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Monday, November 17, 2008
Healthy Thanksgiving Meal Ideas & Cheat Sheet
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Managing Special Occasions
Good evening all you amazing Weight Watchers!
Are you wondering about how you are going to deal with Thanksgiving? Are you a bit worried? Are you concerned? Well, if any of those questions apply to you, then you are NOT going to want to miss your meeting this week. Come in and learn some very useful strategies to manage this holiday and other fun times coming up. You CAN enjoy your holiday parties. You CAN stick to the plan. You CAN continue toward your weight loss goals!
See you in the meeting!!!
Are you wondering about how you are going to deal with Thanksgiving? Are you a bit worried? Are you concerned? Well, if any of those questions apply to you, then you are NOT going to want to miss your meeting this week. Come in and learn some very useful strategies to manage this holiday and other fun times coming up. You CAN enjoy your holiday parties. You CAN stick to the plan. You CAN continue toward your weight loss goals!
See you in the meeting!!!
Roasted Turkey with Mushroom Gravy
| POINTS® Value: 4 Servings: 6 |
| A tasty alternative to roasting a whole bird. Turkey tenderloins are seasoned and roasted with fresh thyme and then served with a simple, stove-top gravy. |
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound(s) boneless, skinless turkey breast(s), about two 12 oz tenderloins
- 4 tsp thyme, leaves, fresh, chopped, divided
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tsp canola oil
- 12 oz mushroom(s), Baby Bella, sliced*
- 1/2 cup(s) white wine, dry-variety
- 12 oz canned fat-free gravy, turkey-flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Sprinkle turkey with 2 teaspoons of thyme, salt and pepper; gently press on thyme so it sticks.
- Heat oil in a large oven-proof nonstick skillet. Add turkey to skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning once until golden on both sides, about 6 minutes.
- Place skillet in oven and roast until turkey is no longer pink in middle and an instant-read thermometer inserted through center of the side of a tenderloin reads165ºF, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove turkey to a cutting board; cover to keep warm.
- Place same skillet on stove top (remember to grasp handle with an oven mitt as it will be hot). Add mushrooms to skillet and saute over medium-high heat until golden and tender, about 6 minutes. Add wine to skillet; cook 1 minute. Stir in gravy and remaining 2 teaspoons of thyme; heat until simmering. Stir in any juices that have accumulated on cutting board.
- Slice each tenderloin into 1/2-inch-thick slices and spoon gravy over turkey. Yields about 3 ounces of turkey and 1/3 cup of mushroom gravy per serving.
Notes
- *We used Baby Bella mushrooms but you can use any mushroom you like, or a combination of several different ones.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
GOAL!!!
Happy Fall to us all!! Fall in Utah is so FULL of surprises! FUN TIMES ;)
Have you ever wondered how people accomplish great things? Well there is a secret to their success! Come in this week to find the lessons we can learn from the greatest of the GREATS! There is a secret and we know it ;)
Hey- have you ever wanted to have the BEST pizza ever, but were afraid of the POINT value? Check out this article from WeightWatchers.com for some great pointers to making the BEST homemade pizza EVER !!!
Have you ever wondered how people accomplish great things? Well there is a secret to their success! Come in this week to find the lessons we can learn from the greatest of the GREATS! There is a secret and we know it ;)
Hey- have you ever wanted to have the BEST pizza ever, but were afraid of the POINT value? Check out this article from WeightWatchers.com for some great pointers to making the BEST homemade pizza EVER !!!
Stuffing with Sage and Chives
side dishes
| POINTS® Value: 2 Servings: 8 |
| This stuffing gets a nutrient boost from whole-wheat bread and is infused with the distinct flavors of sage and chive. |
Ingredients
- 1 spray(s) cooking spray
- 12 slice(s) whole-wheat bread, or white bread, preferably day-old, cubed*
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp light butter
- 1 cup(s) onion(s), diced
- 3 medium stalk(s) celery, diced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cup(s) canned chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chives, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 4-quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange bread cubes on a large ungreased baking sheet in a single layer (use 2 baking sheets if there's not enough room). Bake until lightly toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bread from oven and set aside; leave oven set to 350ºF.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and butter together for 1 to 2 minutes. Add onion and celery; sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper; stir to coat. Cook until herbs are fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Transfer onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add bread, broth and chives; toss to combine. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and cover with foil; bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Divide into 8 servings.
