How to Create a Mini-Escape
Too harried to be healthy? Time to find a spot where the responsibilities of work, family and life just melt away.
Article By: Jason de Beer
It's hard to stay motivated when it seems like you're spending every waking moment taking care of everyone but yourself. But the resourceful members of our Community have found some creative, easy ways to free up time and space, allowing them to slip into blissful quietude.
Read their inspiring strategies for carving out some much-needed "me time," then think about ways you can schedule in your own self-pampering asap.
Create a space of serenity
“Instead of using the overhead lighting that came with the house, I use lamps. This way I can get that nice, cozy glow that I want in my home instead of being bombarded from above. I even use lamps in my kitchen, because it only has a fluorescent light.” —HOLVICH
“I insist on keeping my home as neat and uncluttered as possible. It's especially important that my kitchen, which is the first room I enter from my front door, is neat and the table is clear or has a vase of flowers or a decorative bowl on it.” —KLAROTONDA
Take time for you
“My favorite haven is a hot bath with no light except a great scented candle.” —SANDYP99
“I get up when it's still dark outside and very quiet inside. I enjoy my coffee, maybe I’ll read or watch some news, but this is my time.” —GINNYLV
“Exercising is purely my time. “Whether I'm on the elliptical or in a kickboxing class, I think of nothing but working out and what is happening in the present.” —LAURABETH22
“My favorite spot to meditate is on my cushion in a quiet part of the house. I light a candle, set a meditation timer for 10 minutes and allow myself to enter a tranquil space, putting down my burdens for at least that portion of time.” —EARTHINSONG
Carve out solo space
“We have a fourth bedroom in our house that has been set aside as my ‘office.’ I painted and decorated the room to my liking. In there I have my computer, TV, books, workout equipment and exercise DVDs. The best part is, it's on the opposite side of the house from the noise and bustle of the TV room. My boys know that it is ‘Mom's area.’” —KATIENAP
“The bathtub is my sanctuary. I grab the bubble bath, and either a good book or my laptop to watch a movie while I relax. I always bring two glasses of water in with me — it's a good time to get in two of my eight.” —MOONLITMAGNOLIA
Embrace nature
"I lead an extremely busy and hectic life, but one hour per day is mine. During that hour I walk or jog alone in the hills where I live. That hour always helps me to refocus and to relax, and when I’ve returned I feel energized, refocused, and ready resume my busy life.” —KCA195
“My peaceful time to myself is after I drop my grandkids off at school. I walk along by the river. It is a beautiful walk that relaxes me and gets me off to a good start for the day. When it is warmer, I sometimes take a book along, and just enjoy the river and people going by." —BDBOWTIMOM
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
chocolate marshmellow bark
Chocolate Marshmallow Bark
Weight Watchers Recipe
4PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 12
A sweet, couldn't-be-easier-to-make treat for any occasion.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (635)
Ingredients
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finest quality recommended
2 tsp regular butter
3 cup(s) mini marshmallows
Instructions
Line a 9- X 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined; remove from heat and stir in marshmallows.
Scrape chocolate mixture into prepared pan using a silicon spatula; smooth into a somewhat even layer. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, at least 1 hour; keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Cut into 12 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Notes
This basic recipe is very versatile: You can add your own favorite ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, crispy cereal, crisp crumbled cookies or even fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit, however, the bark must be refrigerated and eaten the day it is made. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and pineapple are all excellent options (any additions to recipe could affect PointsPlus values).
Weight Watchers Recipe
4PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 12
A sweet, couldn't-be-easier-to-make treat for any occasion.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (635)
Ingredients
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finest quality recommended
2 tsp regular butter
3 cup(s) mini marshmallows
Instructions
Line a 9- X 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly combined; remove from heat and stir in marshmallows.
Scrape chocolate mixture into prepared pan using a silicon spatula; smooth into a somewhat even layer. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, at least 1 hour; keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Cut into 12 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Notes
This basic recipe is very versatile: You can add your own favorite ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, crispy cereal, crisp crumbled cookies or even fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit, however, the bark must be refrigerated and eaten the day it is made. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and pineapple are all excellent options (any additions to recipe could affect PointsPlus values).
