Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You're basically trying to mimic what the person on the screen is doing, to the song of your choice.  Also, they have a dance option that seems to be geared more toward exercise and working up a sweat.  We only played for about 15-20 minutes of the regular dance competition, just to try it, and we were both definitely sweating by the end of that short amount of time.<br /><br />I also managed to get a NROLW workout in on Saturday as well.  A weekend workout two weekends in a row!<br /><br />I found it a little difficult this weekend to halt the food cravings.  Every month at a certain time I seem to have this problem!  I have continued to track diligently however.<br /><br />I spent Sunday preparing the week's meals.  On the menu this week is Better-For-You Buttermilk Pancakes, Meatball & Spaghetti Soup, and this Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Chicken that is A-M-A-ZING!  I said I'd have recipes last week for last week's meals and that all got swept under the rug :(.<br /><br />Stay tuned for some deliciousness this week, however.  I've already had the pancakes and they were very tasty and filling.<br /><br />How did you and your family fair during the hurricane? 

Eat What You Love Exercise Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You'...

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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...

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HG's Big Bowl of Breakfast

I would like to preface this post by saying that I contemplated not posting this because I forgot to take the picture of this dish.  *Sigh*  You'll just have to trust me on it ;)... it was very good!<br /><br />Below is the original recipe, with my modifications in italics.<br /><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1283"><u>Hungry Girl's Big Bowl of Breakfast</u></a> - <i>8 Points+</i></b> (if you follow her instructions exactly it will only be 6 Points+)<br /><i>Ingredients:</i></blockquote><blockquote><ul><li>1 tray Green Giant Just for One Broccoli & Cheese Sauce</li><br /> <li>3/4 cup frozen potatoes O'Brien (like the kind by Ore-Ida) -<i> I used just the plain southern style frozen potatoes - I don't like the peppers :)</i></li><br /> <li>3/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)</li><br /> <li>1 slice Canadian bacon, chopped - <i>I used 2 slices of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon</i></li><br /> <li>2 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheese - <i>I used the WW shredded Mexican Cheese</i></li><br /> </ul></blockquote><blockquote><i>Directions:</i><br />Prepare broccoli & cheese sauce according to package instructions. Set aside.<br /><br />Bring a large pan sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Add egg substitute and scramble for 2 - 3 minutes, until fully cooked. Place scrambled egg substitute in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside.<br /><br />Remove pan from heat, re-spray with nonstick spray, and return pan to the stove. Raise heat to medium-high and add potatoes. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thawed and lightly browned.<br /><br />Add Canadian bacon and cook until hot and a little crispy, about 1 - 2 minutes.<br /><br />Add potato/bacon mixture to the bowl with the egg scramble. Add broccoli & cheese sauce and mix to combine.<br /><br />Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the bowl, and microwave for 30 - 45 seconds, until cheese has melted. Grab a sturdy fork and dig in!</blockquote><br />I love breakfast bowls and this was a great interpretation of one.  I like the fact that the broccoli is hidden in there, allowing me to get a serving of veggies without my really knowing it.  However, I will say this: while I love broccoli, I only like the flower part (I'm probably one of the world's picky-est eaters!), and it seems as though the Green Giant tray only contains chunks of the stalk.  When I make this again, I will choose to use my own broccoli and add more shredded cheese if need be.  That's the thing I like most about Hungry Girl's recipes - she gives you a general concept that you can just do all sorts of things with.  For example, you could swap out the broccoli for spinach or change the meat and use turkey sausage links or ground turkey.. or whatever your heart desires!  <br /><br />Overall it tasted great and was even more special with some Texas Pete dabbed on top.  <br /><br />Do you have a favorite thing you make/eat for breakfast?

Weight Watcher Recipes HG's Big Bowl of Breakfast

I would like to preface this post by saying that I contemplated not posting this because I forgot to take the picture of this dish.  *Sigh* ...

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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 ...