Notes
- *Leave the bread bag open and somewhat uncovered for 1 to 2 days (at room temperature) before making the recipe.
Feel free to substitute your favorite bread, such as whole grain, sourdough or a light variety (could affect POINTS values).
For added flavor, you can also add about 1 cup of diced Granny Smith or McIntosh apples to the stuffing (could affect POINTS values).
You can make this stuffing in advance and bake it just before serving. The stuffing will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Monday, November 3, 2008
What have you done for YOU lately?
Hola!!!
How is your November treating you thus far? I am loving this wonderful fall air!
Now the questions begs repeating, "What have you done for YOU lately?" If the answer is NOTHING, then this is the meeting for you. We all have a really hard time making time to take care of ourselves with our busy lives. Come on in and see all of the great ways you can make a bit of time to take care of YOU!!!
See you in the meeting!!!
Check out the recipes below. They sure look great! Here is a link to an article that will help with this busy time of year. It's entitled, Cook once, Eat all Week! http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=3&art_id=8891&sc=3026
How is your November treating you thus far? I am loving this wonderful fall air!
Now the questions begs repeating, "What have you done for YOU lately?" If the answer is NOTHING, then this is the meeting for you. We all have a really hard time making time to take care of ourselves with our busy lives. Come on in and see all of the great ways you can make a bit of time to take care of YOU!!!
See you in the meeting!!!
Check out the recipes below. They sure look great! Here is a link to an article that will help with this busy time of year. It's entitled, Cook once, Eat all Week! http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=3&art_id=8891&sc=3026
Corned Beef Hash
POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 6
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cup(s) onion(s), finely chopped
- 2 medium green pepper(s), chopped
- 3 cup(s) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 12 oz cooked lean flank steak, sliced and cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch pieces*
- 1/4 cup(s) parsley, fresh, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme, fresh, minced or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp table salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. When hot, add 1/2 tablespoon of oil to skillet. Add onions and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Move onions and peppers to side of pan; add remaining tablespoon of oil. When oil is heated, add potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally so potatoes don't stick, about 20 minutes. Add steak, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper; toss well. Cook until heated through, about 2 to 5 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Notes
- *To cook a 1-inch-thick flank steak, coat a grill pan or broiler pan with cooking spray. Preheat grill pan or broiler (with prepared broiler pan in broiler) to high heat. Rub both sides of steak with a smashed garlic clove; discard garlic. Cook meat, turning once, about 4 minute per side. Remove steak to cutting board and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Allow steak to rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Slow Cooker Lasagna
| POINTS® Value: 8 Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 360 min |
| No need to cook the noodles first or stay home while it bakes. Just let it sit a few minutes before serving so it can firm up a bit. |
Ingredients
- 1 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
- 1 small onion(s), chopped
- 1 medium garlic clove(s), minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz canned tomato sauce
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cup(s) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 6 item(s) dry lasagna noodles, no-cook
- 1/2 cup(s) shredded Parmesan cheese, strong-flavored like Romano or Parmigianino Reggiano
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon 1/3 of beef mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Break 3 lasagna sheets in half and arrange over beef mixture; top with half of ricotta mixture. Repeat with another layer and finish with remaining 1/3 of beef mixture.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. Remove cover; turn off heat and season to taste, if desired.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over beef mixture. Cover and set aside until cheese melts and lasagna firms up, about 10 minutes. Yields 1/6th of dish per serving.
Notes
- To boost your vegetable intake, add a can of zucchini in tomato sauce to the meat mixture. You can also add 2 cups of sliced shiitake mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Making Meals and Snacks More Satisfying!!!
Happy Almost Halloween!
Have you picked your 1 or 2 treats that you are going to indulge in this Halloween? Be sure to plan for the POINTS of that goodie and really savor and enjoy it. One or two well planned treats will add to your satisfaction and not hurt your plan one bit, so long as you are accountable and figure them into your Daily POINTS Target or Weekly POINTS Allowance. Remember that your least favorite candy is the PERFECT treat to hand out to the kids
. I even wait until Friday afternoon to buy them so they aren't a temptation.