Italian Meatballs
Italian Meatballs
Weight Watchers Recipe
Ratings (1078)
2PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 32 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 12
Serve these bite-size morsels as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, or combine with pasta or rice for a main course. They're also great stirred into soup.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (984)
Ingredients
1 1/2 tsp regular butter
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 large uncooked onion(s), minced
1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef
1 large egg(s), beaten
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced (or 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning)
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup(s) canned beef broth, or chicken broth
1/4 cup(s) white wine
Instructions
In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove onions to a large mixing bowl and add beef, egg, parsley (or Italian seasoning), salt and red pepper flakes; mix well to combine. With damp hands, roll forty-eight 1/2-inch meatballs.
Place same skillet over medium-low heat. Add meatballs, broth and wine; simmer until cooked through, gently turning meatballs once during cooking, about 20 minutes. Yields 4 meatballs per serving.
Weight Watchers Recipe
Ratings (1078)
2PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 16 min
Cook time: 32 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 12
Serve these bite-size morsels as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, or combine with pasta or rice for a main course. They're also great stirred into soup.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (984)
Ingredients
1 1/2 tsp regular butter
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 large uncooked onion(s), minced
1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef
1 large egg(s), beaten
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced (or 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning)
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup(s) canned beef broth, or chicken broth
1/4 cup(s) white wine
Instructions
In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove onions to a large mixing bowl and add beef, egg, parsley (or Italian seasoning), salt and red pepper flakes; mix well to combine. With damp hands, roll forty-eight 1/2-inch meatballs.
Place same skillet over medium-low heat. Add meatballs, broth and wine; simmer until cooked through, gently turning meatballs once during cooking, about 20 minutes. Yields 4 meatballs per serving.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Apple dumplings
3 Points Plus Values each
bake at 350 until brown
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Take a Hike for Your Health
Take a Hike for Your Health
Clear your mind and blast calories — all at the same time — with a well-planned walk in nature.
Article By: Jessica Cassity
If you like walking, you're going to love hiking. It's not gear or the time spent exercising that sets these two apart; backpacks and boots are only necessary for extended treks, and like fitness walks, hikes can be as long or short as you want. The main distinction between these two forms of locomotion has to do with terrain. When you're walking, the path you follow is usually smooth — a paved road or track or the flat belt of a treadmill. On a hike you're taking steps on uneven ground, testing your balance and working your muscles in a more varied way. It's this ever-changing footing that makes hiking an exciting addition to any workout routine.
Get a deeper burn
Rolling hills and rocky terrain contribute to the fitness benefits of hiking. “Simply walking on uneven ground is good for balance,” says Stephen R. Southerland, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery in Vancouver, WA. Trails may be topped with loose gravel or be interrupted by boulders you must scramble over, giving your body a chance to move in new ways. Because hiking trails are trickier to navigate than your local track, you typically move more slowly, covering just two to three miles an hour.
But a slower pace doesn't have to make for a less intense workout. The hills you encounter on a hike can help rack up a calorie burn similar to that of a brisk walk and inclines also provide resistance training for your lower half. To make the most of each step, follow this strategy from Michele Olson, PhD, professor of the physiology of exercise at Auburn University Montgomery: On your way up a hill, take long, lunge-like slow steps to work your glutes, hamstrings and low back. On descents and flat ground switch to small, fast steps to pick up your heart rate.
“A hike in the woods is similar to using a step machine or setting the treadmill to the 'random' program, where the incline and speeds change in an inconsistent pattern,” says Olson. The unpredictable terrain and varied elevation help a walk feel less repetitive for body and more exciting for brain. The never-ending stimulation of a hike — both in where you step and also the scenery you encounter — can help alleviate the boredom that often creeps into workout routines, says Southerland.
Enjoy the sights
While exercise is one definite payoff, simply being in nature is another reason people get hooked on hiking. A walk around the neighborhood will get you outside, but a hike may take you past a gurgling mountain brook or a rustling grove of aspens. You may even stumble upon a deer grazing in a meadow. These unexpected moments spent connecting with nature help explain why more than 34.5 million people went hiking in 2011, according to the Outdoor Foundation, in destinations ranging from the country's 58 national parks to neighborhood nature trails. Keep your eyes peeled for the next stunning sight on a hike and you'll have no trouble fitting in the American College of Sports Medicine's recommended 150 minutes of moderate paced exercise each week. In fact, some studies have shown that people who exercise outside tend to work out longer than those who stick inside.
