Orange Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I started to say these would be great with tea or in the morning...but then I thought WHEN WOULDN'T THESE MUFFINS BE GOOD?  They are delicious with just a hint of pumpkin and a spicy orange flavor.  Yum!

Orange Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 can of Libby's Pumpkin (15 oz)
1 box yellow cake mix , low sugar
1 egg white
1 T. ground cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
2 t. orange extract
2/3 c. white chocolate chips

Combine pumpkin, cake mix, egg white, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange extract and water. Mix in white chocolate chips. Coat 2 muffin pans with cooking spray or use liners, then fill each muffin cup 1/2 to 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Yield: 24 muffins. Per muffin= 124 Calories; 3g Fat (24.0% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 178mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.


My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches. -Philippians 4:19

SW Bean & Bacon Soup

This soup is a spicy light lunch or drain a serving and put the bean mix in a tortilla for a tasty burrito.

Bean and Bacon Soup
1 ½ c. dried beans, mix or pinto or navy
5 c. water
¼ c. diced onion
3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 TB taco seasoning
14.5 oz can roasted tomatoes, undrained

Combine all ingredients in 3 quart slow cooker. Cook on high 6-8 hours.
Yield: 5 servings. Per serving (over 1 cup)= 239 Calories; 3g Fat (9.7% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 41g Carbohydrate; 15g Dietary Fiber; 3mg Cholesterol; 235mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Party Sausage

Great for game day!

Party Sausage
14 oz turkey smoked sausage
¼ c. wine, red or white
½ c. barbecue sauce

Slice sausage into 28 pieces. Combine all ingredients into a 2 quart slow cooker. Cook on high 1-2 hours.
Yield: 7 2oz servings. Per serving= 100 Calories; 3g Fat (28.7% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 25mg Cholesterol; 637mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Chile Cheese Quesadillas

These are easy and delicious! Great for a quick dinner or game day food.


Chile and Cheese Quesadillas
4 oz light cream cheese
1 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style cheese
4 oz roasted green chilies, diced
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tsp taco seasoning
8 medium flour tortillas, low carb

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Mexican cheese, chiles, cilantro, and taco seasoning. Mix well. Arrange 4 tortillas on prepared baking sheet. Spoon cheese mixture evenly onto each tortilla, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Top each with second tortilla and press down gently. Bake until filling is hot and tortilla is lightly toasted.
4. Slice each quesadilla into 4 wedges and serve warm.
Yield: 8 servings. 2 wedges per serving= 158 Calories; 8g Fat (42.3% calories from fat); 8g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 18mg Cholesterol; 410mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

This is a quick and easy dinner for two!

Smoked sausage Scramble
8 oz potato, cubed
1 tsp onion powder
1 cup torn fresh spinach
4 oz turkey smoked sausage
2 eggs
1 egg white
Salt & pepper

Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Cook the potato and onion powder until potato is tender. Add spinach and sausage. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, egg white, salt and pepper. Pour over sausage mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until eggs are completely set. Serve immediately.
Yield: 2 servings. Per serving= 256 Calories; 7g Fat (25.6% calories from fat); 18g Protein; 29g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 212mg Cholesterol; 600mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat.

yoplait yogurt review

It was almost as good as they say in the commercials! I had a Yoplait nonfat thick and creamy cherry cobbler yogurt. yum! i loved the thick and creamy texture. the nice light cherry taste did seem to have a hint of a crust flavor. so no, not like a real cherry cobbler but delicious nonetheless.

Beef Mushroom Wild Rice

This is a nice side dish. Mushrooms are not my favorite so I only used 1 can but if you like them, add more.

Beef Mushroom Wild Rice
10 3/4 fluid ounces fat-free beef broth
10 3/4 fluid ounces French onion soup
4 ounces canned mushroom slices
2 cups wild rice blend

Combine all ingredients in a 2 quart slow cooker. Cook on high 4 to 5 hours.

Yield: 8 servings. Per serving (about ½ cup)= 171 Calories; 2g Fat (9.3% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 38g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 450mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable.

Cranapple Chicken

This would be good with pork or even a turkey breast. You could use the turkey breast in a 5 qt crock and add more potatoes.

Cranapple Chicken
1 lb sweet potatoes
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 TB brown sugar
1 lb frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 oz whole berry cranberry sauce

Place cut up sweet potatoes in bottom of crock pot-then applesauce, brown sugar pork chops and cranberry sauce. salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Yield: 5 servings. Per serving= 313 Calories; 3g Fat (7.7% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 51g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 55mg Cholesterol; 81mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 2 Other Carbohydrates.

Yield: 4 servings. Per serving= 391 Calories; 3g Fat (7.7% calories from fat); 27g Protein; 64g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 69mg Cholesterol; 101mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 2 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Jalapeno Cheddar Quick Bread

This tasty quick bread would be great with soup, salad, or chili.

