Shiso Ranch Dressing

Shiso Ranch Dressing

adapted from Food & Wine it is no longer on the website

Shiso, also known as perilla, have a unique, leaves have complex flavor that is frequently described as a blend of mint, basil, and anise with hints of cinnamon and citrus.  Green and red varieties are available but the green leaves tends to be milder and more refreshing.

Shiso is not easy to ind but i you can get it it has a wonderful addition to Asian dishes. The only places I have been able to ind it is in a small Asian Grocer and mostly recently at the Union Square Green Market.... not even at the Asian markets in Phili or any H-Mart that I have visited.

Makes about 10 Tbsp.                                                             1 WW pts / Tbsp.

1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise

1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. buttermilk

1 1/2 tsp. white balsamic vinegar

1/3 garlic clove, grated

1/3 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. + 2 Tsp. finely chopped shiso leaves

2 tsp. finely chopped chives

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon or 2/3 tsp. dried

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, buttermilk, vinegar, garlic, and mustard.
2. Fold in the shiso, chives and tarragon.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!                

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

adapted from Eating Well

Gruyère cheese is a hard cheese from Switzerland with has a mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture that melts well. No Gruyère ? Substitute Swiss, Gouda or Cheddar. Just grate any of these cheeses from a block. Preshredded cheese are coated with anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch which make them not melt as well.

Makes 3 servings                                                             6 WW points / serving

Cooking spray
4 oz. sliced fresh mixed mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, button and/or oyster mushrooms
3/4 cups thinly sliced sweet, white or yellow onion
1 1/2 tsp. thinly sliced garlic
2.5 oz. fresh baby spinach (about 4 cups), coarsely chopped
3 large eggs
2 Tbsp. fat free milk
2 Tbsp. light cream
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 fresh thyme leaves
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375F. 
2. Coat a 8-inch pie pan with cooking spray; set aside.
3. In a skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, about 8 minutes. 
4. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until soft, about 5 minutes. 
5. Add spinach; cook, tossing constantly, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper; Fold in the mushroom mixture and cheese.
7. Pour into the prepared pie pan; Bake until set and golden brown, about 30 minutes. 
8. Let stand for 10 minutes, before serving.

Enjoy!

Braised Red Cabbage with Apple, Bacon, and Shallots

Braised Red Cabbage with Apple, Bacon, and Shallots

adapted from Cook's Illustrated November/December 2020

Red cabbage is the heartiest variety of cabbage. Do not substitute another variety because the cooking time will vary significantly. Be forewarned, the cabbage may takes on a bluish hue in the beginning steps. The color will be corrected when the vinegar is added in Step 7. 

Makes 2 servings                                                             1 WW pt / serving                                             
1 slice bacon, chopped
2/3 shallot, minced
2/3 lb. red cabbage, cored and sliced 1⁄4 inch thick
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/3 Gala apple
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, plus extra for seasoning
2/3 tsp. sugar substitute
2/3 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley, divided
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook bacon in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is browned and crispy, about 8 minutes. 
2. Use a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel to drain; Set aside to cool. 
3. Add shallots to rendered fat left in pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 2 minutes. 
4. Add cabbage, water, and salt; Increase heat to high; and bring to boil.
5. Adjust heat to maintain simmer. Cover and cook until cabbage is tender but still intact, about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking. 
6. While cabbage is cooking, peel apple and grate on large holes of box grater.
7. Add the  apple, vinegar, sugar, and mustard into cabbage. 
8. Increase heat to high and continue to cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. 
9. Remove from the heat, stir in 1 tsp. parsley and pepper and season with salt and extra vinegar to taste. Transfer to shallow serving bowl, sprinkle with bacon and remaining parsley, before serving.

Enjoy!

Vegetable Coleslaw

Vegetable Coleslaw

adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook©

The cabbage and carrots can be shredded by hand or by using a food processor.

Makes 8 servings                                                                4 WW pts / serving

3 cups shredded white cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage 

2 1/2 carrots, julienned
1 cup mayonnaise 
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp sugar substitute
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. celery salt, to taste
1 tsp.  celery seeds
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1. Combine the cabbages and carrots in a large bowl.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, celery salt, celery seeds, salt and pepper.
3. Pour enough of the dressing over the vegetables to moisten them.
4. Chill. 
5. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Barefoot Contessa's BBQ Sauce

Barefoot Contessa's BBQ Sauce

adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook©

Ina Garten is one of my favorite chefs. I wish I could have gotten to Long Island before she sold The Barefoot Contessa store in 1996.

