Chicken Marsala Recipe: Featuring Campbell's Skillet Sauces

Super Simple Chicken Marsala Dinner Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken
• 1 pack of Campbell's Marsala Skillet Sauces (see more after recipe)
• 10 oz Fresh Mushrooms
• 1 bag of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice- Whole Grain Brown 
• 3oz Fresh Green Beans

 

Directions:

1. In a large skillet brown chicken with Pam. (I like Pam with Olive Oil.)
2. Add mushrooms and let steam with skillet lid for about 5 minuets, until mushrooms soften.
3. Add bag of skillet sauce. Let simmer.
4. Heat Green Beans to your liking. I steam mine in the microwave.
5. Heat rice as directed on package.
6. Serve and enjoy!

 

Serves 4 

440 calories for full meal 

Yum!

 

The full line of Campbell's Skillet Sauces are a must try. They are super easy ways to make tasty meals any day of the week! They latterly take 20 minuets. Just add your choice of meat or fish, and serving with brown rice for wholegrain pasta and veggies. Get a Coupon Here.  Choose from the following choices:

• Marsala with Mushroom and Garlic (60 calories per serving)
• Creamy Chipotle with Roasted Corn and Black Beans (70 calories per serving)
• Fire Roasted Tomato with Red Bell Peppers and Chiles (35 calories per serving)
• Scampi with White Wine and Garlic (70 calories per serving)
• Thai Green Curry with Lemongrass and Garlic (70 calories per serving)
• Toasted Sesame with Garlic and Ginger (40 calories per serving) 

Summer BBQ Tips

To celebrate 4th of July weekend, I thought I'd share 4 awesome ideas for fun summer BBQs that are healthy, delicious and festive!

1. Start off with guilt-free grilling! Skip the fatty burgers and high calorie hot dogs, instead- choose these great options: fat free all-beef hot dogs or turkey dogs (I always choose Hebrew National with only 45 calories per dog), Boca Burgers or Turkey Burgers (100-160 calories per patty. I like the Ballpark turkey burgers and the original variety Boca Burger. Both have 120 calories), chicken breast, lean steaks (like the 4oz Nolan Ryan Filet for 120 calories), and pre-seasoned chicken or beef fajita meat is a great choice! I usually go with the Kroger brand (the chicken has 120 calories per 3oz serving and the beef has 160 per 3oz serving).

Another tip here, skip the bun if you can! Who needs extra carbs when you're saving up calories for desserts and cocktails. If you do have bread, choose 100 calorie sandwich thins or hot dog buns with about 100 calories. Kroger hot dog buns have 110 calories each.

2. Offer up healthy choice sides for the outdoor fiesta. Make them fun and festive! The cuter-the healthier-the better. That's my philosophy!

-Fruit kebabs for a colorful party

-Strawberries, blueberries, watermelon and banana slices for the 4th of July. Make them into a flag if you'd like!

-Grilled up veggies for any summer night! Zucchini, squash, corn, carrots, mushrooms... Choose colorful veggies for a beautiful presentation 

-Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa for a Mexican Fiesta (see #4 below for a margarita tip!)

- Baked Potatoes with low fat cheese, fat free sour cream and spray butter for an evening dinner with steaks. Date Night at home!

3. Something Sweet! 

The healthy dessert options are endless, but here are my 2 favorite choices...

--Ice Cream Sundaes: The perfect way to cool off and guests have fun making their own! Start off with a scoop of low fat or sugar free vanilla ice cream and top with a little of everything. Fresh Fruit, low fat chocolate syrup, a dash of sprinkles, a few crushed nuts, fat free whipped cream and a cherry on top! Stay clear of candies or crushed cookies.... The toppings above will fill you up just fine! 

--Popsicles: Fun, colorful and sugar free Popsicles are usually cheep and yummy, plus- it's one less thing to make! Look for fruity flavored pops with 10-20 calories each. Awesome! Here is a fun Pinterest tip (that can also add to any party theme): add a cupcake liner to the bottom of your pops to prevent a spill or sticky fingers! Love it!

