Skinny Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom caps are generously stuffed with a combination of sautéed baby spinach, chopped mushrooms, bacon, bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. A lighter alternative to traditional stuffed mushrooms yet loaded with tons of flavor. The stuffing is so good, I could eat it by the spoonful!

I like the flavor of real bacon, so I buy center cut which is a bit leaner than regular bacon and I drain it well after cooking. Can you make them with turkey bacon? Sure, if you don't eat pork that would work.

Can you make these vegetarian? Why not replace the bacon with a little Feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

Can you make them ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffing ahead, then fill and bake them right before serving.

They are only 34 calories each or for those of you on Weight Watchers, only 1 point each so I know what some of you will be making Superbowl Sunday!! Enjoy!

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Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage, Escarole and Beans

Penne pasta is tossed with garlicky escarole, lean Italian chicken sausage, cannellini beans, crushed red pepper and grated cheese. I cannot even begin to describe how good this is, I hope the photos can at least do this dish some justice! If you can't find escarole use kale.

I've tried many alternatives to Italian pork sausage, not because I don't like pork but because I have a hard time finding lean pork sausage. I'm a bit picky when it comes to Italian food growing up here in New York where we're surrounded by great Italian restaurants and stores  so finding a good sausage alternative is not easy. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with Al Fresco's uncooked Italian sweet chicken sausage if your lucky enough to find that near you give it a try. I can't vouch for their cooked sausages since I haven't tried them. Turkey Italian sausage would work just as well in this dish.

This pasta is a winner with everyone in my home, even the picky kids. You can easily make this gluten free by using brown rice pasta. Or make it vegetarian by leaving the sausage out, using vegetable broth and adding another cup of beans. Enjoy!!


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Petite Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Loaves

Valentine's Day is here before you know it, so if chocolate is something you crave, why not make it healthier with these petite loaves made with love... by you!

Whole wheat mini banana bread made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips are sure to leave a smile on anyone's face.

These make 8 large muffins in comparison to using a normal sized muffin tin which gives you 12-13. If you don't have these Petite Loaf Pans you can use one large 8 x 5-inch loaf instead, cooking time will be closer to 50-60 minutes or use a regular sized muffin tin, baking them for about 25 minutes.

Because they are so large the nutritional info is a little higher, so I have also provided the nutritional info for regular sized muffins. Perhaps these cute silicone heart shaped muffin tins?

If you prefer nuts to chocolate in your banana bread see my banana nut bread recipe, hope you enjoy!!


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Asian Flank Steak Skewers

Thin strips of grilled flank steak marinated with lime juice, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce. These skewers disappear quickly at every gathering, so you may want to make a lot!

With the Superbowl just around the corner I thought these would be a great appetizer for the steak lovers in your home. I myself love beef and enjoy these as an appetizer, but I also make them for dinner served with rice and roasted broccoli on the side.

You can make this on an indoor grill, a cast iron grill pan or make them outside on the grill. Always cut the meat across the grain at a slight angle with a very sharp knife.

Kid-friendly, husband-friendly, and just plain old good!


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Skinny Green Monster Smoothie

A vitamin packed smoothie, perfect for breakfast or lunch on the go!

Ok, so I'll admit, first time trying a green monster smoothie... and quite honestly I was not prepared to like it!

I mean, spinach in a smoothie?? Even though green may be my favorite color, it sounded way too healthy even for my taste! But it's January, a month of new beginnings, resolutions and cleaning our bodies so I was willing to take a chance.

So, after someone recently sent me their recipe I took a chance and tried it for myself. What's the worst that could happen? If I don't like it, I'll just toss it, right?

I had all the ingredients on hand and put them in my blender. Myself, my teenager and my aunt just watched as the blender ran and the smoothie turned into a shade of bright green.

I was the first to test it out, and not bad! Good actually! All I really tasted was the peanut butter and banana, nothing else really stood out. I could get used to this! They all agreed, even my picky teenager thought it was good!

So, why should you try a GREEN MONSTER?? Vitamins!! A, C, K, iron, fiber, folate, lutein, magnesium, potassium, protein and calcium! Give it a try and see what you think!


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Five Spice Roasted Chicken Legs

Oven roasted chicken legs take on exotic Asian flavors by the addition of a little Chinese five-spice.

