Entertaining with WW - Part Three - Curry Roasted Cauliflower

Here is another Indian inspired dish that I made for my book club.  This is a great way to get your veggies in, without having to eat a bland food.  I don't even like cauliflower, but this was tasty.

1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 TSP canola oil
1/2 TSP curry powder
1/4 TSP salt
2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
1 minced garlic clove

Preheat oven to 450F.

Combine cauliflower, oil, curry powder, and salt in large bowl.   Toss to coat.  Spread cauliflower in single layer in large rimmed baking pan.

Roast, stirring once, for 15 minutes.  Sprinkle cauliflower with parsley and garlic, toss to coat.  Roast until cauliflower is just tender (about 5 minutes longer).

4 Servings (1 cup each)..............................................................................................1 point per serving

Menu for May 1st - May 7th

Here's a look at the dinners we will be eating this week.  Some of the recipes have already been posted, the rest will be on here later this week.  Enjoy!

Sunday - Ham and Cheese Omelet with Fruit
Monday - Taquitos with Rice and Beans
Tuesday - Chicken and Lemon with Artichokes
Wednesday - Whole Wheat Pasta with White Beans and Spinach
Thursday - Balsalmic Chicken with Mushrooms
Friday - Ham Steak with Pear Salsa
Saturday - Pizza

Weekly Meijer Trip - April 29th

I didn't have many coupons this week, but I bought a lot of produce, and I'm excited to try out some new recipes this week.  Meijer did have some great deals on frozen veggies, especially if you have any Green Giant coupons that double, but I have a freezer full of vegetables, and I didn't have any coupons, so I passed.  Tyson bagged chicken was also on sale, and with a coupon you could get it for $4.99 a bag, which isn't too bad.

Bananas.................................................................................................$1.58
Raisins (for Miss P)................................................................................$1.69
Yogurt (large container of Meijer brand).................................................$1.93
Spinach (10 oz. fresh)............................................................................$1.99
Lemon...................................................................................................$.50
Yogurt (for Miss P)................................................................................$2.26
Canned Artichoke Hearts.......................................................................$2.59
Kellogg's Honey Crunch Cereal..............................................................$2.09 (with .70 off coupon)
Healthy Choice Frozen Meal..................................................................$1.99 (with 1.00 coupon)
Ham Slice..............................................................................................$2.99
Red Pepper Hummus.............................................................................$2.99
Eggs (2 Dozen)......................................................................................$3.09
Frozen French-Style Green Beans..........................................................$1.25
Cantaloupe (2).......................................................................................$1.98
Red Grapes...........................................................................................$1.34
Celery...................................................................................................$.99
Baby Carrots........................................................................................$.99
Canned White Beans (4).......................................................................$3.96
Chicken Nuggets (for P)........................................................................$1.98
Romaine Salad Mix (2)..........................................................................$1.98
Organic Whole Mushrooms...................................................................$1.58 (with MPerks coupon)
Canned Oranges (2)..............................................................................$1.00
Pears (3)...............................................................................................$2.48
Wheat Bread.........................................................................................$1.99
Milk (2 Gallons)....................................................................................$5.00
GM Cereal (Trix & Coco Puffs for P)...................................................$4.00 (with 1.00 coupon)
Strawberries.........................................................................................$2.50
Sliced Sargento Cheese (2)..................................................................$3.50 (with two .75 coupons)
Oliver White Wine (for a new recipe).....................................................$6.00

I had an additional coupon from the register for $2.50 off of a $10 dairy purchase, so some of the totals were actually lower.  All together I spent $76.71 and I saved $30.58.

Entertaining with WW - Part Two - Vietnamese Chicken Soup

This is another dish that I made for my book club girls.  It was incredibly easy, tasty, and filling.  Seriously delicious.  We will most definitely be having this again as a family! After I cooked it, I put it in my crockpot to keep warm, and that worked well.