4. Cocktails- crystal light style!

I absolutely love all three mock-tail flavors in the summer! Stir up a fresh pitcher of margarita crystal light with tequila, appletini with vodka, or mojito with vodka! Each mix has 5 calories per 8oz. + the liquor of course. A 3oz tequila or vodka shot is roughly 70 calories. I also highly suggest enjoying them in a super fun and colorful summer glass! 

Happy Summer!

Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Heat up on a cold night with this lean beef, crock pot chili recipe!

Yeilds 5 servings at 350 calories

- 16oz package Laura's 96% Fat Free Lean Beef 

- 1 Packet Crockpot Chili Mix

- 2 cans low sodium kidney beans 

- 2 cans diced tomatoes

- 1 can tomato sauce 

Super Simple Instructions: First brown meat until fully cooked, then mix all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for about 8 hrs. Serve with baked tortilla chips! 

Enjoy!

Fun Mini-Taco Salads

Fun Mini-Taco Salads

Make these fun mexi-treats for dinner, snacks, or even appetizers for the upcoming Super Bowl! 

Recipe yield 18 Mini Taco Salads

75 calories each

(Depending on toppings you like)

Ingredients:

-18 Wonton Wrappers 

-1 can Fat Free Refried Beans

-1 package Morning Star Crumbles

-Taco Seasoning 

-Shredded Lettuce 

-Pico 

-Fat Free Sour Cream (optional)

-Fat Free Shredded Cheese (optional) 

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 375

-Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and insert a wonton wrapper into each muffin hole.

-Place pan in oven while it preheats

-Meanwhile, brown Morning Star Crumbles with Taco Seasoning. Set aside. 

-Remove pan from oven.

-Fill each wrapper with one spoonful of beans and one spoonful of crumbles 

-Bake for 15 mins. 

-Remove from oven. Top with cheese, sour cream, pico, and lettuce. 

Enjoy your Fiesta Taco Salads! 

Egg Bake Recipe

During the work week, it's hard to enjoy a protein-packed healthy breakfast when you're on the go in the mornings with barely enough time to grab coffee and a granola bar! Try making these yummy egg bake muffins on a Sunday morning, and enjoy them all week!

Ingredients:

1 cup Heart Healthy Bisquick

1 cup Skim Milk

1 cup Fat Free Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 12oz bag of Morning Star Crumbles

1 cup Egg Beaters

Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)

Super Easy Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375

2. In a skillet "brown" the morning star crumbles (with PAM or Olive Oil spray). Season to taste. - I use I dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl blend egg beaters, Bisquick and milk until smooth.

4. Stir in cheese and cooked crumbles.

5. Spay muffin tin with PAM. Fill each cup about 3/4 of the way.

6. Bake for 30mins.

7. Enjoy all week!

Keep refrigerated all week. To reheat: pop in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toaster oven.

Makes 18 muffin cups.

Serving size 2.

150 calories

4 WW points

Ready for some Football!

Fall has arrived, which means football season is here! Gear up for the big game with these guilt-free tailgate ideas:

1. Grilled Chicken Sliders: Tyson grilled chicken breasts (cut in half), slider buns (70-100 calories), lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

2. Hot Dogs in a blanket: 94% fat free Hebrew National hot dogs (45 calories) and reduced fat pillsbury crescent rolls  

3. Lentil Chips and Spinach Dip: Lentil Chips were a good find!  Try the kind by Mediterranean Foods (110 calories for 22 chips) and a dip with 40-45 calories! http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/

4. Banana Muffins: See recipe below

5. Light Beer: Bud 55, Miller 64, or Michelob Ultra

6. Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa (and fat free refried beans if you'd like)

7. Veggies: Carrots, Cucumbers, Celery, Roma Tomatoes

8. Hot Pretzels: Like the kind by super pretzel- cut up into bite size pieces. 

9. Mini Football Snickers: See Below- available in your favorite teams for only 45 calories.

10. Fun Football themed plates, cups and napkins!   

Banana Muffins:

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup splenda (if you use sugar, add an extra 45 calories per muffin)

1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2 egg whites

1 cup banana, mashed

1/4 cup applesauce 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tin with spray. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Add egg whites, bananas and applesauce; stir just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. 

