Things I'm Loving This Week

<b style="color: #674ea7;">1. Hungry Girl's <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/367" target="_blank">Yum Yum Brownie Muffins</a> {5 PointsPlus}</b><br /><br />These are definitely on the steeper side of PointsPlus values on sweet treats for me, especially since it's <i>just </i>a muffin!  However, they are really chocolatey and provide some hidden fiber as a bonus, thanks to the pumpkin.  They're actually a nice size too.  INCREDIBLY easy to make: simply mix <span style="color: #999999;">{ONLY}</span> the cake mix + the pumpkin puree and bake in 12 cup muffin tin at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. <span style="color: #999999;">{HG Tip: Make these in mini muffin tins to yield around 36 mini muffins at a smaller PointsPlus value!} </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzgAL09sN8ngryhaBBVpWgXwjGAYDz_QmBmGKZUYsL72qb1roL9WahVSJF40dW7KG55TZiagLs_b3_jYzJv3-_VoanM_hUJ4cb2JbKmlu6OZmKUCo-K22zWO9ZiZSEWEJdMk7-Zmc5Gg/s1600/brownie+muffins+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzgAL09sN8ngryhaBBVpWgXwjGAYDz_QmBmGKZUYsL72qb1roL9WahVSJF40dW7KG55TZiagLs_b3_jYzJv3-_VoanM_hUJ4cb2JbKmlu6OZmKUCo-K22zWO9ZiZSEWEJdMk7-Zmc5Gg/s400/brownie+muffins+3.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">easy peezy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quTmk7iE289_IXUjUw5K3u09s9usEkcdUu0tp3ZyBDZqNBPkmMq5dlAmmUYJuWQqSQufY2EVAXL3HUVlMC5htmJwCWkQDA-bXbNwzK6Ibw5VIxwC5ZpjO4cHXUxhYrlcPQZCuuT32wU/s1600/brownie+muffins+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quTmk7iE289_IXUjUw5K3u09s9usEkcdUu0tp3ZyBDZqNBPkmMq5dlAmmUYJuWQqSQufY2EVAXL3HUVlMC5htmJwCWkQDA-bXbNwzK6Ibw5VIxwC5ZpjO4cHXUxhYrlcPQZCuuT32wU/s400/brownie+muffins+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />You could argue that these muffins have an almost....dis-pleasurable look to them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOd72hil_x3hBe8_SV4SM3pBseHdR90UOaXMTpGFAVOlabeFZhaqD0xi5D9wxwmYPMMXTesivZYZhWMvnfQgj7-9oQwt0as49KAUNJD69B-LPuSKhHBm6karLlgPIYxVP1BtfC-HCECQ/s1600/brownie+muffins+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOd72hil_x3hBe8_SV4SM3pBseHdR90UOaXMTpGFAVOlabeFZhaqD0xi5D9wxwmYPMMXTesivZYZhWMvnfQgj7-9oQwt0as49KAUNJD69B-LPuSKhHBm6karLlgPIYxVP1BtfC-HCECQ/s400/brownie+muffins+2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div> <br />They somewhat resemble what might "happen" to you if you consume endless amounts of fiber.  BUT if you can look past their....outward appearance.... and try not to think about it as you bite into the goodness, you will be glad you didn't judge this brownie-muffin by it's cover!<br /><div style="color: #351c75;"><br /></div><div style="color: #674ea7;"><b>2. Mini Chopper</b></div>I received this mini chopper as a Christmas gift two years ago.  My mom purchased it as part of a Black Friday special at Wal-Mart for $4.97.  Sometimes, you get what you pay for.  In this case, I can assure you that this less than $5 chopper has been nothing short of amazing and useful since I first unwrapped it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBW4wQklboCx6K2-iuZtHDBU7iNLDG3KjLqDmO77IvA-C7SJtB7cJY1UD7dQd9x1JlGNGURTf8G0X0l87tdHYX5HmR_K_zkYqoE4YENgMWHEkOE1WlKMUspywcoZgpkxWPMw4mFpNozg/s1600/mini+chopper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBW4wQklboCx6K2-iuZtHDBU7iNLDG3KjLqDmO77IvA-C7SJtB7cJY1UD7dQd9x1JlGNGURTf8G0X0l87tdHYX5HmR_K_zkYqoE4YENgMWHEkOE1WlKMUspywcoZgpkxWPMw4mFpNozg/s400/mini+chopper+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I primarily use my mini chopper to get those pesky onions minced up.  I hate onions, but a lot of ingredients in recipes that I cook often call for them.  Once upon a time I would've never considered putting onions in a dish.  But since I got my mini chopper, I can get them so finely minced that I can pretend they're not even in the food I'm making!<br /><br />Of course, it's also extremely good at grinding up Oreos to make <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx" target="_blank">Oreo Truffles</a>.  <span style="color: #999999;">{Tip: If you do make the truffles, refrigerate or freeze them for up to an hour before dipping them in the chocolate.  Otherwise you will have a mess of melted Oreo balls in your bowl of chocolate.}</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbZScAuAe7o9azHmpfefyTZj1lB9H4C5-AYRpiAeZFza6jifIlL6h7n0Ky2wTJSFlTGqpiHZCBbxnYoEF_z2HtBBkjAcVniRjOIStSLPlod_-e77ipVgZmBFPOvtL45HFchfyclGeFk/s1600/mini+chopper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbZScAuAe7o9azHmpfefyTZj1lB9H4C5-AYRpiAeZFza6jifIlL6h7n0Ky2wTJSFlTGqpiHZCBbxnYoEF_z2HtBBkjAcVniRjOIStSLPlod_-e77ipVgZmBFPOvtL45HFchfyclGeFk/s400/mini+chopper+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The stainless steel blade, chopper bowl, and lid are all dishwasher safe.  What more could you ask for in a $5 kitchen appliance?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Gpjqa3eVagyznQwpaEL7sDF4HN9At_55wYehcl3ybq8aelNP4v-iuEogXCvVNwcoN5lHgO2Ruebrkri6g3J9LgAS6MnFwiMdBKkqW0tym81BmEXeVjP2ZDQWveEqebSdAFNlgI-gs/s1600/mini+chopper+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Gpjqa3eVagyznQwpaEL7sDF4HN9At_55wYehcl3ybq8aelNP4v-iuEogXCvVNwcoN5lHgO2Ruebrkri6g3J9LgAS6MnFwiMdBKkqW0tym81BmEXeVjP2ZDQWveEqebSdAFNlgI-gs/s400/mini+chopper+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have used this chopper over and over and <i>over </i>again, and the blade is starting to get a little dull.  Any idea where I can go to get something like that sharpened?<br /><br /><div style="color: #674ea7;"><b>3.  <a href="http://www.drpepper.com/products/#drpepperten" target="_blank">Dr. Pepper Ten</a></b></div>Diet pop is an acquired taste, let's face it.  It's about the same as during your freshman year of college, when your first taste of an alcoholic beverage is, inevitably, cheap beer.  You choke it down at first, but eventually you cannot even tell the difference between <a href="http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-beers/#%21Natural" target="_blank">Natural Light</a> and the "premium" beer that is the <a href="http://www.coorslight.com/" target="_blank">Silver Bullet</a>.  {That was then, however!  No way will you catch me sipping a Natty Light these days!}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX_yXOEh9yoJwq015YmZTP6m6mVyq9775QTsL4fQhT4B5ImnFBeng4kJx5f9PEbZK2ARFPLnuQ0eCArbNf_6u8xBPHOtbMg6wvpQiVIL7R0KJwrJ-O-inDcTuKNckE7M3qN-hVqwx1U/s1600/dr+pepper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX_yXOEh9yoJwq015YmZTP6m6mVyq9775QTsL4fQhT4B5ImnFBeng4kJx5f9PEbZK2ARFPLnuQ0eCArbNf_6u8xBPHOtbMg6wvpQiVIL7R0KJwrJ-O-inDcTuKNckE7M3qN-hVqwx1U/s400/dr+pepper+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />Still, Dr. Pepper Ten is the closest variation to it's "parent" version that I've tasted yet.  Coke Zero may be a close second.  But Dr. Pepper Ten has absolutely no after taste what so ever.  And for 10 calories, I will take it!  I don't drink a lot of diet pop, but I will not hesitate to use it as a substitute for eating whenever I'm craving food.  I find it filling and it gives me a taste of something other than water.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk5pdxFuGUGSXGbBH5vcUjcBzqsnSItWrwgMalqLoeZObXsP4qEZi8Na5w9SZk5Vc_3LfFjIMn9sALUuNZI8qLq10pzFaHwv8Ld1XI1qT7AIUF9sfdmYVXi_7m8YzfZKbYK4CNhecBc/s1600/dr+pepper+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk5pdxFuGUGSXGbBH5vcUjcBzqsnSItWrwgMalqLoeZObXsP4qEZi8Na5w9SZk5Vc_3LfFjIMn9sALUuNZI8qLq10pzFaHwv8Ld1XI1qT7AIUF9sfdmYVXi_7m8YzfZKbYK4CNhecBc/s400/dr+pepper+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click to make larger - yes, there is HFCS</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This gem was an accidental discovery whenever Joel was looking for a low-cal mixer for his Jack Daniels fix.  I'm so glad he discovered this!<br /><br /><b style="color: #674ea7;">What are some things you love this week?</b>