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Eat What You Love: Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast

Another recipe from Eat What You Love!  This is called Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast.  I typically make my breakfast for the upcoming week over the weekend.  I would guess that this would have been better eaten fresh out of the skillet, but it still wasn't bad.  Perhaps the issue is that I am storing the cooked items in the fridge, rather than freezing them for the week - I'll try freezing them next time to see if that makes a difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s200/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><br />On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is "delicious/I would totally make this again" and 1 is "gross/bland/boring - never making this again", my rating is:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b> 4 out of 5!</b></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQNQOlx0qQE9TE8gs_H9KRnLwVi1KKofjs606mproYgtdDqAQ0th4zV0Y6DcPgN6e55eJVEKVoOLsOkkpsGwc3S2ALcqLWvYREU42lFI5Rbu5fQ_LbugJCLxjmurJJ5A8Emb6sgjVegg/s1600/blog+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQNQOlx0qQE9TE8gs_H9KRnLwVi1KKofjs606mproYgtdDqAQ0th4zV0Y6DcPgN6e55eJVEKVoOLsOkkpsGwc3S2ALcqLWvYREU42lFI5Rbu5fQ_LbugJCLxjmurJJ5A8Emb6sgjVegg/s320/blog+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with just syrup</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwfOp0WfHhj57ZB-GuSLGz9sfg5csDGuWoj_Xi7MD36yZ6_3rz-yZkf1uEvJzWESNTCffVY0Q6vjsZ-duI7IrS0Tb0ueg4qzOYr98lsY1TzSGI7d5LXX7BIh5cCkK1Gm_7VVwstMX7I0/s1600/blog+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwfOp0WfHhj57ZB-GuSLGz9sfg5csDGuWoj_Xi7MD36yZ6_3rz-yZkf1uEvJzWESNTCffVY0Q6vjsZ-duI7IrS0Tb0ueg4qzOYr98lsY1TzSGI7d5LXX7BIh5cCkK1Gm_7VVwstMX7I0/s320/blog+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>  <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast</u> <i>(4 Points+)</i></b><i> </i></div><ul><li>1 egg</li><li>2 egg whites</li><li>¾ cup low-fat milk <i>(I used skim)</i></li><li>¾ tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar</li><li>1 Tbsp Splenda granulated sweetener (optional)<i> (I used 1 packet of Sweet 'n Low)</i></li><li>1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li>4 slices thick-sliced bread (like Texas toast) <i>(I used whole wheat potato bread)</i></li></ul><ol><li>In a shallow bowl, mix together the eggs, egg whites, milk and vanilla extract until combined.  Set aside.</li><li>In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Splenda, and cinnamon.</li><li>Spray a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.</li><li>Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.  Place the bread into the hot skillet while underside is cooking, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar mixture evenly onto top of toast (pressing it through a mesh sieve makes for a nice coating).  Flip and finish cooking for 3 minutes, checking occasionally, while being careful not to overcook cinnamon sugar-coated underside.</li></ol>Makes 4 servings.

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast

Another recipe from Eat What You Love!  This is called Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast.  I typically make my breakfast for the upcoming we...

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Eat What You Love: One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner

Dinner for Monday night was this DELICIOUS take on a traditional St Patty's Day favorite - basically meat/cabbage/potatoes. <br /><br />The meal came from my Eat What You Love cookbook by Marlene Koch. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s200/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><br />On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is "delicious/I would totally make this again" and 1 is "gross/bland/boring - never making this again", my rating is:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><b> 5 out of 5!</b></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp7H_JEZ1UIZpgyv85W6h7HtIFUqSx1N_3BrXXTmTvRYArBTfJ6OzfYCNscVvt_hor7cBvqw2wf6aIvFltXvDZzH-X11WVIfiD49P2k4PaQpBGUbSsB574atHKISH4ZgfECSCNT255lU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp7H_JEZ1UIZpgyv85W6h7HtIFUqSx1N_3BrXXTmTvRYArBTfJ6OzfYCNscVvt_hor7cBvqw2wf6aIvFltXvDZzH-X11WVIfiD49P2k4PaQpBGUbSsB574atHKISH4ZgfECSCNT255lU/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><u><b>One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner</b></u><b> </b><b><i>(7 Points+)</i></b><br /><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br /><ul><li>1 small onion, thickly sliced</li><li>1 cooked turkey kielbasa sausage link (1 pound pkg) sliced into 1" slices (I used Butterball turkey kielbasa)</li><li>5 medium red potatoes (3/4 pound), sliced thick</li><li>1 Tbsp brown mustard</li><li>1 c. light apple juice (1/2 c. apple juice with 1/2 c. water) (I used Mott's for Tots - comes in a smaller size bottle than the generic brands, but is the same exact nutrition stats!)</li><li>1 tsp caraway seeds</li><li>6 c. shredded cabbage</li></ul><br /><i><b>Directions:</b></i><br /><ol><li>Spray a large pot with nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 2 min.  Add the kilebasa and cook for 2 more minutes, or until kielbasa and onions are browned.  Add the potatoes to the pot.<br /></li><li>In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and apple juice.  Pour over the sausage mixture.  Sprinkle with the caraway seeds and stir.<br /></li><li>Pile the cabbage on top of the sausage, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.  Makes 6 servings.</li></ol>