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

100 calories per muffin!

Breakfast for dinner!

Breakfast for dinner? Why not!

Start with an egg mug! What's an egg mug? Easy eggs microwaved in a mug! Spray your mug with non-stick cooking spray, mix 1/2 cup of egg beaters and cheese (or anything else, I went with a laughing cow cheese wedge) in your mug. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, microwave for an addition 60 seconds, enjoy! 

Read some egg mug ideas from Hungry Girl: http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1256

Next, cook up some breakfast faves! We went with Jimmy Dean Turkey Sauage (100 calories for 3 links), sliced apples, and Betty Crocker Triple Berry Muffins (120 calories each and easy to make- just add water!)

What's not to love about breakfast!?

Here are 5 more of my favorite, guilt-free breakfast finds:

1. Fiber One Muffins: 160 calories- they come in Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, and Blueberry)

2. Special K Red Berry Waffles (2 for 150 calories)

3. Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal (80 calories for 3/4 cup)

4. Smart Ones English Muffin Sandwich with Turkey Sausage (230 calories)

5. Fiber One Pancakes (180 calories for 3 pancakes)

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Recipe Alert!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 

This recipe is my own take on Hungry Girl's Fettuccine Hungry Girlfredo recipe. She makes it with House Foods Tofu Shirataki Fettuccine Shaped Noodle Substitute... I tried them once. I thought they were gross. If you like them, use them- they have practically no calories. Here is a link to her original recipe: http://www.hungry-girl.com/show/pasta-la-vista-fettuccine-hungry-girlfredo-recipe

Instead, I used Fiber Gourmet Pasta (4WW points, 130 calories per serving). You can buy it online or at Sugarless Delight in Richardson.

http://www.fibergourmet.com/

http://www.sugarlessdelite.com/

Or, feel free to use any whole wheat or high fiber pasta. Points or calories for your meal will vary based on the pasta you use.

Additional ingredients based on 1 box of pasta:

3 wedges The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss cheese

6 tsp. reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping

3-5 tsp. fat-free sour cream 

If desired, Grilled Chicken (or shrimp)

(Note- measurements may vary. I honestly don't measure the Parmesan cheese and sour cream  too closely. Both ingredients are so low in calories and only 1 WW point each for more then you will need in this recipe.)

Easy Directions:

Boil Pasta

When pasta is really hot, transfer to a big bowl immediately. Mix in all other ingredients. (You may need to microwave if the cheese wedge doesn't melt easily.)

That's it! A simple and delicious alternative to a high in calories and points meal. (Macaroni Grill's Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is 39 points, or 1130 calories -eek!)

Enjoy this guilt-free dish instead! 

Sunday Night Dinner-Veggie Overload!

It's Sunday Night in the summer- you know what that means: A glass of "Skinny" wine (from my 3/9/13 post), Dexter, True Blood, and a yummy home cooked meal.) Get all your favorite veggies in with this recipe featuring a skinny must have- Fiber Gourmet Pasta. 

Before I get to this delicious dish- I need to dish about fiber gourmet. Their slogan "All the taste, half the calories" is so true! One serving (2oz) features  130 calories, 40% fewer than standard pasta and 18g  of fiber - 72% of the daily value... 4 WW Points. Awesome! You can purchase the pasta online, or you can pick up a box or two to try at Tasty Delight on Coit and Campbell. http://www.fibergourmet.com/ClassicPastaHealthy.aspx (while you're browsing, check out the crackers and Mac and cheese also!) Great Find!