Do your meals and snacks leave a bit to be desired? Are they a bit boring and lifeless? Come to your meeting this week and see how a bit of tweaking here and there can really rev-up the satisfaction you feel at each meal and snack. A little razzle and dazzle can help to get us all rip roaring and ready to go!
Have a fantastic week and see you IN THE MEETING!!!
Be sure to check out the yummy pumpkin recipes below.
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1-1/2 cup pumpkin
Combine the two sugars, water, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in a 4-cup glass measure. microwave on High 3 minutes; stir. Add pumpkin and microwave on High for 5 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate. Keeps several weeks in refrigerator or can be frozen. Use this as you would apple butter.
PUMPKIN WAFFLES
--Points: 2.5 Serves: 4 (127 Calories 4g Fat 2g Fiber)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 tsp unsalted butter, melted
1 whole egg, 1 egg white
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of salt
Preheat a nonstick waffle iron. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin with the butter, egg and milk. Beat the mixture until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the flour with the remaining ingredients and stir until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just smooth.
Pour the batter into the center of each of the waffle iron squares and bake according to manufacturer's instructions, until golden and crisp.
Remove and serve immediately. (Accompaniments: pure maple syrup, or unsweetened applesauce or apple butter but adjust points accordingly.)
PUMPKIN HARVEST BARS
--Points: 2 Serves: 16 (130 Calories 2g Fat 0g Fiber)
1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated orange peel
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 egg, 1 egg white
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9x13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, orange peel, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. In large bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, pumpkin, egg and egg white, and oil. Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture; stir until well blended. Stir in raisins. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes.
CRANBERRY PUMPKIN BARS
--Points: 2 Serves: 18
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 Tbsp reduced-calorie soft margarine, at room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1 large egg, 1 large egg white
1/3 cup buttermilk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
Heat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour.
In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter and with an electric mixer; beat in egg, egg white, pumpkin purée and buttermilk.
In medium bowl, combine flour, oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir into pumpkin mixture just until moistened, then add cranberries and mix gently.
Spread batter in pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until center springs back when gently pressed. Cool and cut into 18 bars.
CRANBERRY PUMPKIN BREAD
--Points: 4 Serves: 12 (192 Calories 5g Fat 1g Fiber)
1-3/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
1 cup pumpkin, canned
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/3 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/2 cup egg substitute
6 ounces dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a bread pan with the nonstick spray.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Using a separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, margarine, applesauce and egg substitute. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture, and stir until the batter becomes moist. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove the bread from the pan, and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
PUMPKIN BREAD
--Points: 3 Serves: 24, 2 loaves (Serving size: 1 slice -- 149 Calories 5g Fat 1g Fiber)
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 can (15-oz) pumpkin
1-1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup skim milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Combine pumpkin and next 5 ingredients; stir with a whisk until well blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into 2 (8-1/2 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan. Let cool completely.
PUMPKIN CREAM MOUSSE
--Points: 2 Serves: 4
1 package sugar-free vanilla pudding
2 cups skim milk
1 small can pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup fat-free Cool Whip
Mix pudding and milk together. Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and mix well. Fold in fat-free Cool Whip. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Spoon into 4 dishes; serve with a dollop of cool whip.
PUMPKIN FLAN
--Points: 2 Serves: 8
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp table salt
16 oz canned pumpkin
1 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup(s) orange juice
3/4 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
8 tbsp lite whipped topping
1/2 medium orange(s), cut into 8 thin wedges
Preheat oven to 350F.
Stir together sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne and salt. Whisk in pumpkin, milk, orange juice and egg substitute; divide among eight 6-ounce custard cups.
Set custard cups in a roasting pan and pour boiling water around them to a depth of 1 inch. Bake until firm around the edges and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes. Remove cups from water, cool completely, cover and refrigerate. Before serving, top each cup with a tablespoon of whipped topping and an orange wedge.
STREUSEL PUMPKIN PIE
--Points: 4 Serves: 8 (181 Calories 2g Fat 1g Fiber)
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated skim milk
3 egg whites
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp grated orange peel
Topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1 Tbsp margarine or butter, softened
Heat oven to 350F. Spray (10x 1 1/2 inch) pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix all topping ingredients together and set aside.