Hungry Girl Things I Love Weight Loss Products Weight Watcher Recipes Things I'm Loving This Week

1. Hungry Girl's Yum Yum Brownie Muffins {5 PointsPlus} These are definitely on the steeper side of PointsPlus values on sweet treats f...

Read more »

Kickin' Chicken Pot Pie

One thing I love in particular about this version of pot pie is the crust. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZBJZAGTIdI1PJVR0eaCsxMWODRxsdMpqNt2UsLngU569HZw4wf-fDmxcWTONER8-6gb2i0flk_ng6C36mNN4cWWOWICiLRc1xoXwKvpUtmH8pB7yLQHBWjX_VjAcc2JdI2VEyJqUh3c/s1600/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZBJZAGTIdI1PJVR0eaCsxMWODRxsdMpqNt2UsLngU569HZw4wf-fDmxcWTONER8-6gb2i0flk_ng6C36mNN4cWWOWICiLRc1xoXwKvpUtmH8pB7yLQHBWjX_VjAcc2JdI2VEyJqUh3c/s400/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Hungry Girl makes it using Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls, making for a really delicious and buttery flavored topping.  As much as I love pot pie, I'm less of a fan of the pie crust used to make a traditional pot pie.  This one? Love!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuPm2pkWxJAKyFX7Rar9L1bzVDdqIO0RvACzvtCNhcctnQRPFNA-XkxGleEomn3zpmsSilg7R6OL9_M2sN0MQhmFKKasGvEyW_QYxx8SHlBBqE7jZtWnbG7D2oFDQb1FuZvY0I8rbeFY/s1600/hungry-girl-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuPm2pkWxJAKyFX7Rar9L1bzVDdqIO0RvACzvtCNhcctnQRPFNA-XkxGleEomn3zpmsSilg7R6OL9_M2sN0MQhmFKKasGvEyW_QYxx8SHlBBqE7jZtWnbG7D2oFDQb1FuZvY0I8rbeFY/s320/hungry-girl-book.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><u>Hungry Girl's <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/710" target="_blank">Kickin' Chicken Pot Pie</a></u> - <i>7 PointsPlus</i></b><br /><i>Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>8 oz. raw boneless skinless chicken breast; cut into bite-sized pieces<i> (I used a can of chunk chicken)</i></li><li>3 cups frozen mixed vegetables</li><li>1 can (10.75 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Soup, 98% Fat Free Cream of Celery</li><li>3 servings (triangles) Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls (unprepared)</li></ul><i>Directions:</i><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Saute chicken pieces for several minutes in a pan spritzed with nonstick cooking spray, until chicken is light brown/cooked but still tender; set aside. Heat frozen veggies in microwave according to package. Mix chicken, vegetables and soup together and put in a 9" round baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Place dish in oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly (stir about halfway through). While dish is cooking, unroll 3 crescent rolls. Combine pieces together with hands to make one large ball of dough. With a rolling pin, roll dough out into a circle to cover top of dish <span style="color: #674ea7;">{you have to get it very, VERY thin!}</span> . Add dough to the top of the dish and cook for an additional 15 - 20 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serves 4.</blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnYA-YWmL_16uQkznFfgEIcgdT1s3yuMLOkIEk6uRnQgf0s7dAixoXouVvG5vxfSTQCSo7Bn96_xJ093AyjpxUP8I8q_Q87iP-P8MIUmLjvGqpkyHBzvlJSTR3qu5pbUX_M23YfQDaXk/s1600/pot+pie+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnYA-YWmL_16uQkznFfgEIcgdT1s3yuMLOkIEk6uRnQgf0s7dAixoXouVvG5vxfSTQCSo7Bn96_xJ093AyjpxUP8I8q_Q87iP-P8MIUmLjvGqpkyHBzvlJSTR3qu5pbUX_M23YfQDaXk/s400/pot+pie+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />

Hungry Girl Weight Watcher Recipes Kickin' Chicken Pot Pie

One thing I love in particular about this version of pot pie is the crust.  Hungry Girl makes it using Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls,...

Read more »

HG Bananarama Wafer Pudding + WWM

I have two awesome things to share with you today.  What should I save for last??? Hmm.<br /><br />Well, I have another small giveaway offer for you, though not in the traditional blogger giveaway fashion.<br /><br />The folks at Weight Watchers Magazine erroneously sent me two of their January/February 2012 issues.  If you're not already a subscriber to this awesome magazine, I'd highly reccomend considering it as a future investment.  They offer great recipes, inspirational success stories, and a host of other health related info that I actually find refreshing to read, as opposed to a science-laden and "according to ABC study from XYZ university" stuffy publication.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.popsessive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/JHud-WW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.popsessive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/JHud-WW.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />So, who wants my extra copy?  The first person to comment on this blog stating their can't-live-without-it desires shall be graced with the J-Hud mag on their doorstep.  Simply leave a comment stating you want it, and email me your full name and mailing address (thebigweight AT hotmail DOT com).<br /><div style="color: purple;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">**********************</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Up next is this AWESOME Hungry Girl translation of a banana pudding trifle.  This is definitely one of my all time favorite desserts!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you love these...:</div><div style="text-align: left;">  </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://momandwife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/NannaPudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://momandwife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/NannaPudding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://momandwife.com/">Courtesy</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...then you will <i>definitely </i>find your BPT craving more than satisfied with her PointsPlus friendly version. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find this recipe in Hungry Girl's first cookbook, or on her <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/show/moms-favorites-bananarama-wafer-pudding-recipe">website</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/product/400/000/000/000/000/085/095/400000000000000085095_s4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ebooks-imgs.connect.com/product/400/000/000/000/000/085/095/400000000000000085095_s4.png" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Hungry Girl: <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/show/moms-favorites-bananarama-wafer-pudding-recipe">Bananarama Wafer Pudding</a></u> - <i>4 PointsPlus</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ingredients</i></div><ul><li>    2 cups fat-free milk</li><li>    1 small (4-serving) package Jell-O Sugar Free Fat Free Instant Vanilla pudding mix</li><li>    24 Reduced Fat Nilla wafers</li><li>    2 medium bananas, sliced</li><li>    Optional topping: Cool Whip Free (thawed) or Fat Free Reddi-wip</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Directions</i><br /><br />Combine milk with pudding mix in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or a whisk for 2 minutes, or until thoroughly blended. Set aside.<br /><br />In a medium size bowl or 9" X 9" baking pan, arrange a layer of wafers, flat sides down, and then top with a layer of banana slices. Continue alternating layers until all of the wafers and banana slices are in the bowl/pan.<br /><br />Top with the pudding mixture and let it seep down in between the wafer and banana layers. Cover and refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours. If you like, add whipped topping before serving!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />MAKES 6 SERVINGS</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">**There is still time to <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-giveaway.html">enter to win</a> a Zipfizz sample pack and water bottle!</div>

Hungry Girl Weight Watchers Magazine HG Bananarama Wafer Pudding + WWM

I have two awesome things to share with you today.  What should I save for last??? Hmm. Well, I have another small giveaway offer for you, t...