An easy weeknight dish, the chicken is marinated in soy sauce, ginger, shallots, garlic and Chinese five-spice then roasted in the oven. Serve this with jasmine rice or brown fried rice and a vegetable for a complete meal.

I chose to use whole legs with thighs and drumsticks attached as opposed to using a whole chicken, because I find it easier to serve and I love dark meat, but you can make this with a whole chicken, thighs, legs, breasts... whatever you prefer! The sodium is hard to calculate because half of the marinade gets tossed so keep that in mind.

Happy Chinese New Year!!
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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sautéed ground chicken thighs, shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts seasoned with Asian spices are served in a crispy cold lettuce leaf with a spicy hoisin dipping sauce. I can't think of a more playful appetizer to celebrate the Year of The Dragon!

Some of you probably know how much I love using lettuce leaves as a wrap for everything from Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps to BLT Lettuce wraps. They are the perfect low-carb solution and don't interfere with the flavors of the filling. This recipe is no exception, you can taste all the Asian goodness... pure delight in every bite!

This recipe was ever so slightly adapted from my friend Bee, of Rasa Malaysia's first cookbook, Easy Chinese Recipes: Family Favorites From Dim Sum to Kung Pao. Whether you are celebrating The Chinese New Year, The Superbowl, or just having some friends over, I highly recommend making these... double or triple the recipe for a large crowd!

And speaking of Chinese New Year, I have a new cookbook giveaway this week! Two lucky winners will have a chance to win their own copy of Easy Chinese Recipes: Family Favorites From Dim Sum to Kung Pao. For a chance to win, visit Skinny Bits and leave a comment there (US residents only)!

Oh and one more thing I want to mention, if you want to turn this into a main dish, make some steamed rice and serve each wrap with rice and chicken, it's very good! Enjoy!!


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Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli

 

A classic, kid-friendly comfort dish made into a soup. A great way to sneak some veggies into those picky tummies while enjoying a tasty warm bowl of soup.

I was a picky kid growing up, I remember the first time I liked broccoli it was smothered with melted cheese. Not really a bad thing because I got my serving of dairy and it was the start of my adoration for broccoli.

Using the same principal, this soup will please those picky palates while still serving plenty of vegetables such as carrots, celery and broccoli. You can cook the broccoli to your family's liking. Adults tend to like it tender crisp, while I find for the kids, if you cook it longer it dissolves into the soup making it impossible for them to pick out and they may even realize broccoli is not so bad after all!

Personally, I found one cup was satisfying as I had this for lunch, but if you would like to make this four servings for a larger bowl, the Weight Watcher Points would increase to 8 points plus, and the calories would increase to 315 per bowl. Enjoy!!

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Skinny Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Lean ground beef and turkey are combined with breadcrumbs and sauteed onions then shaped into patties and simmered in a mushroom gravy to create a lightened version of this retro American dish. 

Serve this with Skinny Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Skinny Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes or for a low-carb option Creamy Cauliflower Puree and you have a complete meal.


It's hard not to imagine a TV dinners when you think of Salisbury Steak, originally a poor man's beef dish made with ground beef and fillers, shaped to resemble a real steak back in the great depression when steak was a luxury. 

I recently was asked to create a lightened up Salisbury Steak, and I was excited to play around with this! For my skinny version, I combined turkey and lean beef to keep it light yet still maintain a beefy flavor. The addition of mushrooms to the gravy completes the dish sneaking in vegetables and giving this a wonderful flavor. 

My family loved this, from my picky teen, toddler and husband. I'm sure yours will too!!

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Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This is easiest hot appetizer that you'll ever make. Uses only TWO ingredients and it's soooo good, I guarantee these will disappear in minutes!

With Superbowl around the corner, I've had these on my mind to post for a while. These are the perfect tasty game day treats and you can easily assemble them ahead of time. When your guests arrive, throw them in the oven and the aroma of bacon that will fill your home will have everyone salivating.

I know what you're thinking, bacon on Skinnytaste?


Well yeah, why not?

Using center cut bacon reduces the fat, and wrapped around lean chicken breast you have yourself one delicious appetizer! If you want a sauce for dipping, you can use Sweet red chili sauce or duck sauce on the side. Your low-carb friends will thank you for these as they are carb-free, gluten-free, and semi guilt-free (just don't eat the whole batch).

