Feta-Stuffed Chicken Burgers

I got this recipe from weightwatchers.com. I needed something WW friendly and had some ground chicken to use. We really loved the feta in them and instead of the olives and roasted red pepper I topped it with a couple slices of avocado and barbecue sauce to bring it all together. They were great, filling, and only 5 points. And yes, I did use the whole wheat light roll too.














1 lb. ground chicken
1 TBSP fresh oregano (I used a teaspoon of dried)
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
7 TBSP of feta cheese
4 light rolls
1/2 avocado, sliced
1 TBSP BBQ sauce

Combine the chicken, spices and feta and form into patties. Grill on each side 7-8 minutes. Serve with the avocado or toppings of your choice and enjoy!

Chicken Parmesean, Fake Out Style

I love Italian food, if you haven't quite figure that out yet. Chicken parmesean ranks right up there as one of my favorites. However I rarely order it out because I know how bad it is for me. So I make it at home and I "fake" it. Instead of frying the chicken, I bread both sides and cook it in a little olive oil (like 2 TBSP) until it's browned on both sides and then I put it in the oven for 20 minutes. It's so much healthier and I can pair it with my healthy pastas too. DH also wanted me to let everyone know he likes it this way too. I paired it with my homemade sauce, which unfortunately, I am unable to share the recipe for because it comes from a friend's family. But at least we can enjoy looking it at right?

Hummus

I've had this recipe from Chop, Stir, Mix starred in my google reader for a while. I've tried making hummus a few times but it never really came out right... it was either too garlicky or too beany. This one though is delicious. I'm excited to have finally been able to make homemade hummus that rivals the store bought versions. It's MUCH cheaper to make at home and I feel healthier since I can control the ingredients. I didn't have the parsley on hand but it still came out great. Be sure to make this hummus!














1 large can (or 2 reg sized cans) chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
2 cloves of garlic
2 tsp salt (you can start with 1 tsp and add another if you want depending on your taste)
1/2 c. sour cream
2 tbsp tahini
1/4 c. chopped parsley
olive oil (to consistency - about 1/8 c.)

Make a mash paste of the garlic and salt. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, use a fork in a bowl. Blend chickpeas, sour cream, tahini, and garlic paste in food processor or blender. Add olive oil until desired consistency is reached. Add in chopped parsely and let blend well for 2-3 minutes. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Spinach and Artichoke White Pizza

On Friday at work, I was trying to think of ideas for homemade pizza. I knew I had ricotta that needed to be used and I thought hey, white pizza goes great with spinach and of course, artichokes go with everything for me so voila. Spinach and artichoke white pizza. When I posted about it on my cooking board, people suggested I add sundried tomatoes and some red pepper flakes. It turned out great. I don't have exact measurements but here's some good estimates.

olive oil
1 ball store bought whole wheat pizza dough
1/2 container part skim ricotta cheese (about 7 oz)
5 oz. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
8 artichoke hearts, chopped
6 sundried tomatoes, chopped
5 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Roll out the pizza dough and brush with the olive oil. Dot the dough with the spinach and ricotta. Spread the chopped artichokes and sundried tomatoes over the top. Top with the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Shake on some red pepper flakes and oregano to taste. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 12 minutes or until the crust is cooked through.

Pasta Primavera with Turkey Sausage

My mom made us this version of pasta primavera growing up and I thought adding some protein into it would make it a good, well-rounded meal. It's easy for a weeknight and tasty too.

3 links of lean turkey sausage, crumbled and cooked
9-10 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
2 TSBP. I can't Believe It's Not Butter Light
1 envelope Knorr Vegetable soup mix
1-3/4 cups of 1% milk
2 TBSP all purpose flour
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese














In a saucepan, melt the margarine and whisk in the soup mix, flour and milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cheese and turkey sausage. Toss with the spaghetti and add additional cheese if desired.