Place remaining ingredients in blender or food processor, cover and blend until smooth. Pour into pie plate and sprinkle with topping. Bake 50-55 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
DOUBLE LAYER PUMPKIN PIE
--Points: 3 Serves: 8 (150 Calories 2.5g Fat 1g Fiber)
Nutritional Bonus--A serving of this delicious dessert provides 25% of your daily calcium needs. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A.
16 oz (2 pkg) Philadelphia fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
dash ground nutmeg
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; mix until blended. Do not overbeat after adding eggs. Remove 1 cup batter; stir in pumpkin and spices. Spray 9-inch pie plate with no stick cooking spray; sprinkle bottom with crumbs.
Pour remaining plain batter into crust. Top with pumpkin batter.
Bake at 325F for 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Top each serving with 1 Tbsp of the whipped topping.
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
--Points: 4 Serves: 6 (218 Calories 4g Fat 1g Fiber)
9 graham crackers (2 1/2" squares), made into crumbs
1 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
One can (15-ounce) pumpkin puree
Preheat the over to 350F. Spray a 9" glass pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the bottom of the pie plate.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese and ricotta; process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the egg substitute, sugar, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of the batter. Add the pumpkin to the batter; stir until blended.
Scrape the batter into the pie plate, then drizzle the reserved batter in 3 concentric circles over the pumpkin batter. With a knife, lightly draw a line through the batter from the center toward the outer edge; about 2" from that line, lightly draw the knife through the batter from the outer edge toward the center. Repeat around the pie, alternating directions, to make a spider web.
Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool completely on rack. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
PUMPKIN-SPICE BUNDT CAKE
--Points: 5 Serves: 16 (248 Calories 6g Fat 1g Fiber)
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
1/2 cup applesauce
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
3 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp brown sugar (dark or light)
1 Tbsp dark rum
1 tsp skim milk
3 Tbsp powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine first 6 ingredients; set flour mixture aside. Combine pumpkin and applesauce; set aside.
Beat granulated sugar and margarine in a large bowl at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 5 minutes). Add egg whites and vanilla, beating well. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with pumpkin mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Pour batter into a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan.
Combine brown sugar, rum, and milk in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat until brown sugar dissolves. Remove sugar mixture from heat, and add powdered sugar, stirring with a whisk. Spoon glaze over warm cake.
Note: Cooking Light Oct. '97 The rum glaze will seep into the cake if it's spooned over it while the cake is still warm.
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
--Points: 1 Yield: 50 cookies (Per cookie: 65 Calories 2g Fat 0g Fiber)
1 box carrot (or spice) cake mix
1 can pumpkin
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional--eliminate for spicy pumpkin cookies--same pts)
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine cake mix and pumpkin and beat with mixer until blended. Put by spoonfuls (1-1/2" to 2" diameter) on cookie sheet and bake for 18-25 minutes.
PUMPKIN ICE CREAM PIE
--Points: 2 Serves: 8 (90 Calories 3g Fat 1g Fiber)
1 pint low-fat chocolate (or vanilla) ice cream, slightly softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup Cool Whip Lite®
Smooth ice cream into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate; freeze until firm.
Meanwhile, mix together the pumpkin and spice; fold in cool whip. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the ice cream & smooth. Place back in freezer until firm.
Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Have you picked your 1 or 2 treats that you are going to indulge in this Halloween? Be sure to plan for the POINTS of that goodie and really savor and enjoy it. One or two well planned treats will add to your satisfaction and not hurt your plan one bit, so long as you are accountable and figure them into your Daily POINTS Target or Weekly POINTS Allowance. Remember that your least favorite candy is the PERFECT treat to hand out to the kids
. I even wait until Friday afternoon to buy them so they aren't a temptation.Do your meals and snacks leave a bit to be desired? Are they a bit boring and lifeless? Come to your meeting this week and see how a bit of tweaking here and there can really rev-up the satisfaction you feel at each meal and snack. A little razzle and dazzle can help to get us all rip roaring and ready to go!
Have a fantastic week and see you IN THE MEETING!!!