Prep smart
Before you walk out the door, be sure you really know where you're going. Sites like REI.com/guideposts and trails.com have descriptions and maps of thousands of hiking trails. Search by state then home in on an exact location. “If you haven't exercised in a while, start with a shorter trail — perhaps just a mile or two — with very little elevation gain,” suggests Leigh Jackson-Magennis, the New England Outdoor Programming and Outreach Manager for REI. “As you build strength and stamina, add distance and elevation to increase the challenge of the workout.” If you're already walking regularly your current distance should make for a challenging but doable hike — just remember to factor in the extra time it will take to complete a loop, due to the slower pace of hiking.
After you've printed out a map of your hike (or downloaded the route on your phone), prepare the rest of your gear. Walking shoes can work on a hiking trail, but if you're traversing rocky, loose ground you might want stiffer, less slippery sole, says Southerland. Low-rise boots should offer up enough support for most hikes (choose high-top shoes if you have unstable ankles). In terms of apparel, avoid cottons, says Jackson-Magennis. Once this fabric becomes wet — from sweat or other moisture — it will stay damp. Instead, dress in layers of moisture-wicking man-made materials, such as nylon.
For hikes longer than two or three miles, pack a lightweight backpack with a light rain layer, a first aid kit, a compass you can correctly use, extra sunscreen, and water and snacks. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for conditions at both ends of the spectrum.
If you're concerned about balance or steep descents, consider bringing along trekking poles. These walking aids, which look similar to ski poles, allow you to use your arms to assist your balance, give you a bit of extra oomph on uphill climbs, and take pressure off your knees on downhill portions of the trail. The extra upper body work that comes with hiking poles will also increase your calorie burn.
Go take a hike!
You're ready to go — now who are you taking along for the trek? Hiking solo is also an option, just take appropriate precautions: Whether you're heading out alone or in a group it's important to leave word of your whereabouts back at home. Sharing your route can help ease fears in the unexpected event of emergency — such as a twisted ankle on a low-traffic trail. On the other hand, hubbies, kids, friends and dogs all make appropriate trail buddies. Your companion can help set the tone for a hike — with kids in tow you may move more slowly; with your girlfriends an adventure may be punctuated with loud laughs. Decide your mood then issue the invites. If your roster of hiking partners is small, consider joining a local meet-up group or ask area outdoor stores about hiking clubs.
Clear your mind and blast calories — all at the same time — with a well-planned walk in nature.
Article By: Jessica Cassity
If you like walking, you're going to love hiking. It's not gear or the time spent exercising that sets these two apart; backpacks and boots are only necessary for extended treks, and like fitness walks, hikes can be as long or short as you want. The main distinction between these two forms of locomotion has to do with terrain. When you're walking, the path you follow is usually smooth — a paved road or track or the flat belt of a treadmill. On a hike you're taking steps on uneven ground, testing your balance and working your muscles in a more varied way. It's this ever-changing footing that makes hiking an exciting addition to any workout routine.
Get a deeper burn
Rolling hills and rocky terrain contribute to the fitness benefits of hiking. “Simply walking on uneven ground is good for balance,” says Stephen R. Southerland, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Rebound Orthopedics and Neurosurgery in Vancouver, WA. Trails may be topped with loose gravel or be interrupted by boulders you must scramble over, giving your body a chance to move in new ways. Because hiking trails are trickier to navigate than your local track, you typically move more slowly, covering just two to three miles an hour.
But a slower pace doesn't have to make for a less intense workout. The hills you encounter on a hike can help rack up a calorie burn similar to that of a brisk walk and inclines also provide resistance training for your lower half. To make the most of each step, follow this strategy from Michele Olson, PhD, professor of the physiology of exercise at Auburn University Montgomery: On your way up a hill, take long, lunge-like slow steps to work your glutes, hamstrings and low back. On descents and flat ground switch to small, fast steps to pick up your heart rate.
“A hike in the woods is similar to using a step machine or setting the treadmill to the 'random' program, where the incline and speeds change in an inconsistent pattern,” says Olson. The unpredictable terrain and varied elevation help a walk feel less repetitive for body and more exciting for brain. The never-ending stimulation of a hike — both in where you step and also the scenery you encounter — can help alleviate the boredom that often creeps into workout routines, says Southerland.
Enjoy the sights
While exercise is one definite payoff, simply being in nature is another reason people get hooked on hiking. A walk around the neighborhood will get you outside, but a hike may take you past a gurgling mountain brook or a rustling grove of aspens. You may even stumble upon a deer grazing in a meadow. These unexpected moments spent connecting with nature help explain why more than 34.5 million people went hiking in 2011, according to the Outdoor Foundation, in destinations ranging from the country's 58 national parks to neighborhood nature trails. Keep your eyes peeled for the next stunning sight on a hike and you'll have no trouble fitting in the American College of Sports Medicine's recommended 150 minutes of moderate paced exercise each week. In fact, some studies have shown that people who exercise outside tend to work out longer than those who stick inside.
