Meal idea Monday: Pasta Penne Bake

This Pasta Penne Bake is so simple, cheap, and quick.  Good for the last minute put together or you can put it together and cook it later.  I have made it when large groups come over just in case they haven't eaten dinner.  Plus, it is meatless for the picky eaters.  It's a big hit!  These pictures are before baking - I somehow never get after pictures...

Pasta Penne Bake
1/2 box wheat ziti (or any tubular pasta)
1 lb. ricotta cheese (I prefer Breakstone's)
1/2 lb. shredded mozzarella (8 oz. - I would suggest doubling to 16 oz. if you like a lot of cheese)
1 jar marinara sauce (I prefer Prego traditional, but I've heard Bertolli Olive Oil And Garlic Spaghetti Sauce is good too)

Mix Together in a 9X13 pan. 
Optional: sprinkle Italian seasoning on top for color
Bake 350 for 30 mins.

Meal idea Monday: Chocolate peanut butter truffles

This past Thursday I went to a cookie swap and made these delicious truffles.  Watch out - they are rich!  Be sure to make the balls pretty small.  I left some for the boys, who were doing a "beer swap" while I was away at my cookie swap.  They seemed to enjoy them.  (See a pic of the result of that party below)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles ~ 5 WWpts (for 3 truffles)

 

Prep Time:

20 min

Total Time:

1 hr 20 min

Makes:

3 doz. or 12 servings, three truffles each

What You Need

1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1/2 cup  peanut butter

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP or COOL WHIP Extra Creamy Whipped Topping, thawed

1/4 cup  powdered sugar

Make It

MICROWAVE chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
STIR in peanut butter until well blended. Cool to room temperature. Gently stir in whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour.
SCOOP peanut butter mixture with melon baller or teaspoon, then shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Calories

 220

Total fat

 15 g

  Saturated fat

 8 g

Cholesterol

 0 mg

Sodium

 60 mg

Carbohydrate

 21 g

  Dietary fiber

 2 g

  Sugars

 14 g

Protein

 4 g

Vitamin A

 0 %DV

Vitamin C

 0 %DV

Calcium

 0 %DV

Iron

 6 %DV

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Meal idea Monday : 2 Taco Takes

In this installment of Meal idea Monday I would like to suggest 2 Taco options:
1)

Cheesy Beef Burritos 10 WW points

Prep Time:

10 min

Total Time:

20 min

Makes:

4 servings, one burrito each

What You Need!

1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef

2 tsp. chili powder

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained, rinsed

1/2 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa

3/4 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

4 flour tortillas (10 inch)

1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream

1 tomato, chopped

1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

Make It!

COOK meat and chili powder in large skillet on medium-high heat 5 min. or until meat is no longer pink, stirring frequently. Add beans and salsa; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese.
SPREAD meat mixture down centers of tortillas; top with remaining ingredients.
FOLD in opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up burrito-style.

Nutrition Information

Calories

490

Total fat

15 g

Saturated fat

6 g

Cholesterol

55 mg

Sodium

890 mg

Carbohydrate

60 g

Dietary fiber

10 g

Sugars

4 g

Protein

30 g

Vitamin A

35 %DV

Vitamin C

15 %DV

Calcium

45 %DV

Iron

30 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Good source of calcium

Diet Exchange

3-1/2 Starch + 3 Meat (L) + 1/2 Fat

Nutrition Bonus

This flavorful meal made with lean meat and better-for-you ingredients can help your family eat right. Plus, it contains calcium, thanks to the cheese.

2)

BBQ Beef Soft Tacos 8 WW points

Prep Time:

10 min

Total Time:

25 min

Makes:

4 servings, 2 tacos each

What You Need!

1 onion, sliced

1 red pepper, cut into strips

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce

8 whole wheat tortillas (6 inch)

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 cup KRAFT Mexican Style 2% Milk Finely Shredded Four Cheese

Make It!

COOK and stir onions and peppers in nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 3 min. Add meat; cook 10 min. or until done, stirring occasionally. Stir in sauce; cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
SPOON onto tortillas; fold in half.
TOP with tomatoes and cheese.

TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Special Extra

Serve this tasty dish with bowls of 1/2 cup each TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa, BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream and chopped cilantro. Then everyone can top their taco the way they like it.

Nutrition Information

Calories

400

Total fat

12 g

Saturated fat

4.5 g

Cholesterol

75 mg

Sodium

1060 mg

Carbohydrate

44 g

Dietary fiber

6 g

Sugars

14 g

Protein

31 g

Vitamin A

30 %DV

Vitamin C

50 %DV

Calcium

25 %DV

Iron

25 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Good source of vitamin A or C

Diet Exchange

2-1/2 Starch + 1 Vegetable + 3 Meat (L) + 1/2 Fat

Nutrition Bonus

The red pepper adds both color and a good source of vitamin C to these spicy tacos.

Meal idea Monday: Layered Pumpkin Loaf

Meal idea Monday: Layered Pumpkin Loaf


This was super yummy!  I made it for Thanksgiving - doubled the recipe, so made 2 loaves.  This bread does not travel that well.  You have to refrigerate it and after a few days it becomes soggy.  I suggest eating it the day of or the day after and then tossing it!  I think this bread could be good without the cream cheese as well.  Delish!

Prep Time:
20 min
Total Time:
1 hr 25 min
Makes:
16 servings
What You Need!
1 cup canned pumpkin (be careful not to put the whole can of pumpkin in)
1 cup  plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4   egg whites, divided
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup  canola oil
2 cups flour
2-1/2 tsp.  CALUMET Baking Powder
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp.  salt
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, softened
Make It!

HEAT oven to 350ºF.

MIX pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, 3 egg whites, milk
and oil in large bowl. Add flour, baking powder, spice and salt; stir
just until moistened. Beat Neufchatel cheese, remaining granulated
sugar and remaining egg white with whisk until well blended.

SPOON half of pumpkin batter into greased 9x5-inch nonstick loaf pan;
cover with layers of Neufchatel mixture and remaining pumpkin batter.

BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until toothpick inserted in center
comes out clean. Loosen bread from sides of pan; cool in pan 10 min.
Remove bread from pan to wire rack; cool completely.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
How to Store Bread
Wrap cooled bread in foil or plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator up to 4 days.


Nutrition Information
Calories
 220
Total fat
 7 g
 Saturated fat
 2.5 g
Cholesterol
 10 mg
Sodium
 220 mg
Carbohydrate
 35 g
 Dietary fiber
 1 g
 Sugars
 21 g
Protein
 4 g
Vitamin A
 50 %DV
Vitamin C
 0 %DV
Calcium
 6 %DV
Iron
 6 %DV
Healthy Living Information
Good source of vitamin A or C
Diet Exchange
2 Carbohydrate + 1 Fat

Nutrition Bonus
Welcome fall with this delightful pumpkin bread that is rich in
vitamin A from the canned pumpkin. Carb Choices: 2

Meal idea Monday: Creamy Chunky Cornbread

Man this bread is moist and yummy! 

CREAMY CHUNKY CORNBREAD:

2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread
1 tsp each of baking soda, baking powder, salt
3 eggs
16 oz sour cream (I use light)
1/4 cup butter
9 oz creamed corn

Mix together, grease 9x13 pan, and bake for 30 minutes at 400.
(I will half the recipe for us and place in a 9x9 using one egg and
one egg white and I think it tastes the same.)

Meal idea Monday : Fresh Slices Restuarant

In this installment of Meal idea Monday, I would like to introduce to you Fresh Slices. I have ordered many things here - the Pecan Encrusted Trout w/ black bean and corn relish is amazing!! The sweet potato fries are a must do!!!  

Note: sweet potato fries - had to get them while they were hot, so this basket was almost empty before I could get a picture!

This place has never disappointed me or anyone I've spoken to.  They offer anything and put a healthy, yet tasty, twist on it.  There are many appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks, chicken, fish...you name it they probably have it.



I tried the Halibut Fillet served over Creole Rice with Sweet Corn Sauces, drizzled with Cilantro, with Green Onions, Parmesan Cheese, Diced Tomatoes, Sprinkled with Parsley, Wheat Toast, served with a dinner salad this time.  It was creamy, which I didn't expect.  Delish!