Be sure to check out the yummy pumpkin recipes below.Pumpkin Oatmeal
1 C Skim Milk
1/2 C Oatmeal (I like old fashioned)
1/2 C Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pie spice to taste (I never measure)
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix everything together bring to a soft boil. Turn heat down and simmer about 5-10 minutes until soft and creamy
Pumpkin Pancakes
1/3 cup regular oats (not quick or instant)
1/2 cup egg whites
1 tbsp. fat-free cottage cheese
2 tbsp. canned pure pumpkin
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 packets of Splenda
Directions: Mix all ingredients well.
Spray your pan with nonstick spray and cook on medium/high heat until bubbly. Then flip your pancake and finish it off until golden brown. Top with sugar-free syrup. 1 serv. = 0 pts.
Core Pumpkin Pie
1 ½ cup Splenda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs
15oz canned pumpkin
12oz ff evaporated milk
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Pour into 9" pie plate sprayed with Pam. Bake at 425 for 15min. reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 20min. Core or 8 servings - 1 point each. Great topped with a tablespoon of fat free Cool Whip for 0 added points.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
1 box spice cake mix
½ cup diet soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice
1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)
Mix all ingredients together and put in 20 muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Great with a dollop of fat free cool whip on top. 2 points each.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
1 small Jell-O Instant Sugar Free and Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding
2 cups skim milk
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
dash of vanilla
1 container Cool Whip Free
Prepare pudding mix as directed. Add can of pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Stir. Fold in Cool Whip Free. Divide into parfait dishes. 6 servings, 3 points each.
Pumpkin Fluff
1 small Jell-O Instant Sugar Free/Fat Free Vanilla Pudding
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk
1 cup Cool Whip Free
Combine all ingredients except for the Cool Whip in a medium bowl. Blend by hand well. Fold in Cool Whip. Serves 4, 2 points each.
Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup
POINTS: 3 or Core
I think this makes about 8 servings, it's been awhile
INSTRUCTIONS
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion(s)
3 cup vegetable broth
14 1/2 oz Contadina Diced Tomatoes
15 oz canned black beans
30 oz canned pumpkin
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup scallion(s)
Heat large soup pot over medium heat. When oil is hot, add onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, pumpkin. Stir to combine and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir in milk, curry, cumin. Simmer 5 min and garnish with scallions or chives.
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
4 sheet phyllo dough
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
Scant pinch ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp table salt
1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, puree (15 oz can)
1 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk (12 oz can)
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cut phyllo sheets in half. Place 1 sheet in prepared pan and lightly coat with cooking spray. Top with another sheet of phyllo, placing corners just to the right of the previous sheet's corners. Repeat with remaining sheets to form a circle. Press layered phyllo into pan and roll in edges. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Whisk together brown sugar, spices, cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg substitute and vanilla in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Pour filling into crust. Bake until set, about 50 minutes. (Cover crust edges with foil during baking if they are becoming too brown.) Cool completely before cutting into 8 pieces. POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 8 Cooking Time: 60 min
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
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
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 large egg(s)
1 cup canned pumpkin
Instructions
Grind graham crackers until fine in a food processor or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.
Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until completely moistened.
Press crumbs evenly into bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator while preparing pumpkin filling.
Place cream cheese in bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream until just combined and then add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. 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, until each ingredient is just combined.)
Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan, spread evenly throughout and smooth top.
Bake until set at edges, about 30 minutes. (Note: The very center will be a little loose.) Cool completely and refrigerate overnight before cutting into 18 pieces and serving.
POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 18 Cooking Time: 30 min
PUMPKIN AND CHEESE STUFFED SHELLS
3--Points: 4 Serves: 6 (Serving size: 4 shells -- 200 Calories 6g Fat 2g Fiber)
24 shell pasta for stuffing
2 tsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
8 oz. canned pumpkin
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Sauce:
1 Tbsp margarine
1 Tbsp flour
1-1/4 cups 1% milk
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350F. Cook pasta until firm to the bite, then drain, cover and set aside.
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil and saute the onions until tender, approx. 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the pumpkin, both cheese, bread crumbs, sugar and cinnamon to the onions, mixing until well blended. Place 1 Tbsp mixture into each shell; place in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Make the sauce: In a nonstick skillet, melt the margarine; add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and nutmeg; simmer just until slightly thickened, stirring constantly, approx. 5 minutes. Pour over the pasta. Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot.