Read more »

Hungry Girl 1-2-3: Fiesta Bites

These Fiesta Bites were a huge hit at the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/weekend-recap.html">cookie exchange</a>.  No one knew they were "diet friendly" food either, which I love :).  That little "secret" makes them all the more delicious, wouldn't you say?  I topped some with tomatoes and some without, since the chef doesn't eat tomatoes unless it's coming from a Heinz bottle!    <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQKkwF_BOg58C2FCjXQrKlJ1EgQqjc5y8hsSRWNZKznn2yRx6PolQAWTnlqyZx5IncxsWE1bC6BTga4ECHTsfJn6umcEnuGcJD0WcxFu0INUmFC2GzTqndrnMyYgaIV-a8cWTWECcJsA/s1600/cookie+exchange+013+redone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQKkwF_BOg58C2FCjXQrKlJ1EgQqjc5y8hsSRWNZKznn2yRx6PolQAWTnlqyZx5IncxsWE1bC6BTga4ECHTsfJn6umcEnuGcJD0WcxFu0INUmFC2GzTqndrnMyYgaIV-a8cWTWECcJsA/s400/cookie+exchange+013+redone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Please note my modifications that make them come out to 1 Points+ each.  Also, my version below is doubled.  In her book the recipe is halved - making only 12 servings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><u><b>Hungry Girl Fiesta Bites</b></u> (1 Points+ for one "bite")<br /><br /><i><b>Ingredients</b><b>: </b></i>  <br />-24 small square wonton wrappers <i>(I ended up using 30)</i><br />-4 tablespoons taco sauce<br />-2 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese, room temperature <i>(I used WW block cream cheese)</i><br />-2 teaspoons dry taco seasoning mix<br />-Two 9.75-ounce (or 10-ounce) can 98% fat-free chunk white chicken breast in water, drained and flaked<br />-1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed<br />-1/2 cup corn, thawed from frozen<br />-1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese <i>(I used 2% shredded cheddar)</i><br />-2 plum tomatoes, chopped<br />-Optional: salt and black pepper to taste <i><b><br /></b></i><br /><i><b>Preparation: </b></i></blockquote><blockquote>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br /><br />Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray. Place each wonton wrapper into a cup of the muffin pan, and press it into the bottom and sides.<br /><br />Lightly spray the wrappers with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for about 4 minutes, until the corners begin to brown. Leaving the oven on, set muffin pan aside to cool.<br /><br />Mix taco sauce, cream cheese, and taco seasoning together in a bowl. Add chicken and stir until coated. Add beans, corn, and cheddar cheese. Stir well. If you like, season to taste with salt and pepper.<br /><br />Evenly distribute mixture into the wonton shells, about 2 tablespoons each <i>(Note: I only used 1 Tbsp for each won ton, which seemed to be plenty!)</i>. Return pan to the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, until the chicken mixture is hot.<br /><br />Once cool enough to handle, remove the filled wonton shells, and top evenly with tomato. Serve and enjoy!<br /><br />MAKES 30 SERVINGS</blockquote>Have you had these before?  What is your favorite Hungry Girl recipe?

Hungry Girl Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl 1-2-3: Fiesta Bites

These Fiesta Bites were a huge hit at the cookie exchange .  No one knew they were "diet friendly" food either, which I love :).  ...

Read more »

