Happy Friday eve all!!  A few years ago I did a post about How to Make the Perfect Hard Boiled Egg.  It’s ok, you can laugh at my awesome first year blogging photography in that post too ~ we all have to start somewhere, right?! LOL  I even posted this super cool video to show you how to peel hard boiled eggs without peeling the shell.  It’s always fun to visit posts from the past especially when they crack me up like this one.

While I can say I’ve NEVER actually tried the trick in the video, that post made all the difference in how I feel about hard boiled eggs.  As much as I LOVE Hard Boiled Eggs, I used to avoid making hard boiled eggs because I could NEVER peel them and I would get so frustrated I’d just end up throwing out all my practically peeled eggs and shells.  What can I say, I am an instant gratification person in every way and I hate it when the egg shell steals practically all your egg white while you try to peel it.

I am revisiting this post because it is one of the questions I get asked all the time.  How do you make your hard boiled eggs so perfect?  Well my friends, here is my not so big anymore secret!

If you follow this exact procedure, you will turn out with perfect hard boiled eggs and no shell attached every single time! 

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT HARD BOILED EGG!!!

INSTRUCTIONS: (Print it!)

1. Cover the eggs with water ~ 2 inches to cover the eggs. Allow eggs to have a little room to move.

2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda  over the eggs. (this is the trick I learned from the video & it absolutely works!)

3. Bring the eggs to a gradual boil over medium high heat.

4. Once boiling, cover, removing from heat and set your timer for 15 minutes.

5. When the timer goes off, cool the eggs by running cold water over the eggs.

6.  To peel the eggs, crack at the wide end on the soft spot (where there is usually a hole) then, tap the egg on the counter all around.  Slowly peel from the soft spot all around the egg.

7.  Run your egg under cool water as you peel it if you are having trouble with the shell sticking.

You all totally get bonus points if you can do it like he does in the video by holding the egg in your hand and blow vigorously into the narrow end of the egg, which will expel the egg out of it’s shell.

STEP – BY – STEP

The “Secret” Ingredient ~ Baking Soda!

Place your eggs in a sauce pan, cover with cool water until all the eggs are covered, about 2-3 inches. 

Sprinkle the eggs with 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Then, bring to a gradual boil over medium high heat.  Once the eggs are boiling, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

Rinse in cold water and let stand for a few minutes to cool before peeling.

Start by tapping the wide end of the shell in the “soft spot” and then gently tap the shell on the counter.

I usually peel mine over the pan using the lid for the shells and the extra water in the pan as needed to help with peeling.

Store in an air tight container for up to 1 week for the perfect 2 points+ Simply Filling Snack!

Tadah!!! It really is THAT easy and I really have made a batch of hard boiled eggs almost every week this exact same way for over 3 years now.  It is the perfect way to use up the rest of a carton and to use your eggs for a snack, egg salad sandwiches, potato salad and more!

Q’s

How do you use your hard boiled eggs?  I can never have enough ideas or ways to eat the incredible, edible, egg. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist since it reminded me of the commercial)

I am almost starting to feel normal again and over this awful cold!  I hope to be back tomorrow with a normal daily that doesn’t involve soup!

Night all!

Pizza is honestly probably one of my FAVORITE Food Groups of all time ~ for all those out there who LOVE pizza like I do, you will also agree it’s a food group lol.  This breakfast pizza is not just any breakfast pizza ~ it is packed with everything you “NEED” to start your day off on a healthy note ~ Homemade Pesto, Sweet Tomato Slices, Cheddar & Chive Scrambled Eggs, Sausage & Bacon!

The homemade pesto adds a delicious garlicky basil flavor that compliments the sweet tomatoes, salty, crunchy bacon and sausage.  I think Chorizo would be amazing if you wanted to kick it up a notch and make it spicy.

BACON, SAUSAGE & EGG BREAKFAST PIZZA (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz Fresh, Pre-Made Pizza Dough (I used Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough)
• 1/4 cup pesto, homemade or store bought (recipe below)
• 2 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 5 eggs
• 2 Tbsp fat free mik
• 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chives, divided
• 3 slices center cut bacon, cooked
• 3 Jennie-O Lean Turkey Breakfast Sausages, cooked
• 2 oz low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven preheats, prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out on a pan or stone and poking it all over with holes. Pre-bake the dough for 8 minutes.

2.  Remove, top with pesto and tomato slices. Bake for 8 minutes.  While the pizza bakes, whip up your scrambled eggs and prepare your pizza toppings.

3.  Whisk together the eggs, parmesan, 1/2 the chives, milk, sea salt and pepper.  Cook in a nonstick skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium low heat, until scrambled and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

4.  Remove pizza from oven and add toppings starting with eggs and finishing with remaining chives.  Bake for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Makes 8 slices, 6 points+ each

Nutritional Information per slice calculated at caloriecount.com

STEP – BY – STEP:

Start by blending the “Secret” Ingredient in this recipe ~ Homemade Healthy Basil Pesto. 

It is honestly so easy to make, I am pretty sure you will never want to buy store bought once you make it fresh!  I LOVE using this pesto on pasta for a quick dinner, on pizzas for the “sauce”, in eggs and for my Sun Dried Tomato, Pesto Cream Cheese Spread.

