taco pocket. . . er, crunchwrap supreme

ooooohh, ever since I discovered the Crunchwrap Supreme at Taco Bell I've been on board when Ryan wants to run for the border. (Un)Fortunately he's been on a bit of a health kick and doesn't make that request as often as he normally would. And I'm the guilty-type that wouldn't necessarily go there on my own -- but I can sure try to make my own! And I feel this might be a bit healthier than their version, because of ingredient control.I used burrito-sized tortillas, but not that massive burrito-size, just regular burrito size, and found a smaller tostada brand that fits perfectly, or a couple chips would be just as good. Then I used some "cafe rio-type" chicken that I had, cheese (or cottage if you want to cut more calories), chip, lettuce, tomato and ff sour cream. And some avocado. And on Avery's I just used refried beans instead of the chicken. But on the next one we used both and THAT was good. And taco meat or leftover sweet pork would be good too.
Mostly I like that it's grilled. Just used a little spritz of EVOO. This is Nick's massive spinach wrap a grillin'.
I figure if you use a healthier tortilla, low carb or whole wheat etc, and chicken and cottage cheese -- it's probably around 6 WW points plus. Top it with a little Taco Bell mild sauce and ta-dahhhh! You've thought outside the bun. ;)

Mulligatawny

This has quickly become a family favorite -- or at least a Ryan/Kal favorite. He says he would eat it everyday if I made it. And still sticks to that claim even after the 6th time in 2 months.I got the recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe and adjusted it just a tiny bit to make it a few less calories... but I really do love it more and more every time I eat it.

saute in 2 t. EVOO until onion is translucent:

1/2 c chopped onion

1 c chopped carrots

1 c chopped celery

stir in:

1/4 c flour

2 T (scant) curry powder

cook 1 min.

slowly whisk in:

6 c. low-sodium chicken broth

simmer 8-10 min.

Add:

1 chopped, peeled Granny Smith apple

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1/2 t. dried thyme

2 c. cooked, diced chicken (I either cook it beforehand in the crockpot, days ahead or just in the morning, or it's really good with that canned chicken breast from Costco; just 1 can)

2 c. cooked brown rice (again, throw it in the rice cooker in the morn or use leftovers - easy)

Simmer 8-10 min longer

Add:

3/4 c. skim milk (or fat free half and half, or cream if you must but that will add pts+)

warm through

Makes about 7, 1.5 cup servings and calculates to be 5 points plus per serving.

I have an idea

I finally got access to Weight Watchers e-tools which has a handy little recipe builder. It'll find your points for me which is quite a big deal when your baking in large increments. Only come to find out, the bread I've been eating for years (and tracking as 2 points/slice, if I'm feeling generous) is really 3 points per slice. In the past I've brainstormed and tried different things to lower the points plus value of my bread -- because it's my favorite and I really do feel good about the stuff I put into it. I've even stooped to adding into a batch, up to a cup of fiber powder (meant for use in baking) but it did weird things to it. (and to me ;)...) And I don't want to lower points by using artificial sweeteners or leaving out the flax -- it wouldn't be the same. (and don't even think about asking me to give up sandwiches... what?!)

So I've had a wonderful idea! I'll make smaller loaves! Like the tiny loaves that still let you have both sides of your sandwich if the snackster calls for it and fools you into thinking you've had a sandwich but it will (hopefully) cut the carbs to lower it -- maybe I can even make it into a 1 point slice, but I'd settle for a 2-pt one at this point. Since I just finished baking (and eating) fresh bread, I'm not scheduled to make bread for another week or two, but I will definitely re-calculate points plus per portion and post my pictures of the smaller loaves.

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.