Tuesday, September 29, 2009

WW Pizza Pretzel Thins

This Sunday at my WW meeting they were giving out packages of Pizza Pretzel Thins. YUM! I love pretzel thins anyway but the the pizza was tasty!

Friday, September 25, 2009

PB No Bake Cookies

I think I like these better withOUT the cocoa! But they are still "hi-point". :(

PB No Bake Cookies
1/3 c. skim milk
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
pinch salt
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. Splenda

Combine the milk, brown sugar, and honey in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a rapid boil for 90 seconds. Stir the salt and peanut butter into the mixture and remove immediately from the heat. Add Splenda and oatmeal quickly and mix to combine. Make sure the texture is thick with a little bit of sauce, but not too much sauce. If needed add extra oatmeal. Drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart onto aluminum foil or waxed paper; allow to sit 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Yield: 24 cookies. Per cookie= 110 Calories; 3g Fat (27.0% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; trace Cholesterol; 25mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Cappucino

hmmm...well, this was ok. I'm not much of a coffee drinker. I think it needs more cocoa! :)

Cappucino
1 c. powdered fat free creamer
1 c. instant hot chocolate mix, no sugar added
¾ c. Splenda
2/3 c. instant coffee
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

Mix all ingredients.
Yield: 10 servings. Per serving (1/4 cup)= 73 Calories; trace Fat (6.3% calories from fat); trace Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 69mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Fat.

Maybe it should be more like this!

Cappucino
1 c. powdered fat free creamer
1 1/4 c. instant hot chocolate mix, no sugar added
¾ c. Splenda
1/2 c. instant coffee
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

Mix all ingredients.
Yield: 12 servings. Per serving (1/4 cup)= 66 Calories; trace Fat (7.2% calories from fat); trace Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 71mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Fat.

Lemon Bars

These are yummy! They sort of fall after you take them out of the oven. like the Dutch Babies Mom used to make for breakfast on weekends...

Lemon Bars
1 oz ff sf lemon pudding mix
2 c. skim milk
16 oz Angel Food cake
.30 oz sugar free lemon Jello


Preheat oven to 350^. Spray 13x9 pan with cooking spray. Combine milk and lemon pudding mix. When pudding has set add lemon jello powder and Angel food cake mix. Fold ingredients together until well combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 35 minutes or until bars are lightly browned.
Yield: 12 servings. Per serving= 165 Calories; trace Fat (1.2% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 409mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 Other Carbohydrates.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men...It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. -Col. 3:23, 24 NASB

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Truck Stop Gravy & Biscuits

I thought this was good! I used 4 oz of light cream cheese instead of the 8 oz of ff cream cheese. It gave it a slightly sweet flavor so if you don't think that would appeal to you maybe use 2 oz of light cream cheese and a little more flour.


Truck Stop Biscuits and Gravy
1 (7.5-ounce) Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits
8 ounces ground beef
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (8 oz.) pkg. fat-free cream cheese

Bake biscuits according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray, brown meat. Add spices. In a covered jar, combine skim milk and flour. Shake well. Pour milk mixture into skillet with browned meat. Add cream cheese. Continue cooking, stirring often, until mixture thickens and cream cheese melts. Spoon gravy over biscuits.
Serves 5.
Serving size (2 biscuits and 3/4 cup gravy) Per serving: 287 Cal, 8g Fat, 21g Pro, 32g Carb, 876 mg Sod, 2g Fib
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 2 Starch, 1/2 Skim Milk

Friday, September 18, 2009

Sausage Ball Surprise

whew! these are spicy hot!

Sausage Ball Surprise
8 oz reduced fat pork sausage
1 c. reduced fat Bisquick
1/2 c. reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 TB water
1/2 c. sliced pickled jalapenos
3 oz light cream cheese

Preheat oven to 375*. Place foil over cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray. Combine pork sausage, Bisquick, cheddar cheese and water. Mix with fingers until well combined. Combine jalapenos and cream cheese. Take a small amount of sausage mixture and form a flat disc, place a teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto sausage disc then form into ball. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
Yield: 22 balls. Per ball= 62 Calories; 3g Fat (50.4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 11mg Cholesterol; 175mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

These were good, but not as sweet as needed. Honestly, I'm not sure I used a whole cup of Splenda though...but I really think a 1/4 cup of brown sugar is what is needed here, plus the Splenda. So, i'm going to post the recipe as I think it should be.

Pumpkin Spice cheesecake Bars
3 cinnamon graham cracker (whole sheets-4 crackers per sheet)
8 oz light cream cheese
2/3 C Splenda
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup canned pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350^. Lay graham crackers in bottom of 9x9 pan. Combine remaining ingredients with mixer. Pour over graham crackers and bake about 30 minutes, until set.
Yield: 12 bars. Per bar= 79 Calories; 4g Fat (40.4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 11mg Cholesterol; 129mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.


Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men...It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. - Col. 3:23, 24 NASB

caramel apple rollups

Maybe these were better right out of the oven. But that's not what I did. I made them, refrigerated them then took them to work and warmed them back up.


Caramel Apple Roll ups
9 egg roll wrappers
8 ounces light cream cheese
8 ounces granny Smith apple
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup splenda
2 tablespoons caramel topping, sugar free

Combine cream cheese, diced apple, cinnamon and Splenda. Place even amounts on the 9 egg roll wrappers and roll up. Place seam side down on cookie sheet. Bake at 350^ until lightly browned. Serve immediately.
Yield: 9 servings. Per serving= 173 Calories; 5g Fat (25.9% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 17mg Cholesterol; 333mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Paula Deen- It Ain't All About the Cookin'

I loved this book! It's a page turner! I loved that it was written how she talks--her southern phrases and dialect. But Paula was extremely honest in this book. You are in for a surprise. And you get to see how she has overcome the trials in her life.