HEALTHY BASIL PESTO (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2 cups fresh basil leaves (1 bunch)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or 1 bouillon cube with 1/4 cup water
• 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Blanch 1 – 2 cups of basil leaves. (To blanch – add to boiling water for 1-2 minutes and remove. Drain and run under cold water.) Set aside.

2) Add 1 chicken or vegetable bouillon cube to ¼ c hot water. Set aside.

3) Combine in the food processor (a blender will also work): blanched basil, 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic, olive oil. Add about 1-2 teaspoons of chicken broth – (Only use the amount of chicken broth needed to blend ingredients. You will not use the entire ¼ c.)

4) Blend the ingredients in the food processor until creamy and well blended.

5) Pour blended mixture into a bowl and stir in parmesan cheese to flavor and to absorb liquid.

6) Drain excess liquid.

Makes 1 cup, 1 points+ per 1 Tablespoon

Nutritional information per Tablespoon calculated at caloriecount.com

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  While the oven preheats, prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out on a pan or stone and poking it all over with holes.

Pre-bake the dough for 8 minutes.

Remove, top with pesto and tomato slices.  Bake for 8 minutes.

While the pizza bakes, whip up your scrambled eggs.

Whisked together with sea salt, black pepper, 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chives.

When it comes to making delicious scrambles, cook your eggs slow and low.  Cook in a nonstick pan sprayed with nonstick spray over medium low heat.

Until fluffly and scrambled, but, not overcooked.

While the pizza and eggs cook, prepare the rest of your pizza toppings.

Remove the pizza from the oven and add your scrambled chive and cheese eggs.

Then, layer on the rest of your toppings finishing with the remaining chives.

Bake for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Slice into 8 pieces, serve with simple Lemon Arugula Salad and dig in!

Q’s

Have you ever made breakfast pizza?  What do you top it with?  I LOVE the idea and totally want to make more PIZZAS!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the Brunch Finale ~ Coconut Donut Holes!

Night all!

Happy Tuesday all!  I am back with the first recipe in my Eggland’s Best Brunch Recipe Series.  I will be the first to admit I have ALWAYS wanted to try to make crepes, but, honestly, I thought they seemed “too hard”.  Maybe it is all the vendors you see at Farmer’s Markets and on the Food Network using their fancy pans twirling the light and fluffy crepe batter around.  Maybe it is just that I thought how do you make such a thin pancake and flip it without tearing. 

We all know I have issues with that ~ hence, why my Chicken Enchiladas are a casserole instead of well pretty rolled up enchiladas.

The idea for this recipe came about when I started pondering what appetizers I could serve for my brunch.  I totally thought of those delicious ham and cream cheese tortilla roll ups that are filled with chives, olives, cream cheese, ham.  The only problem is I can literally eat a bunch of those thinly sliced tortillas and well that didn’t include my star ingredient ~ Eggland’s Best Eggs!

Enter Crepes!  Not just any Crepes ~ crispy and light crepes filled with all those delicious ingredients made healthy.  Lean Brown Sugar Ham, cream cheese with chives, sweet and spicy cherry peppers and a whole lotta deliciousness.

You really can mix and match any ingredients to make your favorite Crepe Roll Up’s ~ get creative and dig!

HAM & CHEESE CREPE ROLL-UPS (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 8 Light and Healthy Crepes (recipe below)
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese Or 8 Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
• 2 Tbsp fat-free milk, optional
• 1/2 cup chives, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry peppers, stems removed, diced
• sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 slices lean brown sugar ham from the deli
• 2 cups Organic Arugula

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  To make your cream cheese spreadable, use the milk to thin it by beating together cream cheese and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

2. Place 1 crepe on a flat surface.  Spread 1 rounded tablespoon of cream cheese all over the crepe.  Sprinkle with chives, cherry peppers sea salt and black pepper.  Top with 1 slice of ham and a small 1/4 cup of arugula.  Roll it tightly like a fancy burrito being careful to not tear it.

3.  Repeat the remaining crepes. Cut each crepe equally into thirds, plate and serving.

Makes 8 Ham & Cream Cheese Crepe Roll Up’s, 24 pieces, 1 points+ each

Nutritional information per piece, based on 24 roll ups calculated at caloriecount.com

The “Secret” Ingredient ~ who knew making Crepes really was THIS easy!

LIGHT & HEALTHY CREPES! (print it!)

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Mix together the dry ingredients, flour and salt, in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

2.  Whisk together milk and eggs in a small bowl. Whisk egg mixture into the flour mixture until smooth and let stand for 15 minutes.

3.  Spray an 8-inch nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium heat until drop of water sizzles in pan. Pour a 1/4 cupful of batter into the skillet, tilting pan to coat bottom completely.

4.  Cook until top is set and underside is golden brown, about 11/2 minutes. With Spatula, loosen edge of crepe and turn over. Cook until second side is slightly browned, about 25 seconds. Slide crepe onto plate.

5.  Repeat with remaining batter, lightly spraying skillet before adding more batter.

Makes 8 crepes, 1 points+ each

Nutritional information per crepe calculated at caloriecount.com

STEP – BY – STEP

Mix together your dry ingredients and set aside.

Whisk together your eggs and milk.

Slowly whisk the wet ingredients into the dry mix whisking until thoroughly combined.

Allow the batter to set up by letting it rest for 15 minutes.

