper in this recipe because my son does not eat anything spicy. If you want to make it spicy add 1/2 tsp of red chili powder with the onion mixture OR you can serve with achar, chutney or hot sauce.

NOTE: If you are cooking this to warm up later in the week–> Completely cook according to directions, let cool & store in a glass container that you can easily put in the microwave when you are ready to eat it. Chicken Curry re-heats really well!

Chocolate Chip & Yogurt Oatmeal Cookies

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Chocolate Chip & Yogurt Oatmeal Cookies are low fat and “healthier” option to settle your sweet tooth. These soft, chewy, ooey & gooey cookies are versatile since you could eat them as breakfast, a snack or even dessert. Enjoy!!

**IF you don’t have Agave Nectar; you could use brown sugar. However; this will change the amounts of your dry ingredients…..(less)

Peanut Butter and Banana Waffle

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I’m very excited to share with you one my son’s favorite breakfasts. Peanut Butter & Banana Waffles are our family’s “go to” breakfast during the week. Everyone of all ages will love this! My son has been eating this since he was a year old. Now, my son is 11 and he has never had syrup on his waffles. Instead, he gets a protein packed breakfast with 2 fruit servings to start his day We love the strawberry waffles from Eggo, it kinda taste like you are eating a PB&J sammy minus all the sugar! This is a super simple breakfast or snack that you could make it at work, if you have a toaster oven (I do!).

No-noodle Veggie Lasagna

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I saw Hungry Girl Make this on one of her shows and I really wanted to try it! What a great way to have all the flavors of the lasagna without the starchy carbs. Not to mention you get a HUGE portion for only 6+ points! Super nutritious with a mixture of veggies without the starchy noodles. You will NOT miss the noodles!

For my 4 year old son, I chopped up the veggies & put it over some pasta. Of course,he ate his entire plate

Skinny Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Walnut Oatmeal Cookies - Culinary Tuesdays

Skinny Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

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These are HUGE cookies that are Skinny & easy to make!! These Chocolate Chocolate Chip & Walnut Oatmeal cookies have all the flavors with no where near the amount of butter in a regular oatmeal cookie recipe. The mashed banana keeps these cookies moist & provide a gourmet flavored cookie. You won’t be able to eat just one, trust me!

Asian Cole Slaw with Peanut Cilantro Dressing

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Craving something fresh & crunchy with an Asian flare? Try out this Salad, It will soon become a “go to” while eating an Asian meal. Its so pretty and delicious that you can even make it while entertaining. The best part…..it is healthy, low calories & low in points. Have it for dinner and lunch the next day.

Thai Sticky Meatballs

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These Thai Sticky Meatballs are so good that you will want to make them over and over again. It has a perfect balance of flavors including: sweet, savory & a spicy kick. I always know when I make an outstanding dish and “score points” with the hubby because he will say: “is this healthy” He is implying that it is too tasty to be healthy:-)

Spanish Chicken Stew

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This smokey & flavorful Spanish style stew is very comforting when its really cold out. Its a quick and easy one pot dish that can be made for dinner even on your busiest day. I chop all the veggies ahead of time and store in baggies in the fridge, for an even easier weekday meal. Serve over some hot and steamy rice. If you like heat; add some Cholula hot sauce. Avocado pieces make a creamy garnish that pairs well with this meal.

Broccoli Rabe Lasagna Rolls with Sausage & Pepper Sauce

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A family friendly dinner that will please everyone at the table. Lasagna has been made over using pork & chicken sausage; part skim cheeses, 100% whole wheat lasagne noodles and broccoli rabe. Sneaking in the broccoli raab provides your family with antioxidant-rich vitamins A & C , Folate , potassium, fiber and calicium which can help fight off damage to your cells; protects against birth defects & heart disease. The latest news with broccoli rabe is its cancer-preventing potential because of its rich source of glucosinolates, which your body converts to cancer-fighting sulforophanes.

**I know; I know…..too much information!** However; I am a health care professional.

Take your leftovers to work the next day or eat later in the week when you have no time to make dinner. Serve with a side salad or veggies.

Punjabi Saag

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Saag is a known as a good luck type of dish that is made on special occasions. Apparently, it has special powers to assist families in “mingling & mixing” together especially during weddings. (I was told this by my Aunt)

Sausage, Pepperoni and Pineapple Mini Whole Wheat Deep Dish Pizza

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A perfect Kickoff appetizer for when you are watching the game tomorrow……. No need to order pizza when you can have a savory & meaty “figure friendly” deep dish all to yourself. These rustic mini deep dish pizzas will look great on your Kickoff table while watching the Superbowl!! **if you would like to lower the points on this dish; just saute some of your favorite veggies and replace it for the sausage & pepperoni!! Enjoy!!