Hungry Girl 1-2-3: AM Apple Scramble

Wow! Thank you all for <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/friend-making-monday-driving-force.html">stopping by yesterday</a> and for all of your encouraging comments - what a pleasant surprise each time the Google's notified me of a comment :).   <br /><br />Today I bring you a new breakfast recipe! <br /><br />Something I've frequently heard from friends and fellow bloggers is that they eat the same thing for breakfast every day.  That's cool, if that works for you.  I used to be this way too, back when I lost 50 lbs in college.  I would eat the exact same thing every day, every week.  I knew nothing but Lean Cuisines/Smart Ones/Healthy Choice frozen meals and 100 calorie packs.  I cannot stomach the look to either of those food items now.<br /><br />Now, I make a lot of things by hand.<br /><br />Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and I like to add variety to my life where I can.   Because of this, I try not to eat the same thing twice too close together.  This week's breakfast is <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/699">Hungry Girl's AM Apple Scramble</a>.  The end result of this dish is something similar to that of oatmeal & Cream of Wheat.  It ends up dry, but not so dry that it tastes bad.  It was kind of hard to tell when it was done, but I just followed along with HG's recommended cooking time of 5 minutes.  When it's done cooking, it starts to firm up and lose some of it's moisture, and the color gets slightly darker.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWPduVVxPu1RJysS0tkphPuNr-KgchMfoZNP7ShFau88IZWWUh06GKVvbeV84kGy-LaFqsUA1rlz2VGU9PrwWTkD8QGuLXTWsbi5irmtGF1P2LdbsJSFqtKdrlam5_B1wzEdNLDxFE4o/s1600/apple+scramble.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWPduVVxPu1RJysS0tkphPuNr-KgchMfoZNP7ShFau88IZWWUh06GKVvbeV84kGy-LaFqsUA1rlz2VGU9PrwWTkD8QGuLXTWsbi5irmtGF1P2LdbsJSFqtKdrlam5_B1wzEdNLDxFE4o/s320/apple+scramble.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/699"><u><b>Hungry Girl 1-2-3: AM Apple Scramble</b></u></a> - <i>7 Points+ (her version calculates at 6 Points+)</i><br /><br /><i>Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple (approx. 1 medium apple) </li><br /> <li>1 slice Wonder Light White Bread - <i>I used Martin's Whole Wheat Potato Bread</i><br />1/2 cup Egg Beaters, Original</li><br /> <li>3 tbsp. regular oats (not quick or instant)</li><br /> <li>1 oz. light vanilla soymilk</li><br /> <li>1/4 tsp. vanilla extract</li><br /> <li>1/2 tsp. cinnamon</li><br /> <li>2 packets SPLENDA </li><br /> <li>pinch salt</li><br /> </ul><br /><i>Directions</i>: <br />Begin by stirring to combine all ingredients except for the bread and apple. Set aside. Toast bread well (but do not burn) and allow it to cool.  Tear bread into pieces and place in a blender or food processor.  Pulse bread until reduced to small pieces.  Add mixture and chopped apple to blender or processor and pulse until mixed (NOT liquefied).  In a pan sprayed with nonstick spray, cook mixture over medium heat.  Prepare as you would scrambled eggs, constantly moving mixture around with a spatula.  Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until solid crumbles form and brown slightly.  Serves 1!</blockquote> I hope you all have a great "On Plan" day!<br />

` Hungry Girl Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl 1-2-3: AM Apple Scramble

Wow! Thank you all for stopping by yesterday and for all of your encouraging comments - what a pleasant surprise each time the Google's...

Read more »

The Benefits of Meal Planning

I've been so proud of myself this week! <br /><br />Actually, for the last two weeks I completely stuck to my menu plans.  "Menu plan" to me means that every weekend I pick out 3 dinner dishes and 1 breakfast dish to make for the upcoming week.  The breakfasts are the only meal I make ahead.  The rest gets made the same day.  For the past two weeks, I have selected meals that I have stuck to and actually made.  The norm had been that I'd make 2 out of the 3 dinners or 1of the 3.   Sometimes I wouldn't make any. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mesotheliomaz.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/todaysmenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://mesotheliomaz.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/todaysmenu.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I found this happening more times that I care to admit while living at Joel's 'ex-house' (not his ex's house, his EX-house!).  I also found this happening a lot just last year whenever my commute was an hour and 40 minutes at night - we ate out A LOT during that time.  I know that the eating out was the reason for this huge weight gain.  I had been easily maintaining at 220 pounds until I moved to that apartment and endured that lengthy commute.  And during that year plus the 8 months living at Joel's ex-house, I put on an additional 40+ pounds.  </div><div><br /></div><div>The meals I've been making over the past two weeks have been so delicious too!  Some I've shared on here already, and I have upcoming posts to share even more of them.  This week's breakfast was <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/566">Hungry Girl's Apple Pie Pockets</a> for a whopping 3 Points+ (calculated using the recipe builder and my own ingredients)!  Do you realize that this Apple Pie Pocket is very similar in taste to that of the McDonald's apple pie (7 Points+), but with far better stats?  It's been so delicious this week, and a great way for me to get in some fruits.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I also made fish covered in dill and a lemon butter sauce (sounds scary but was, again, only 3 Points+!).  I <3 fish!  </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night we had this sausage rigatoni soup dish with spinach and cannellini beans - again - amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>When enough time passes where I've stayed on plan really well and I haven't been eating out, or indulging in fast food, I start to crave french fries and Chick Fil A and all those things that are only good in moderation.  However, over that entire year and 8 months of mainly eating out, etc... there comes a point where you're just sick of it.  <i>No<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>fast food sounds appealing,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>no<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>chain restaurant sounds appetizing.   </div><div></div><div>The foods I've made over the last two weeks are not high in calories and have proven very filling and delicious - but I've found that preparing those foods takes work and organization and time, and that's not always something I care to do or want to do.  </div><div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christophercleary.com/images/boredom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://www.christophercleary.com/images/boredom_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes I'm bored and/or lazy and don't want to go to all the effort.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><div>Yet if I want to maintain a healthier lifestyle, and believe me - <u>I do</u>, then cooking and meal planning needs to remain a priority in my life!    </div>