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Spray with nonstick spray.  Add 1/4 cup of the crepe batter to the pan and swirl it around.

Cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the batter is set and the top is bubbly.

Flip and cook an additional 30 seconds.  Then, remove to a plate.

Repeat until all your batter is gone, you should end up with about 8 crepes.

Spread with a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese (or laughing cow cheese!) and top with chives, sea salt & pepper.

Add toppings ~ My favorite topper ~ Cherry Peppers, but, olives would be pretty amazing too.

Add your greens ~ I used arugula for the peppery bite.

Roll it tightly like a fancy burrito being careful to not tear it.

Cut each roll evenly into 3 pieces.

How awesome is it that they are 1 points+ each or 5 pieces for 5 points+!

MMMM ~ I wish we still had some of these now!

Speaking of eggs ~ Have you gotten Eggy with it and Entered to win your own Eggland’s Best Brunch Kit yet? Go enter now if you haven’t!

Q’s

How would you fill your crepes?

I have been dreaming about Bananas and Nutella ever since I made these 2 points+ Banana Nutella Won Tons.  I have a feeling the combination in crepes might just be phenomenal.  Then again, I think Biscoff would be too as well as maybe a pizza crepe (like Pizza Roll Ups!)

The options really are endless!

Night all!

I am a big fan of CHEESY BREAKFAST casseroles, especially quiches.  This recipe puts a healthy spin on a a classic Broccoli Quiche by using low fat cheeses, buttermilk (for a rich creamy buttery flavor) and whole wheat flour.  I LOVE having the crust mixed IN the quiche because it makes it dense, creamy, cheesy and crunchy with the FRESH broccoli.

My inspiration for this recipe comes from my Weight Watcher’s Slow Cook It cookbook.  I modified their Broccoli Frittata Bite recipe to make it into a crockpot broccoli and cheese quiche.

The key to making this recipe a success in the slow cooker is to remember ONE RULE ~ when it comes to eggs, cook them slow and low.  High heat tends to burn the outsides before the inside has a chance to cook.

Feel free to mix this up with any vegetable you love, just make sure you use fresh or if you use frozen, unthaw and pat dry to remove the water.

Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER BROCCOLI CHEESE QUICHE (print it!)

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 10 oz FRESH broccoli, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups 1% buttermilk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tsp of your favorite Hot Sauce, optional
• 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• Crockpot liners (recommended if your eggs tend to stick) or nonstick cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Spray a large 3-4 quart crock pot dish with nonstick spray or line with a crock pot liner and spray with nonstick spray.

2.  Heat oil in a large skillet.  Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.  Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and very soft, about 15 minutes.  Add broccoli and cooking, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are blended, about 2-3 minutes.

3.  Whisk buttermilk and eggs in a medium bowl.  Whisk in flour, baking soda, sea salt, black pepper and hot sauce just until blended.  Stir in broccoli mixture and 3/4 cup cheddar cheese until combined.

4.  Transfer mixture to slow cooker; sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the top.  Cover and cook until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 6-8 hours on low.   Crock pots do vary on temperatures so be sure to adjust the time according to your crock pot settings.

 NOTE: Using the HIGH setting does not work with this recipe as it cooks unevenly (burned on the edges and soggy in the middle)

5.  Transfer stoneware to rack and let quiche cool slightly, about 15 minutes.  Slice a butter knife around the edges to loosen.  Cut into 10 slices.  Serve warm.

Makes 10 servings, 3 points+ each or 8 servings, 4 points+ each

Nutritional information 1/8th of the recipe calculated at caloriecount.com

STEP – BY – STEP

INGREDIENT NOTE:  As part of the FoodBuzz Tastemaker program, I received a carton of Eggland’s Best Eggs to taste test.   I figured this quiche recipe would be a perfect way to “test them out”.

I am not sure that I buy into the whole adding things to your eggs, especially when your eggs are not organic.  However, if you are going to add things, why not have them be good things for you like Vitamins and Omega-3’s   I do like that they treat their chickens humanely, they are vegetarian fed with no hormones added.

I did smile when I saw that they stamped EB on each egg ~ funny, my eggs are branded.

Start off by heating your olive oil over medium heat and adding your onions to caramelize.  I LOVE caramelizing onions because it really brings out their sweetness.

After your onions are soft and caramelized, add your broccoli for a few minutes to mix the flavors.

While you veggies cook, whip up the egg part.  The Eggland’s Best eggs look like normal eggs and they taste like regular eggs too 

Add your buttermilk.

Whisk in your whole wheat flour, pepper and pink sea salt.

Plus some heat!  I LOVE pretty much every egg dish with a little hot sauce.

Stir your veggie mixture into your egg mixture.

Stir in 3/4 cup of your low-fat cheese.  I used low fat Monterey jack because it is what I had on hand.

Pour your mixture into your prepared crockpot and top with your remaining quarter cup cheese.

Cook it slow & low for 6-8 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow to cool slightly, slice a butter knife around the edges, cut and serve.

You can get really creative with this recipe by mixing it up and using different vegetables or flavored cheeses each time.  You can put this in the crock pot before bed  and wake up to a delicious breakfast that took not time at all to prepare.    Another option is to put it on a Sunday morning and enjoy it for dinner.