Jalapeno Cheddar Quick Bread
2 cups reduced fat Bisquick®
1 egg
2/3 cup skim milk
1/2 cup cheese, reduced fat Sargento mexican blend
1 tablespoon light margarine
2 tablespoons finely chopped tamed jalapenos

Preheat oven to 425^. Spray 9 inch pie plate with cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine Bisquick, egg, skim milk, cheese, margarine and jalapenos. Spread into prepared pie plate. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Yield: 8 slices. Per slice= 155 Calories; 5g Fat (27.4% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 29mg Cholesterol; 463mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat.

Dutch Baby

Some call this Baked Pancakes. The eggs cause it to puff up really big as it bakes. As it cools the fluff deflates. Serve with syrup or jam. I like peanut butter on it!

2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup milk
1/2 Cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 450^. Spray glass pie plate with cooking spray. Mix eggs, salt, milk, flour, vanilla, and cinnamon and pour into pie plate. Bake at 450 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes. This will be a big puff when it comes out of the oven but will fall as it cools.
Divide into 4 servings.
Serve with sugar free jelly or syrup

Yield: 4 servings. Per serving (not including jelly or syrup)= 101 Calories; 2g Fat (22.0% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 94mg Cholesterol; 177mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 0 Fat.

Chicken & Rice

This is tasty comfort food!

Chicken & Rice
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, no skin, no bone
1 tablespoon onion flakes
1 cup brown rice, instant
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 c. water
10 3/4 fluid ounces soup, cream of celery 98% fat free
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Place chicken in the bottom of 2 quart slow cooker. Mix together onion flakes, rice, milk, water, cream of celery soup, and pepper, onion powder and water in a medium bowl. Pour soup mixture over chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours, or on High for 4 to 6 hours.
Yield: 5 servings. Per serving (about 1 cup)= 301 Calories; 5g Fat (15.8% calories from fat); 34g Protein; 29g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 86mg Cholesterol; 508mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 0 Fat.

Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

I think these would be good game day food, but they'll be delicious no matter when you serve them!


Cheesy Chicken Empanadas
1 1/2 c. roasted chicken breast, finely chopped
4 oz light cream cheese
1/2 c. cheese, reduced fat Sargento Mexican cheese blend
1/4 c. bell pepper, diced
1 TB tamed jalapeno, finely chopped
1 TB taco seasoning
8 oz reduced fat crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix chicken, cream cheese, cheese, bell pepper, jalapeno, and taco seasoning in medium bowl using rubber spatula. Roll out the crescent rolls into 4 rectangles; sealing perforations. Cut rectangles into 8 squares then cut squares into total of 16 triangles. Spoon filling into the middle of each triangle. Bring points to the top and seal. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Yield: 16 empanadas. Per empanada= 102 Calories; 5g Fat (46.7% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 17mg Cholesterol; 205mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Green Chili Corn Chowder

This was good. I like corn chowders.

Green Chili Corn Chowder
1 pound potatoes, diced
1 cup ham, extra lean
16 ounces creamed corn
2 ounces pimientos
1 tablespoon dried chives
14 ounces fat-free chicken broth
10 3/4 ounces nacho cheese soup
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 cup green chili peppers

Combine all ingredients in 3 quart slow cooker. Cook on high 4-5 hours or low 7 to 8 hours.
Yield: 5 servings. Per serving (about 1 ½ cups)= 249 Calories; 6g Fat (20.3% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 40g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 18mg Cholesterol; 1266mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

Rum Balls II

These are good! I think I like rum extract better than actual rum...


Rum Balls II
4 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 TB rum extract
14 oz sweetened condensed milk, fat free
3/4 c. chopped peanuts

Melt chocolate in microwave; stir after each minute to avoid burning. When chocolate is completely melted add milk, then add rum extract. Combine well. Mixture will be come very thick. Chill in refrigerator for a 15-20 minutes or so. Roll teaspoonfuls of chocolate into balls; coat with the chopped peanuts. Set on jelly roll pan covered with wax paper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yield: 80 balls. Per ball: 62 Calories; 3g Fat (42.6% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 6mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Berry Orange Party Mix

This is delicious! I revised a recipe from Healthy Cooking Magazine to come up with this sweet party mix.


Berry Orange Party Mix
2 cups wheat chex®
3 cups Honey Nut Chex®
3 cups all Bran Strawberry Medley
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup craisins
1 tablespoon light margarine
1 tablespoon orange juice, frozen concentrate
1 teaspoon dried orange zest


In a large bowl, combine cereals, almonds and craisins. In small bowl combine margarine, orange juice and zest. Melt in microwave then pour over cereal mixture. Toss to combine. Heat in microwave 5 minutes, stirring after each minute or two. Pour out on jelly roll pan covered with wax paper. After cooled store in air tight container.
Yield: 18 servings. Per serving (about 1/2 cup)= 135 Calories; 5g Fat (30.3% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 130mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat.