Makes 1 1/2 quarts

1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup tomato paste 
1 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 cup hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1. In a saucepan on low heat, saute the onions and garlic with the vegetable oil until the onions are translucent but not browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. 
3. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes. 
4. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Tangy Chicken Steak Sub

Tangy Chicken Steak Sub

adapted from Food Network

Growing up in Boston, sandwiches on long roll were call subs. When I moved to Western Mass, I had to adjust to referring to them as grinders. Now is  South Central PA, we are back to subs again. Other  regional terms include hoagies and heroes. What are they called in your area ?

Makes 2 servings                                                              10 WW pts / serving *

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb. shaved chicken

Cooking spray
1/2 onion, sliced
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. chopped scallion. green part only
1/2 oz. turkey pepperoni slices
2 oz. reduced fat provolone, slices
2 steak rolls, split and toasted

2 Tbsp. reduced fat mayo

2 Tbsp. hot pepper spread or your favorite spicy peppers

1. In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, mustard, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. 
2. Add the shaved chicken and toss to coat; Marinade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. In a frying pan coated with cooking spray, cook the onions until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. 
4. Add the garlic and chicken meat; Sauté  until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. 
5. Stir in the chives. 
6. Divide the chicken into 2 piles in the pan, spread out about the length of the rolls.
7. Place the pepperoni on top of the chicken and repeat with the cheese. 
8. Turn off the heat and allow the heat from the meat to melt the provolone.
9. Meanwhile spread the mayonnaise and hot pepper spread on the rolls.
10. With a large spatula scoop up the chicken with the cheese and put it n the rolls. 
11. Cut in half prior to serving if desired.

Enjoy!

* I calculated the points minus the marinade that was not absorbed into the chicken by straining the chicken before cooking and measuring the oil that was not used. Approximately half of the oil

Lamb, Roasted Shallot and Chorizo Skewers with Cabernet Vinaigrette

Lamb, Roasted Shallot and Chorizo Skewers with Cabernet Vinaigrette

adapted from Food Network

The original recipe called for Rioja which is sweeter and fruitier than a cabernet but we had a cabernet in the house. If you were to use a Rioja you would not need as much honey in the vinaigrette.

The shallots need to be roasted in advance of cooking the skewers because the skewers cook in such little time you would be eating raw shallots.

Most of the calories / WW points (17 points in the whole recipe) come from the vinaigrette. There is about 7 Tbsp. of the vinaigrette. You can lower your point value by not using all of the vinaigrette.

Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon wine
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp. honey or more to taste
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 head garlic, peeled and crushed
1/3 cup olive oil
2 rosemary sprigs
1 lb. boneless lamb loin, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 link Aidells chorizo, sliced 1/4-inch thick
6 large shallots, roasted
2 metal skewers, or 2 wooden skewers soaked in water for 2 hours

1. In a small saucepan reduce the wine to 2 Tbsp.
2. Place the syrup in a blender with the vinegar, mustard, honey and olive oil.
3. Blend until combined. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, rosemary and lamb and marinate for 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat the broiler or grill.
6. Thread the lamb cubes, chorizo and roasted shallots on the skewers; Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium rare doneness.
8. Arrange on platter and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Enjoy!

* Since there was marinade left in the bowl. The amount of oil used in the calculation was determined by remeasuring the oil

Golden Beet and Roasted Strawberry Salad

Golden Beet and Roasted Strawberry Salad

adapted from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2019

Roasting the beats intensifies their sweetness which pairs nicely with earthy beets.

Makes 2 servings                                                              5 WW points / serving

2 small golden beets, scrubbed and trimmed
4 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled and halved granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. sugar substitute

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 Tbsp. strawberry balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Torn romaine lettuce or your preferred lettuce
2 very thin prosciutto slices, torn
1 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1 1/2 slivered almonds

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Place beets on a large piece of aluminum foil; wrap tightly. 
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour or until tender. 
4. Cool slightly; rub off skins with a paper towel. Cut beets into wedges.
5.  Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. 
6. Place strawberries in an even layer on the baking sheet; Sprinkle with sugar, and toss gently to coat. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer strawberries to a plate to cool.
7. Combine oil, water vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl; Whisk until emulsified.
8. Divide lettuce evenly between 2 plates; Top with beets, strawberries, prosciutto, cheese and almonds. Drizzle evenly with vinaigrette prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs

Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs

adapted from Savory and Food Network

Steaming the hard boiled eggs then placing them in an ice bath makes peeling the eggs much easier.

I always like dying Easter eggs Here we are using natural dyes to color the whites of hard boiled eggs to make festive deviled eggs.