This is another favorite recipe from my archives that I think I just may have to make for breakfasts this week!  I am off to spend the day with my Sis and Mom getting pedicures, having lunch and going to the movies for the grand finale of my birthday week.  If I am not back tonight, I will catch up with you all tomorrow with The Husband’s first Weight Watchers Meeting and my weekly menu!

Happy Weekend!

Happy WEEKEND all!  I think it’s safe to say you all LOVE snack mix as much as I do.  I mean what is not to LOVE about, salty, crunchy, cheesy goodness!  I can’t wait to share in the FUN and host an Annie’s NEW Organic Snack Mix Giveaway for you all

Yesterday I couldn’t wait to get on the scale for weigh in.  I have to say though, despite all the things I listed in having a good week and leaving 31 of my WPA on the table uneaten, the scale showed me up .8 lbs.  I was pretty bummed but, then, I remembered all the Non-Scale Victories we talked about this past week and realized, it’s one week (maybe BlogHERFood was catching up with me) and the number on the scale does not determine my success.  It’s all the little things I did right that made my week a success and in the end, that is all that really matters.

It’s a NEW WEEK and I am going to keep on keepin’ on because I know my efforts are going to show at the scale.

Breakfast involved these Sonoma Carb Cutting Tortillas I picked up at Trader Joe’s.

I actually have avoided getting these because I would rather have corn tortillas than La Tortilla tortillas.  But, Tracey told me I had to give them a try because they really didn’t taste “diety”.

For 1 points+ each, I figured it was worth it….well that and we were out of bread LOL.

I “fried” an egg in nonstick spray with sea salt and black pepper, cooked up a Morning Star Hot & Spicy Veggie Sausage and then “fried” a tortilla in nonstick spray with 1 Tbsp REAL FULL FAT shredded pepperjack cheese.

Then, rolled it up to make a 5 minute Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Burrito.

MMMMMM ~ It honestly tastes just like a Sausage Egg McMuffin and all for 6 points+!

I had a “peeled” orange on the side.

This kept me full for 4 hours and I probably could’ve gone even longer ~ Protein Power!

I met Tracey of Tj’s Test Kitchen today for SUSHI!  Sometimes I really think we are so alike…I had been craving sushi all week and was getting ready to ask her if she wanted to go with on Friday when she sent me a message asking Like minds!

Miso Soup (2 points+)

Salad ~ I LOVE this dressing and actually pondered using it as the dipping bowl for my sushi (I could totally lick the bowl if nobody was looking ) (3 points+)

Since we ended up having a late lunch (more like afternoon linner), we ordered edamame and shared.  I think its AWESOME you get 1/2 cup edamame in their pods for only 1 points+.

This is the roll I DREAM about…..I could eat this a couple of times a week and NEVER get tired of it.

TUNA STEAK ~ Spicy Crab Meat Topped with Ahi, Avocado, Green Onions, Tobiko SRIRACHA and special sauce = LOVE!!

I estimated this based off a Spicy Tuna Roll at 1 points+ a piece.  (9 points+) 

Mid Afternoon Snackage ~ Venti Iced Coconut Dirty Latte (4 points+)

PLUS ~ CHOCOLOVE!!! Tracey has never had it and well it’s been too long since I’ve had it in my life.

We each had 3 squares for 2 points+!  I LOVE this bar because it’s creamy, crunchy, you get WHOLE almonds and you can taste the sea salt.

The Husband declared last night Date Night (another reason I never made it back to post!) and we headed out for dinner and a movie.  He actually picked Panda Express!

Everything sounded and looked so good, I kind of went a little crazy.  But, for me, this was totally worth busting into my WPA for!

String Bean Chicken & Mushroom Chicken

1/2 order of Chow Mein ~ I was going to resist but they made a fresh batch and brought it out right as I was standing there.

1/2 order of Steamed Veggies (I think she did more of a 2/3 and 1/3 lol).

Punched into their Nutrition Calculator my meal comes up to 17 points+.

After dinner we ROLLED into watch The Hangover 2.  I have to say we both agreed the first was better, but, it was still pretty funny and there definitely a few LMAO moments.

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* Call for IDEAS & CONTRIBUTORS ! check it out if you want to share with everyone!

FUN FACTS OF TODAY

* Biscoff Spread is now being sold at Whole Foods!!

* I WON A TICKET TO BLOGHERFOOD12!!!

We are off on a Road Trip today so I will see you all late tonight or tomorrow!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Thanks for all the comments on my weigh in this week on Facebook and Twitter.  I am always glad to have a loss ~ anything down is good, but, sometimes, you just think it should be more.  Thanks for helping me realize it all adds up in the end and any loss, even a .2 lb loss is a good loss!

After my meeting, I grabbed a Venti Iced Dirty Latte to sip on while I cooked breakfast. (4 point+)

I have been wanting to make these Jennie-O Taco Muffin Cups ever since I saw them on the Biggest Loser last week.  In fact, I went out and bought everything to make them the next day LOL.  They are actually pretty easy to make.

Preheat your oven to 400.

Brown up a package of Jennie-O Lean Turkey Sausage.  Did you all know these are only 1 point+ each? I was surprised by that in a good way.

Spray your muffin pan with nonstick spray and add in your tortillas.  I used 3 corn tortillas cut into 8 wedges, with 2 wedges per muffin tin.

Slice your cooked sausages in half and add 1 sausage to each muffin cup.