Prep smart
Before you walk out the door, be sure you really know where you're going. Sites like REI.com/guideposts and trails.com have descriptions and maps of thousands of hiking trails. Search by state then home in on an exact location. “If you haven't exercised in a while, start with a shorter trail — perhaps just a mile or two — with very little elevation gain,” suggests Leigh Jackson-Magennis, the New England Outdoor Programming and Outreach Manager for REI. “As you build strength and stamina, add distance and elevation to increase the challenge of the workout.” If you're already walking regularly your current distance should make for a challenging but doable hike — just remember to factor in the extra time it will take to complete a loop, due to the slower pace of hiking.
After you've printed out a map of your hike (or downloaded the route on your phone), prepare the rest of your gear. Walking shoes can work on a hiking trail, but if you're traversing rocky, loose ground you might want stiffer, less slippery sole, says Southerland. Low-rise boots should offer up enough support for most hikes (choose high-top shoes if you have unstable ankles). In terms of apparel, avoid cottons, says Jackson-Magennis. Once this fabric becomes wet — from sweat or other moisture — it will stay damp. Instead, dress in layers of moisture-wicking man-made materials, such as nylon.
For hikes longer than two or three miles, pack a lightweight backpack with a light rain layer, a first aid kit, a compass you can correctly use, extra sunscreen, and water and snacks. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for conditions at both ends of the spectrum.
If you're concerned about balance or steep descents, consider bringing along trekking poles. These walking aids, which look similar to ski poles, allow you to use your arms to assist your balance, give you a bit of extra oomph on uphill climbs, and take pressure off your knees on downhill portions of the trail. The extra upper body work that comes with hiking poles will also increase your calorie burn.
Go take a hike!
You're ready to go — now who are you taking along for the trek? Hiking solo is also an option, just take appropriate precautions: Whether you're heading out alone or in a group it's important to leave word of your whereabouts back at home. Sharing your route can help ease fears in the unexpected event of emergency — such as a twisted ankle on a low-traffic trail. On the other hand, hubbies, kids, friends and dogs all make appropriate trail buddies. Your companion can help set the tone for a hike — with kids in tow you may move more slowly; with your girlfriends an adventure may be punctuated with loud laughs. Decide your mood then issue the invites. If your roster of hiking partners is small, consider joining a local meet-up group or ask area outdoor stores about hiking clubs.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Skinny pupkin spice latte
My Skinny Recipe for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is back and so is my skinny one! It’s smooth, sweet-yet-spicy flavor is the perfect treat this time of year. I figured out a skinny home recipe that taste pretty darn good! No fancy equipment needed either. If you’ve got a blender or wire whisk you can whip up this dreamy, hot drink. The skinny for 1 latte, 69 calories, 1g fat and 2 Weight Watchers POINTS. This includes light whipped cream. Leave off the whipped cream and it’s 1 Points Plus. Make a steaming cup, sit back and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for Pumpkin Latte:
½ cup fat-free milk
½ tablespoon canned pumpkin, see storage tip
1 package sugar substitute, such as Stevia or Splenda or 1½ teaspoon sugar, if desired
½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more to garnish
½ cup of strong brewed hot coffee
Ingredients for Topping:
2 tablespoons light whipped cream
Dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, pumpkin, sugar substitute and cook on medium heat, stirring until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry about it. Just whisk the mixture continuously with a wire whisk until foamy.
2. Pour into a large mug. Add the hot coffee on top. Top with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and sprinkle with a little pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top.
3. Drink immediately.
Makes 1 serving
Food Facts
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is super popular this time of year. Back for its 10th anniversary, it’s the company’s most popular seasonal beverage of all time, having purchased more than 200 million beverages since it was first introduced in 2003.
Storage Tip
Transfer canned pumpkin from an opened can into a refrigerator-safe container that is not made of metal. Seal the container tightly either with its own lid or with plastic wrap. Store the container in the refrigerator. Use within five days. Discard any remaining leftover canned pumpkin after five days in the refrigerator.