Makes 12 halves                                                             1 WW points / 2 halves

2 1/2 tsp. turmeric

2 cups water

1 Tbsp. vinegar

1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
6 eggs

2 Tbsp. reduced fat mayonnaise 

1 Tbsp. pickle relish

1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp. Everything Bagel Seasoning

1. Bring  the water and turmeric to a boil; Boil for 10 minute.
2. Remove from the heat; Let rest 5 minutes; 
3. Pour liquid into a container; add vinegar and salt; Set aside.
4. Place a steamer basket in a pot; Bring 1 inch of water to a boil.
5. Add the eggs to the basket. Cover and cook for 12 minutes. 
6. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. 
7. When the eggs are cooked transfer them, using a slotted spoon, to the ice water; let cool. 
8. Peel the eggs and halve lengthwise. 
9. Transfer the yolks to the bowl of a mini food processor
10. Place the whites in the container with the turmeric colored water; allow to stands in the colored water until they reach your desired color
11. Add the mayonnaise, relish and mustard to the food processor; Process until desired consistency is reached
12. Put the yolk mixture into a piping bag or sealable bag; Cut off tip
13. Remove the egg "whites" from the colored water; Use paper towels to remove excess liquid.
14. Fill the colored egg white halves with the yolk mixture. 
15. Top with the Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Enjoy!

Air Fried Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Scallion Dipping Sauce

Air Fried Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Scallion Dipping Sauce

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

My husband loves crispy Brussels sprout but deep fry creates a mess and it is just not healthy. We all know that air fryers are mini convection ovens and neither truly "fry" anything. But roasting can also create a crispy exterior.

Makes 2 servings                                                              2 WW points / serving

Dipping Sauce

2 Tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise

1 1/2 tsp minced scallion greens

1/4 tsp. lemon zest

2 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Cooking spray

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the convection oven / air fryer to 350F.
2. Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet lines with foil and coated with cooking spray if using convection oven or place in the air fryer basket.; Coat the sprouts with cooking spray.
3. Transfer to the oven / air fryer cook for about 10 minutes, toss, continue cooking until they are tender, well browned and crisp, about another 10 minutes.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve with the dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

adapted from Food & Wine©

I like to lighten up homemade salad dressing by replacing half of the oil with water.

Makes approximately 1 cup                                                   2 WW points / Tbsp

1 medium lemon, scrubbed

3 oz. olive oil

3 oz. water

1/4 cup fresh tender herbs - I used chives and basil but dill and parsley would work as well

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 small garlic clove, peeled and smashed

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. Cut of the ends of the lemon and discard.
2. Quarter the lemon and remove the seeds.
3. Place the lemon in a small food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.

Enjoy!

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Dipping Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Dipping Sauce

adapted from Crowded Kitchen

With the salty, crunchy, cheesy goodness, this is my new favorite way to eat Brussels Sprouts. Save the extra dipping sauce to serve with chicken or pretzels.

Makes 2 servings

For the Brussels Sprouts

6 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half 
Cooking spray
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8. tsp paprika
1/8 tsp. dry mustard powder
1/16 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 

Additional Kosher salt to taste

For the Hot Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
2 Tbsp. reduced fat mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. hot sauce, use or favorite and add more or less to taste
1 1/2 tsp. honey

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. 
2. Lightly coat the Brussels sprouts with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
3. Cover  the pan with aluminum foil and roast for 15 minutes or until fork tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder and cayenne.
5. Add slightly cooled Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
6. Make 12 small mounds of Parmesan cheese on the baking sheet., each being a little less than a tablespoon.
7. Place a Brussels sprout half on top of each mound and press down slightly.
8. Return the pan to oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is crispy.
9. In another small bowl, whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients.  
10. When the cheese has crisped, remove the pan from oven, salt to taste and let cool slightly.
11. Use a spatula to release the cheese from the pan. 
12. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

Grilled Peach & Bacon Salad

Grilled Peach & Bacon Salad

adapted from Foodnetwork.com

Use some of summer's bounty to make this refreshing salad. Kale could easily be substituted for the romaine.

Makes 2 servings

2 slices bacon
Cooking spray
1 firm peach, cut into 8 pieces
1/2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. water

Kosher salt & Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups romaine lettuce, torn
1/4 cup halved graped tomatoes
1 Tbsp. toasted pecan pieces

1. Cook the bacon to your desired level of crispness. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain then chop.
2. Reserve 1 Tbsp. bacon fat. whisk in honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar and water to make the dressing.
3. Meanwhile heat a grill pan or grill.Coat with cooking spray.
4. Cook the peaches until the desired grill marks are achieved approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Divide the lettuce, bacon, pecans and peaches between 2 dishes and drizzle with the warm dressing.

Enjoy!

Dijon and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

Dijon and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

adapted from Savory Online

If you love lamb, like we do, you will go wild for this French twist on classic grilled lamb chops.

Herbes de Provence is an herb blend from that region of France. Don't have any on your spice rack - make some yourself. Click here to learn more.  

Sous vide is a method of slow cooking food at a consistent temperature, No sous vide machine - grill or broil for 6-8 minutes per side to desired doneness.