Top with 1 Tbsp of Salsa.  I used Trader Joe’s Serrano Salsa Fresca.

I think that the recipe calls for a bigger muffin tin than what I was using.  The recipe says to use 3 Tbsps Egg Whites, however, I only had room for 2 Tbsps per muffin cup.  I used egg beaters.

I had to bake my cups for 20 minutes to get them browned, cooked through and to where they sprang back to the touch.  (The recipe says 10 minutes.)

Top each muffin with 1 tsp of cheese.

Place pan back in the oven for 1 minute if needed to get it to melt.

MMMMMMM!  Did I mention, you can click HERE to get the recipe?!

I had 2 Muffins for 5 points+ (based on my changes).  I omitted the olives and topped them with cilantro.  They are delicious!!! Even The Husband LOVED them ~ he ate 5 and now wants the rest for breakfast tomorrow LOL.

I bought these Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage awhile back when I saw them in the Fearless Flyer.

I totally checked the points+ when I was at the store to see if they were worth it.  I was skeptical that 1/3 of the package would fill me up for 6 points+.

So, I decided to BOOST the serving by adding a whole bag of these Carrots Rustica.

I envisioned them getting coated with the sage butter sauce!

I portioned everything out into 3 containers for 6 points+ each.  I definitely would NOT recommend the stove top cooking directions because it got mushy. Next time I would microwave it and mix it all together.  Delicious!

Rounded out with a side of orange slices.

The Husband and I continued our Words with Friends Scrabble battle this afternoon since it was a rainy day.  I “broke” for a snack mid afternoon with some Peanut Butter Goodies ~ 2 for 4 points+.

30 minutes later, I was STILL hungry so I picked a 0 point+ banana to snack on.

I have been wanting to make Shannon’s Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage Lasagna ever since I saw her post the RECIPE on Friends for Weight Loss. I think it was the fact that she used BACON and CHEESE that kept me thinking about it all week.

When I started to put the recipe together, I realized I didn’t have any jarred pasta sauce.  So, I improvised and made Mary’s Turkey Merlot Sauce.

I pretty much followed her recipe except I used 96% lean ground beef, 1/2 lb lean turkey sausage and added some more spices (Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes).  I actually FORGOT the bacon LOL.

New Product FIND!!! I was super excited that Trader Joe’s now has FAT FREE Ricotta.  They usually only carry full fat ricotta so I bought this before I even knew what recipe I’d used it in.

My “cheese” filling included the fat free ricotta, 3/4 cup finely shredded part skim mozzarella, 1/4 cup chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt and black pepper.

TJ’s No Cook Lasagna Noodles ~ I LOVE these!  You actually can use regular noodles in this recipe since they cook all day in the slow cooker.

Layer it up and cook on low for 5 hours.

WOW!!! 1/6th of the pan for 13 points+ and worth every bite.  I LOVE layers of cheese and noodles and cheese and noodles

Since I didn’t quite follow the recipe, here is the low down of what is in the pot!

INGREDIENTS

Sauce

• 1/2 lb uncooked lean ground turkey sausage (you can do sweet or hot)
• 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 clove garlic clove, minced
• 28 oz cans whole peeled tomatoes in juice
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes with basil
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 cup merlot wine
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Sea salt & Black Pepper to Taste

Lasagna

• 1 3/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese
• 1 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheeses, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 9  dry lasagna noodles
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

3 point+ Alexia Garlic Bread on the side!

The folks over at Wish Bone know I eat a lot of salads and sent along their newest flavors for me to try.  I started off tonight with the Bruschetta Italian.

Tomato+Basil Italian at only 1 points+ per tablespoon!

I used 1 Tbsp on my simple salad and liked how I could taste the tomato ~ it has a sun dried tomato flavor and is on the sweeter side of Italians.

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* New Tip of the Week & Guest Recipe ~ check them out at the bottom of the page!

* This week’s Challenge ~ What MOTIVATES you?

HERE IS WHAT IS ON THE MENU THIS WEEK

* BLTA’s

* BBQ Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes & Grilled Romaine Salad

* Cheesy Mini Meatloaves, grilled asparagus

* Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos

DESSERT ~ CEiMB ~ Banana Splits with pineapple brown sugar topping

I really want to try this Cauliflower Pizza Crust but The Husband told me no more funny things with cauliflower

Q’s

What is on your menu this week? Are you trying any new recipes or foods?

Only two new things this week for me, but, that will probably change when I see your menus.  I have a feeling my menu will change as the week goes on since nothing really sounded good when I planned it out.

Night all!

Happy Monday all!  I took complete advantage of having the day off work and had a totally productive day.  I cooked and cooked and tried to not eat everything in site as I did our taxes.

I managed to cook 5 different things ~ 2 flops, 3 awesome recipes and umm, I took 180 pictures…OMG!  Note to self, it takes longer to sort through than many pictures than it does to cook the recipes…learn to just set the camera down….

#1 Crustless Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

I got really excited about making this recipe when I saw that Trader Joe’s carried a reduced fat Smoked Gouda. I would’ve totally used full fat, but, figured I could save on calories/fat where ever you won’t miss them.

The other thing that really appealed to me about the recipe was that you put it all in the food processor and bake it….EASY!

The only changes I made were to use fresh spinach vs frozen, add sautéed mushrooms, crushed red pepper flakes and I used nonstick spray instead of oil in the baking dish.  Oh and I omitted the nutmeg.