Hungry Girl Inspiration Random Weight Loss Thoughts Success Weight Watcher Recipes Weight Watchers The Benefits of Meal Planning

I've been so proud of myself this week! Actually, for the last two weeks I completely stuck to my menu plans.  "Menu plan" to ...

Read more »

Hungry Girl Cooking: Berry-licious Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes while at my sister's house celebrating my niece's 3rd birthday.  I'm pretty sure they were a hit since almost all of them were devoured rather quickly.  The icing tasted great too. You can find this recipe in Hungry Girl's first cookbook or on the <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeid=140951">Weight Watchers website</a>.  Enjoy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0q5pSCw8ozyJugSrScRefrhqxv93mv-NO4fI3U9PustvCp0TrtooEbNP9C21ev9j5fDEXSw8cfBEqAoaOfkNsmrecbFGyWwZR2W_8g3yqyn04TPTmyDb-gWfFZo1cZnA_mWbLk94bFc/s1600/hungry-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0q5pSCw8ozyJugSrScRefrhqxv93mv-NO4fI3U9PustvCp0TrtooEbNP9C21ev9j5fDEXSw8cfBEqAoaOfkNsmrecbFGyWwZR2W_8g3yqyn04TPTmyDb-gWfFZo1cZnA_mWbLk94bFc/s200/hungry-girl.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><u>Hungry Girl/Weight Watchers Berry-licious Cupcakes</u> - 3 Points+</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCKZEE0ISoRapuahWZDeyb_1IC684UyAt0ZA1U-U_ykWHSmFelbelX3BVqMMAsZ_zIkFji2KIUd99J85KoA_Dd3IRa4axpyYJ2mx9CTZVPiKcVQZs3nkOhxG1uZmJnuMlj2GRf6nR8Pk/s1600/HG+Strawberry+Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCKZEE0ISoRapuahWZDeyb_1IC684UyAt0ZA1U-U_ykWHSmFelbelX3BVqMMAsZ_zIkFji2KIUd99J85KoA_Dd3IRa4axpyYJ2mx9CTZVPiKcVQZs3nkOhxG1uZmJnuMlj2GRf6nR8Pk/s320/HG+Strawberry+Cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br /><ul><li>4 oz Cool Whip Whipped Topping Free Whipped Topping, half an 8 oz container   <br /></li><li>1/4 cup(s) fat-free cream cheese, softened   <br /></li><li> 2 Tbsp SPLENDA® SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener<i> (I used regular sugar)  </i><br /></li><li>1/8 tsp vanilla extract   <br /></li><li> 1/8 tsp food colouring, neon pink, divided (2 drops)   <br /></li><li> 1/2 Tbsp Hershey's Sugar free strawberry syrup, or raspberry variety   <br /></li><li> 9 1/8 oz regular white cake dry mix, 2 cups (half an 18.25 oz package)   <br /></li><li> 1 cup(s) diet cola, black cherry flavor <i>(I used Diet Dr. Pepper)</i><br /></li><li> 4 large egg white(s), about 1/2 cup   <br /></li><li> 6 medium strawberries, pureed    </li></ul><i><b>Instructions </b></i><br /><ul></ul><ol><li>Preheat oven to 350°F.<br /><br /></li><li>In a medium bowl, combine whipped topping, cream cheese, Splenda, vanilla extract, 1 drop of food coloring and syrup. Using an electric mixer at medium-low speed, blend until frosting is thoroughly mixed, about 1 minute. Chill frosting in freezer for 20 minutes and then transfer to refrigerator until ready to frost cupcakes.<br /><br /></li><li>In a large bowl, combine cake mix, soda and egg whites; add pureed strawberries and remaining drop of food coloring. Mix with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until smooth, about 45 seconds.<br /><br /></li><li>Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray, or line with cupcake wrappers. Evenly spoon batter into prepared muffin pan.<br /><br /></li><li>Bake until firm, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. Once cool, remove cupcakes from pan and evenly spread with frosting. Yields 1 cupcake per serving. </li></ol>

Hungry Girl Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl Cooking: Berry-licious Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes while at my sister's house celebrating my niece's 3rd birthday.  I'm pretty sure they were a hit since alm...

