White Bean Crostini

Crostinis are fun little bite sized appetizers which are little slices of toasted baguettes topped with whatever your heart desires. I like this healthy White Bean Topping drizzled with a little balsamic. You can make these ahead of time, the bread will store for a few days in an air-tight container. The white bean spread can be refrigerated a few days. This recipe can easily be doubled.

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Turkey Sausage, Kale and White Bean Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with fiber and is a very satisfying meal on a chilly evening. Top this with some good grated cheese like Parmigiano Reggianno or Locatelli (I always splurge on grated cheese) and a nice piece of crusty bread for a wonderful meal for 4 under $10.

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Homemade Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage

Preparing homemade turkey sausage gives you more control of how much fat and what seasonings go into your sausage. You can use this in any recipes that call for sausage such as Pasta with Italian Sausage, Escarole and Peppers or Sausage White Bean and Kale Soup.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking using the spices you desire. If you like hot sausage, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne and chili powder. Other combinations I love -  Romano Cheese and Basil, Rosemary and Tomatoes, and Roasted Red Peppers and Onions. Have fun with it!!

And yes, you can use ground chicken in place of turkey. You could probably even use veggie crumbles to make it vegan.

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Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts and Feta Cheese

My weeknights are pretty hectic and my dinners are usually quick meals I can make in under 30 minutes. This is a quick Greek inspired chicken dish and a great way to make boneless chicken thighs. I'm sure chicken breast would work well with this too. Perfect with some fresh lemon and a Greek salad on the side. Two pieces with artichokes and cheese is 7 points plus.

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries

This Valentine's Day make your sweetie these elegantly rich chocolate covered strawberries. They are easier to make than you think!!

Chocolate stimulates your endorphins and gives you a similar pleasure sensation as you would get when being hugged. No wonder everyone loves chocolate!!

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Herb Crusted Rib Eye Roast

The combination of sour cream, horseradish, herbs, garlic and breadcrumbs make this a fabulous roast. Simple enough to make as a weeknight dinner served with vegetables or elegant enough to serve for a special occasion. I found this recipe in an old Everyday Food magazine and modified it to make it lighter. I will definitely be making this again when I am craving beef. I had this with a salad and fresh vegetables to keep the points down.

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Angel Hair with Shrimp and Tomato Sauce

Shrimp cooked with tomatoes, a touch of cream, white wine and a hint of lemon. This pasta dish is so simple to make and is ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.

The lemon juice adds a nice touch and compliments the shrimp. This is also great over spaghetti squash for a  low-carb or gluten-free meal.

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Chicken Ropa Vieja

Shredded chicken breast with peppers and onions and lots of Latin flavor. Cuban cuisine is a favorite of mine and Ropa Vieja, traditionally made with shredded skirt steak, cumin, peppers and onions is a flavorful dish usually served with white rice and plantain. Chicken makes a wonderful lighter alternative to this recipe. A great way to keep your meat dishes low in points is to use meat as a condiment and add lots of vegetables. I find cooking the chicken first in my crock pot makes this easier, but you can cook it on the stove as well. To make this with beef, substitute the chicken breast with skirt steak.

I used my leftovers to make a burrito bowl (I love Chipotle!) for lunch the next day served over brown Cilantro lime rice, Southwestern black bean salad, lettuce and shredded cheese and it was fabulous and healthy!


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Garlic Shrimp

This garlicky shrimp has the flavors of Spain and takes minutes to make. Adjust the heat according to your taste. This is wonderful over Scallion Cilantro Rice. Serve this as an appetizer or a main dish. You can easily double this recipe.

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Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime

I made this rice with Spicy Garlic Shrimp for dinner tonight and my husband told me he loved me. I guess it's true, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach! The garlic shrimp will post tomorrow but this rice would also be great with Crock Pot Sante Fe Chicken, Chicken Taco Chili or Garlic Lime Marinated Pork Chops to name a few.

Scallion Cilantro Rice with Habaneros and Lime
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 • Size: 3/4 cup • Calories: 192 • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts

• 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 habanero pepper, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups water
• 2 scallions, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

In a small heavy pot add oil and saute pepper on medium heat. Add rice, water and salt. Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduce flame to low and cover about 15 minutes. Shut off stove and keep covered an additional 5 minute.

In a medium bowl, combine chopped scallions, cilantro, lime juice, rice and toss until completely mixed. Makes approx 3 cups.

Turkey Sausage and Tomato Sauce over Pasta

Having a three week old leaves me with very limited time to cook dinner lately. This is a wonderful sauce that is ready in less than 20 minutes, but tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Your family will love it! I buy my turkey sausage from the butcher, but Jennie-O and Purdue make lean Italian turkey sausage if you don't have a good butcher nearby. You can't beat a homemade sausage, especially from an Italian Salumeria. The ricotta cheese gives this a nice creamy texture.

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