You can freeze leftover canned pumpkin. Here’s a couple things to avoid freezer burn: Use zip-lock bags made for freezing. After filling the bag try to remove as much air as possible. If you use a container make sure to only fill it ¾ full and cover it with wax paper or plastic wrap before adding the lid. Pumpkin has a lot of water so it will expand when frozen.
Weight Watchers (old points) 1 (with light whipped cream)
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 1 (without the 2 tablespoons light whipped cream)
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 2 (includes 2 tablespoons light whipped cream)
Safe Fall Fitness
Safe Fall Fitness
Get active and stay safe when the days get short and the temperatures drop.
Article By: Richard Laliberte
Fall is an excellent time for exercising outdoors: The humidity and temperature are lower, yet there's still some daylight left when you get home from work or school. Many communities schedule walks, races, and family fitness events (often for charity causes) during the fall.
Revving up your physical activity now can also help fight the hibernation mentality that sets in as daylight dwindles, says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise. "Some people find that without fresh air and light, the change in season triggers consumption of more calories," says Bryant.
Still, with fall's nippy air and loss of light, it's important to stay both comfortable and safe. Here are some simple steps to minimize discomforts and dangers:
1. Start reflecting
Don't just trust the reflectors on shoes or bikes to make you visible to motorists when you're out at twilight or later. "You really need something that closely corresponds to a driver's line of sight," says Bryant. Best bet: light-colored clothing topped with a vest made of reflective material or crossed with reflective tape.
2. Bear the glare
The sun's rays slant more in fall, so keep in mind that when the light is at your back, it's in the eyes of oncoming drivers. Try to stay off busy streets, and face traffic when on foot so you can see what's coming. Wear shades to cut glare.
3. Get a partner
Walking, jogging or pedaling with a companion not only makes you more likely to stick with a program, it also makes you more visible to motorists.
4. Spend more time warming up
If you usually skip a warm-up, start by taking at least five minutes to do some light exercise, such as easy walking, before your main workout. While your body's core maintains a steady temperature no matter what the season, muscles, tendons, and ligaments will be colder in cool air. "That means it takes longer for them to warm up and become more pliable to protect against injury," says Bryant.
5. Dress in layers
Get off to a warm start by wearing a T-shirt made of a material that wicks sweat away from skin (not cotton). Top that with breathable items such as a fleece vest and/or a sweatshirt or windbreaker (and don't forget gloves and a hat if it's chilly enough). That way, you can remove clothing if you're getting too warm.
Get active and stay safe when the days get short and the temperatures drop.
Article By: Richard Laliberte
Fall is an excellent time for exercising outdoors: The humidity and temperature are lower, yet there's still some daylight left when you get home from work or school. Many communities schedule walks, races, and family fitness events (often for charity causes) during the fall.
Revving up your physical activity now can also help fight the hibernation mentality that sets in as daylight dwindles, says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer at the American Council on Exercise. "Some people find that without fresh air and light, the change in season triggers consumption of more calories," says Bryant.
Still, with fall's nippy air and loss of light, it's important to stay both comfortable and safe. Here are some simple steps to minimize discomforts and dangers:
1. Start reflecting
Don't just trust the reflectors on shoes or bikes to make you visible to motorists when you're out at twilight or later. "You really need something that closely corresponds to a driver's line of sight," says Bryant. Best bet: light-colored clothing topped with a vest made of reflective material or crossed with reflective tape.
2. Bear the glare
The sun's rays slant more in fall, so keep in mind that when the light is at your back, it's in the eyes of oncoming drivers. Try to stay off busy streets, and face traffic when on foot so you can see what's coming. Wear shades to cut glare.
3. Get a partner
Walking, jogging or pedaling with a companion not only makes you more likely to stick with a program, it also makes you more visible to motorists.
4. Spend more time warming up
If you usually skip a warm-up, start by taking at least five minutes to do some light exercise, such as easy walking, before your main workout. While your body's core maintains a steady temperature no matter what the season, muscles, tendons, and ligaments will be colder in cool air. "That means it takes longer for them to warm up and become more pliable to protect against injury," says Bryant.
5. Dress in layers
Get off to a warm start by wearing a T-shirt made of a material that wicks sweat away from skin (not cotton). Top that with breathable items such as a fleece vest and/or a sweatshirt or windbreaker (and don't forget gloves and a hat if it's chilly enough). That way, you can remove clothing if you're getting too warm.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Skinny Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
| Skinny Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars | |
| 1 | box angel food cake mix- the 1 step kind |
| 1 | 15oz can Pumpkin |
| ¾ | Cup water |
| ½ | teaspoon cinnamon ... |
| 1 | 8oz pkg. reduced fat cream cheese |
| few tablespoons of water, to be mixed with cream cheese |
Directions
I let the cream cheese soften on the counter for a while then I added it
to my stand mixer & beat it with a couple of tablespoons of water
until smooth. I just wanted it to thin out a little bit.