To create my "Pasta Veggie-Supreme,"  roast all your favorite veggies with a tad of olive oil and seasonings of your choice on 425-450 degrees for 40 min. (Or until veggies are crisp.) Turn/mix on the baking sheet every 10 mins. For this recipe I  went a little crazy at Central Market and used zucchini, squash, roma tomatoes (for color!), mushrooms and brussel sprouts seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning and onion powder. 

To add some protein, I cut 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into small pieces and marinated them in olive oil and the same seasonings for about 30 min. (Bake for 30-40 mins on 350.) Or use any protein!

I boiled the fiber pasta as normal. Note- The best grocery store, easy to find pasta (I think) is Ronzoni Smart Taste with fiber. It has 180 calories for a 2oz serving. Not too bad! 

Once everything is baked, boiled and ready mix in a giant bowl with Ragu Light Pasta sauce. (60 Calories for 1/2 a cup- 1 WW Point.) I usually heat up the sauce in the microwave first so everything is hot. 

Serve and enjoy!

The key to this recipe is more veggies and less pasta. For 1-1/2 servings of pasta, 1 serving of chicken, all the veggies you want, and 1/2 cup of pasta sauce... You're looking at about 9-10 WW points for a filling and fiber-filled dinner! 

Pasta Salad Recipe

In the mood for some pasta salad? Try this lower calorie option!

(I honestly didn't measure this one... Depending on your measurements, the salad can run about 350 calories for 1-1/2 Cups)

In a large bowl, mix the following:
- High Fiber Pasta (200 calories or less per serving) Cooled
Try fiber gourmet or barilla: http://www.fibergourmet.com/
http://www.barilla.com/
- Roma Tomatoes
- Diced Red Onion
- Diced Cucumbers
- Sliced Black Olives
- Diced Mushrooms
- Broccoli Cloves
... The more veggies you add, the less pasta you will take in from a serving!
- Cubed Meat (We ordered two 1/4-inch oven roasted turkey slices and one 1/4-inch roast beef slice at the deli counter and cut into small cubes.)
- Fat Free Italian Dressing

Mix well and refrigerate!

Small Potatoes-Big Taste

My new cooking obsession- mini potatoes! It wasn't until I realized that 5 little potatoes are only 90-110 calories, that I have become obsessed. But now I use them for all types of meals. In the crockpot, in the skillet, in the oven- red potatoes, white potatoes, golden potatoes.... The possibilities are endless for these cute, low-cal "veggie carbs" as I've been calling them.

Tonight, I created a colorful chicken and veggies mix with random things we had in the house and sliced mini potatoes for a delicious and healthy dinner.

Green Zucchini
White Mushroom
Sliced Golden Potatoes
Pre-Cooked Tyson Grilled Chicken Diced
1 Can Died Tomato
Onions
Swanson Flavor Boost (See previous post)
Brown Rice
... All mixed together in a skillet!

350 Calories (estimated) for a giant portion! Now, that's no small potatoes!

Boost with Flavor Boost by Swanson

Swanson's flavor boost packs are the perfect complement to any quick and easy meal. Each 35 calorie pack adds enough flavor for a meal for four. All the flavor, none of the mess!

For a yummy dinner, I threw grilled chicken strips (the pre-cooked kind for simplicity!), sliced red potatoes, zucchini, squash, onion and mushrooms over medium heat in a skillet with cooking spray. I seasoned the mixture with garlic powder and seasoned salt. After sautéing for about 10 minuets, I added a flavor boost pack and let the skillet simmer for 5 more minuets. From the other room, you can smell this yummy aroma! That easy- and healthy!

Learn more here and check out the recipe ideas: http://www.campbellskitchen.com/Brands/Swanson%20Flavor%20Boost

This easy meals yielded about 300 calories! (Normally we would have it with rice, but not until after Passover.)

Matzah-Crusted Tilapia

After a week of Passover leftovers, I was more then ready for something new after a long work week. So, I whipped up a meal inspired by a dish my sister-in-law recommended.