Caprese Style Arugula Salad

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Nothing says summer like a nice refreshing salad. If you have not tried Arugula yet, its about time you do. The peppery Arugula with sweet tomatoes & basil meet the creamy mozzarella & vibrant red vinegar dressing with a crunch of walnuts at the end…..YUM!

HELLO SUMMER!!

Masala Kale Chips

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I am obsessed with potato chips and eat them all the time. My favorite are Masala Chips from India and luckily for me (unlucky for my thighs) I can get them from my Indian Grocery Store. So, I tried to use the same flavor of ingredients as in my Kale Chips. The end result was delicious. If you like a salty chip you may have to add more salt at the end of baking, I sure did! If you think your child will not even look at Kale Chips…You will be surprised……My son couldn’t & wouldn’t wait until I took picture for this blog entry. Encourage your child to try different veggie chips, they may like them.

Crock Pot Chipotle Pulled Pork

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Chipotle Pulled Pork is tender & very flavorful. This crock pot dish has a lot of hidden nutrients from sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are extremely nutritious and hiding them in food is a great way for everyone to get additional beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C; fiber, thiamine, niacin, potassium, copper, protein, calcium, and vitamin E. So EAT UP……Did I mention that this is a NO FUSS CROCK POT DISH? Oh, and the leftovers freeze great!!
You can serve Chipotle pulled pork over rice, make little sliders , make a fancy burrito bowl and don’t forget… tacos/burritos & enchiladas……….ENJOY!!

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

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Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes are also known as black bottom cupcakes. This Skinny version is a delicious combination of a light and moist chocolate cake with creamy cheesecake. If you have some points or calories to spare, whip up some Chocolate Ganache frosting. All you need is a little of the frosting to make it decadent & indulgent and it has the perfect texture to go with these cupcakes. ENJOY!

Mango Avocado Salsa

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Mango Avocado Salsa………doesn’t it just sound like Summer?  This is my new favorite dip, snack, topper….etc.   It is a truly refreshing dip and taste great on top of my Chipotle Baked Chicken (recipe coming in a few days)

Tzatziki Sauce Greek Cucumber/Yogurt Sauce

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Tzatziki is a Greek & Turkish sauce that is used on soulvaki or gyros. It is a cold refreshing sauce or dip that pairs well with meat, pitas, pita chips and veggies.  There  are so  many variations of how to make Tzatziki…….  I like to add mint, parsley and dill for a fresh &  flavorful sauce.

Peanut Cilantro Dressing

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Peanut Cilantro Dressing will give your next salad a make over. This dressing will do the trick to get everyone at the table eating a healthy salad, whether you are having an Asian or Mexican inspired meal. I know what you are thinking….This dressing may have a lot of ingredients but it is definitely worth the trouble.

Try it out for yourself!! Enjoy!

Mango Cheesecake Cups

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These Skinny Mini Mango Cheesecake Cups are delish 🙂    These light and flavorful cheesecake cups are flavored with real mango puree and Greek yogurt.  You still get the taste of the graham cracker crust at the bottom with just a little bit of butter.  Did I mention that these are only  119 calories per serving and 3+ weight watcher points?    So, next time you are craving cheesecake just know that there is a healthier alternative and all you need is a few ingredients!!  ENJOY!

Orzo Salad with Summer Vegetables

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An elegant looking pasta salad that you can whip up in no-time.  This pasta salad is super Quick and Easy…..A light & Healthy family-friendly meal perfect for lunch or  a side dish.  Although Orzo is a pasta it is never heavy, my family loves this light little pasta salad.  This dish can be served at room temperature or can be eaten cold, making it  perfect for all those Summer BBQ’s.  The perfect way to use all those extra veggies that we have laying around.  Substitute any veggies that you have.  ENJOY!! 

Smashed & Roasted Potatoes - Culinary Tuesdays

Smashed & Roasted Potatoes

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These little potatoes are boiled, smashed, seasoned and then roasted in the oven for a creamy texture with some crunch.  So, imagine eating a crispy and creamy mashed potatoes…..and that is exactly what it actually tastes like.  This is another side dish that I picked up from Rachael Ray a long time back.  I’ve tried this recipe with all different potatoes, and the blue ones are my favorite but very hard to find in the summer.   This side dish is versatile and tasty.  Once you start popping them in your mouth, it will be hard to stop!   ENJOY!!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pudding Pie

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Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pudding Pie is a quick and easy no-fuss dessert that does not require any baking.   An absolute delish!!  This peanut butter pie is light and fluffy and does not weigh you down.  Its also a great make ahead dessert….make it up to 5 days in advance 🙂   ENJOY!!

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta - Culinary Tuesdays

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

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Fresh Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic and seasonings make this a topper that is great for chicken, pasta, toasty bread, salad, baked potato or inside of a sandwich. You can chop it up in no time. I like that I can control the quality of the ingredients. Skip the store made stuff and try to make it yourself.