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: One-Pot Turkey Sausage Dinner

Dinner for Monday night was this DELICIOUS take on a traditional St Patty's Day favorite - basically meat/cabbage/potatoes.  The meal ca...

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Eat What You Love: Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Since Joel and I are moving in 11 days (yay!), we're trying HARD to eat up a lot of our food.  I had some rolled oats left over from the first time I made this oatmeal months ago, so I decided to use them up this week and make it again.<br /><br />The oatmeal is adapted from Marlene Koch's <i>Eat What You Love</i> and is called Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal:<br /><br /><b><u>Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal</u> <i>(7 Points+) </i></b><br /><i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br /><ul><li>1/2 c. rolled oats</li><li>1 c. water <i>(you made need more depending on your box's cooking instructions - read those instead)</i></li><li>2 packets of sweetener of your choice <i>(I only used 1 packet of Sweet 'n Low this time)</i></li><li>1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1 tsp table salt</li></ul><i>Optional Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>raisins</li><li>banana</li></ul><i><b>Instructions:</b></i><br />Cook oats according to package directions.  Once cooked, mix in remaining ingredients. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBdS37Gt1_Ch-y7zTxMV_V74pKUWmgapNyRx6GjxXY7FJmISz1r0fu6owMvZrdxkkB8I5YPWb1KjWw-7F42zB4jZNTkwZXGKseuxHgc6ijatwJZp2afE_iwQ16ofd7ocWA1GMGhRLn4/s1600/Blog+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIBdS37Gt1_Ch-y7zTxMV_V74pKUWmgapNyRx6GjxXY7FJmISz1r0fu6owMvZrdxkkB8I5YPWb1KjWw-7F42zB4jZNTkwZXGKseuxHgc6ijatwJZp2afE_iwQ16ofd7ocWA1GMGhRLn4/s400/Blog+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I also added raisins and a banana to mine, which made it delicious and very filling for me.<br /><br />I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend!  I'm spending mine studying at Starbucks and hopefully getting a chance to enjoy some of this amazing weather we're having in Maryland - no humidity for the weekend after a week of upper 90-degree weather with a heat index of over 100! <br /><br />I haven't decided what I'll be making this week for breakfast and lunch.  Do you plan your work-week meals?   

Eat What You Love Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Since Joel and I are moving in 11 days (yay!), we're trying HARD to eat up a lot of our food.  I had some rolled oats left over from the...

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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...

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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...

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Eat What You Love: Breakfast Pizza