4 oz. rice-stick noodles
8 c. reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 small basil sprigs
6 cilantro sprigs
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, peeled
10 whole peppercorns
1 whole star anise (I couldn't find this, so I left it out)
1 TSP coriander seeds
3 (5 oz) chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1/4 TSP salt
1 cup fresh Asian mushrooms (I used Shitake)
4 scallion tops, thinly sliced lengthwise

Cook noodles according to package directions, drain.  (I cooked my noodles last per directions on box).

Combine broth, basil sprigs, cilantro sprigs, 2 of the scallions, garlic, peppercorns, star anise, and coriander seeds in a large pot.  Boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add chicken and salt.  Return to simmer.  Simmer (covered) until chicken is cooked through (about 10 - 12 minutes).

Transfer chicken to plate.  Pour broth mixture through fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl.  Discard solids.  Return broth to clean pot.

Cut chicken into 1/2 inch thick strips.  Add to broth.  Add noodles, mushrooms, and remaining scallion to broth.  Cook soup over medium heat until heated through (3 minutes).  Stir in scallion tops.

Serves 4 (2 1/2c per serving)..................................................................................................9 points

Entertaining with WW - Part One - Thai Curry-Coconut Rice

I belong to a ladies book club that meets once a month, and last week it was my turn to host.  We read books of all different genres, and this month we read a collection of short stories called "Lucky Girls" by Nell Freudenberger.  It is the host's duty to create a snack (or meal) based on the book.  All of these stories were based in foreign countries, and I decided to create one dish per story (there were five stories in the book).  I ended up needing 3 Indian dishes, 1 Thai dish, and 1 Vietnamese dish.  Where to find these?  My WW PointsPlus Cookbook! I was so delighted to find these amazing recipes in the cookbook, and it allowed me to enjoy my party and still easily keep track of points.  I will be sharing one recipe a day for the next four days.

I will send a work of caution that collectively it cost me about $60 to make 4 recipes (for the 5th story we purchased desserts from the Indian grocery).  However, most of the cost came from having to initially buy a lot of spices and if you are only making one dish at a time, the cost would be minimal.  I was also super excited to discover that Meijer carried everything I needed for these dishes.  I love their international aisle!

THAI CURRY-COCONUT RICE

1 TSP canola oil
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 TSP minced peeled fresh ginger (only cost $.88 at Meijer)
1 TSP Thai red curry paste
1/2 TSP salt
1/8 TSP ground cardamom
1/8 TSP ground cinnamon
1 cup instant brown rice
1 cup water
1/2 cup light coconut milk
2 TBSP fresh chopped cilantro

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add shallot, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring often, until softened (3 minutes).  Add curry paste, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (30 seconds).

Add rice, water, and coconut milk to saucepan.  Bring to boil.  Reduce head and simmer, covered, until brown rice is tender (10-12 minutes).  Fluff rice with fork and stir in cilantro.

This was SUPER delicious (and not spicy at all).  We will definitely be having it again!

Serves 4 (3/4cup per serving)................................................3 Points

Eating on the Road - Chicken Salad

This past week I took my daughter to South Carolina to visit family for the Easter holiday.  I had just come off of a rockin' week at WW, and I really wanted to keep up my momentum (Sadly, I failed, but that's another story).  I decided to pack all of our food for the way down, so that we wouldn't have to eat fast food.  I made a picnic for us to eat at a rest stop (that also allowed us to spend some time playing).  I made a WW chicken salad sandwich and brought some fruit and cheese for a low-point meal.

Chicken Salad

3/4 lb. roasted chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (chopped) - I used 2 cans of chicken breast.
1/3 cup of dill pickles, finely diced
1/4 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise
2 TBSP reduced-fat sour cream
2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
1 TSP dijon mustard
1 TSP lemon juice
1/2 TSP table salt
1/4 TSP black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

6 servings (2/3 cup per serving)...............................................3 points

Weekly Shopping Trip - April 21

So, I was only supposed to grab a few things, because we are going out of town, but I got sucked in by the great deals.  I did leave some on the table, so be sure to check your Meijer ad.  Some things that were on sale that I passed up:
    Ore-Ida potatoes
    Gorton's Frozen Fish
    Chicken Breasts
    Tyson Bagged Chicken
    Hormel Canned Chicken