Matzah-Crusted Tilapia

Ingredients:
- 4 1/4 lbs Tilapia Fillets
- 1/2 cup Matzah Meal
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning and Oregano to your liking
- Fresh Lemon
- Misto with Olive Oil
(More on the Misto below)

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400
- Mix matzah meal with seasonings and set aside in a big bowl
- One at a time, spray each fillet with olive oil and cover in matzah mixture
- Place each fillet on a foiled cookie sheet
- Bake for 20 mins (flipping at 10 mins)
- Squeeze fresh lemon over fish fillets
- Easy enough!

The fish turned out to be pretty yummy considering it was made with matzah! We also had mixed veggies (squash, zucchini, and mushrooms) cooked over medium heat on the stove with sprayed olive oil and garlic powder. Simple, healthy, and delicious!

Happy Passover!

Side note on the Misto- it's awesome! I highly recommend investing in one for healthy cooking. To use, you fille the can with the oil of your choice, pump, and spray. It's like Pam, but better! Mine is from Macy's, but you can get one anywhere!

Passover Berry Crisp Recipe

It's that time of year again when the Jews trade in their beloved bread and carbs for matzah and bitter herbs to remember our escape from Egypt. Add some enjoyment to your Seder with this yummy and healthy Passover Dessert Recipe. (I found this recipe on Pinterest, and altered it to be my own!)

Ingredients:
4 cups sliced strawberries
1-1/2 cups blueberries
1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda)
"Sprinkle" of cinnamon
Pam cooking spray

1/2 matzah meal
1/3 cup sugar (or Splenda)
1/4 cup almonds
2 tablespoons margarine (melted)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350
Spray an 11x7 baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, toss strawberries, blueberries, 1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda), and cinnamon. Spoon into dish.

In a different bowl, stir matzah meal, 1/3 cup sugar (Splenda), almonds, and margarine together. Sprinkle over berry mixture.

Bake on 350 for about 35-40 mins.

Yields 8 servings.
4 WW points with sugar per serving
2 WW points with Splenda per serving

*Honestly, the sugar and Splenda versions taste very similar. I made the sugar version for our Seder tomorrow and the Splenda version to enjoy all week long!

Happy Passover!
(More recipes and Passover tips to come this week!)

-Note, to enjoy this recipe year round (or if you're not Jewish), swap the matzah meal for flour or even heart smart bisquick!

Crockpot Tacos

Imagine coming home from work to a house that smells like a taco...This crockpot concoction does just that!

The super easy recipe is also healthy as can be! I threw chicken breast, salsa, taco seasoning, mushrooms and onions into the crockpot on low before leaving for work. When I got home, I cranked the heat to medium and shredded the chicken. It's that easy!

We paired the mixture with 80-calorie low carb tortillas by Mission (2 WW points each or two for 5 points) and shredded lettuce.

If you have them, add peppers or black beans to the tacos too!

Simple. Easy. Delicious.

Enjoy!

Easy-Healthy "Fried" Rice

Brown rice, chopped onion, lots of mushrooms (we love mushrooms), cubed grilled chicken, scrambled egg beaters, pam cooking spray, can of peas and carrots, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of cheyenne pepper- thrown together in a wok.... Delicious, simple, and quick!

How to make it quick: microwaveable rice, pre-chopped onions packaged in the produce section, and packaged cooked chicken that is already diced. So easy!

Guilt-Free Love

I am officially obsessed with these fruity, crunchy snacks. They come in smaller packs too. Pineapple, Mango, and Banana air-dried to perfection with ZERO added ingredients. Enjoy them from the bag, toss into a trail mix with low fat popcorn and gerber puffs (I'll blog about those too), or sprinkle on yogurt for breakfast, the possibilities are endless and they are yummy and sweet. I found them at Walmart, but you can also get them at Super Target (and supposedly Sam's...) The small bags have 45-50 calories and the larger bag-with the mix shown in photo- has 110 calories. (0 WW Points Plus- I think!)