In a separate bowl, mix the cake mix, pumpkin, water, & cinnamon
together until it is smooth & well mixed.
In a 9x13 pyrex dish- sprayed with PAM- add HALF of the cake –pumpkin
mix. Then smooth it out with a rubber spatula. Drizzle half of the cream
cheese over the top of it and take a small spatula to smooth it over
the top. Add remaining cake-pumpkin mix & also the remaining cream
cheese just making layers. Finally take a butter knife- stick it into
the mix and go back & forth over the top of the cake making figure
“8’s” - to blend it a bit.
Bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees OR until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cut into 20-24 bars. Each bar = 3 points plus values.
If you cut into 16 bars they will = 4 Points plus values each.
They are really good!
Cut into 20-24 bars. Each bar = 3 points plus values.
If you cut into 16 bars they will = 4 Points plus values each.
They are really good!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Chocolate-Fudge Cookie Bites
Weight Watchers Recipe
1PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 8 min
Other time: 10 min
Serves: 40
Just the right mouthful of chocolaty goodness. Freeze extras and defrost at room temperature.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (152)
Ingredients
4 spray(s) cooking spray
3/4 cup(s) sugar
1/3 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Tbsp regular butter, softened
4 oz unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup(s) all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp table salt
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat two nonstick cookie sheets with cooking spray or cover with parchment paper.
Place sugar, cocoa powder and butter in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer. Add applesauce and vanilla; beat to blend.
In another small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into cocoa batter with a wooden spoon.
Shape batter into 40 marble-size balls with your hands; place 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cookies to stand for 1 minute. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Notes
The dough is a little sticky. If it's too difficult for you to work with, chill the dough in the refrigerator first.
Store cookies in a tightly covered container to maintain freshness.
Weight Watchers Recipe
1PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 8 min
Other time: 10 min
Serves: 40
Just the right mouthful of chocolaty goodness. Freeze extras and defrost at room temperature.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (152)
Ingredients
4 spray(s) cooking spray
3/4 cup(s) sugar
1/3 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa powder
4 Tbsp regular butter, softened
4 oz unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup(s) all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp table salt
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat two nonstick cookie sheets with cooking spray or cover with parchment paper.
Place sugar, cocoa powder and butter in a medium bowl; beat with an electric mixer. Add applesauce and vanilla; beat to blend.
In another small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into cocoa batter with a wooden spoon.
Shape batter into 40 marble-size balls with your hands; place 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cookies to stand for 1 minute. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Notes
The dough is a little sticky. If it's too difficult for you to work with, chill the dough in the refrigerator first.
Store cookies in a tightly covered container to maintain freshness.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar
Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar
Weight Watchers Recipe
3PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 30 min
Other time: 30 min
Serves: 6
If you’ve never had farro, give it a go. It has a nutty flavor, slightly chewy texture and is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (3)
Ingredients
3/4 cup(s) uncooked, farro
1/2 tsp table salt, for cooking farro
3 cup(s) water
2 medium fresh tomato(es), diced
1/2 cup(s) fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
3 Tbsp (chopped) uncooked red onion(s), or diced
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
Instructions
Combine farro, salt and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until farro is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes; drain well and allow to cool slightly. (Pearled/semi-pearled farro cooks in 20 to 30 minutes while whole farro cooks in 45 to 60 minutes – make sure to check your package carefully.)
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, parsley, onion, vinegar, oil and salt.
Add farro to tomato mixture and toss to coat; cover and chill at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.
Notes
Crumbled feta cheese or ricotta salata and chopped, toasted almonds would make nice additions to this salad (could affect recipe’s PointsPlus value).
Weight Watchers Recipe
3PointsPlus Value
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 30 min
Other time: 30 min
Serves: 6
If you’ve never had farro, give it a go. It has a nutty flavor, slightly chewy texture and is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (3)
Ingredients
3/4 cup(s) uncooked, farro
1/2 tsp table salt, for cooking farro
3 cup(s) water
2 medium fresh tomato(es), diced
1/2 cup(s) fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
3 Tbsp (chopped) uncooked red onion(s), or diced
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
Instructions
Combine farro, salt and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until farro is tender, about 20 to 30 minutes; drain well and allow to cool slightly. (Pearled/semi-pearled farro cooks in 20 to 30 minutes while whole farro cooks in 45 to 60 minutes – make sure to check your package carefully.)