My List:

Bananas.......................................................................................$1.69
Milk (2 Gallons)...........................................................................FREE (because of the Kellogg's promo)
Mini-Wheats ...............................................................................$1.79 (Used a $1 Meijer coupon that printed at the register last time and $1.50 off of 3 coupon)
Cream of Mushroom soup (2)......................................................$1.25 (Used .25 off 4 coupon that was doubled)
Cream of Chicken soup (2)..........................................................$1.25 (same as above)
Frozen Vegetables (6)..................................................................$2.84 (Used 2 .50 off coupons that were doubled and one .50 off coupon that was not doubled per Meijer policy)
Canned Pineapple (2)...................................................................$.94 (Used .50 off coupon that was doubled)
Lite Sour Cream..........................................................................$1.69
Fat-Free Shredded Cheese (2)....................................................$2.76 (Used $1 off coupon)
Philadelphia Shredded Cheese (2)...............................................$2.76 (Used $1 off coupon)
Bread (2)....................................................................................$3.48 (Used .50 MPerks coupon)
Low-Fat String Cheese...............................................................$2.99
Cookie Mix................................................................................$.70 (Used .40 off coupon that was doubled)
Fiber One Bars (2).....................................................................$3.40 (Used two .40 off coupons that were doubled)
Chex-Mix Cereal.......................................................................$1.50 (Used .50 off coupon that was doubled)
Strawberries (3)..............................................................................$5.00
Brownie Mix..............................................................................$.25 (Used .50 off coupon that was doubled)
Nurti-Grain Bars (2)....................................................................$4.25 (Used .75 off coupon)
Kellogg's Cereal (2).....................................................................$4.00 (Part of the $1.50 coupon)
Cocoa Pebbles Cereal (3)...........................................................$6.50 (Used $1.00 off coupon)
MMS (big bag)..........................................................................................FREE (Cocoa-Krispies coupon)

I also bought some wipes and cleaners. My total was $79.69 and I saved $63.93.

Chicken, Mushroom, and Brown Rice Slow Cooker Casserole

This was a super easy, extremely yummy dinner.  I only have a small crockpot, so I cooked 5 chicken thighs instead of 8.  I ended up eating two portions, because I had been saving my points all day.  It was worth it!

2 sprays of cooking spray
8 skinless chicken thighs
2 c. canned chicken broth (reduced-sodium)
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced (I used regular white mushrooms, because that's what I had)
1 c. leek, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced, washed carefully (Bought this at Meijer)
1 c. carrot, thinly sliced
1 c. celery, thinly sliced
3/4 c. uncooked brown rice
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; warm over medium heat.  Add the chicken thighs and brown (turning once).  Set aside.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker.  Nestle the chicken thighs in the mixture.  Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.

8 servings.......................................5 points per serving (1 chicken thigh and 2/3 c. of rice/veggie mix)

Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

So, without warning my husband sent our laptop back to Dell to be worked on, which means no blog pictures for the rest of the week (I am working on our old desktop).  I made this last night for dinner.  I ate one piece, and my husband ate the rest, so he must have liked it.  I thought there was a bit too much thyme and oregano, so I will lessen that the next time I make this.

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/3 c. of buttermilk
1/4 tsp of garlic powder
1/8 tsp of table salt (to taste)
1/8 tsp of black pepper (to taste)
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 c. red onion, chopped (I had yellow onions, so that's what I used)
2 cloves minced garlic
6 medium baby carrots, chopped
20 oz. raw turkey sausage, sweet Italian-variety, casings removed
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
10 and 3/4oz canned tomato soup, made with low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 400F.
Place potatoes in a saucepan and pour in enough water to cover.  Set over high heat and bring to a boil.  Boil for about 8 minutes, or until fork tender.  Drain potatoes.  Return to pan and mash with buttermilk and garlic powder.  Season with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Saute onion and garlic for about 3 minutes.  Add carrots and saute one more minute.  Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.

