Menu Monday

Here we are again with week #13. I did add a crock pot meal this week.
CLICK HERE for your menu.

Happy Thankgiving!

Chubbie Chica will be taking a few days off joy to enjoy time with my family. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! I will be back with Menu Monday!

Crock Pot'in With Chubbie Chica

Per a readers request - I am going to start a new series called "Crock Pot'in With Chubbie Chica. I am hoping that I can get the series onto a regular schedule (ex: every Tuesday) and also to include more of crock pot'in in my weekly menus.

Sweet & Sour Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
5 oz LaChoy Sweet & Sour sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
8 oz pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
1 tablespoons brown sugar
16 oz bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables

Cut the raw chicken breast into bite sized pieces. Spray your crock-pot with cooking spray. Add chicken, garlic powder and onion powder; stir. Stir in sweet and sour sauce, pineapple chunks, brown sugar and the 1/4 cup of pineapple juice. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cook on high.

Makes four servings at 5 WW pts per serving.

I serve this over some white rice - infact, for a quick meal I just use instant rice. Sometimes I cook it with some FF Chicken broth instead of water - YUMMY :-)

If you add rice to your meal then you need to add 3 WW pts per serving.

This weeks menus are a little on the light side and fairly easy in preparation. I figured will all that was going on this week - that would be the best approach. Happy Thanksgiving and everyone have a great week! Don't eat to much turkey or spend to much money on Black Friday shopping - LOL!

CLICK HERE for your menu!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

cooking spray
9 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers
3 Tbsp butter
16 oz fat-free cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin


Preheat oven to 325�F. Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a 9 X 13-inch non-stick pan.

Grind graham crackers a food processor until fine or place crackers in a plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Place crumbs into a small bowl.
Melt butter on the stove top or in a microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until completely moistened.

Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator while preparing pumpkin filling.
Place cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or beat with an electric mixer mix until smooth. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream until combined and then add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add remaining sour cream and mix until just combined.

Slowly beat in each egg one at a time until incorporated, and then mix in pumpkin. (Note: For best results, all ingredients should be at room temperature, and mixed as little as possible, only until each ingredient is just combined.) Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan, spread evenly throughout and smooth top.

Serves: 18
WW Pts. = 3

Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Chives

3 pounds peeled Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
2/3 cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup (5 ounces) light cream cheese with chives and onions



Place potatoes in a Dutch oven, and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to pan; add the milk and salt. Mash the potato mixture with a potato masher to desired consistency. Add the cheese, and stir just until blended.

Serves 10
Serving Size = 2/3 Cup
WW Points = 3

Don't Get Stuck......

Ways to Refresh Your Treadmill Workout - Don't Get Stuck in a Treadmill Rut

Is there anything more boring than the treadmill? After endless hours staring at the same wall, anyone would start to wonder if that’s all there is to exercise. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By shaking it up and loading your workout with variety, you can rediscover the fun of a good treadmill workout.

The first thing to remember is that any workout is and can be what you make it. The opportunity to go all out or to barely break a sweat is completely up to you. With that being said, even though the treadmill might be an uneventful and boring thought to most, you have the ability to make it fun and challenging. The following are several tips on how to create your own workout.

1) Change up the pace
If you always walk at the same speed for the same amount of time, your body will get used to the routine and you might not see the long-term effects that you desire. Keep in mind that the body responds to changes in pace and sparks your metabolism accordingly. You can begin by trying a pyramid scheme. For example: walk at 3.2 mph for 1 minute then pick it up to 3.5 mph for 1 minute, then go to 3.3 mph for 2 minutes and then 3.6 mph for 2 minutes, etc. You can continue up the pyramid until you reach a point where the speed is at a level where you cannot hold it for the time period and then go back down. Before you know it, you will be walking faster and the time will have flown by.

