Egg, Bacon, and Cheese Muffins

I am a huge fan of breakfasts that I can prepare ahead of time.  These Egg, Bacon and Cheese "Muffins" are perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Yields:  12 Muffins

Serving: 1 Muffin

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  4 points

Calories:  114

Ingredients:

12 Eggs

3 Slices of Bacon

1 1/2 cups of Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 Green Onion

Cooking Spray

Directions:

Preheat the over to 375.

Cook bacon until crispy.

Once bacon is cooked remove from skillet and use a paper towel to eliminate the grease.  

Chop bacon and place in a bowl.

Add eggs and green onions and stir until well mixed.

Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.

Fill each muffin tin with the egg mixture (about 1/2 cup).

Top each muffin tin with 1/8 cup of cheddar cheese.

Bake eggs for 12-15 minutes or until firm.  

Let muffins cool and serve in an airtight container.  Can heat for 30 seconds in the microwave to eat during the week.  

SkinnyTaste's Crock Pot Sesame Honey Chicken

I found that this dish is a healthy option for when you are craving Chinese food.  It is simple and really delicious.

Yields:  8 Servings

Serving Size:  2/3 Cups

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  5  *Does not include the rice

Calories:  185.5

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp onion powder
1 heaping tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 medium scallions, chopped for garnish

Directions:

For directions check out SkinnyTaste's blog.  

Instant Pot Boiled Eggs

Do you struggle with peeling your boiled eggs?  Well you will no longer have that problem if you have an instant pot.  This eggs are perfect and peel without any issues.

Ingredients:

Instant Pot

Eggs (how ever many you want to cook)

1 Cup Water

Directions:

Plug in your Instant Pot

Pour one cup water in the bottom of the stainless bowl

Place in a stainless strainer/steamer basket 

Place your desired number of eggs on top of the opened steamer basket

Put the lid on

Power on and press the MANUAL button

With the “-” button adjust it to 8 minutes on the display

Close and lock the lid and make sure the vent on top is closed

Let the Instant Pot do it’s magic and then do the quick release valve

Let cool slightly and vent completely before opening lid

Transfer eggs to fridge or allow to cool slightly before eating right away

SkinnyTaste's Slow-Cooker Banh Mi Rice Bowls

This dish by SkinnyTaste is great.  The fresh vegetables give it the prefect flavor.  When making again, I would add more sauce to the bowls although it will change the point value.

Yields:  4 Servings

Serving Size:  1 Bowl

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  8 Points

Calories:  353

Ingredients:

For the pork:

1 pound pork tenderloin

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce*
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 
  

For the pickled carrot:

• 6 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 radishes, cut into matchsticks
• 
  

For the bowls:

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup thinly sliced English cucumbers (about ½ small)
• 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Directions:

Check out SkinnyTaste for directions.

SkinnyTaste's Chicken and Asparagus Teriyaki Stir-Fry

Although this is not a slow cooker recipe, this recipe is quick and very delicious!  When I made it again I will double up on asparagus and probably serve without rice.

Yields:  4 Servings

Serving Size:  1 1/2 Cups

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  7 Points (not including the rice)

Calories:  302 

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin 

1/2 tablespoon honey

1/2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger 

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Kosher salt, to taste

1 tbsp canola or grapeseed oil, divided

12 oz asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, chopped

Directions:

Check out SkinnyTaste's website for directions.  

Skinny Mom Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This Skinny Mom Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a perfect dish for a cold day.  I love beef stroganoff and this recipe is absolutely delicious!

Yields:  8 Servings

Serving Size:  1 1/2 Heaping Cups

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  7 Points

Calories:  323

Ingredients:

1½ pounds lean stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 (8-ounce) containers baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 (10.5-ounce) can Campbell’s® Healthy Request® Condensed cream of mushroom Soup

1 small onion, diced

¾ cup low-sodium beef broth (I like Pacific® Organic)

2 tablespoons cooking sherry or low-sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces whole grain egg noodles, dry

1 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Place the meat, mushrooms, mushroom soup, onion, beef broth, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker and stir together.

Cook on high for 3 hours or low heat for 6 hours. About 30 minutes before cooking time is up, cook bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles to al dente according to package directions.

Drain the noodles and add to the slow cooker along with the yogurt. Stir to combine and heat through on low heat before serving.

Serve garnished with the parsley.

SkinnyTaste's Instant Pot Easy Salsa Chicken

So I am behind the times and just got an Instant Pot.  Let me say, I wish I had bought it a long time ago.  I have only made 2 recipes but love it so far.  So be prepared for a lot of instant pot recipes.  The first recipe I made was SkinnyTaste's Instant Pot Easy Salsa Chicken.  This recipe was super easy and so delicious.  

Yields:  5 Servings

Serving Size:  1/2 Cup

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  2

Calories:  135

Ingredients:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon cumin

black pepper, to taste

pinch oregano

1 cup chunky salsa

Directions:

Check out SkinnyTaste's Blog for the directions.

What is your favorite Instant Pot Recipe?

Healthier Slow Cooker Potato Soup

A long time ago I saw a potato soup recipe shared on Facebook.  After looking at the recipe, I knew I could make it a little healthier.

Yield: 6 Servings

Serving Size: 2 Cups

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  9

Ingredients:

30 ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns

3 - 14 ounce cans of chicken broth

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 onion chopped

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1 package (8 ounces) of fat free cream cheese

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the cream cheese in your slow cooker.

Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat.

About 1 hour before serving add cream cheese and keep heated until thoroughly melted.

You can top with green onions and cheddar cheese.  Note the cheese will change the points values.

Emily Bites' Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Here is another tasty slow cooker recipe.  Emily Bites' Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is tasty and still very healthy.  It gives you the delicious taste of Thai food without all the calories.  

