might as well be apple pie

This is my new favorite flavor of Chobani. Sprinkle a little granola on the top and it might as well be dessert. mmmmmmm.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's the new year! Time to resolve to eat better -- but I still need a treat to wean myself off the holiday sugar fix I was beginning to get used to. This is a Weight Watchers recipe and at 1 points plus per cookie they're pretty darn good.
2 T salted butter (softened)

2 t canola oil

1/2 c packed dark brown sugar

1 t vanilla

1/8 t salt

1 large egg white

3/4 c flour

1/4 t baking soda

3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 c)

drop 1/2 teaspoons on cookie sheet and bake 4-6 min at 375. Makes 48 cookies (1 PointsPlus value per cookie)

mojito lime chicken

I've been wanting to try the McCormick seasoning packets (every one) since the first time I tried one was at a friend's BBQ - and it was yummy. Adrie swears by the Mojito Lime seasoning packet and posted her yummy shredded beef the other day. So instead of making the marinade with the oil and vinegar I used her method with a little Dr. Pepper and like half the packet for 3 huge chicken breasts; cooked in the crock pot. We used the meat for loaded quesadillas and tonight I'm planning on burritos, maybe salads tomorrow. It was super yummy.
for some reason it my link button won't work so here's Adrienne's beef recipe if you wanna see:
http://tastethejoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/shredded-beef.html

French Bread

I'm dedicating this post to my Royal Crest girls. Had such a fun lunch today and the bread recipe was requested. It's way quick (as far as bread goes) and can be mixed in a mixer -- even the kitchenaid if you don't have a bigger one. Just finish kneading by hand when it starts to climb the arm of the attatchment. you can do it Stacey!!! ;)

3 c. warm water
2 T. Yeast
1/2 t. sugar
let sit for a few minutes 'til foamy, then add:
1/4 c. shortning
1/8 c. sugar
1 T. salt
7-8 c. flour (I use 3 (or so) c. whole wheat flour)
Knead 10 min. Let raise 10 min. covered.
Roll out in a rectangle ***and roll up (like cinnamon rolls) to get all the air bubbles out. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg white and slash the top with a sharp knife. Can sprinkle with sesame/poppy seeds.
Let loaves rise 20 min, bake at 350 for 35 min. - makes 2 large loaves (or 3 small)

***For cinnamon french bread just sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar here. This also makes yummy french toast with day-old bread.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe was given to me by my friend Karen -- after she served us girls lunch one day. It's way flavorful and very filling. (And I love having the chicken recipe around for salads etc)

2 T. oil (or less)
1 small onion, diced
1 jalepeno, seeded and diced (I just used bottled ones I had)
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 c chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4oz) can chopped green chilies
1 c cilantro, chopped (I don't like cilantro, so I used some fresh parsley)
"Lisa's Cafe Rio" Chicken Recipe (found below) (I only used like half of the chicken)
Sour Cream
Avocado
shredded cheese
Tortilla chips, crushed

Saute onion in oil. When translucent add chopped jalapeno and garlic. Cook for couple of min. then add chicken broth, tomatoes, black beans, green chilies, chicken and cilantro.
Serve with the remaining toppings.

Lisa's Cafe Rio Chicken

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
1 1/2 c. Italian dressing (I used fat-free)
1 T minced garlic
1 T chili powder
juice of 1 lime
1/4 c. cilantro

Chicken in crock pot, with Italian dressing and garlic. Cover and cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Remove chicken, shred with forks and back in crock. Cover and cook additional 30 min. Add lime juice and cilantro. Serve in tacos, burritos, quesadillas or taco salad.

Minestrone

I didn't take a picture but I made this minestrone the other rainy day and the flavor was so right in my book. (and way easy to throw in the crock pot in the morning)

The only variation was that I didn't have sage so I left it out -- it was still yummy but I wonder if it would be deeper with sage in. I also think adding some grilled chicken would be good.

I used a cup more broth and 3 servings of pasta and it calculated to 3 points plus pts per 1 cup serving.

Green protein smoothie

after a hard work out in the morning this is my new favorite breakfast. made with:

1 c. skim milk

2 scoops vanilla protein shake powder (Noni Fit)

plenty of fresh strawberries (1 c. or more)

1/2 banana

1-2 c. spinach

few ice cubes

1 t. canola oil

it makes almost more than I can drink but is only 6 WW points plus

and it's not just tolerable, it's GOOD. and the best part about it is that I get to check off 3 fruit/veg boxes, one oil, a milk and a lean protein. At least my day is STARTED right.