Here is the online menu:
http://www.gomemphis.com/places/fresh-slices-cordova/

Fresh Slices Sidewalk Cafe & Deli

1585 Overton Park Ave
Memphis, TN 38150

(901) 725-1001

Price Range:$$

Accepts Credit Cards:Yes

Attire:Casual

Good for Groups: Yes

Good for Kids:Yes

Takes Reservations:No

Waiter Service:Yes

Cuisine: Deli/Café, Pizza, Sandwich and Burgers, Sandwich and Soup
Outdoor seating? Yes

Description: This locally-owned business serves pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches and soups. Outdoor seating is available at both locations, and wine and beer are sold. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday- Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $, HA, NS. 

They also have a Cordova location, but I prefer the midtown feel:
Address: 8556 Macon , Cordova, TN, 38018
Phone: 901-756-9774

Meal idea Monday: Meatloaf

both of these are uncooked pictures...

Meal idea Monday : Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 egg slightly beaten
1 cup bread crumbs (I use Italian flavored)
1/2 cup milk
3 TBL Heinz 57 sauce
1 tsp salt
dash pepper


Mix all ingredients and shape into loaf.
Place on lightly greased shallow baking pan. (I use aluminum foil for quick clean up)

Bake it in the oven at 350 for one hour.
Allow meat to stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Some people bake it in the microwave on medium til temperature (160).
You can also bake it in the microwave on medium 20 - 24 minutes.
But I prefer baking it in the oven.

Meal Idea Monday: Humdingers

Meal Idea Monday: Humdingers

6300 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119-4711
(901) 761-1828

Here is a GREAT article on the restaurent:
http://m.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jun/12/diner-a-real-humdinger/
(Since early April, Humdinger's has been offering healthful, tasty food at reasonable prices and with quick service.)

I ordered the Blackened Mahi Mahi dish with Black Bean Salsa, Sweet Potato Fries, and it came with rice all for $9!!!: This was SO STINKIN GOOD.  Sissy, my mentor, ordered Shrimp tacos and grilled asparagus, which also looked delicious.  Great cheap, fast meal!

Meal idea Monday : Bruschetta 'n Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

In this installment of Meal idea Monday, I would like to introduce  Bruschetta 'n Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts ~ 6 WW Points. can be served with: grilled corn on the cob (2 WW Points)  or brocolli sprinkled with Parm. cheese or side salad w/ Lite Texas Toast (2 WW points)

Prep Time:

15 min

Total Time:

1 hr

Makes:

8 servings

What You Need!

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken

8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2 lb.)

1/3 cup KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing

Make It!

HEAT oven to 350ºF.
MIX tomatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and basil in medium bowl. Add stuffing mix; stir just until moistened.
PLACE 2 chicken breasts in large freezer-weight resealable plastic bag. Pound with meat mallet or side of heavy can until chicken is 1/4 inch thick. Remove from bag; place, top-sides down, on cutting board. Repeat with remaining chicken. Spread chicken with stuffing mixture. Starting at 1 narrow end, tightly roll up each breast. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with dressing.
BAKE 40 min. or until chicken is done (165°F). Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted.

Nutrition Information

Calories

280

Total fat

8 g

Saturated fat

3 g

Cholesterol

80 mg

Sodium

880 mg

Carbohydrate

20 g

Dietary fiber

1 g

Sugars

5 g

Protein

32 g

Vitamin A

10 %DV

Vitamin C

15 %DV

Calcium

15 %DV

Iron

10 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Generally Nutritious

Diet Exchange

1-1/2 Starch + 4 Meat (L)

Meal Idea Monday: Vong's Thai Kitchen

In this installment of Meal idea Monday I will suggest an eatery in Chicago: Vong's Thai Kitchen.  It's a trendy French and Thai fusion restaurant in the River North area.  It may not be helpful to all, but it sure was delish!  I went to Chicago on a business conference, so my boss took us out on the town.  We shared a appetizer platter, 3 different entrees, and 2 desserts.