This week's breakfast inspiration is brought to you by <a href="http://www.marlenekoch.com/books/eat-what-you-love/">Marlene Koch's Eat What You Love</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s200/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />I initially made the exact recipe below, but I wasn't much of a fan of it, so I made my own version.  I cut out the salsa, onion and pepper and added turkey bacon & spinach instead.   SO good, SO easy, and a perfect, freezable and packable-for-work breakfast item!  I calculated mine at 7 Points+.  <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/AVvXsEgiy3XaGDQjXXGXpiydxHMXGtQoK3XvYDeBFxqVdGkcJm6oRVO5QuPOkCt0AVdSBJwzNdsY3tT2BrG-l31T5eeGdTg5vcc9YP2JsYkaLqckbo9sOrUBfmOh5GRz0pALjD1nSn8EFgTf19Q/s1600/breakfast+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy3XaGDQjXXGXpiydxHMXGtQoK3XvYDeBFxqVdGkcJm6oRVO5QuPOkCt0AVdSBJwzNdsY3tT2BrG-l31T5eeGdTg5vcc9YP2JsYkaLqckbo9sOrUBfmOh5GRz0pALjD1nSn8EFgTf19Q/s320/breakfast+pizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on image for larger size.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESZNcRDW4U5kt29oDSthIosqaSpwAdJ94-UsqHV_BCtzHdJPBPLnS9hOLdazol5_GJPnoprmWfYlsXKeE7aK4pSH3tjBPax53AsdZPsLBuOVDaPPpYcvh5kaNiVANgyYt4q6SW-xZdKc/s1600/breakfast+pizza+mine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESZNcRDW4U5kt29oDSthIosqaSpwAdJ94-UsqHV_BCtzHdJPBPLnS9hOLdazol5_GJPnoprmWfYlsXKeE7aK4pSH3tjBPax53AsdZPsLBuOVDaPPpYcvh5kaNiVANgyYt4q6SW-xZdKc/s320/breakfast+pizza+mine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>

Weight Watcher Recipes Eat What You Love: Breakfast Pizza

This week's breakfast inspiration is brought to you by Marlene Koch's Eat What You Love . I initially made the exact recipe below, b...

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Hungry Girl Cooking: Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Cupcakes

Another <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/">Hungry Girl</a> exclusive!  I made these cupcakes a few weeks ago when Joel & I met up with friends for a movie and dinner at their apartment.  If you like caramel and vanilla pudding, then you will love LOVE these cupcakes!  Just the smell of them coming out of the oven is mouth watering.  I had to make them again and so here they are:<br /><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/hungry-girls-caramel-pumpkin-pudding-cupcakes/">Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Cupcakes</a></b> <i><b>- 3 Points+</b></i><br /><br /><i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />For cupcakes:<br />    * 2 cups moist-style yellow cake mix (1/2 of an 18.25-ounce box)<br />    * 1 cup canned pure pumpkin<br />    * 1/3 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute<br />    * 2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup <i>(I used light pancake syrup)</i><br />    * 2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />    * 2 teaspoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) <i>(I used 2 tsp worth of Sweet 'n Low packets)</i><br />    * 1/8 teaspoon salt<br />    <br />For topping:<br />    * 3 cubes (about 1 ounce) chewy caramel <i>(like the kind by Kraft)</i><br />    * 2 teaspoons light vanilla soy milk<br /><br />Yields: Makes 12 servings<br /><br /><i><b>Preparation</b></i><br />Preheat the oven to 350ºF.<br /><br />Combine all cupcake ingredients in a mixing bowl with 1⁄3 cup of water. Whip with a whisk or fork for 2 minutes until well blended.<br /><br />Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with baking cups. Evenly spoon batter into muffin cups. Place pan in the oven and cook for about 12 minutes (until cupcakes have puffed up but still appear a little gooey on top). Once cupcakes are cool enough to handle, arrange them closely on a plate so that the edges are touching.<br /><br />Place caramel and soymilk in a tall microwave-safe glass or dish (mixture will bubble and rise when heated).<br /><br />Microwave at medium power for 1½ minutes. Stir mixture vigorously until smooth and thoroughly blended. (Return to microwave for 30 seconds at medium heat if caramel has not fully melted.) Immediately drizzle caramel sauce over cupcakes.</blockquote><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/AVvXsEhyGViT2yJocTJp3fxGS2R-nzg2w34Y-G61RPHQWwyEfSEaoLXEFQ26QzJh1izoPdSbZlFAb8I9i6DSWSbm0jTJOWRMCq7lzJhoMiKrHaaOra8jc5koi3ZIEK-Y03fjhYbGMEa2A0otJh4/s1600/Blog+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGViT2yJocTJp3fxGS2R-nzg2w34Y-G61RPHQWwyEfSEaoLXEFQ26QzJh1izoPdSbZlFAb8I9i6DSWSbm0jTJOWRMCq7lzJhoMiKrHaaOra8jc5koi3ZIEK-Y03fjhYbGMEa2A0otJh4/s320/Blog+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melts in your mouth, not in your hand :)</td></tr></tbody></table>The thing I like about cupcakes is that they are essentially a personal cake just for you.  By thinking of it that way, it helps me not to consume 3, or really, who am I kidding, at least half the batch in one sitting.  I've had total self control over these fine ladies since they were baked on Tuesday and I'm very proud of that!

Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl Cooking: Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Cupcakes

Another Hungry Girl exclusive!  I made these cupcakes a few weeks ago when Joel & I met up with friends for a movie and dinner at their...

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Hungry Girl Cooking: Blueberry Apple Pancake Shake-Up

<h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To continue on with my <a href="http://prittygoodbooks.blogspot.com/2011/04/hungry-girl-cooking-eggamuffin-101.html">cookbook challenge</a>, this week's breakfast is another one taken from <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/books/1">Hungry Girl's first cookbook</a>.</span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u></u></span></h2><blockquote><h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Blueberry Apple Pancake Shake-Up</u> - <i>6 PointsPlus</i> <br /><i style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />Ingredients:</span></i></span></h2><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1/3 c regular oats</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">2 T dry pancake mix <i>(I used Fiber One pancake mix)</i></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1/3 c peeled & finely chopped apple</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1/4 c blueberries</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1/4 c egg substitute</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1 T fat free cottage cheese <i>(this is too sour for me, so I used 1%)</i></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1/4 t vanilla extract</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="font-weight: normal;"><span itemprop="name">1 T Splenda <i>(I initially used 11 packets of Sweet 'n Low to equal 1 Tbsp - more on this later!)</i></span></span></span></li></ul><div id="ingredients"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> </span> </div><i>Directions: </i><br />Place all ingredients except for the blueberries and apples in a medium bowl. Add 3 T of water and stir until thoroughly mixed.<br /><br />Gently fold in apples and blueberries.<br /><br />Over medium heat, in a large pan sprayed with nonstick spray, evenly pour batter to form 3 pancakes. Once pancakes begin to look solid (after about 3 minutes), gently flip.<br /><br />Cook for 3 additional minutes, or until both sides are lightly browned and insides are cooked through. now plate your pancakes and enjoy.<br /><br />Number of Servings: 1</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtxw_Cd1PGDOoaOuPJe-uvcm1n5o8vX7oucFvg2nnEDs6XBGsbPTG9BoCyLbXNIQB7alQiSUbUjXBYFM5pPbzW-_hkJgdP1Ds34FeAmyBsqQXf3-1O_K4Z5fZ4RFTyTN0YYOVRoFddpk/s1600/blueberry+pancakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtxw_Cd1PGDOoaOuPJe-uvcm1n5o8vX7oucFvg2nnEDs6XBGsbPTG9BoCyLbXNIQB7alQiSUbUjXBYFM5pPbzW-_hkJgdP1Ds34FeAmyBsqQXf3-1O_K4Z5fZ4RFTyTN0YYOVRoFddpk/s320/blueberry+pancakes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><br /></i><span class="black13B"></span><br />Since Splenda upsets my stomach, I use the cuter pink packets :).  <b>However, I'm not sure that 1 Tbsp of Splenda granules would equal 1 Tbsp <i>worth </i>of Splenda packets.  Do you know?</b>  I did, in fact, use that method for the Sweet 'n Low packets, and it took me 11 packets to make 1 Tbsp.  Folks, don't try this at home!  It was WAY too sweet and had too much of a fake sugar taste.  Fortunately I realized this after the first batch and so I cut the packets down to 9, which was still not enough elimination.  Next time I'll try just 6 packets and see how that fairs.  Other than that mishap, the pancakes were delicious and very filling.  I poured just a little bit of light pancake syrup over top because they are still dry like a regular pancake.  <br /><span class="black13B"></span>

Weight Watcher Recipes Hungry Girl Cooking: Blueberry Apple Pancake Shake-Up

To continue on with my cookbook challenge , this week's breakfast is another one taken from Hungry Girl's first cookbook . Blueberry...