It is super green and totally made me think of St. Patrick’s day.

I recalculated the stats based on 6 servings with my changes and it came up to 6 points+. 

The verdict ~ I honestly didn’t like it at all ~ it was awful.  The gouda gives it a nice “ham” taste but texture is funky.  Flop #1.  I had pineapple on the side but somehow never took a picture of it LOL.

Flop #2 was forgetting to put the baking soda in my hard boiled egg water creating not so perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs.

#2 100% Whole Wheat Banana Muffins from Roni’s Green Lite Bites Cookbook!

The recipe is so simple to make.

Simply….mix your dry ingredients.

Whisk your wet ingredients ~ 2 two “secret” ingredients that I think make this recipe extra tasty are Molasses & Almond Extract!

Stir to combine your wet and dry ingredients.

Scoop into 6 prepared muffin tins and top with oats.  I LOVE that there are not a ton I have to worry about eating or freezing.

Your house will smell incredible while you baked these HUGE muffins for 18 minutes.

I LOVE that I can have a HUGE Muffin for ONLY 4 POINTS+!  They are super moist, you can taste the banana and the almond extract gives them a flavor similar to poppyseed muffins.  I can’t wait to have more!

#3 Fire Cracker Chicken ~ Success!

Steps and my changes to the recipe (since not all the ingredients are listed LOL) coming up tomorrow.  I made this up for lunches this week and it is phenomenal!!!  Can’t wait to dig in tomorrow.

I actually made all those recipes by 10 am and decided I NEEDED to go to Trader Joe’s for the 3rd day in a row.  You see, I think I’ve told too many of you about my FAVORITE bread because it has been gone EVERY day

Lunch involved some more EGG SALAD with some new additions ~ I added BACON since Beth mentioned it last week!

The irony was that I wanted to have my sandwich on TJ’s Fat Free Multi-Grain, but, when, it came down to it, I picked The Husband’s sour dough bread LOL.

#4 Bacon Egg Salad

* 1 egg (2 points+)

* 1 Egg White (0 points+)

* 1 Tbsp LF Mayo (1 point+)

* 1 Tsp Mustard (0 points+)

* 1 Slice of Bacon, crumbled (2 points+)

* Sprinkle of scallions and crushed red pepper flakes

All on top of the best sour dough bread ever for 8 points+

Crunchy salad with 1 Tbsp TJ’s Balsamic (1 point+)

Cuties!

MMMMM……I am IN LOVE, I think….bacon always makes everything better.

I was completely satisfied all day, but, I got really “snacky” in the afternoon ~ I honestly KNOW it had more to do with doing my taxes/boredom eating than it did with hunger.

I started off with some Sour Cream & Onion Pop Chips in a single serving bag.

3 points+ and total portion control.  If I had a big bag, I am pretty sure I would’ve had it next to me as I worked away.

Then, I thought, hmmm, maybe, I NEED something sweet now.  No, I totally didn’t NEED it, but, I WANTED it.  2 more FANTASTIC cookies (4 points+)

I finally took a post it note that said “I DON’T EAT FOOD SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS THERE” and put it on our pantry.  It stopped me from going back

The Husband requested homemade mac & cheese (with hot links) for dinner to help his “cold”.  I figured this gave me the perfect opportunity to try Shannon’s recipe.

#5 Low-Fat Super Cheesy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

The “SECRET” ingredient ~ CAULIFLOWER!

“Steam’ the cauliflower in boiling water for 2 minutes (while your husband showers so he doesn’t know   Remove, then, add your pasta and cook according the packaged directions.

Meanwhile….sautéed the onions and garlic in nonstick spray until softened.

Create your “rue” with flour and butter.

Add 2 cups of skim milk and bring to a simmer, about 10 minutes.

Add half your cheese, sea salt and black pepper.  I added a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little heat.

Add your cooked pasta and cauliflower.  I actually doubled the pasta in the recipe and used 1 cup of pasta because I wanted more noodles.

Pour your super cheesy mixture into a prepared 11 x 7 pan.  Top with remaining cheese.

Sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs.  I used 1/2 panko and 1/2 Italian breadcrumbs because it is what I had on hand.

Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.

Cut into 6 slices and dig in!  Each serving is 6 points+. 

I LOVED it ~ it really is super cheesy and the bread crumbs on top add a nice, crunchy buttery-ness.  The Husband said I tried to trick him by using cauliflower, but, he ate two servings so I think he liked it.  He just won’t admit it because it’s good for him

NEW OVER AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

* Check out these delicious looking 2 Point+ Low-Fat Banana Bread Cookies!

* Tomorrow is the last day to enter to WIN the Green Lite Bites Cookbook!

If you missed out on winning Annie’s new 1 point+ dressings, I am hosting another giveaway this week ~ GO HERE to ENTER NOW!

Q’s

What is your favorite way to make your eggs?

Obviously I LOVE my eggwiches, but, I am really digging egg salad lately.  Omelets are my next favorite then there is deviled eggs too.

Night all!

Happy Friday Eve Everyone!!! I cannot wait for the weekend to begin because we have a THREE DAY WEEKEND!  But, I am not counting the hours or anything

Thanks for sharing your ideas for getting out of a food rut on yesterday’s post and for understanding that sometimes you just get “cookers block” LOL.  I am slowly making my way back to the kitchen and today’s eats were actually “fun” again for me.