2) Change the incline
With the same thinking that was behind the change in pace, you can do the same with the incline. Shock the body a little bit and do some hill repeats. Your body will respond positively and you will gain some cardiovascular strength in the meantime.

3) Engage in another activity while on the treadmill
If you see an opportunity to spark a conversation with the person next to you, go ahead – talk your time away. There have been many studies that show the positive effects of having a training partner. You might also find some benefits to reading or watching television. Just be sure that you are safe and don’t lose too much focus on the task at hand.

These are just a few tips that can help transform the monotony of working out on a treadmill into a very rewarding experience all around. Now get out there and keep on walking!

Turkey Dressing

Turkey Dressing

8 cups dry bread cubes
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup minced onion
2 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup chicken stock or water


Measure bread cubes, celery, onion, poultry seasoning, thyme, and salt into a large bowl. Heat margarine and stock to boiling. Pour onto bread cubes. Mix lightly and stuff before roasting.

This is enough for a 10 pound turkey!

Serving = 1/2 Cup
WW Pts. = 5

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

2 cups unbleached flour
1 cup brown sugar -- packed
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 cup pumpkin, canned
1/2 cup skim milk
2 egg whites -- whipped
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup fat-free sour cream

Preheat oven to 350*. Prepare a 9 x 5 x 3" loaf pan with cooking spray and flour; set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, ginger, and cloves. In another mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, skim milk, egg whites, raisins, and sour cream. Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients just until moistened. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 60 minutes.

18 slices
WW Pts = 5 per slice

Work Out Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

Workout Tips for Stay-at-Home Parents

When you're running a household that includes young children and teens, it can be hard to get away for a workout.

If you're desperate for fitness but can't seem to find the time, all you need is some planning and a little creativity. Here are some tips for parents with children and teens:

1. Exercise with your kids. If your kids are old enough, let them bike while you run or rollerblade. Hiking makes for a fun family activity that keeps everyone shape. Or, create a fitness course in the backyard, complete with jump rope, jumping jacks, and pushup stations.

2. Purchase some exercise videos. Yoga, Pilates, low-impact aerobics, and kickboxing can all be done on your living room floor with little or no equipment. Before you buy, rent a few from your local video store or check them out from the library to see which ones you like.

3. Improvise. If you miss your aerobics class because of a marathon naptime, pop in an exercise video or do lunges in the backyard with the baby monitor hooked to your pants. Don't stress if you don't get that perfect workout in every time. With exercise, doing some is always better than doing none.

4. Most importantly, put exercise on your "to-do" list. Make it a priority. If that means getting up an hour early for a run, then set the alarm and go for it. You'll benefit in countless ways, plus you'll be a happier, more peaceful parent for your kids. I know with me, if it's not on my list....it doesn't get done!

Pumpkin Mousse

Pumpkin Mousse

2 Small pkgs sugar free vanilla pudding or butterscotch -- I used one of each
3 cups Skim Milk
1 can Pumpkin 14 ounce
1 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
1 cup Fat Free Cool Whip

Beat pudding, milk, pumpkin and spice with a whisk. Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate for an hour minimum. This is so good!!
(Keeps about 3-4 days in the fridge).

Serving Size = 3/4 Cup
WW Pts = 2.5

This Week

Keep coming back and checking the site this week. I will be posting some Thanksgiving recipes that you may find useful. I actually posted a few of the side items last week but there is more to come this week!

Menu Monday

It's that time again. Monday's come awful quick! Here is week 11 of our Menu Monday. My children have been begging for tomato soup so I felt obligated to include it in my menus this week.

CLICK HERE for your weekly menu.

Everyone have a great week and enjoy!

Yummy Granola!

Yummy Granola

Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp margarine
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp orange juice
1 egg white

Directions:
Mix all and bake at 275 for 30 mins.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
WW Pts = 1

Mini Bacon and Cheese Quiches

Mini Bacon and Cheese Quiches

Make a statement at your next party by serving these mini quiches. They'll rank high on both taste and eye appeal.