1 C Skim Milk
1/2 C Oatmeal (I like old fashioned)
1/2 C Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pie spice to taste (I never measure)
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix everything together bring to a soft boil. Turn heat down and simmer about 5-10 minutes until soft and creamy
Pumpkin Pancakes
1/3 cup regular oats (not quick or instant)
1/2 cup egg whites
1 tbsp. fat-free cottage cheese
2 tbsp. canned pure pumpkin
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 packets of Splenda
Directions: Mix all ingredients well.
Spray your pan with nonstick spray and cook on medium/high heat until bubbly. Then flip your pancake and finish it off until golden brown. Top with sugar-free syrup. 1 serv. = 0 pts.
Core Pumpkin Pie
1 ½ cup Splenda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs
15oz canned pumpkin
12oz ff evaporated milk
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl with a wire whisk until well blended. Pour into 9" pie plate sprayed with Pam. Bake at 425 for 15min. reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 20min. Core or 8 servings - 1 point each. Great topped with a tablespoon of fat free Cool Whip for 0 added points.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
1 box spice cake mix
½ cup diet soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice
1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)
Mix all ingredients together and put in 20 muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Great with a dollop of fat free cool whip on top. 2 points each.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
1 small Jell-O Instant Sugar Free and Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding
2 cups skim milk
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
dash of vanilla
1 container Cool Whip Free
Prepare pudding mix as directed. Add can of pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Stir. Fold in Cool Whip Free. Divide into parfait dishes. 6 servings, 3 points each.
Pumpkin Fluff
1 small Jell-O Instant Sugar Free/Fat Free Vanilla Pudding
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk
1 cup Cool Whip Free
Combine all ingredients except for the Cool Whip in a medium bowl. Blend by hand well. Fold in Cool Whip. Serves 4, 2 points each.
Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup
POINTS: 3 or Core
I think this makes about 8 servings, it's been awhile
INSTRUCTIONS
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion(s)
3 cup vegetable broth
14 1/2 oz Contadina Diced Tomatoes
15 oz canned black beans
30 oz canned pumpkin
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup scallion(s)
Heat large soup pot over medium heat. When oil is hot, add onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, pumpkin. Stir to combine and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and stir in milk, curry, cumin. Simmer 5 min and garnish with scallions or chives.
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
4 sheet phyllo dough
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
Scant pinch ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp table salt
1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, puree (15 oz can)
1 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk (12 oz can)
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cut phyllo sheets in half. Place 1 sheet in prepared pan and lightly coat with cooking spray. Top with another sheet of phyllo, placing corners just to the right of the previous sheet's corners. Repeat with remaining sheets to form a circle. Press layered phyllo into pan and roll in edges. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Whisk together brown sugar, spices, cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg substitute and vanilla in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Pour filling into crust. Bake until set, about 50 minutes. (Cover crust edges with foil during baking if they are becoming too brown.) Cool completely before cutting into 8 pieces. POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 8 Cooking Time: 60 min
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
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
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3 large egg(s)
1 cup canned pumpkin
Instructions
Grind graham crackers until fine in a food processor or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.
Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until completely moistened.
Press crumbs evenly into bottom of prepared pan and place in refrigerator while preparing pumpkin filling.
Place cream cheese in bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream until just combined and then add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. 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, until each ingredient is just combined.)
Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pan, spread evenly throughout and smooth top.
Bake until set at edges, about 30 minutes. (Note: The very center will be a little loose.) Cool completely and refrigerate overnight before cutting into 18 pieces and serving.
POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 18 Cooking Time: 30 min
PUMPKIN AND CHEESE STUFFED SHELLS
3--Points: 4 Serves: 6 (Serving size: 4 shells -- 200 Calories 6g Fat 2g Fiber)
24 shell pasta for stuffing
2 tsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
8 oz. canned pumpkin
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Sauce:
1 Tbsp margarine
1 Tbsp flour
1-1/4 cups 1% milk
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Preheat oven to 350F. Cook pasta until firm to the bite, then drain, cover and set aside.
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the oil and saute the onions until tender, approx. 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the pumpkin, both cheese, bread crumbs, sugar and cinnamon to the onions, mixing until well blended. Place 1 Tbsp mixture into each shell; place in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Make the sauce: In a nonstick skillet, melt the margarine; add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and nutmeg; simmer just until slightly thickened, stirring constantly, approx. 5 minutes. Pour over the pasta. Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot.