I used to make these with my Mom as a kid. I recall looking through the oven door, waiting impatiently for them to come out. I guess


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Cran-Apple Millet Breakfast Bake

When you have 4 hungry kids at the breakfast table a box of cereal disappears in about 10 minutes flat. If we had cereal every morning I figure we would be spending about a million dollars a month on the stuff, not to mention all the sugar that comes in even the 'healthy' varieties.






I have been experimenting with whole grains like whole oatmeal, millet and quinoa for healthy and frugal breakfast alternatives. Millet is one of my favorite grains because it is one of the healthiest and simplest choices out there. Millet is a whole grain, complete protein, gluten free and contains the complete vitamin B complex and more of the amino acid lysine  than wheat, rice, oats or corn.


Millet's mild taste and soft texture make it an ideal choice for breakfast porridge's and bakes. You can simply throw it in a pot with (3-1 times) water and cook it for 20 minutes, add cinnamon, some nuts and dried fruit  or put it in your stone ware and add some of your favorite, seasonal fruits and slow bake it like I did here. Millet can also be put in your slow cooker and cooked overnight for an instant breakfast in the morning.

Cran-Apple Delight!

You Will Need:
1/2 cup Millet
1 1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 TBSP Coconut Oil
1 cup whole, fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup walnuts, chopped
2 Apples, unpeeled and chopped
2 TBSP  Coconut sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger


In a small sauce pot bring water to a boil. Add millet and salt, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Stir to combine.
Scoop into a ceramic baking dish and cover with a lid or foil.
Bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes till the top is golden brown.
Serve in cups with a dollop of cream if desired.  This goes well with a nice hot cup of herbal tea.
Enjoy not feeling heavy and over sweetened. This can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch or even dessert.

Notes:

I boil the millet first to reduce baking time but if you wish you can skip this step and pour all ingredients into your baking dish and bake for 60-75 minutes covered, then 10 more minutes uncovered.


Millet is a very mild tasting grain so the spiced in this dish are important to amp up the taste bud pleasure experience.


The coconut oil is added to help prevent the porridge from sticking to the dish and more importantly for it's incredible health benefits.

Brown Coconut Rice with Cilantro

Coconut milk, brown rice, coconut flakes, fresh ginger and cilantro are combined to create this simple side dish, perfect to accompany many Thai dishes.
The flavor of the coconut milk is subtle, and pairs perfectly with Sweet and Fiery Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa, Tilapia with Coconut Curry Sauce, Thai green coconut curry shrimp, to name a few. The photo above is the rice topped with the mango salsa from the Sweet and Fiery Pork.

You can also make this with white rice, which is usually my husband's preference. For a healthier option, stick with brown rice. I've played around with several brown rice varieties and Jasmine works best (I was out so I used short grain). If using white, reduce the water to 1 cup and reduce the cooking time. If you wish, you can add a touch of sesame oil which I often like to do. The flaked coconut is optional but I like the subtle sweetness it adds to the dish.


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Baking Soda: A Girl's Best Friend

My super frugal secret to a fresh and clean home using zero harmful chemicals?

Baking Soda!

I've been using baking soda for so long and for so many things that I really thought it was irresponsible not to share all of the many uses with you. I am still finding new ways to utilize this frugal and completely natural wonder. Most of you probably already know that you can stick an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors and scrub away burnt on food from pans, but did you know all of these other cleaning and deodorizing secrets? Have any others you'd like to share? Id love to hear them!

I buy a huge bag of baking soda at Costco (also at Walmart) which is even cheaper than buying it by the small box full.

Deodorizing your linen closet

Place an open box of baking soda alongside your stacks of

sheets and towels to stave off mustiness.

Carpet Deodorizer

To absorb stale odors from carpet (and to generally freshen up a room), scatter soda on it, wait a few hours, then vacuum up the powder.

Drain Unclogging!

To get your drain running again (without resorting to chemicals worthy of a hazmat suit) pour ½ cup soda, then ½ cup vinegar, down a clogged drain. Cover it with a wet cloth, wait 5 minutes, uncover,

and flush with steaming-hot water.

Sink Cleaner

This works fabulously! Along with citrus, baking soda cleans even the toughest

stains and build ups in your sinks. I have stainless steel kitchen sinks and

I've never seen them so bright ans sparkling after I sprinkle on baking soda then spray with bottled lemon juice and gently scrub.

Removes crayon and ink.

Sprinkle it on a damp sponge to erase crayon, pencil, and ink from

painted surfaces.