Add sausage to same skillet.  Saute until browned, breaking up sausage as it cooks.  Return vegetables to skillet.  Add oregano, thyme, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.  Cook one minute and add soup.  Simmer until liquid is absorbed (about 2 minutes).  Remove skillet from heat and pour mixture into 9-inch pie plate.  Spoon mashed potatoes over turkey mix and spread into an even layer. 

Bake 25 minutes.

Six servings.................................6 points per serving

Ham and Cheese Omelet

This came from the Weight Watchers PP getting started book (I received it in the meeting).  I made a full recipe for my husband, and then halved it for myself.  I left out ham in mine, and added green peppers and mushrooms to both (did not changed points values).  My husband ate it with tater tots, but they were 5 points for 9 pieces, so I just ate strawberries with mine.

2 Large Eggs
4 Large Egg Whites
1/8 TSP of hot pepper sauce (I used Tabasco)
1/4 TSP of salt
1/8 TSP of black pepper
2 TBSP scallions, minced (I didn't use scallions, but added onions)
1 spray cooking spray
1/2 cup cooked lean ham, finely diced (I used deli meat)
1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese (I used shredded cheddar)

In a large bowl, beat together everything except cheese and ham.

Coat nonstick skillet with spray.  Heat over medium heat.  Pour in egg mixture so bottom is completely covered.  Cook until eggs are almost set, about 5 minutes.  Sprinkle ham and cheese over eggs.  Using a spatula, gently fold in half.  Cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

2 Servings, 5 points per serving.

Weekly Menu - April 17th to April 21st

Sunday - Ham and Cheese Omelet (5 points).  This is a WW recipe from one of the weekly meeting booklets.  I will be pairing this with some tater tots and strawberries.

Monday- Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie.  This is from the WW website.  It uses turkey sausage as the base and sweet potatoes on top instead of mashed potatoes.  We shall see ;)

Tuesday- Chicken and Rice in the Slow Cooker (5 points).  This uses chicken thighs, which I got on sale last week at Meijer.  We have a small Crockpot, so I will be making half of the normal recipe.

Wednesday - Frozen Fish (6 points).  This is my book club night, and I am making Indian food for the book club to go with our theme, but dinner for the family will consist of frozen fish (a great, cheap meal).  I will probably pair with veggies and some type of potato.

Thursday - Country Casserole (4 points).  We are leaving for South Carolina for an Easter break on Friday morning, so I will be busy packing Thursday night.  As a solution, I will be making the country casserole that I froze from last week's menu.

Friday - Tuesday I will be in South Carolina, so no shopping list or weekly menu until then.  If I can, I will update the food choices that I make on the road and on vacation.  Hopefully, I will have the willpower to stay within my points!

Weekly Meijer Trip - April 15

Our grocery budget was very small this week, so I left some good deals on the table this week at Meijer, but I only bought what we really needed. 

Some great deals that I didn't get:
   5 for $5 frozen Meijer vegetables
   General Mills products/Kellogg's cereals
   Sargento Cheese
   Taco Bell kits are 50% off
   Eggs

My List:
Bananas............................................................$1.73
Lemon Juice......................................................$.99
Yogurt (Yoplait Kids for Paisley).......................2 @ $.99 each (I had 2 .50 coupons that were doubled to $1.00 on each 4-pack of princess yogurt)
Carrots.............................................................$1.50
Campbell Tomato Soup (Healthy Cooking Version)..........................$1.50
Apples.............................................................$3.49
Sweet Potato...................................................$.92
Wheat Bread (Meijer Brand 98%FF)...............$1.99
Pam Olive Oil Cooking Spray..........................2 @ $1.39 each (used one .35 coupon that was doubled, and one Meijer mealbox coupon)
Fruit Snacks (for Paisley)................................4 @ $1.50 each (used 2 $.50 coupons that were doubled)
7UP (for Paisley)............................................$1.34
Philadelphia Cooking Creme...........................$.50 (Stacked a Meijer Mealbox coupon with a manufacturer's coupon)
Hormel Compleats (for Patrick's lunch)...........2 @ 1.15 each (Stacked a Meijer Mealbox coupon with a manufacturer's coupon)
Meijer Milk (2 gallons)...................................$5.00
Yogurt (Yoplait for me)..................................12 for $4.00 (used 2 $.50 coupons that were doubled)
Butter............................................................$2.50
Strawberries..................................................3 containers for $5.00
String cheese..................................................$3.00
Coke Zero (for Patrick).................................$6.00
Buttermilk......................................................$.84 (on clearance, expires Monday, so I changed my weekly menu to fit the recipe in that needs buttermilk)