PUMPKIN PIE WONTONS
--Points: 1
Serves: 161 cup canned pumpkin
2 Tbsp maple syrup
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
16 packaged wonton wrappers
cinnamon & sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 400F.
Mix pumpkin, maple syrup, brown sugar and pumpkin pie space in medium bowl.
Place a wonton wrapper on flat surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into center. Moisten edges of wonton with water & fold in half to form a triangle. Press edges to seal. Repeat with remaining wontons.
Arrange prepared wontons on an ungreased baking sheet. Lightly coat wontons w/ non stick cooking spray & sprinkle them with sugar & cinnamon. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Turn over and bake another 2 minutes.
PUMPKIN DIP
--Points: 1 Serves: 40 (Serving Size: 1 Tbsp -- 59 Calories 0g Fat 0g Fiber)
16 ounces fat-free cream cheese
16 ounces powdered sugar
15 ounces canned pumpkin
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 30 minutes. Great with ginger snaps and graham crackers.
SPICY PUMPKIN BUTTER
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1-1/2 cup pumpkin
Combine the two sugars, water, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in a 4-cup glass measure. microwave on High 3 minutes; stir. Add pumpkin and microwave on High for 5 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate. Keeps several weeks in refrigerator or can be frozen. Use this as you would apple butter.
PUMPKIN WAFFLES
--Points: 2.5 Serves: 4 (127 Calories 4g Fat 2g Fiber)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 tsp unsalted butter, melted
1 whole egg, 1 egg white
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
pinch of salt
Preheat a nonstick waffle iron. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin with the butter, egg and milk. Beat the mixture until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the flour with the remaining ingredients and stir until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just smooth.
Pour the batter into the center of each of the waffle iron squares and bake according to manufacturer's instructions, until golden and crisp.
Remove and serve immediately. (Accompaniments: pure maple syrup, or unsweetened applesauce or apple butter but adjust points accordingly.)
PUMPKIN HARVEST BARS
--Points: 2 Serves: 16 (130 Calories 2g Fat 0g Fiber)
1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated orange peel
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 egg, 1 egg white
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 9x13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, orange peel, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. In large bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, pumpkin, egg and egg white, and oil. Add flour mixture to applesauce mixture; stir until well blended. Stir in raisins. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes.
CRANBERRY PUMPKIN BARS
--Points: 2 Serves: 18
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 Tbsp reduced-calorie soft margarine, at room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1 large egg, 1 large egg white
1/3 cup buttermilk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup dried cranberries
Heat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour.
In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter and with an electric mixer; beat in egg, egg white, pumpkin purée and buttermilk.
In medium bowl, combine flour, oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Stir into pumpkin mixture just until moistened, then add cranberries and mix gently.
Spread batter in pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until center springs back when gently pressed. Cool and cut into 18 bars.
CRANBERRY PUMPKIN BREAD
--Points: 4 Serves: 12 (192 Calories 5g Fat 1g Fiber)
1-3/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
1 cup pumpkin, canned
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/3 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/2 cup egg substitute
6 ounces dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a bread pan with the nonstick spray.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Using a separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, margarine, applesauce and egg substitute. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture, and stir until the batter becomes moist. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove the bread from the pan, and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
PUMPKIN BREAD
--Points: 3 Serves: 24, 2 loaves (Serving size: 1 slice -- 149 Calories 5g Fat 1g Fiber)
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 can (15-oz) pumpkin
1-1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup skim milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Combine pumpkin and next 5 ingredients; stir with a whisk until well blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
Spoon batter into 2 (8-1/2 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan. Let cool completely.
PUMPKIN CREAM MOUSSE
--Points: 2 Serves: 4
1 package sugar-free vanilla pudding
2 cups skim milk
1 small can pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup fat-free Cool Whip
Mix pudding and milk together. Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and mix well. Fold in fat-free Cool Whip. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Spoon into 4 dishes; serve with a dollop of cool whip.