Removes soap scum and built up dirt on bath tubs & showers.

 Create a paste mad up of equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar and a little lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.

Natural Silver Polish

 Wash items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add a baking-soda solution (¼ cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water)

and cover for a few seconds. The result?

A chemical reaction that gets the black off the gravy boat.

Photos via Real Simple

Sweet and Fiery Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa

Chinese New Year is January 23rd, the start of a 15-day celebration celebrating the Chinese New Year – This year it's the Year of The Dragon. I thought this Asian inspired fiery pork dish would be a great way to celebrate!

Roasted pork tenderloin with a sweet and spicy glaze topped with a fresh mango salsa. Your taste buds will be tantilized with each bite you take.

How good does this look...

Even if you have no intentions of celebrating the Chinese New Year, this is a tasty way to make a pork tenderloin if you are looking for something different.

Could you make this with chicken? Sure! This would be fabulous over a chicken breast if pork is not your thing.

I served this with my own coconut rice creation that my husband loves (recipe coming soon) and he literally cleaned his plate! You could also serve this over steamed jasmine rice for a simple side dish. Enjoy!


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Skinny Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Scones

Buttermilk scones sweetened just to perfection studded with chocolate chips. Kind of like eating a giant chocolate chip cookie for breakfast... without the guilt.

Yes, I just found my new favorite scone!

I tested them out on some friends, and they agree! In fact, we ate them all before I got to take pictures, so I had to make them again.

No worries...

Chocolate makes everything better!


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Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Bananas

Start your day off right with this warm, satisfying heart-healthy breakfast your family will love.

Oatmeal baked with ripe bananas, blueberries, cinnamon, honey and walnuts... need I say more? Yes! this IS as good as it sounds, I promise!!

You can make this with any combination of nuts and fruit you like, the possibilities are endless! But I really loved biting into a sweet warm banana, I felt like I was eating dessert.

Your family will thank you for this one, and you'll feel good knowing they are eating a healthy breakfast. Enjoy!

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Crock Pot Chicken a la Criolla

Criolla (literally creole) is a Spanish word widely used to describe Caribbean or Hispanic cuisine. In this simple yet flavorful dish, boneless skinless chicken thighs are stewed in the slow cooker with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, cilantro and spices. Served over rice, this is one tasty and inexpensive meal for 9 points plus!

As promised, I played around with my crock pot last night making this easy yet flavorful dish which requires no pre-cooking on the stove. In most cases, I think it's always best to brown the chicken, onions and garlic in a skillet before adding it to a slow cooker because it adds a depth of flavor you just don't get when you skip that step. That being said, for this dish I didn't think it was necessary because it has so many aromatics, herbs and spices that flavor is not lacking.

Because slow cookers tend to mute the flavors from the long cooking times on low heat, you should always taste it at the end and adjust the spices and salt if needed. Also, adding extra fresh herbs at the end is always a must in my opinion.

This dish was loved by all in my house, including my two year old. Enjoy!!

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Crock Pot Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce, a slow cooked ragú made with lean ground beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, wine, and cream is one of my favorite Italian sauces. I make this sauce whenever I need to feed a large crowd, or just to keep in my freezer. Serve this over pasta with a big Italian salad and everyone is happy!

Because Bolognese sauce needs to cook slow and low for several hours, the crock pot is ideal for this. You can make this with ground turkey, buffalo, veal, or whatever meat you prefer. I always make it with beef, using the leanest ground beef I can find.

Since purchasing my new crock pot a few months ago after reading so many reviews (which I love by the way, it's the Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker), it's been parked on my counter to ensure that I use it at least once a week. I've been taking some of my existing stove top recipes and trying them out in the crock pot which usually require some minor tweaks to make them work. Because liquids don't evaporate as much in the crock pot, this recipe is slightly different than my stove top version.

By the way, first time trying out Reynold's slow cooker liners, talk about an easy clean-up!

This sauce starts out on the stove, which is essential to brown the meat then slowly simmers in the crock pot for the rest of the day. You can start this the night before if you want this for a weeknight meal, then turn it on in the morning and go to work. When you get home, all you will need to do is boil some pasta, or roast some spaghetti squash, perhaps make a salad and you have a delicious meal! (Over a 2 oz dry/1 cup cooked serving of pasta, it's a 9 points plus meal.)

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