Total..............................................................$54.45
Saved............................................................$27.27

Country Casserole - A Family (Fattening) Favorite Redone

This casserole is one of my family's favorites.  I always have the ingredients in my kitchen.  When I looked up the points value, I was not pleased to say the least.  Since fat-free cheese is so expensive, and never on sale, I don't buy it.  I reduced the amount of cheese and french-fried onions in this recipe to lower the points, and my husband told me he couldn't even tell a difference.  I also doubled the recipe and froze half, because it's a great last minute dinner.

2 cups rotini, cooked and drained
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup french fried onions
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I use two cans)
1 10.5 oz can of 98%FF cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 c. skim milk
1 TSP black pepper
1/4 TSP garlic powder
1/2 TSP salt

Preheat oven to 350F.  Combine everything in a large bowl, reserving half of the cheese, and all the french-fried onions for the topping later.

Spoon into a 9x13-inch casserole dish.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Top with the remaining cheese and all the french-fried onions and bake about 5 minutes more.

Each serving (and they are SMALL servings) is about 1/8 of the casserole and is 4 points.  I haven't tried this, but using whole-wheat pasta, broccoli  ( instead of the mixed veggies, because broccoli is 0 points), and fat-free cheese, may take the points value down further.

This picture shows two servings of casserole, a mixed green salad with olive oil vinaigrette dressing, and it was a total of 10 points.

Easy, Filling, Yummy (and Inexpensive) 5 Point Lunch

We ran out of bread today, so I decided to get creative with my lunch.  I've been eating a salad or wrap pretty much every day, and I really wasn't in the mood for that again.  So I looked in my fridge and pantry and I came up with this very satisfying 5 point lunch.  Every thing you see was bought on sale and/or with a coupon, so you can use coupons and eat well!

I pulled out these ingredients and popped them into the Points Plus calculator.  The flatbread crisps were 4 points (for 6 crackers) - a lot if you are eating them as a snack, but not too bad as the base for my meal.  The Delifresh brown sugar ham was 1 point (for 6 slices), and the Laughing Cow light swiss cheese was 1 point.  I layered the cheese on the crackers and topped with the ham.  I paired it with a salad of mixed greens, and 2 TBSP of Kraft light Balsamic Vinegarette dressing (for 1 point).  Total of 5 points!

Balsalmic Chicken with Mushrooms

Last night I made this WW recipe for dinner.  It came off of the website.  Very tasty....even my husband said it is one of his new favorite meals, and he doesn't do "diet food."

2 TSP Vegetable oil
3 TBSP balsalmic vinegar
2 TSP dijon mustard
1 clove minced garlic
1 lb. uncooked skinless chicken breasts
2 cups mushrooms, halved
1/3 cup canned chicken broth
1/4 TSP dried thyme

In nonstick skillet, heat 1 tsp. of oil

In a medium bowl, mix 2 TBSP of vinegar, the mustard and garlic.  Add chicken and turn to coat.

Transfer chicken and marinade to skillet.  Saute chicken until cooked through (about 8 minutes on each side for me).  Transfer chicken to platter and keep warm.

Heat remaining TSP of oil in skillet.  Saute mushrooms for 1 minute.  Add broth, thyme and remaining TBSP of vinegar.  Cook, stirring until mushrooms are deep brown.

Serve chicken topped with mushrooms.