Ingredients

* 1 spray(s) cooking spray
* 36 item(s) wonton wrapper(s), 3 1/2-inches square each
* 1 small onion(s), finely chopped
* 1 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
* 1 1/2 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
* 1/2 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 slice(s) cooked crisp turkey bacon, crumbled

Instructions

* Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat 36 miniature muffin cups with cooking spray.

* Gently press 1 wonton wrapper into each muffin cup allowing ends to extend above cups. Spray edges of wrappers with cooking spray; set aside.

* Meanwhile, in a small skillet, stir-fry onion over medium-high heat until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg substitute, milk and cheese. Stir in bacon and onion until well combined. Fill each wonton wrapper with about 1 tablespoon of filling mixture.

* Bake until quiche mixture is set and edges of wrappers are lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

This is a very good side dish for WW. I make it often. Very simple, sometimes I substitute frozen green beans for the fresh. The entire pan is 8 pts

Ingredients

* 2 lbs fresh green beans, snapped
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1 (2/3 ounce) package dry good seasons Italian salad dressing mix
* 1/4 cup low-fat parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Boil beans for 10 minutes; drain and place into a 9x13x2 pan.
2. Mix oil and seasoning packet, pour over beans and toss to coat.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with cheese.

Serve Immediatly.

Serves 8
WW Pts = 1

Adding Fruit's!

Add More Fruits to Your Family's Diet

Our bodies crave fruits (and vegetables) more than just about any other food because we tend to get far fewer of them than we need. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the USDA recommend at least 5 servings of produce per day! What you're missing could be the difference between just surviving and all out thriving.

With just a little thought and a tiny bit of effort in snack preparation, you can make these nutritious foods more convenient and accessible for the whole family:

* Add fruit to cereals, oatmeal, waffles or pancakes at breakfast.

* Create your own yogurt flavors by mixing plain yogurt and fresh fruit.

* Offer your family 100% juices instead of addictive coffee, teas, and sodas.

* Keep fruits and vegetables in the line of sight. A bowl of grapes, oranges, bananas, and apples make a colorful arrangement on the table. If you see them, you will eat them.

* Dried fruit is just as portable as potato chips--and less messy. It tastes especially good when added to basic trail mix.

* Try berries, melons, or dates for a naturally sweet dessert rather than the usual candy bar, cookie, or ice cream sandwich.

* Frozen fruits are nearly as healthy as the fresh stuff, and only take minutes to prepare.

* Combine fruit with your main meal courses. Raisins, apples and tangerine slices add a sweet crunch to a salad. Apples complement pork, pineapple is great with fish, and orange slices are perfect with chicken.

Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Another great recipe for a holiday party!

Ingredients:

1 pound mushrooms - large
1 cup fat-free chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup fresh basil leaves - packed
2 tablespoons onion - finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic - minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano - minced
salt and pepper - to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Wipe mushrooms with damp cloth or paper towel; remove stems from caps. Lightly coat shallow baking dish with on-stick vegetable spray. Arrange mushroom caps in prepared dish, hollow sides up. Finely chop stems; set aside.

Combine broth and cornstarch in processor and blend. Add basil and puree until smooth. Set aside.

Spray pan with cooking spray. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add basil mixture, chopped mushroom stems and oregano and stir over low heat until mixture boils and liquid reduces slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Spoon basil mixture into mushroom caps.

Bake until filling is hot and bubbling, 12 to 15 minutes.

Serves: 16
WW Pts = .5 per mushroom

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa

Fresh as a tropical breeze, this Mango Salsa works well in so many ways. Serve it as an accompaniment to grilled fish, or use it as a dip for low-fat tortilla chips. Just be sure to make enough. Great for a party as well!


Ingredients:
2 small mangoes, peeled and diced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons minced cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes


Directions:
In a medium nonreactive bowl, combine the mangoes, scallions, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice and pepper flakes. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate, covered, until the flavors are blended, at least 1 hour.