Awhile back the peeps over at Weight Watchers sent me some coupons and asked me to review their newest breakfasts and desserts. 

The French Toast with Turkey Sausage totally appealed to my sweet/savory side and I like that they are boosting the protein content.

I still don’t totally love their ingredient list, but, it is getting better and I can almost recognize everything in the box.

7 points+ for everything in the box!

I ALWAYS add fruit and/or vegetables to any frozen meal because it helps it stick with me longer and feel like I am getting more.

I actually LOVED the flavor of the maple syrup and the turkey sausage.  The french toast is dense, but, in a filling kind of way.

Would you all believe me if I told you I’ve NEVER EVER made EGG SALAD before today? 

I’ve eaten it plenty of times, but, I’ve never actually made it.

I have been craving it ever since we helped my parents out last weekend and my mom made it for my dad.

I pondered adding celery and red bell pepper, but, figured since it was my FIRST time making it, I’d keep it plain and simple

INGREDIENTS

3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

2 Tbsp Reduced Calorie Mayonnaise

1 tsp regular mustard

Freshly ground Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Mush together in a bowl with a fork.

Makes 2 servings, 4 points+ each

I topped two slices of Trader Joe’s Fat Free Multi-Grain Bread with 1/2 the egg salad mix and crushed red pepper flakes (7 points+)

Cut in half diagonally!  I actually pondered little triangles but thought it would be too messy.

I added 3 types of CRUNCH to go with my sandwich.

Spicy Peanut Broccoli Slaw (Broccoli Slaw topped with 1 Tbsp TJ’s Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette) ~ 1 point+

10 Salt and Pepper PopChips! (ONLY 1 Point+, if you have 11, it jumps to 2)

Sweet Peppers for color

I was completely STUFFED after all of this and totally want to have it all over again.  But, The Husband asked to have it for his lunch tomorrow so I guess I had to share….lol.

My co-workers all decided today was an afternoon coffee type of day.  Not being one to miss out and needing a little dairy in my day, I had my 2nd favorite type of drink.

No fancy name for this one though….Just a tall nonfat decaf latte with caramel drizzle on top (2 points+)

I LOVE the caramel drizzled on top of the foam because it makes it like a marshmallow!

I kept my promise tonight when I got come and I DID YOGA!!!  I did the 20 Minute FREE Gentle Hatha Yoga from YogaDownload.com.  I honestly really needed it to clear my head and help me let go of the stress in my day.

Dinner tonight was simple, delicious and fast!  I didn’t let the rain stop me from grilling.  I honestly think if we lived in snow, I’d totally dig out the grill just to not have another dish to wash

I grilled up some lean boneless pork ribs in Gayle’s Sweet n Sassy Apple Cider Smoked BBQ Sauce. (3 oz = 3 points+)

As much as I LOVE my real Potatoes Au Gratin, I CRAVE the kind you get in a box.

I LOVE that Trader Joe’s makes a mix that I can recognize all the ingredients.

3 points+ for 1/6th when prepared with FF milk and butter.

MMMMMM…..LOVE!!! Salty, creamy, cheesy, good!

Simple side #2 ~ Green Giant Steamers.

Just like it should be ~ ONLY Green Beans.

Can you believe The Husband and I split the entire package?  After steaming I topped with 1 Tbsp Whipped butter, garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper (1 point+)

7 Points+ for all of this and it was so easy to make.

I ended the night with 1 Biscoff Cookie….then a Tbsp of my Biscoff Spread (3 points+)

I am participating in this month’s Fabulous Foodie Friday over at Recipe Lion!  This month’s theme is Winter Warm Up Meals ~ Click HERE to check out all the great recipes!

NEW AT FRIENDS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

*WIN THE GREEN LITE BITES COOKBOOK!

* MOVE MORE with these FREE Workouts Online!

Q’s

Would you pick Chips or Cookies??

I am definitely a salty, crunchy person and would pick chips any day over cookies.  However, that being said, put a Biscoff Cookie up there and I’d probably take the cookie

Just one day left ~ Night all!

HAPPY WEEEKEND EVERYONE!!!  One of my FAVORITE readers asked me how I get my “egg whites” fluffy so I figured it would be a good time to do an Egg White Fluffy Tutorial…..they are so simple to make, protein packed and just 1 Points+

I like using Trader Joe’s 100% Liquid Egg Whites because I NEVER know what to do with all those yolks.

The COOLEST part of egg whites ~ 1/3 cup = 1 points+ and they are made with ONLY egg whites..

I start off by spraying a small ramekin dish with nonstick spray.

Measure out your 1/3 cup egg whites, add sea salt, black pepper and HOT SAUCE.

Depending on the power of your microwave, cook for 1 – 1 /12 minutes until cooked through and there is nothing slimy on top.  The microwave I used is 1,000 watts and I cook it for 1 minute, 15 seconds.

Place your plate on top and flip ~ Tadah!!! Instant poofy protein packed Egg White Fluffy.

Whenever you have eggs, you should have BACON!  Trader Joe’s 97% FF Turkey Bacon that is (2 Points+).  I added an orange (instead of juice) on the side. 

Can you believe my ENTIRE breakfast clocked in at only 3 points+ and kept me full for 4 hours?! Awesome!