SW Hominy Chowder

Cheesy chowder for cold nights!

SW Hominy Chowder
45 ounces hominy, canned, drained
10 3/4 ounces soup, pepper jack
1/4 cup green chiles
1 3/4 cup water
1 cup diced ham, extra lean

Combine all ingredients in 3 ½ quart slow cooker. Cook on low 4 hours or high 2 hours.
Yield: 5 servings. Per serving (about 1 ½ cups)= 279 Calories; 7g Fat (21.7% calories from fat); 10g Protein; 44g Carbohydrate; 9g Dietary Fiber; 15mg Cholesterol; 1376mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

Peppermint Fudge Truffles

I know the holidays are over but this is a good one! I got it in the WW recipes exchange and I think it originally came from WW magazine.


Peppermint Truffles
1/2 c. + 2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 C. Splenda
1/2 c. powdered sugar
5 oz light cream cheese
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/3 c. crushed peppermint candies

Combine 1/2 cup cocoa powder, Splenda, powdered sugar, cream cheese and peppermint extract in food processor or in medium bowl and beat with electric mixer until smooth. Refrigerate until mixture is firm: at least 2 hours or overnight.
Spread 2 tablespoons of cocoa and peppermint candies on 2 different pieces of wax paper. Roll teaspoonfuls of truffle mixture into balls and roll in either cocoa or peppermint candies. Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days
Yield: 24 truffles. Per truffle= 41 Calories; 1g Fat (26.9% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 3mg Cholesterol; 35mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Poppers

These are really good, but if you can't take the heat be sure to get all of the seeds and membranes out.


Poppers
Pam olive oil
3 oz light cream cheese
1 egg white
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
8 small jalapeno pepper(s)

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese and egg white; mix well and set aside. Halve jalapenos lengthwise and remove seeds. (Oil and seeds from the peppers can be irritating — wear gloves or put plastic bags over your hands. And don’t rub your eyes.) Stuff jalapeno halves with cream cheese mixture. Transfer jalapenos to prepared baking sheet. Bake until filling is bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot. They look like they are done at about 20 minutes but the additional 10 minutes cooks the "raw" taste from peppers.
Yield: 16 poppers. Per popper= 25 Calories; 2g Fat (59.2% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 5mg Cholesterol; 58mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Shrimp Fried Rice

A quick and easy go-to meal!

Shrimp Fried Rice
Cooking spray
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 green onions, sliced
2 c. cold cooked brown rice
1 c. frozen peas
½ c. shredded carrots
2 TB reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
14 oz cooked shrimp, tails removed

Spray skillet with cooking spray. Add eggs and cook, stirring occasionally; transfer to plate. Add onions, rice, peas and carrots and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Add soy sauce, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and egg and heat through.
Yield: 4 servings. Per serving= 341 Calories; 5g Fat (12.6% calories from fat); 29g Protein; 44g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 287mg Cholesterol; 299mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Maple Sweet Potatoes

This is pretty much how I use up left over pumpkin too... I put these in the microwave for 10 minutes instead of baking in the oven.


Whipped Maple Sweet Potatoes
makes:6 servings

3 lb red garnet sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons maple-flavored syrup
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground cinnamon
Additional maple-flavored syrup, if desired

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Pierce sweet potatoes with fork. Place potatoes in 9-inch square pan. Cover with foil; bake about 1 hour 15 minutes or until potatoes can be easily pierced with a knife. 2. Slip off potato skins. In large bowl, beat potatoes with electric mixer on medium speed until no lumps remain. Add 2 tablespoons syrup, the butter, salt and desired amount of cinnamon. Continue beating until potatoes are light and fluffy. Drizzle with additional syrup. 1 Serving: Calories 180 (Calories from Fat 35); Total Fat 4g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 280mg; Total Carbohydrate 34g (Dietary Fiber 5

Pecan Pie Cookies

These are not low cal but they are good. My BIL loves pecan pie so I made these for him. I tried them with less brown sugar and subbed Splenda but I don't think they were sweet enough so I've put it back. :)

Pecan Pie Cookies
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons margarine, fat free, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons light margarine

Filling:
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla


Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all cookie ingredients except flour and baking powder in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour and baking powder. Beat until well mixed. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make indentation in each cookie with thumb; rotate thumb to hollow out slightly.
Combine all filling ingredients in small bowl; fill each cookie with 1 rounded teaspoon filling. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.

Recipe Tip
These cookies can be made ahead and stored in the freezer up to 3 months. Place cookies in containers with tight-fitting lids, separating layers with waxed paper.

Yield: 24 cookies. Per cookie= 122 Calories; 3g Fat (23.4% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 53mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.