Appetizer came with:
Shrimp satay, Tuna sashimi roll, Chicken satay , VTK rocket roll

Entrees:
Pad Thai w/ Chicken (peanut sauce and crunchy noodles were delish!!)
Panang Curry Chicken Over Wide Rice Noodles (creamy - yummy)
Red Hot Curry Beef Tenderloin (very spicy)

Desserts:
Warm Passion Fruit Souffle (surprisingly fantastic - no chunks of fruit w/ cold vanilla ice cream)
Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake (like a molten cake)

http://www.vongsthaikitchen.com/

Meal idea Monday: McEwen's On Monroe

In this installment I would like to introduce McEwen's on Monroe.  While others have raved about it, the Pitkanens and Coplins didn't love it.  Not gonna lie.  After Adam & Sally Daniels wed at 2PC on Friday night, the Pitkanens (Cecile Gray & Benton) went out downtown with me and Luke.  Benton was gracious enough to bring the Silver Oak wine to celebrate his most recent victory in medical school!  Yum Yum.  Here is what we all ordered.

Benton:

Saffron Lobster Risotto - so good - I'm sure the half n half helped!  rich dish.

Sweet Lobster, Green Peas
Fresh Grated Parmesan
10.

Grilled Wild Salmon - okay.

Balsamic Reduction
Rosemary Infused Oil
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Roma Ragout
Grilled Asparagus
26.

Cecile Gray:

Vegetable Spring Rolls - dipping sauce was very spicy, but good

Chow-Chow, Sweet and Spicy Cabbage and Peppers
Soy Tarragon Dipping Sauce
8.

Red Tasmanian Sweet Crab Fritters - these were good - hush-puppy-like

Avocado Vinaigrette, Spicy Chili Aioli
11.

and a side of Warm Parmesan Grits - good, but kinda bland.

Lindsey:

Grilled Gulf Coast Grouper - we did not love this one.  It was too bland - just salt and pepper.

Braised Purple Hull Peas, Local Tomatoes and Herbs
Sauteed Green Beans

24.

Luke:

Pan Seared Rib-Eye - everyone loved this - the glaze was sweet.

Habanero Mango Glaze, Green Chili Sauce
Peruvian Purple Potato and
Squash Au Gratin
Grilled Asparagus
26.

After this semi-disappointing meal we went to Felicia Susanne's for dessert and it was great - will blog about later!  Here is the online description of this restaurant - hope this helps!!

Categories: Southern, American (New)

120 Monroe Ave
Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 527-7085

www.mcewensonmonroe.com

Description

Looking for a truly unique dining experience? Look no further! McEwen's on Monroe promises exciting food, great service and an atmosphere that is as unique as the menu.
McEwen's on Monroe has made its mark by offering the very best in food and wine while capturing an atmosphere of casual elegance. Our cuisine is Southern in spirit, utilizing fresh local ingredients along with hints of the exotic to create an intoxicating culinary experience. We are honored to have been the subject of many excellent reviews from publications such as the New York Times, Bon Appetit, Memphis Magazine, the Memphis Flyer, and the Commercial Appeal. The wine list at McEwen's is truly the cornerstone of our menu. The selection is designed to excite the senses, embrace boutique vintners, and encourage an exploration of the spirit of the vine. If you are ready to branch out or are new to wine, please ask our staff for a recommendation. We are happy to help you pair the perfect wine with your meal.Bon Appetit!
Hours:

• 
  
  Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  
  Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  
  Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
  
  
  
• Price Range: $$
• Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
• Parking: Valet
• Attire: Dressy
• Good for Groups: Yes
• Good for Kids: No
• Takes Reservations: Yes
• Delivery: No
• Take-out: Yes
• Waiter Service: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
• Outdoor Seating: No
• Good for: Dinner
• Alcohol: Full Bar

Go here to buy gift certificates over half-off!!
http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=326878

Progresso Light Soups with Zero WW Points

Meal idea

Monday

Wednesday

Sorry, forgot about Meal idea Monday...and it's Wednesday!

However, I must share this found secret that is perfect for fall meals.

Progresso Light Soups with Zero WW Points

I ate the Southwestern-Style Vegetable last night with a pack of the 2pt. WW shredded cheddar cheese and 5 saltines crumbled in it = 4 point meal!  (I'm including 1 point for the soup b/c the can has 2 servings, so I'm guessing it would at least be 1 point...)