I added cauliflower and cheese, and boxed mashed potatoes for our dinner.  Total, my dinner was 10 points (I ate two portions of cauliflower).

Eating with Coupons - Fish and French Fries

Last night's dinner was a perfect example of eating cheaply while sticking to your points.  We had Gorton's Potato Chip Crunch frozen fish fillets, Ore-Ida french fries, and veggies.  Both the fish and french fries were purchased when they were on sale and I had coupons.  I made 1/2 a box of fish, 1/2 the bag of fries, and one bag of veggies for our family.  So, I will be able to eat the rest at another meal.

This plate cost me 10 WWPP points.  Not too bad, and it probably cost $5 or less to feed the whole family!

Bean Burrito

This came from the WW website.  I pretty much made it exactly like the recipe, but I made 1/4 because I was eating it for lunch.  Very filling - and only 6 pts!

1 spray cooking spray
1 TSP olive oil
1 small onion
1 and 1/8 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 TBSP cilantro
1 cup fat-free canned refried beans
4 large burrito-size wheat flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican style cheese
1/2 cup salsa

Coat nonstick skillet with spray and set over medium-high.  Add oil and heat until it sizzles.  Saute onions for 3 min.  Add veggies and cilantro and saute for 3 more minutes.

Spread 1/4 cup of beans down the middle of each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.  Top with 1/4 cup of the veggie mix. 

Fold ends in, then one side to the center, and the other side to the center.  Microwave 1-2 minutes per burrito.  Top with salsa.

Serves 4.  WWPP 6 per serving.

I added a side of carrots with mine, which I dipped in the salsa instead of putting it on top of the burrito.

Creamy Tortellini and Vegetable Salad

Ok, so I made this last night for dinner, and it shows that sometimes substitutions don't work out as well as you think they will.  It actually tasted ok, but it's not very appetizing to look at ;)  I went ahead and doubled the recipe, because I made it for dinner for the family and I wanted to have some for my husband to take for lunch.

Creamy Tortellini and Vegetable Salad (from WW website) - 8 PP per 1 and 1/2 cup serving. 

1/4 lb. Frozen Cheese Tortellini (or 1/2 half of a refrigerated tortellini.  I used the refrigerated spinach tortellini from Buitoni that I got on sale with a coupon).
5 oz. sugar snap peas, frozen, thawed (I used a can of peas)
1 TBSP reduced-calorie mayo
1 TBSP balsalmic vinegar, white variety (I used just regular bv)
3 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
12 medium cherry tomatoes, cut in half (Used the tomatoes I got on sale last week)
2 TBSP red onions (I didn't have red, so I used yellow)
1 TBSP capers (didn't have, so left it out)
1/8 TSP black pepper

Cook tortellini according to package.  Add peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking.  Drain and rinse under cold water.

Combine mayo, vinegar, and 1 TBSP of Parm. cheese in the bottom of a serving bowl.  Add tortellini and peas, tomatoes, onions, and capers.  Toss and coat.  Sprinkle salad with remaining 2 TBSP of Parm. cheese and pepper.  Serve at once or refrigerate for up to 24 hours and serve chilled.

Like I said, it probably would have been more appetizing if I had used whole wheat tortellini, or one that wasn't green in color ;)

Herbed Salad with Roasted Corn and Pita Croutons

I found this receipe in the new WW PP cookbook (p.111) and decided that with the sales I got last week, this would make a filling and satisfying lunch this week (I will probably eat it a few times over the next two weeks so that my produce doesn't go bad).  Here is the receipe:

1 (6-in) Whole Wheat Pita, cut into sixteen wedges
1/3 cup fresh corn
2 TBSP Lemon Juice
1 TBSP Olive Oil
1 minced garlic clove
1/4 TSP salt
Pinch Black Pepper
2 cups Romaine Lettuce
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 Kirby cucumber, halved lengthwised and sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Serves 4; 3 PP per serving

Preheat Oven to 375F.  Spray baking pan with nonstick spray.  Place pita wedges on one end and corn on the other.  Back for about 12 minutes (until corn is browned)

Dressing: combine lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in bowl.