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Corkscrew Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

To continue on with cooking my way through all of my cookbooks, the next meal I made came from <a href="http://www.marlenekoch.com/">Marlene Koch's Eat What You Love</a>.  I first learned about Marelene through my beloved QVC.  This was a very easy dish and my first attempt at making homemade alfredo sauce... not too shabby!<br /><br /><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/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s1600/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctzzzglrVr3L_BpnAGVQDABQHvINAoMH8kWL7JSlofL9RhYeMtmj_xYwNH4Y7qHATaf4GGREd-_qVhVTc0E7jSeh8g3Fg7BvL-zUBdGKvdnlQx4UjicyLpeD6rwrNJA6ZHXZzKx5tud8/s320/eatwhatyoulove.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ideal-weight-corner.com/eat-what-you-love-more-than-300-incredible-recipes-low-in-sugar-fat-and-calories/.html">Courtesy</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Corkscrew Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo - 7 PointsPlus</b><br /><b>Makes 6 servings    Serving Size = 1 1/2 cups</b><br /><ul><li>8 ounces (3 cups dry) bowtie pasta (I used Barilla Plus Farfalle)</li><li>5 cups broccoli florets</li><li>1 cup low-fat milk (I used skim)</li><li>1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch</li><li>1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth</li><li>1/4 cup light cream cheese</li><li>1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li><li>1/4 teaspoon pepper, or more to taste</li><li>1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</li><li>2 cups shredded cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast</li></ul><b>Preparation</b><br />1.  Cook the pasta according to the package directions while preparing the sauce, and set aside.<br />2.  Place the broccoli in a large microwave safe dish. Add 3 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for 4 minutes, or until crisp tender.<br />3.  In a medium saucepan, whisk the milk and cornstarch until smooth. Whisk in the broth and place over low heat. Add the cream cheese, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a low simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the Parmesan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, or until sauce is smooth.<br />4.  Toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken together in a large serving dish. Pour the sauce on top, and toss gently to combine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p_gRnl6TfrwRY-XV3vvo5XbGzzRNY50o6WGdy78mNHPKkBi6sJ5-9YwIlWoZWfT16wXfpqvWbn22ACGQrs3wcT8t1zIME8NK3D-B7fjBlthBwSJzAC5klkCU4AQlCx10_t-CYlgVpzU/s1600/brocalfredo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p_gRnl6TfrwRY-XV3vvo5XbGzzRNY50o6WGdy78mNHPKkBi6sJ5-9YwIlWoZWfT16wXfpqvWbn22ACGQrs3wcT8t1zIME8NK3D-B7fjBlthBwSJzAC5klkCU4AQlCx10_t-CYlgVpzU/s320/brocalfredo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>The results:</b><br />This dish was quite tasty right after I made it.  It did require some salt to give it more flavor but all in all not bad.  When I make this dish again, I would recommend doing the following... First, because I failed to read the recipe ahead of time, I just went ahead and cooked the broccoli according to the directions.  I would suggest cooking the broccoli how you like it cooked - I would choose steamed (in a steamer basket on the stove) or roasted next time.  Also, for the chicken, I simply cooked 3 chicken breasts in the skillet on the stove with only salt/pepper as seasoning.  Again, I would add some spices to the chicken next time to give it more flavor. <br /><br />I brought this in my lunch today for work and it definitely needed salt for more flavor.  Also, since I know I'll be eating this a few more times this week, I would add additional parm to it for some added taste.  I think there must be a recurring theme here: more flavor, more flavor, more flavor.  Don't get me wrong - I thought this was a very filling and tasty dish, and I will definitely make it again no doubt.  Still, next time I will make the modifications identifed above and I think it would be a true hit!<br /><br />Do you have a healthy recipe for chicken/broc/alfredo??  

Weight Watcher Recipes Corkscrew Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

To continue on with cooking my way through all of my cookbooks, the next meal I made came from Marlene Koch's Eat What You Love .  I fir...