  This tasty mixture gives my food some life….try it out 🙂

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

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Dear Vegetarians…..This one is for all of you whom requested more recipes 🙂

Have you ever bit into a chip dipped into an ooey gooey Spinach & Artichoke dip?  Well, imagine eating that dip stuffed inside a jumbo pasta shell covered with a chunky tomato sauce…………YUP!  That is what inspired me to make these 🙂    This recipe does not take long to come together and I always freeze 1/2 for those days where my son asks for stuffed shells.   Low points, Low fat, Low carbs & high protein………and delicious!   I hope your family enjoys these as much as mine.  You can serve with a salad or veggies for a complete low point meal. **Meat lovers- brown some sausage, beef or turkey & add to the sauce!    ENJOY!

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus

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If you like Asparagus and you haven’t roasted them yet….you are missing out on an easy & delicious side dish that goes with just about anything. I started making this when I saw it on the Rachel Ray show years ago and continue to make it regularly. The leftovers are also very useful in your morning omlet; stir fry’s or just snacking with dip. YUM!! ENJOY this quick and easy recipe.

Baked Spicy Sriracha Wings

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These Asian style wings are made with Sriracha……need I say more?!  For those of you that don’t know about the famous “rooster sauce”, it is a spicy & tangy hot sauce from Thailand.   Next time you are in the mood for some buffalo wings, try these Sriracha wings instead!!  Enjoy 🙂

Spinach, Tomatoes & Goat Cheese Breakfast Pie

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Makes 8 servings. Nutrition Facts: per slice. Weight Watchers Points +4 ~ Calories 139.9 ~Fat 6.9 g ~ Carbs 9.8 g ~ Fiber 1.4 g ~ Protein 9 g

I try to make a breakfast pie or Quiche on Sundays, this way I have a grab & go healthy breakfast waiting for me to take to work on Monday.  This breakfast pie is a healthier Quiche since I use hash brown potatoes as a crust.  I picked up that idea up from a cousin that is a registered dietician. This 140 calorie & low points breakfast is an easy go to while doing weight watchers or if you are trying to get your waistline ready for the summer.   Enjoy!

Creamy Red Jalapeño Dressing

Creamy Red Jalapeño Dressing

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Are you looking for a delicious dressing for your taco salad or do you want a spicy dipping sauce to eat with your fresh veggies? Well, you can stop looking! This spicy chipotle lime and cilantro dressing/dip will entice your tast buds. Not only is is spicy & tangy but it has that creaminess that goes great with any type of Mexican style cooking. So, use this dressing/dip for your salad, tacos, nachos, empanadas, taquitos, burritos, veggie strips and even fries. It’s seriously delicious! 🙂 ENJOY!!

Quinoa & Black Bean stuffed Poblanos

Quinoa & Black Bean stuffed Poblanos

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Makes 8 servings of 1/2 pepper stuffed: Nutrition per serving: WWpp+ 3
Calories 121.1 ~Total Fat 2.4 g~ Saturated Fat 0.8 g ~ Cholesterol 5.0 mg ~ Total Carbs 17.1 g ~ Dietary Fiber 3.9 g ~ Protein 6.6 g

Poblano peppers  are just a mild chili that goes great with any type of Mexican or Southwest cooking.  It makes a wonderful vegetarian side dish to accompany my chipotle chicken with mango avocado salsa…yum!!  If you are a vegetarian or participate in meatless Mondays, this dish is great as a meal.  The prep is quick & easy, so you can prep earlier in the week and just bake it off when you want.  It last for about 3 days prepped in the fridge.  So, all you have to do is after putting cheese on the top, cover and store in fridge for later in the week.   This is a great vegetarian dish that packs in the protein!  Enjoy &  Happy Eating!  🙂

Skinny Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas - Culinary Tuesdays

Skinny Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas

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Are you looking to bring a little fun to your dinner table ?  Try these Skinny Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas.  They are versatile…you could use any veggies, meat & beans you prefer.  I bake off 2 trays every time I make these because no one minds eating the leftovers later in the week.  If 2 trays is a bit much for your family you can save half of the meat/bean/veggie mixture and store it in the freezer for next time you want a quick meal.  Top the enchiladas off with garnishes of your choice!  Enjoy! 🙂 

Macaroni and Cheese with Truffle Oil

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STEAKHOUSE STYLE MAC & CHEESE WITH TRUFFLE OIL

Who doesn’t love a creamy and decadent mac & cheese? Now, I warn you that this is not a skinny recipe!! However; we are all allowed to cheat around the holiday’s…right? So, I give you my special steakhouse style mac & cheese recipe that is full of flavor for everyone to love!! I know that it looks like a lot of ingredients; but I promise you that this dish is worth it! 5 different types of creamy cheeses and the truffle oil makes it decadent and delicious! Beware that once you make it…..you will have to make it over and over again!!