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, parsley, onion, vinegar, oil and salt.
Add farro to tomato mixture and toss to coat; cover and chill at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.
Notes
Crumbled feta cheese or ricotta salata and chopped, toasted almonds would make nice additions to this salad (could affect recipe’s PointsPlus value).
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
trader joes find
I
Found these at Trader Joe's today. They are only 1 Point + for 1 tortilla, and they taste great too!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013
Snickerdoodles
Skinny Whole Wheat Snickerdoodles
Whole wheat skickerdoodle cookies coated with cinnamon, spice and everything nice! If you have plans to do some baking this weekend, these cookies are a must!
I absolutely loved these cookies which I adapted from Cooking Light magazine. I swapped the flour for white whole wheat and the corn syrup for agave and they turned out too darn good if you know what I mean!
When I was in DC a few months ago, I met Matthew Petersen, the executive Pastry Chef of CityZen and Sou'Wester at the Mandarin Oriental and "chef'testant" on Bravo's Top Chef Just Desserts, and he was a huge fan of King Arthur flour. I've been using it since and always love the results.
Skinny Whole Wheat Snickerdoodles
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 42 • Size: 1 cookie • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts (3 pts+ for 2)
Calories: 50.9 • Fat: 1.3 g • Carb: 9.5 g • Fiber: 0.7 g • Protein: 0.8 g • Sugar: 5.9 g
Sodium: 20.2 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups King Arthur white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tbsp agave
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp sugar*
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon*
- cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with Silpat mats and spray with cooking spray.
Combine flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
Combine 1 cup of sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add the agave, vanilla and egg; beat well. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, beating just until combined. Cover and chill for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp sugar with cinnamon, stirring with a whisk to combine. With moist hands, shape dough into 42 (1-inch) balls. Roll balls in sugar/cinnamon mixture.
Place balls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets (I slightly flattened them).
Bake 375°F for 5-7 minutes (cookies will be slightly soft). Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Keep The Beet Alive: 12 Ways To Preserve Your Produce
Zucchini: Store zucchini unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for three to four days and do not wash until you are ready to use. At the first sign of softness, use immediately.
Tomatoes: The first thing I learned in the produce business was to never refrigerate tomatoes. So, the best place to store tomatoes is, indeed, on the counter at room temperature out of the sunlight. They continue to develop flavor until maturation peaks a few days after picking.
Strawberries: Local strawberries have no shelf life. Eat them fast or freeze them!
Spinach: Refrigerate unwashed spinach in a loosely wrapped plastic bag. Like with many vegetables, moisture can speed decay.
Tomatoes: The first thing I learned in the produce business was to never refrigerate tomatoes. So, the best place to store tomatoes is, indeed, on the counter at room temperature out of the sunlight. They continue to develop flavor until maturation peaks a few days after picking.
Strawberries: Local strawberries have no shelf life. Eat them fast or freeze them!
Spinach: Refrigerate unwashed spinach in a loosely wrapped plastic bag. Like with many vegetables, moisture can speed decay.
Scallions: Place your green onions in a jar and
fill with a small amount of water to cover the roots. Place the onions
near your kitchen window. The scallions will continue to grow. You
should change the water if it becomes cloudy. You can also put the
onions in the fridge in a glass jar.
Peaches: Store peaches on the kitchen counter at
room temperature out of the sunlight until they reach the
softness/ripeness you desire. To quicken the ripening process, place
peaches in a paper bag. When they are ready they will become softer and
more fragrant. When ripe, you can store in the crisper bin of your
refrigerator if you aren’t eating them that day.
Golden Beets: You can keep the beet greens attached if
you are going to eat them. The greens are very nutritious and can be
prepared like spinach or swiss chard. If you choose not to eat the
greens, remove them (cut them 2 inches from the beet) immediately or
they will continue to draw needed moisture from the beet. Do not wash
beets before storing. Place the beet in a plastic bag in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 10 days.
Cucumbers: Store in the refrigerator. Eat within 3 to 4 days.
Corn: Eat it soon! But, if you are not going to eat it
quickly, keep the husks on and store in the refrigerator to slow the
sugar to starch conversion process.