Yields:  9 Servings 

Servings Size:  1/2 cup

Weight Watchers Smart Points:  5 

Calories:  205

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

3/4 cup of PB2 powered peanut butter

6 tablespoons water

1/2 cup Trop 50 orange juice

1/4 cup orange marmalade

1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (I used rice wine vinegar instead)

1 garlic clove, minced 

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 

3/4 cup canned lite coconut milk 

Directions:

Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.

In a large bowl combine the PB2 and water and stir until creamy.  Add the remainder of the ingredients and stir well combined.  

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker to cover the chicken.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.

Remove the chicken to a plate or cutting board and shred with two forks (it should fall apart).  

Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.  Continue to cook on low for another 5-10 minutes without the lid and then serve.  

Going forward I would top with bean sprouts, cilantro, and dry roasted peanuts.  The dry roasted peanuts would change the smart points and calories.  

Skinny Taste's Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

Right now I am obsessed with making recipes that use my slow cooker.  My baby's nap schedule still is a little questionable so recipes that require the least amount of work is perfect for my family.  That's where my slow cooker comes in.  Last week, I tried Skinny Taste's Slow Cooker Beef Tacos.  The recipe was a huge hit at our house and I will be making again.  I did use a little more cumin than the recipe called for (but I love cumin).   I also used soft tacos instead.  

Yields:  8 Servings 

Serving Size:  2 Tacos

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  9

Calories:  383

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds 93% lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 16 corn taco shells

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced

Directions:

Check out Skinny Taste for the step by step directions.

Three Healthy Holiday Cookies

As much as I love the holidays I don't love that my waist line grows during this time.  Since I am trying to stay on track as best I can, I decided to try three healthy cookie recipes this season.

The first is a healthy take on my favorite Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe.

Yields 18 cookies

Serving Size:  1 Cookie

Weight Watcher Smart Points:  5 

Ingredients:

1 Cup Reduced Fat Peanut Butter 

1 Cup Sugar (You can use a Sugar Substitute to Reduce Smart Points)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

1 egg 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the racks in the upper and lower third of the oven.

In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, vanilla and egg until well combined.  Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture about 1 inch apart onto non-greased baking sheets.

Flatten the mounts with the tines of fork, making a crosshatch pattern on the cookies.  

Bake until golden around the edges, about 10 minutes.  Transfer to racks to cool.  Repeat with remaining dough.  

Pizzelle Cookie Cannolis

Yields 8 Cannolis 

Serving Size:  1 Cannolis

Weight Watchers Smart Points:  4

Ingredients:

18 Tbsp part-skim ricotta cheese

1/2 cups lite whipped topping

3 Tbsp powdered sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla extract 

1/4 tsp orange zest, finely grated 

3/4 oz 60-90% dark chocolate, finely chopped 

8 item(s) vanilla pizzella (3-4")

Directions:

Line a mesh strainer with a paper coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth, set over a small bowl.  Add ricotta; cover with plastic wrap and top with a heavy can.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour to drain.  

In another small bowl, combine drained ricotta, whipped topping, sugar, vanilla and orange zest; fold in chocolate and set aside. 

Microwave cookies, one at a time, on a paper plate for 20-30 seconds.  Immediately remove warm cookie and wrap around a utensil handle (such as a peeler) to form a shell (or carefully shape shells with your hands).  Let cool; repeat with remaining cookies.

Spoon or pipe 2 Tbsp filling into each cookie shell; serve immediately. 

Simple Nourished Living Healthy Chocolate Almond Coconut Truffles 

Yields 28 Truffles 

Serving Size:  1 Truffle 

Weight Watchers Smart Points:  2 

Ingredients:

2/3 cup avocado, whipped (about 1 large)

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweeteened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract 

2/3 cup milk chocolate chips 

1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes 

Directions:

Blend the avocado in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Add in cocoa powder, vanilla, and almond extract and continue processing until thoroughly combined.

In a medium microwave safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in 30 second increments until melted.  Stir well to ensure all chips are melted and chocolate smooth.

Stir avocado mixture into the melted chocolate until well mixed.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  

When you're ready to roll truffles, add sweetened coconut flakes to a shallow bowl.

Roll rounded teaspoon of chocolate mixture into a small ball and roll in coconut to coat evenly.

Store chocolate truffles in refrigerator until ready to serve.  

What is your favorite healthy dessert recipe?

Eating Healthy at Holiday Parties

Source

Since we have wrapped up Thanksgiving, I thought I would give some tips for eating healthy at holiday parties.  December is full of parties so here are some tips to stay on track.

1.  Eat before you go.  If you aren’t hungry when you get there you’ll be less likely to graze and over eat.

2.  Be the last in line.  The buffet or appetizer able looks great when you’re the first person to eat, but once a large amount of people have go through the line the food looks less appetizing. 

3.  Remember holiday drinks are full of calories.  Mix two ounces of wine with club soda, a little cranberry juice and lime juice for a wine spritzer.  Egg Nogg has 350 calories for one cup, a cup of vodka on the rocks is 96 calories and a glass of wine has 100 calories.

4.  Avoid stretchy clothes.  You want to feel when you are out of control.  If you wear clothes that are snug and doesn’t stretch then you will know if you are over eating. 

5.  Use a salad plate or appetizer plate and make it a rule not to stack food on top of each other. 

6.  Bring gum.  If you have had an appropriate serving of food start chewing gum.  It will help you to avoid picking at the food table.

7.  Stand more than an arm’s length away from munchies like a bowl of nuts or chips while you chat so you’re not tempted to raise your hand to your mouth every few seconds.

8.  Bring your own healthy dish.  If you bring a healthy dish you will have a sure fire way to at least eat one healthy item.

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