Sunday, May 31, 2009


Fruity Sangria


POINTS
® Value: 1
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 0 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Works with Simply Filling


Ingredients



1 cup(s) wine, dry, red

3 cup(s) low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail, refrigerated

2 cup(s) strawberries, chopped

2 medium apple(s), chopped

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, or to taste

Instructions

  • Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher; allow to stand for 30 minutes. Place ice in glasses and serve. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tuscan Potato and Pepper Packets
Makes 4 servings (1 packet)
POINTS value per serving: 3

◊1 pound uncooked red potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
◊1 medium yellow pepper, cut into thin strips (about 2 cups)
◊1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp rosemary, fresh, chopped, or less to taste*
1/2 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1.Heat outdoor grill to medium high. Tear off four 12-inch long pieces of aluminum foil.

2.In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until mixed and coated. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of vegetable mixture in a fairly even layer near 1 end of each piece of foil. Fold foil over to form packets; fold edges in to form a tight seal.

3.Grill packets, turning a few times, until potatoes are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.


Recipe adapted from WeightWatchers.com
Grilled Drumsticks with Molasses Barbecue Sauce

Makes 4 servings (2 drumsticks)
POINTS value per serving: 4

6 Tbsp bottled chili sauce
3 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar
2 Tbsp molasses
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp minced chipotle en adobo
2 garlic cloves, minced
◊8 (3-ounce) skinless chicken drumsticks
1/4 tsp salt
1.
To make the sauce, combine the chili sauce, vinegar, molasses, chili powder, chipotle en adobo, and garlic in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring, about 3 minutes.
2.
Meanwhile, spray the grill rack with nonstick spray; prepare the grill. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt, place on the grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 8 minutes. Brush with the barbecue sauce. Cook, turning frequently, until the chicken is deeply glazed and cooked through, 5–6 minutes longer.


Recipe adapted from Weight Watchers cookbook Mix it Match it©2007 Weight Watchers International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Get the grilling goods

1. Grill wok
Nonstick grill woks have small holes that allow smoke in, but don't let food out. They're great for barbecued fajitas and grilled vegetables. And the holes also allow some of the fat to drain out, making it a great way to cook light.

2. Kebab basket
Simply lay your vegetable- or meat-filled skewers in this metal frame, and they'll cook evenly above the flame. They won't stick to the grates, and when you're ready to flip your kebabs, just roll a gloved hand (see fire-retardant mitt, below) over the top of the skewer rods.

3. Fish basket
It's a sad fact: unless you use a lot of fat, delicate fish can stick to the grill. This gadget saves you from that heartbreak. And a tip for vegetable lovers: You can also buy a similar basket for grilled mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini and onions.

4. Fire-retardant mitt
Regular oven mitts won't protect you when you're reaching over an open flame. Buy a fire-retardant one for the grill, and make sure it comes up to your elbow.

5. Large spatula
Burgers won't slip through the grates if you use a long-handled, broad spatula. And while you're in the utensil department, get a pair of long tongs with a good grip.

6. Meat thermometer
If you love your burgers cooked medium-rare, there's nothing worse than biting into a well-done hockey puck. Make sure food is cooked perfectly by keeping a reliable meat thermometer handy.



*courtesy of WeightWatchers.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Outside-In Cheeseburger Patty*

PER SERVING (1 patty): 179 calories, 6.5g fat, 502mg sodium, 1.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugars, 26.5g protein -- POINTS® value 4*

Is it offensive that we stuffed something labeled "Laughing Cow" inside a ball of beef? Perhaps... but it's DELICIOUS!






Ingredients:
4 oz. raw extra-lean ground beef
1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, room temperature
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
dash salt, or more to taste
dash black pepper, or more to taste

Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except the cheese. Add as much salt and pepper as you like. Knead mixture by hand until integrated. Form into a ball and, using your thumb, make a large, hollow indentation in the ball (past the center but not all the way through). Fill the hole with cheese and squeeze the meat to seal, making sure no cheese is exposed. Flatten slightly into a thick patty.

Bring a pan misted with nonstick spray to medium-high heat on the stove. (Use a grill pan if you've got one.) Place patty in the pan, cover, and cook for 4 - 7 minutes per side, depending on how well done you like your burger. Heads Up: Don't press on the patty with your spatula (your burger might ooze cheese!).

Serve however you like your burger... We like ours with ketchup and pickles between giant leaves of lettuce!

MAKES 1 SERVING



*Courtesy of www.hungrygirl.com