Add romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, mint, pita wedges, and corn to dressing.  Toss to coat.  Makes 1 and 1/4 cups per serving.

My Version :  I made 1/4 of the receipe for my lunch.  I used the lettuce I had from the Meijer sale last week and the tomatoes.  I did not have a red onion, so I used a yellow onion.  I substitued celery for the cucumber, and left out the parsley and mint.  REMEMBER... USE WHAT YOU HAVE! Just because it says "Kirby" tomatoes, it doesn't mean you have to go spend the $ for them.  Or the parsley and mint.  Although they will enhance the flavor of the salad, they aren't necessary and they can really make your grocery budget go up! Just use what you have or what is on sale.  My PP for the substitutions was still 3!

Menu for April 10th-April 16th

Sunday, April 10th - My husband's birthday, so we will be eating at Olive Garden.  Already looked it up in my Dining Out Companion, but not sure what I'll be eating.  I am going to keep it within my Daily Points.

Monday, April 11th. - Creamy Tortellini and Vegetable Salad.  I will be making a double receipe (enough for my husband to eat and for lunch for me the following day).

Tuesday, April 12th - Frozen Gorton's Fish and Veggies.  Remember what I said, you CAN still eat "regular" food with your family.  This is an example.  I can have 2 fillets for 6 pts.  I will make up for that by filling the rest of my plate with veggies.

Wednesday, April 13th - Balsalmic Chicken with Mushrooms.  A 4oz piece of chicken is 4 points, but I will probably eat a whole breast for 8 pts and fill the rest of my plate with veggies.

Thursday, April 14th - Country Casserole.  This is a family favorite, and when I plugged in the receipe, it was only 6 pts per serving.

Friday - Frozen Taquitos and Rice.  2 Frozen Taquitos are 6 pts and a Spanish Rice Mix (which I stock up on when it's $.89 a bag) is 6 pts for a cup. 

Saturday, April 16th - My husband and I are doing an Adult Easter Egg hunt, so we will probably eat out.  I usually save all my extra weekly points for Saturday night, and I allow myself to eat whatever for that one meal.

I will post each receipe on the day that I fix it.

Meijer Trip from Last Night and Weekly Menu

Meijer is having a really great $10 for $10 sale...you can mix and match, you get the 11th item for free (no limit), and it includes lots of fruits and veggies.  Here's what I bought and my costs:

5 Bags of Salad ...........................................................$5
Bananas.......................................................................$1.34
2 Cans of FF Refried Beans.........................................$1.78
2 Cans of Black Beans.................................................$1.78
Frank's Hot Sauce.......................................................FREE (Used .50 coupon, which was doubled)
Pita Bread...................................................................$1.69
Leeks..........................................................................$.84
Edamame (Frozen)......................................................$1.99 (This is a Large bag and will be used a few times)
Milk (Vitamin D for Paisley)........................................$2.79
Pam Cooking Spray....................................................$2.09 (Used .35 coupon, which was doubled)
Eggs (2 Dozen)...........................................................$3.09
Sage...........................................................................$2.39 (Used 1.00 coupon)
Mushrooms.................................................................$2.00 (They were out of the 10 for 10 ones)
Chicken Thighs............................................................$5.01 (Will split into two freezer bags to use in two separate meals)
Zucchini.......................................................................$.68
Worchestire Sauce.......................................................$1.44 (Meijer Brand)
Whole Wheat Tortillas.................................................$1.89
Dijon Mustard.............................................................$1.34 (Meijer Brand)
Swanson's Chicken Broth (2)......................................$4.00 (Large Containers)
Ore-Ida Frozen Potatoes (2).......................................$3.00 (Used $1.00 coupon)
Low-Fat Mayo...........................................................$2.50 (Meijer Brand)
Red Baron Frozen Pan Pizza.......................................$4.49 (Used $1.00 coupon)
Red Peppers (5).........................................................$4.00 (Got 1 Item Free)
12 Hamburger/Tuna Helpers.......................................$8.75 (Used 3 $.75 coupons and got 1 FREE)
2 Boxes Potatoes........................................................$1.00 (Used .50 coupon, which was doubled)
3 Grands Biscuits........................................................$2.20 (Used .40 coupon, which was doubled)
Celery.........................................................................$1.00
Carrots.......................................................................$1.00
Meijer Canned Chicken (6).........................................$5.00 (One for FREE)
Tomatoes....................................................................$1.00
Meijer Salsa (2)..........................................................$2.00
Post Raisin Cereal (2).................................................$3.00 (Used 2 $1.00 Coupons)