Denise Austin 10 5-minute Target Toners

I love this DVD! There are 10 5-minute exercises to work your abs, thighs, chest, back, arms, shoulders, hips, inner-thighs, waist and buns. If you do just 2 toners (10 minutes) you could work your all body in 5 days! I especially like that each toner is just 5 minutes long. I can do most anything for just 5 minutes!

Cajun Cabbage Meal

This is delicious!!!

Cajun Cabbage Meal
12 ounces ground beef, 95% lean
16 ounces shredded cabbage
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons onion
1/2 cup celery
14 1/2 ounces canned tomatoes
2/3 cup instant brown rice
1 Cups water
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
 

In a very large skillet, brown beef with peppers, onions, and celery. Drain excess juices if any. Add all remaining ingredients, cover and simmer on stovetop for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so liquid gets absorbed by the rice.
Yield: 5 servings. Per serving (about 1 1/2 cups)= 285 Calories; 2g Fat (10.9% calories from fat); 10g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 19mg Cholesterol; 262mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 2 Vegetable; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.


You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. -Leviticus 19:11

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Online Cookbook

It appears that many of the recipe pages in the online cookbook at www.auntpurplescooking.com were lost when i moved my web host in May. I am in the process of reposting those recipes. Some are back now. Thanks for your patience!

Kashi bar review

I was so excited when I saw the Kashi Raspberry Chocolate bars! Raspberry and chocolate together is my favorite flavor!! But this bar was disappointing. :( The bar was too hard and the chocolate goo on top did nothing for me. I would have rather had less goo and a softer bar.

Monday, September 14, 2009

A change! and Sandwich Thins review

Ok, I've decided to make a change to this blog. From now on it will include more than just recipes. I'm going to share foods I find that can help you on your weight loss journey and I'll talk about exercise--DVDs, equipment, etc. I will also talk about diet books as I read them. Basically, this blog will be more complete and hopefully provide you with some tips and ideas to spur you on to your goals, whatever they may be. Feel free to make comments if you find a blog you want to add to. But never fear...every recipe I try will still be found right here! : )

So, to start it off let's talk about the new Oroweat Sandwich Thins. I finally found them in Oklahoma at the WM Supercenter! (after first purchasing them in Texas this weekend) I love them! They really are tasty! and they would be great to use as a bun on a burger, or as a mini pizza crust or even for a tostada. I haven't tried them with peanut butter and jelly but I bet they'll be great that way too.



Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
-Phil 2:3-4 ESV

Monday, September 7, 2009

Pasta Fagioli

mmmm...mmmm good!

Pasta Fagioli

12 ounces ground beef, 95% lean
1/4 cup diced onion
1 cup celery
1 cup shredded carrots
15 ounces diced tomatoes
15 ounces kidney beans, canned, drained
15 ounces cannellini beans, canned, drained
30 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup frozen spinach
15 ounces fat-free chicken broth
1 cup smart taste pasta, penne rigate
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
salt & pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and onion. Add celery, carrots and tomatoes, undrained. Add beans, tomtato sauce, spinach and broth. Simmer 15 minutes. Add pasta, hot sauce, oregano, basil and fennel seeds. Add salt & pepper. Simmer 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente'.

Yield: 7 servings. Per serving (over 1 cup)= 348 Calories; 2g Fat (7.6% calories from fat); 19g Protein; 47g Carbohydrate; 11g Dietary Fiber; 13mg Cholesterol; 1377mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 2 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

chocolate covered raisins

Yum!

Chocolate Covered Raisins
1 1/4 c. milk chocolate chips
2 oz almond bark
8 oz raisins

In medium bowl, combine chocolate and almond bark. Melt in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add raisins and stir to coat. Place heaping 1/2 teaspoonfuls on baking sheet covered with wax paper. Refrigerate until chilled.
Yield: 65 pieces. Per piece= 28 Calories; 1g Fat (37.9% calories from fat); trace Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 3mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Fruit; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

2 pieces= 57 Calories; 3g Fat (37.9% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 6mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Brunch casserole

This is great! The smoky ham, green chilies, eggs, potatoes...yum!

Brunch Casserole
3 eggs
1 egg white
1 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup diced green chiles
1/2 cup ham, extra lean, diced
3 cups hash browns, frozen
1/2 cup cheese, reduced fat Sargento mexican blend

Preheat oven to 350^. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Spray 11x7 pan with cooking spray. pour bowl into prepared pan. Bake 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set.
Yield: 6 servings. Per serving= 182 Calories; 5g Fat (26.7% calories from fat); 11g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 106mg Cholesterol; 318mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat.

Peach Goodness

It IS good with peaches...can't wait to try it cherry pie filling... !!! I think next time I would use just one can of peaches instead of two.

Peach Goodness
15 ounces Biscuits, Pillsbury buttermilk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup splenda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
30 ounces peaches

Cut biscuits into fourths. In medium bowl, combine brown sugar, Splenda, and cinnamon. Add cut biscuits and toss to coat. Spray bundt pan with cooking spray. Place half the biscuits in bottom of prepared pan. Top with diced peaches (drained). Top with remaining biscuits and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mix over top. Bake at 375^ until no longer goopy in the middle. :)

Yield:8 servings. Per serving= 187 Calories; 2g Fat (8.2% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 40g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 476mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Fruit; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.