PUMPKIN FLAN
--Points: 2 Serves: 8
1/2 cup(s) unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp table salt
16 oz canned pumpkin
1 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup(s) orange juice
3/4 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
8 tbsp lite whipped topping
1/2 medium orange(s), cut into 8 thin wedges
Preheat oven to 350F.
Stir together sugar, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne and salt. Whisk in pumpkin, milk, orange juice and egg substitute; divide among eight 6-ounce custard cups.
Set custard cups in a roasting pan and pour boiling water around them to a depth of 1 inch. Bake until firm around the edges and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes. Remove cups from water, cool completely, cover and refrigerate. Before serving, top each cup with a tablespoon of whipped topping and an orange wedge.
STREUSEL PUMPKIN PIE
--Points: 4 Serves: 8 (181 Calories 2g Fat 1g Fiber)
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated skim milk
3 egg whites
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp grated orange peel
Topping:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1 Tbsp margarine or butter, softened
Heat oven to 350F. Spray (10x 1 1/2 inch) pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix all topping ingredients together and set aside.
Place remaining ingredients in blender or food processor, cover and blend until smooth. Pour into pie plate and sprinkle with topping. Bake 50-55 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
DOUBLE LAYER PUMPKIN PIE
--Points: 3 Serves: 8 (150 Calories 2.5g Fat 1g Fiber)
Nutritional Bonus--A serving of this delicious dessert provides 25% of your daily calcium needs. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A.
16 oz (2 pkg) Philadelphia fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
dash ground nutmeg
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; mix until blended. Do not overbeat after adding eggs. Remove 1 cup batter; stir in pumpkin and spices. Spray 9-inch pie plate with no stick cooking spray; sprinkle bottom with crumbs.
Pour remaining plain batter into crust. Top with pumpkin batter.
Bake at 325F for 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Top each serving with 1 Tbsp of the whipped topping.
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
--Points: 4 Serves: 6 (218 Calories 4g Fat 1g Fiber)
9 graham crackers (2 1/2" squares), made into crumbs
1 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
3/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
One can (15-ounce) pumpkin puree
Preheat the over to 350F. Spray a 9" glass pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the bottom of the pie plate.
In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese and ricotta; process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the egg substitute, sugar, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of the batter. Add the pumpkin to the batter; stir until blended.
Scrape the batter into the pie plate, then drizzle the reserved batter in 3 concentric circles over the pumpkin batter. With a knife, lightly draw a line through the batter from the center toward the outer edge; about 2" from that line, lightly draw the knife through the batter from the outer edge toward the center. Repeat around the pie, alternating directions, to make a spider web.
Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cool completely on rack. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
PUMPKIN-SPICE BUNDT CAKE
--Points: 5 Serves: 16 (248 Calories 6g Fat 1g Fiber)
3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
1/2 cup applesauce
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
3 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp brown sugar (dark or light)
1 Tbsp dark rum
1 tsp skim milk
3 Tbsp powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine first 6 ingredients; set flour mixture aside. Combine pumpkin and applesauce; set aside.
Beat granulated sugar and margarine in a large bowl at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 5 minutes). Add egg whites and vanilla, beating well. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with pumpkin mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Pour batter into a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan.
Combine brown sugar, rum, and milk in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat until brown sugar dissolves. Remove sugar mixture from heat, and add powdered sugar, stirring with a whisk. Spoon glaze over warm cake.
Note: Cooking Light Oct. '97 The rum glaze will seep into the cake if it's spooned over it while the cake is still warm.
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
--Points: 1 Yield: 50 cookies (Per cookie: 65 Calories 2g Fat 0g Fiber)
1 box carrot (or spice) cake mix
1 can pumpkin
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional--eliminate for spicy pumpkin cookies--same pts)
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine cake mix and pumpkin and beat with mixer until blended. Put by spoonfuls (1-1/2" to 2" diameter) on cookie sheet and bake for 18-25 minutes.
PUMPKIN ICE CREAM PIE
--Points: 2 Serves: 8 (90 Calories 3g Fat 1g Fiber)
1 pint low-fat chocolate (or vanilla) ice cream, slightly softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup Cool Whip Lite®
Smooth ice cream into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate; freeze until firm.
Meanwhile, mix together the pumpkin and spice; fold in cool whip. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the ice cream & smooth. Place back in freezer until firm.
Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