Crock Pot Chicken Parisienne - WW friendly

After a week of being out of commission from bronchitis, I'm back! Yesterday I was able to run home on lunch and throw dinner in the crockpot. There's a Weight Watchers friendly blog I often turn to for ideas, LaaLoosh, and I had starred this recipe in my google reader and so yesterday was a great day to make it. It came out great and my husband and I both loved it. I served it over whole wheat egg noodles and a side of steamed broccoli. I highly recommend this blog and I look forward to making a lot more recipes from it.

Amish Friendship Bread

My friend Brooke passed her starters onto me and last night I got to make this super delicious "bread". I put it in quotes because it really tastes more like cake. I brought a loaf into work with me this morning and it's already gone! So thanks Brooke. And if anyone wants a starter, I have 4 at home. Just send me an email and you'll get the starter and the instructions. It's really easy too.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Today was an easy dinner night since we spent the majority of our weekend repainting our kitchen. We got everything back in order just in time to make a quick dinner and relax, so Buffalo Chicken Pizza it was. We've made this a few times before but it's always a house favorite. Here's a picture of our new kitchen color too--it's Benjamin Moore Provence Cream.

4-5 oz. chicken breast, diced and cooked
1 small can of tomato sauce
2-3 TBSP hot sauce
2 TBSP Worcester sauce
1 TBSP I can't believe it's not butter light
1 pizza crust (we buy the pizza dough at the grocery store)
6 oz. cup light mozz or other italian cheese
1/4 cup parm cheese.
Heat the oven to 425. If using a pizza stone, make sure to put in the oven as it preheats to get it hot. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan, then add the sauces and combine. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken. Spread the chicken mixture over the pizza crust, then top with the cheeses and bake for 10 minutes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

I've had this recipe saved for so long, I have no idea where it came from. I finally got around to making it tonight and I really liked it. I'm a big tuna casserole fan though so I knew I would.


6 oz. whole wheat egg noodles
Cooking spray
1 shallot, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz. sliced baby bella mushrooms
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 TBSP flour
2 cups 1% milk
1 can tuna
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup panko
salt & pepper

Cook the noodles according to package. Coat a deep pan in cooking spray and saute the shallot. Add in the garlic, mushroom and celery and cook until the mushrooms begin to sweat. Stir in the flour and brown. Whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Salt & pepper the sauce to taste. Once thickened, add in the parmesan cheese and noodles. Pour into an 8x8 casserole dish (or similar). Top with the panko. Cook in a 350 degree oven covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and cook another 10 minutes. Serves 4.

Super Bowl Sunday

I hosted a Super Bowl party for about 15 family and friends on Sunday (Go Steelers!) It was a great time had by all and we had an incredible spread going. My uncle brought Ina's Grown Up Mac & Cheese (no picture, it got eaten too fast!) My mother-in-law brought her BBQ meatballs, similar to what I've made here but I think hers are better. My sister in law brought her famous baked brie, made with raspberry jam, a brie wheel and wrapped in puffed pastry. My other sister in law brought a taco dip. And my Mom and Dad brought pulled pork. Man I really should have taken more pictures. I was too busy watching the game. I made Pioneer Woman's guacamole. I loved the pico de gallo in it and it was a huge hit at the party.






























I also made Buffalo Chicken dip. I think this was the biggest hit. It was all gone by halftime.
















Finally I put out hot spinach and artichoke dip. Creamy, warm and always a staple at our parties.
















It was a great night of eating and celebrating and my thanks to everyone for making a dish.

Ladies Lunch

On Saturday, it was my turn to host a luncheon for the girls I met on the What's Cooking board. It was a great afternoon and we had a lot of fun eating, sharing stories and talking food. Sarah took all the pictures for the group and posted everything on her site so check it out to see our Mexican-themed lunch spread. I made Texas Chicken Quesadillas, which have been around my house for a long time. Colleen brought guacamole and Santa Fe cheese dip. Sarah made some delicious Spanish rice. Lauren came with a fabulous taco bake for the main course. Brooke baked some fabulous Mexican chocolate crunch brownies, which my family is very happy that she gave us some leftovers to keep at home. We love them!