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Slow Food Fast: Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onion Hoagies

<a href="http://prittygoodbooks.blogspot.com/2011/04/hungry-girl-cooking-eggamuffin-101.html">Yesterday I posted about my goal of cooking my way through ALL of my cookbooks</a>.  I thought better about posting these recipes under my "Pritty" blog because part of my reason for cooking is to eat healthier, and that's what this blog is about. <br /><br />Anyway, on to the recipe!  Tonight Joel & I made a dish from my newest cookbook, <a href="http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.F07711.desc.Bob-Wardens-Slow-Food-Fast-Pressure-Cooker-Cookbook?&cookie=set">Bob Warden's Slow Food Fast</a>.  This book goes with <a href="http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx?view=2&app=detail&params=item%5EK22739,RecTypeInd%5EIOFFER,navlist%5EK22739*K26345*K29862*,cp%5Edetail,tmp%5Erelated,cpprod%5EF07711,cm_scid%5Edtlr&walk=&cmtags=">my new pressure cooker</a> I received on my birthday!  Tonight we made Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onion Hoagies.  They were SOOOOO good!  The sausage was incredibly juicy and I'd venture to say that these are better than the ones we used to make over the camp fire when we'd go camping when I was a kid. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvrfGxHj2oMfDKFesjlSmULtHgMEobU3IHRcTZPV3cGWCRztQ1mhl6f0wWu8zttk5rwmTzDWM1MEzbzy3FMSk2YcsCXpiICr3iZ5Nyul5o5bbclB3z8P_27mwxgWH7v28kwoIWe0ELwM/s1600/Bob-Warden-s-Slow-Food-Fast-Warden-Bob-9780984188710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvrfGxHj2oMfDKFesjlSmULtHgMEobU3IHRcTZPV3cGWCRztQ1mhl6f0wWu8zttk5rwmTzDWM1MEzbzy3FMSk2YcsCXpiICr3iZ5Nyul5o5bbclB3z8P_27mwxgWH7v28kwoIWe0ELwM/s320/Bob-Warden-s-Slow-Food-Fast-Warden-Bob-9780984188710.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Ingredients</b>:<br />-2 Tbsp olive oil<br />-2 lbs sweet or mild Italian sausage <i>(I used turkey Italian sausage)</i><br />-2 teaspoons minced garlic<br />-2 white onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced in 1/2 inch wide strips<br />-1 c. green bell pepper, cored and sliced in 1/2 inch wide strips<br />-1 c. red bell pepper, cored and sliced in 1/2 inch wide strips<br />-1/2 c. dry white wine <i>(didn't have this so I used chicken broth)</i><br />-1 c. water<br />-1 tsp Italian seasoning<br />-1/2 tsp salt<br />-1/2 tsp ground black pepper<br />-6 Hoagie Rolls<br />-Provolone Cheese<br /><br /><b>Directions</b>:<br />1. Add the oil to the pressure cooker and heat on high or "brown" with the lid off.<br /><br />2. Add sausages and saute until well browned on two sides.<br /><br />3. Add the garlic and about 1/4 of the onions and saute together for another minute.<br /><br />4. Add the remaining ingredients, securely lock on the pressure cooker's lid, set the cooker to high and cook for 10 minutes.<br /><br />5. Perform a quick release to release the cooker's pressure.  Safely remove lid and serve with a slotted spoon into Hoagie rolls.  Top with provolone cheese.<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/AVvXsEidVDTMySe9hiNardAAnzPcF8stve9y0z7sBBOCYEG8ePcl_rRmSjxXRmT-EnsWXaREgqfw9KYHwreJRz08mOvy_cLR5WpZ1vMfNV-Ofoe6jGwOhX-oa3pxL9KO6q-C8eQm0ZpEmlBusto/s1600/sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVDTMySe9hiNardAAnzPcF8stve9y0z7sBBOCYEG8ePcl_rRmSjxXRmT-EnsWXaREgqfw9KYHwreJRz08mOvy_cLR5WpZ1vMfNV-Ofoe6jGwOhX-oa3pxL9KO6q-C8eQm0ZpEmlBusto/s320/sausage.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't eat onions & peppers :) but it was SOO delicious!</td></tr></tbody></table>

Weight Watcher Recipes Slow Food Fast: Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onion Hoagies

Yesterday I posted about my goal of cooking my way through ALL of my cookbooks .  I thought better about posting these recipes under my &quo...

Read more »