Do you ever think that something will look super cool in your head, until you “pile it on a plate” and take a picture?

Ummm, that was today and I was so tired, I didn’t care…you all will understand. LOL

All I wanted for lunch was snacks so that is exactly what I had.

Trader Joe’s Social Crackers (8 for 3 points+)

TJ’s Sharp Cheddar Squares (4 for 4 points+)

Fruit Salad….Banana and cuties = ZERO!!!!

Then, I thought this Artichoke Jalapeno dip sounded good with carrots, but, it really wasn’t good at all.  I ate the carrots and left the dip saving myself 2 points+.

Life is too short to waste your points+ on foods that don’t taste good.

I had planned on cooking dinner for us tonight when we ended up having to help some friends out with moving their cars between towns.  On the way back, we stopped to have a “fiesta” at Vasquez Deli (my 2nd favorite Mexican Food Place).

The thing I LOVE the MOST about their tacos is their homemade tortillas.  I could probably just have them plop a stack of those in front of me and be content

I actually branched out from my usual Chicken Tacos and had 2 beef tacos for 12 points+.

We are hosting our VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY EVER on Friends for Weight Loss!  So, if you want to score some Weight Watchers loot, or more importantly, the COOLEST SERVING SPOONS EVER…head on over there now and enter!

I LOVED reading all of your favorite things to do on the weekend….I found myself nodding my head yes as I read them all.  I think overall ~ sleeping in and not having a schedule to go by wins! 

Q’s

Since it’s the weekend ~ If you were to win the $50 million in the LOTTO tomorrow, what is the FIRST thing you would do?

I’d like to think I’d be responsible you know and pay off our house, but, part of me would probably be inclined to say I’d book my next vacation and be on a plane travelling the next day ~ just sayin’!

Let the BIRTHDAY countdown begin

Night all!

Happy Saturday all!  You all are seriously AWESOME!  I LOVE reading all the “cool” places you want to sport your Danica’s Daily T-Shirts.  I am thinking the winners totally need to send pictures to show us their cool place they wore theirs ~ what do you think?

This morning started with a quick trip to my local Weight Watcher’s Meeting, not for my weigh in, but, to pick up a Deluxe Kit for one of my friends.  I have been checking ever since they sold out in November.  I am so excited that they are FINALLY back in stock, but, they are going FAST so if you want one, go to your local Weight Watcher’s location before they sell out.

It is FREEZING here today (I know, not technically, it’s only in the 40’s, but, that’s cold for California).  I wanted something WARM for breakfast.

I started off with an Orowheat Double Fiber English Muffin topped with ICBINB spray (3 PP)

Then, I added a “fried” egg (2 PP).

One Morning Star Veggie Sausage Patty (2 PP)

MMMMM ~ I am totally adding that melted Buffalo Wing Cheese NEXT time for the complete Sausage Egg CHEESE McMuffin.

Slice DIAGONALLY in half ~ and yes, it totally counts as diagonal on ROUND sandwiches!

Dig in!  Not too shabby for  7 points+ when a regular Sausage Egg McMuffin is 12 points+.

I spent the morning and a good chunk of the afternoon working on Friends For Weight Loss trying to fix our groups.  The Husband was nice and brought me a Dirty Latte~4 PP (probably because of the words coming out of my mouth ~ I kid LOL).  I wish I knew techie stuff more….Luckily Zesty Cook is helping out now so the fix should happen soon!

Working Lunch ~ I really wanted more leftover Crockpot Split Pea Soup but The Husband convinced me it was time to put down the bowl of green Soup and venture out

Subway Turkey Avocado on 9-Grain Honey Oat (8 PP)

Pop Chip LOVING! My friends over at PopChips know I am slightly addicted to their crunchy snacks so they made sure we were included on their Christmas list <3!

No better time than the “present” to dig in!  I pretty much LOVE every flavor, but, I think BBQ tops the charts.

They only went up by ONE points+ from 2 to 3.  Note, you actually can get 20 for 3 points+.

FREE POINTS+ AFTERNOON SNACKAGE

We had a “date” tonight with our niece.  We let her pick to go out to eat or have me cook and to go to a movie.  She ALWAYS picks eating out LOL ~  Chevy’s Fresh Mex.

I honestly could probably just take and hoard this entire basket of chips and salsa and call it good.  But, I refrained, portioned out 12 chips on my napkin and broke them into pieces as I ate them so they lasted until our food game. (4 pp for the chips and the salsa is FREE)

I picked the Grilled Fajita Salad Tossed Table Side ~ “Sizzling Grilled shrimp, greens, roasted poblano peppers and onions, cojita and jack cheese, PEPITA seeds, AVOCADO, pico de gallo, tortilla strips”

The nutritional information on their site includes their full fat dressing which I didn’t use.  So, I am estimating my points+ based on the ingredients in the salad. (10 points+)

My dressing ~ Ummmm, an entire container of salsa (0 points+)

The movie we watched was Gulliver’s Travel’s….It’s actually pretty funny, corny and kid like, but, fun nonetheless.

Q’s

Do you cut your sandwiches in half?  If so, what direction?

I pretty much ALWAYS cut my sandwiches in half because it “feels” like more when you get to pick up two pieces.  Oh and I am TOTALLY a diagonal person all the way ~ It makes your sandwich taste better.

Night all!