Lettuce Wrap Stir-fry

I started out thinking I'd make lettuce wraps (my copy-cat PF Chang's recipe) but then I just started changing things and it turned out as a stirfry with crispy lettuce on top to still give it the feel. Here's the list of ingredients I used: only 5 points (not including the rice).

chopped green onions

minced garlic

chopped mushrooms

chopped cooked chicken (I used canned, but just 'cause I was lazy)

chopped water chestnuts

julienned carrots

pineapple

Stir-fry everything but chicken (if it's pre-cooked) and pineapple in a small amount of oil until a bit tender. Add chicken and pineapple and 2-3 T. Kraft Asian toasted Sesame light dressing -- toss and serve over rice with chopped lettuce. We topped with the special sauce that we put on lettuce wraps to give it a flavor-boost and some extra heat. If you don't know that recipe let me know and I'll post it but I think anyone who reads this already knows.

Katie's Crock pot Taco Chicken

I got this recipe from Katie a couple years ago and she's always raved about how good it is and I always want to try it, but never have. . . until now. . .

. . . mmmmm -- it was so yum and super easy. I will definately add this to my regular menu. We had it over salad with sweet lime rice and beans on the side (or on the top in this, Ryan's plate).

Chicken for Taco Salad (Crock Pot)

4 chicken breasts
1 pkg. taco seasoning
2 c. salsa
¼ c. fat-free sour cream

Coat crock pot with nonstick spray; add chicken and sprinkle with seasoning. Cover with salsa and cook 6 hours on low. Shred chicken and add sour cream. Serve in taco salad, in tortillas, or over rice.

Servings: 4
POINTS per serving: 3

Fresh Berry Trifle

For some reason, fruit was on sale this week - so I HAD to make some fun use of it. I made my first (box) Angel Food Cake which was soooo easy -- and threw it together with some sugar free French Vanilla pudding, some leftover sugarfree strawberry jello, fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries to come up with this pretty little thing:

Avery was so happy for this fun treat and it reminded me of warmer weather (which is not now.)

and if you care: this huge serving was only 5 points.

Chicken Minestrone

I got this recipe out of a Taste of Home cookbook that Ry got me for Christmas -- it's way simple and fast, and super tasty and filling! Only 2, maybe 3 points per serving too.

Start with a Minestrone Soup Mix (I used Bear Creek - 9.3 oz)

Follow instructions on packet, , ,

while that's simmering, sautee in 1 T. Canola oil:

1 cubed chicken breast

1 cup sliced mushrooms

when chicken is no longer pink, add to the pot

also add a quartered, sliced small-med zucchini

If you want -- you can add shredded fresh parmesan and homemade croutons -- but I didn't and it was pretty darn satisfying

Chicken Curry

Ryan wanted to have a taste of Japan on a weeknight in Provo, and it's actually lasted for several weeknights, since he made enough for a small army. It's really good, though probably not all that healthy -- but he was so pleased when I let him rule in the kitchen (since this is his expertise) and sooo happy because the memories of the mission flooded back. I told mom about it and she wanted me to post the recipe -- so I'll post as much of it as we (HE) did.

Ingredients

1 pouch (well 2 in this case) asian-store boughten curry mix

2 chicken breast(s)

2 onions, chopped

-sautee this

meanwhile:

boil in however much water it calls for:

peeled and chopped bite-size potatoes

sliced carrots - (we used pre-julianned carrots)

then you add 'em all together in one big pot until it heats to a thickened state.

serve over rice -- Ryan plated this -- he says this is the only way to eat it, otherwise it doesn't taste the same

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

The Holidays are through and I went to WW and I am now again, motivated. (or at least that's what I'm telling myself). So, without further ado (adoo? adu?? adueiue???): TODAYS BREAKFAST

Ingredients:

Fresh Pineapple

Fresh Blueberries

(Fresh) Banana slices

FF - low cal vanilla yogurt

some light granola to sprinkle on top.

MMMMmmmm

(I loved the combo of the citrus and the sweet banana. I think those Hawaiians are onto something...)

Chili Cheese Fries

So you think of the combination of the words - Chili -Cheese - Fries - and automatically you think high-fat, greasy, heart-burn grossness. Oh contraire! (well, if you do it right) If you care - the chili fries were 7 points and this whole meal was only 8! (which is good, if you don't know.)

Instructions:

Slice a potato into steak fry size pieces

Toss in 1 t. olive or canola oil

sprinkle with favorite seasoning (can use Johnny's or I used a bbq flavor rub)

Bake at 425 for 15 - 20 min or desired cripsiness

Top with:

Ranch Beans (or a low-fat turkey chili)

grated cheese (easy on this...)

fat free sour cream

Ryan ate his all up, had seconds and then requested we have this again, SOON! so I guess that's a success. PS - I had already eaten a few bites before I remembered to take a picture -- so the portions are even bigger!