Carrots: First, immediately remove the greens/tops.
They will continue to draw away moisture from the carrot. Carrots love
the cold, so place unwashed carrots in a plastic bag
in the coolest part of your refrigerator. Carrots will begin to become
soft if they are exposed to warm air or their tops draw away the
moisture.
Broccoli: Store broccoli unwashed in an open plastic bag in the refrigerator. You can add holes to the bag to allow for some air circulation.
Blueberries: Keep blueberries in their original
container in the refrigerator if eating in a few days. Do not wash. For
slightly longer storage, remove any damaged berries and add a paper towel to your sealed container.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Skinny Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 14 • Size: 2 mini muffins • Old Points: 3 pts • Weight Watcher Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 160 • Fat: 5 g • Carb: 27 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 2 g • Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 118 mg • Cholest: 0 mg
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray liners with oil for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt with a wire whisk. Set aside.
In a large bowl mix pumpkin puree, oil, egg whites and vanilla; beat at medium speed until thick. Scrape down sides of the bowl.
Add flour mixture to the wet mixture, then blend at low speed until combined; do not over mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared muffin tin and bake on the center rack for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let them cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
Makes 28 mini muffins or 14 regular sized muffins.
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 14 • Size: 2 mini muffins • Old Points: 3 pts • Weight Watcher Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 160 • Fat: 5 g • Carb: 27 g • Fiber: 2 g • Protein: 2 g • Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 118 mg • Cholest: 0 mg
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour (King Arthur)
- 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour (King Arthur)
- 3/4 cup raw sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil (or canola)
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- baking spray
- 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners and lightly spray liners with oil for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt with a wire whisk. Set aside.
In a large bowl mix pumpkin puree, oil, egg whites and vanilla; beat at medium speed until thick. Scrape down sides of the bowl.
Add flour mixture to the wet mixture, then blend at low speed until combined; do not over mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared muffin tin and bake on the center rack for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let them cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
Makes 28 mini muffins or 14 regular sized muffins.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Friday, September 6, 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Cranberry-Nut Rugalach
Larger Image
Weight Watchers Recipe
2PointsPlus Value
Track
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 16
There's just one word for these flaky, traditional Jewish cookies filled with cranberries and nuts: Delicious! Try them for the Jewish New Year.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (38)
Ingredients
2 spray(s) cooking spray
1/4 cup(s) dried cranberries, finely chopped (coat knife with cooking spray before chopping to prevent sticking)
1/4 cup(s) walnut(s), finely chopped
1 Tbsp sugar, granulated
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
8 oz reduced fat crescent roll dough
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
To make filling, combine cranberries, walnuts and granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Sprinkle flour on a dry surface; roll out dough into an 11-inch square. Separate dough along perforations into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise, making 16 long triangles.
Spoon a generous teaspoon of filling onto each triangle, leaving bare pastry at top and bottom of triangle. Roll each triangle from wide end to narrow tip.
Spread out rolled wedges on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.
Move rugalach close together so they are just touching each other. Place powdered sugar in a sieve and dust over rugalach. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Notes
These cookies taste best served warm. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated 325°F oven for 5 minutes. Do not microwave – it will toughen the dough.
Larger Image
Weight Watchers Recipe
2PointsPlus Value
Track
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Other time: 0 min
Serves: 16
There's just one word for these flaky, traditional Jewish cookies filled with cranberries and nuts: Delicious! Try them for the Jewish New Year.
Recipe
Read All Reviews (38)
Ingredients
2 spray(s) cooking spray
1/4 cup(s) dried cranberries, finely chopped (coat knife with cooking spray before chopping to prevent sticking)
1/4 cup(s) walnut(s), finely chopped
1 Tbsp sugar, granulated
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
8 oz reduced fat crescent roll dough
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
To make filling, combine cranberries, walnuts and granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Sprinkle flour on a dry surface; roll out dough into an 11-inch square. Separate dough along perforations into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise, making 16 long triangles.
Spoon a generous teaspoon of filling onto each triangle, leaving bare pastry at top and bottom of triangle. Roll each triangle from wide end to narrow tip.
Spread out rolled wedges on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.
Move rugalach close together so they are just touching each other. Place powdered sugar in a sieve and dust over rugalach. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Notes
These cookies taste best served warm. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated 325°F oven for 5 minutes. Do not microwave – it will toughen the dough.
Monday, September 2, 2013
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