Serves: 4
WW Pts = 1 per serving

Tasty Treats for Toddlers (and You!)

Tasty Treats for Toddlers (and You!)

These snacks will not only please the finicky taste buds of your toddler but will also provide a slew of nutrients and energy to help meet your needs. These treats score high when it comes to ease of preparation as well as taste appeal for both parent and toddler. And rest assured, the snack suggestions do not contain any foods that your toddler might choke on:

* Hot chocolate and vanilla wafers.

* Peeled pear slices with cubed mozzarella cheese.

* Thinly sliced Colby cheese on whole grain Triscuit crackers.

* Cottage cheese mixed with canned, sliced peaches.

* Fruit smoothie: In blender, combine 1 carton yogurt, 1 cup orange juice, 1 banana, and 10 frozen strawberries. Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds for another snack.

* Layer instant vanilla pudding, blueberries, and toasted oat cereal in a clear glass for a parfait.

* Turkey, cheese, and tortilla roll ups: Microwave until steamy hot, then slice in pinwheel shape for a fun finger food. Let cool before eating.

* Toasted whole grain bagel spread thinly with peanut butter and served with a glass of milk.

* Toasted cinnamon bread and orange juice.

* Banana slices drizzled lightly with chocolate syrup.

Complete the treat with a good naptime story and perhaps you both can catch up on some well-deserved rest!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin CheesecakeIngredients

12 oz FF cream cheese
12 oz FF cream cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup pumpkin
1/4 cup splenda
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
4 gingersnaps


Instructions

Cream the ff and ff cream cheese. Mix in egg subs, pumpkin, vanilla, splenda and sugar. Blend until smooth. Mix in the spice. Crush the gingersnaps. Spray a 9 inch pie pan w/Pam spray. Add crushed gingersnaps, tilting the pan to cover the bottom and sides. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

Serves: 8
WW pts = 4

Menu Monday

Another Menu Monday! CLICK HERE for your weekly menu. I have a busy week so there are some quick dinners added. Of course, if they don't fit your needs you can always swap them out for another menu selection. Everyone have a great week!

Sausage Balls

Getting ready for the Holidays? Here is a great recipe for a party!

Sausage Balls


Ingredients

1 lb. turkey sausage
10 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups original bisquick original baking mix

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together and form balls into 1 1/2 in. balls. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.

Special Notes: These can be frozen before baking.

Serves: 60 - This recipe makes 60 balls!
WW Pts = 1

Orange Ginger Chicken

Orange Ginger Chicken

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken breast
1/4 c. orange juice concentrate/unsweatened
1/4 teas. ginger
2 tbls. lemon juice
2 tbls. honey + 1 tbls. (set aside)
2 tbls. Orange Marmalade
Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Mix the ingredients together, and pour into a baking dish. Allow chicken to marinate, for 15 min. turning often.
Bake at 400 degrees, for approx. 30 min. turning every 10 min.

Remove chicken and place in a shallow dish. Baste the chicken with the orange marmalade.

Pour juice mixture, plus 1 tbls. honey, into a saucepan, and allow to cook down to a syrupy consistancy, then pour over the chicken.

Garnish with orange slices if desired.

Serves = 4
WW pts = 4

Can be served with brown rice.

Chil Con Queso Bites

CHILI CON QUESO BITES

4 medium eggs
½ c. picante sauce
¼ c. flour
2 t. chili powder
¾ c. RF shredded cheddar cheese
1 green onion


Preheat oven to 400. Spray 18 muffin pan cups with butter-flavored Pam. Set aside.

In a medium bowl mix eggs, picante sauce, flour and chili powder. Stir in cheese and onion.

Spoon evenly into each cup.

Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm or at room temperature with FF sour cream for additional points.

This makes 18 Queso Bites
WW Pts = 1 per Queso Bite