Meal Idea Monday: OLE Extreme Wellness Tortilla

In this installment of Meal Idea Monday I introduce OLE Extreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb flour tortillas.  They have 71 calories12 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs, and no sugar, lard or cholesterol per wrap.  They are 1 WW point.  They are not your usual wheat tortilla.  They are actually supple and soft without being chewy. 

I really like these tortilla wraps.  They make delicious and healthy tacos.  I did a BBQ chicken, onion & pepper taco the other night with them...

 

Yum Yum.

Meal Idea Monday: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

This installment of Meal Idea Monday will include Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake!  I made this last night with Geoff & Ashley in town.  I doubled everything in the recipe except the broccoli and chicken and it was delish!  I paired it with lite texas toast...mmm.  Sorry, I didn't take any pictures of my own.

Creamy Chicken & Pasta Bake ~ 8 WW pts

 

Prep Time:

20 min

Total Time:

38 min

Makes:

4 servings, 1-1/2 cups each

What You Need!

1-1/2 cups multigrain rotini pasta, uncooked

1 small  bunch broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups)

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 

1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves

1/2 cup  fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

2 oz. (1/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed

1 cup  KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It!

HEAT oven to 375ºF. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding broccoli for the last 3 min.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; Add 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves to skillet along with the chicken; cook 3 min. or until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Stir in broth; simmer 3 min. or until chicken is done. Add Neufchatel; cook and stir on low heat 1 min. or until cream cheese is melted. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella.
DRAIN pasta and broccoli. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole dish; cover.
BAKE 15 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 3 min. or until melted. Let stand 5 min.

Nutrition Information

Calories

 390

Total fat

 12 g

  Saturated fat

 6 g

Cholesterol

 90 mg

Sodium

 480 mg

Carbohydrate

 28 g

  Dietary fiber

 4 g

  Sugars

 2 g

Protein

 43 g

Vitamin A

 45 %DV

Vitamin C

 40 %DV

Calcium

 50 %DV

Iron

 15 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Good source of vitamin A or C

Diet Exchange

2 Starch + 5 Meat (L) + 2 Fat

Meal idea Monday : McCain Sweet Potatoe Fries

In this installment of Meal idea Monday I would like to introduce McCain's Sweet Potato Fries! Just 2 points per serving (2 oz. = 15 or so fries). Pair them with 2 of the Gorton's Beer Batter fillets (6 pts) and you got yourself an 8 pt. meal!
+ = FAUX PUB FOOD!

Meal idea Monday : Turkey Sausage Stew ~ sounds gross, but quite delectible, cheap & fast

In this installment of Meal idea Monday, I would like to introduce : Turkey Sausage Stew. Stew ~maybe not the right noun, but it sounded good. 6 WW Points.

This meal only costs about $5.50
Butterball Turkey Sausage ~ $3.99
Kroger frozen sack: Onion & 3 pepper ~ $1
Bag of Success Brown Rice ~ 50 ¢
4 servings (3 if you are feeding a big boy)

Directions:
1) Chop both turkey sausage links in 1/2" slices
2) Pam a stir-fry pan
3) Throw the sausage & the whole bag of frozen veggies in the pan and put on medium heat, uncovered, until desired
4) I season with Cajun seasoning or Lawry's seasoned salt, but be careful ~ the sausage is already high in sodium.
5) Place the rice in a shallow bowl and top with sausage/veggie mix
Enjoy :)

Meal idea Monday : Start with Splenda

Let me start the first installment of Meal idea Mondays : Start with Splenda. Every Monday I will introduce a new food product, recipe or restaurant find. Enjoy!

If you're a fan of sprinkling a packet of artificial sweetener in your coffee instead of sugar, you may be excited to hear that Splenda has a new product out that contains fiber. Each packet of Splenda (which has the sweetening power of two packets of sugar) offers one gram of fiber. The recommended amount is between 25- 30 grams a day. This is very helpful to me being on Weight Watchers. It brings my coffee to ZERO point value with my fat free creamer :)

Let me also suggest you add this great sweetener to a bold coffee - Folgers Black Silk. I discovered this served at the Aveda salon I go to. It is especially cheap ~ $5.50 with coupon for this huge container.

+ = wakey wakey!