Read more »

Hungry Girl Cooking: Tutti Frutti Crunch Yogurt Parfait

Breakfast this week has been amazing for me thanks to <a href="http://book.hungry-girl.com/recipes/search?q=tutti+frutti+crunch+yogurt+parfait&b=1">Hungry Girl's Tutti Frutti Crunch Yogurt Parfait</a>.  When I think of a parfait, I think of vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries and <i>granola</i>, right?  <br /><br />Granola can often be the doomsday ingredient in this little berry concoction because granola is typically high in calories.  For example, in only a 1/4 cup serving of <a href="http://www.bearnaked.com/fit-granola/vanilla-almond-crunch">Bear Naked Fit Vanilla Almond Crunch Granola</a>, there are 120 calories!  So what ends up appearing like a healthy, low calorie meal, it can actually be a huge caloric bomb waiting to go off on your waist by the time you tie all the ingredients together.  <br /><br />Enter <a href="http://www.quakeroats.com/products/rice-snacks/quakes/apple-cinnamon.aspx">Quaker Apple Cinnamon Quakes</a> - the perfect crunchy substitution for the high calorie granola - thank you Hungry Girl!  In 8 cakes there are just 60 calories, but we're only using 6 in this recipe, so about 45 calories in total.  Just crush up these bad boys and add those into your layered berry goodness and voila! - an extremely filling breakfast entree.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju09CVC5Tn8Lmv7E8W75kUr6MtxYlzSjBlpdSkzZ8ifrxVjpc5wkKRRUokuYAqeOJl0yMwj5yYRmfu1IJZ7Xcoz8tTIE3k0lqBt6pM_25z0pFxvnHw0rCjdhgFe_WDWTAk3a7edgsNy4/s1600/yogurtcrunch1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju09CVC5Tn8Lmv7E8W75kUr6MtxYlzSjBlpdSkzZ8ifrxVjpc5wkKRRUokuYAqeOJl0yMwj5yYRmfu1IJZ7Xcoz8tTIE3k0lqBt6pM_25z0pFxvnHw0rCjdhgFe_WDWTAk3a7edgsNy4/s320/yogurtcrunch1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this honestly kept me full all morning until lunchtime!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7HQcV-imVczq8buFiMKADnH1AK_kKN3L4M5o9AXa16d2acpChX5cEkAkwyFSZQK2xZLtxV2lKcn8dTTOsFnCKfYv0Sr91_5nplxRmhHpAuQkHcVdLowNF9d3yJ7yFYHcRcqvqhYxv-Y/s1600/yogurtcrunch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7HQcV-imVczq8buFiMKADnH1AK_kKN3L4M5o9AXa16d2acpChX5cEkAkwyFSZQK2xZLtxV2lKcn8dTTOsFnCKfYv0Sr91_5nplxRmhHpAuQkHcVdLowNF9d3yJ7yFYHcRcqvqhYxv-Y/s320/yogurtcrunch2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hard to see my layers, but they're there!</td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>Hungry Girl's Tutti Frutti Crunch Yogurt Parfait</u> - <i>5 Points+</i></b><br /><i>Ingredients:</i>   <br />6 oz  fat-free vanilla yogurt   <br />6 pieces apple cinnamon soy crisps or mini rice cakes, crushed   <br />1/2 cup sliced strawberries   <br />1/2 cup blueberries <br /><br /><i>Directions: </i>  <br />Place one-third of the strawberries and blueberries in the bottom of a tall glass. Add half of the yogurt. <br />Top with another third of the blueberries and strawberries. Cover with half of the apple cinnamon crunchies. <br />Spoon the remaining yogurt on top and cover with remaining fruit and crunchies.

Hungry Girl Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl Cooking: Tutti Frutti Crunch Yogurt Parfait

Breakfast this week has been amazing for me thanks to Hungry Girl's Tutti Frutti Crunch Yogurt Parfait .  When I think of a parfait, I t...

Read more »