Total for WW Items...................................................$80.08

I also got great deals on yogurt for Paisley (the kids Yoplait)....I got 3 packs for $2.00 (They were 3 for $5 and I had 3 $.50 off coupons, which were doubled).  They also had (although I didn't buy any), Rice Cakes for $1.00 and Diced Tomatoes for $1.00
My Entire Total was $91.73 and I saved $63.03

Beginning Weight Watcher Plus Points

So, last night was my first meeting back at Weight Watchers.  I have 24.4 lbs to go to get back to Lifetime status.  I was very encouraged after learning about the new PointsPlus system, and even more excited to decide to train for a 5K that my WW group will be participating in on June 4, 2011.

I am going to be creating my meals for next week and letting you know what we'll be eating and what's on my grocery list.  Let me encourage you....Don't be afraid to use what you already have, even if it's not "diet food."  I entered some of the foods I had already planned for dinners this week, and most were 6-8 points per serving.  As long as you eat well for breakfast and dinner, eating a serving of "normal" food with a big salad or veggies on the side should work just fine, and it will help you save money at the grocery store.

Here's Our Dinner for Tonight.  It makes 8 servings and each serving is 8 points (how I prepared it, you may want to check the points online yourself if you prepare any part of it differently).

Chicken Poulet (8 PP for 1/8th of the Dish):
     1/2 c. (1 stick) Margarine
     1 c. Water
     1 6oz Package of Stuffing (I used Meijer Brand)
     4 eggs
     2 c. Chicken Broth (I used Swansons)
     2 cans of Chicken Breast in Water (you can also use 2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts)
     1/2 c. Mayo (I used Miracle Whip)
     1/4 c. chopped green onions
     Sprinkling of Salt
     1 c. fat-free milk
     1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
     1 c. shredded cheddar cheese (I did not use a "diet" cheese, just regular Sargento's)

Mix together water and margarine and melt in the microwave.  In another bowl mix stuffing, water/margarine mix, 2 eggs, and chicken broth.  In a separate bowl, mix chicken, mayo, and green onions.

Place half of stuffing mix in the bottom of pan (I used 9x13).  Top with all of chicken mix.  Sprinkle with salt and top with remaining stuffing mix.  Mix together the other 2 eggs and the milk.  Pour this egg mix over the pan.  Cover and refridgerate for 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 350.  Before baking, remove cover and spread cream of mushroom soup over the top.  Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.  Remove from oven, top with shredded cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes. 

(Adapted from the Southern Plate cookbook).

My Weight Watchers Journey as a Couponer

After going to Weight Watchers for almost a year (in 2008), I reached my Lifetime Member status.  The same week I found out I was expecting my daughter Paisley.  I gained 40 lbs during my pregnancy, and 2 years later I am still carrying around an excess of 20 lbs.  We are looking forward to a Disney vacation in October, and I would love to be back at my Lifetime weight.  I signed back up for WW and will be attending my first meeting tomorrow evening.  I am excited to learn about the Points Plus Program and get started on my new weight loss journey.

As I was searching the internet to learn best how to work WW within a grocery budget, I found out that the sites and ideas were very limited.  I decided to post about my journey here.  Each week I will post the list of meals for my family, my grocery list, and my total costs.  I mainly shop at Meijer, but I will try to post deals for Kroger and Marsh as well. 

I hope my journey helps you on yours!