Serve over a bed of steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Serves 2                                                                            10 WW pp / serving

2 6 oz. lamb chops, 1 to 1 ¼" thick
1 Tbsp. Herbes de Provence
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. garlic oil
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat the sous vide water.
2. Blend herbs, Dijon mustard, oil and lemon juice together in a small bowl.
3. Evenly coat surface of each chop with 2 teaspoons of mixture. 
4. Put each chop in a plastic bag with the air removed.
5. Cook in the sous vide for 131F and cook for 1 hour.
6. Sear on a grill or in a grill pan before serving.

Enjoy!

Apricot-Mint Chicken and Snow Peas

Apricot-Mint Chicken and Snow Peas

adapted from Savoryonline.com

I am loving the sugar free preserves. This recipe would be great with sugar free orange marmalade as well.

        

Makes 2 servings                                                          0 WW pp / serving                                          

Cooking spray

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped

2 Tbsp. sugar-free apricot preserves

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 

2 Tbsp. soy sauce 

1 medium onion, sliced

8 oz. snow peas 

1. In a bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, mustard, soy sauce, and mint, until well blended. 
2. In a skillet coated with cooking spray cook the chicken breast until browned, about 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through. 
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 
4. Add the onion and snow peas to the pan, and cook for another 3 min. or until vegetables are tender. 
5. Return the chicken back to the pan and pour the apricot-mint sauce over top; mix well. 
6. Simmer for another 4 minutes and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Tilapia with Cucumber Relish

Tilapia with Cucumber Relish

adapted from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2016

The mint in the relish add a bright refreshing taste.

Makes 1 serving                                                                    0 WW pp / serving

1/4 cup seedless cucumber, diced

1 1/2 Tbsp. sliced shallots

1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

2/3 tsp. chopped fresh mint

2/3 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. Kosher salt

Cooking spray

1 5-oz. tilapia filet

Freshly ground black pepper

Kosher salt

1. Combine the cucumber, shallots, parsley, mint, lemon juice, mustard and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. After seasoning the fish with salt and pepper, cook it in a pan coated with cooking spray, for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the fish to a plate and top with the relish.

Enjoy!

Fennel Pollen & Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Fennel Pollen & Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

adapted from EatingWell.com

Fennel pollen is pollen harvested from fennel flowers. It adds a floral, citrusy, anise flavor. If you do not have fennel pollen, you can substitute ground fennel at a ratio of 2 parts ground fennel to 1 part fennel pollen.

Makes 4 servings                                                      3 WW Blue points / serving

1 1/2 tsp. fennel seed

3 cups cold water

2 Tbsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. Truvia brown sugar blend

1 lb. pork tenderloin

Cooking spray

2 Tbsp. fig balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. honey dijon mustard

1 tsp. agave syrup

1 tsp. fennel pollen

1/2 cup homemade chicken stock or canned broth

1. In a small skillet, toast the fennel seeds until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Transfer the fennel seeds to a large bowl, add the water, salt, and Truvia; stir until the sat and Truvia are dissolved.
3. Add the pork to the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 400F.
5. Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry
6. In a small bowl combine the vinegar, mustard, agave and fennel pollen in a small bowl.
7. In a skillet coated with cooking spray, sear the pork on all sides, about 8 minutes in total.
8. Glaze the chicken with half of the balsamic mixture.
9. Place the pan in the oven and cook until an instant read thermometer reads 140F, about 15 minutes.
10. Remove the pork from the pan and let rest, covered.
11. Add the remaining glaze to the pan and cook until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
12. Slice the pork and drizzle with the glaze.

Enjoy! 

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

 Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

adapted from Food Network

Using center cut bacon significantly decreases the amount of fat in the recipe. If using regular bacon, pre- cook the bacon at 375F for about 15 minutes to remove some of the fat.

If you can't find honey dijon mustard, blend 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard with 2 tsp. Truvia brown sugar blend.

Makes 4 servings                                                      5 WW Blue points / serving

1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/4 lbs.)

8 strips center cut bacon

Montreal Steak seasoning

2 Tbsp. Honey Dijon mustard

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 450F.
2. Generously season the tenderloin with Montreal steak seasoning.
3. Place the tenderloin of a cooking rack coated with cooking spray on a baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl combine the mustard, garlic powder and cayenne.
5. Smear the mustard mixture on all sides of the tenderloin.
6. Wrap the slices of bacon around the tenderloin, overlapping slightly.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until registers 130F on an instant read thermometer at the thickest point.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before carving into 1-inch slices and serve.

Enjoy!

Bacon Crusted Chicken

Bacon Crusted Chicken

adapted from Food Network

Bacon makes everything better. A little goes a long way. The bacon helps to keep the chicken moist.

served with Carrot &Potato Mash

Makes 2 servings                                                        1 WW Blue point / serving

Cooking spray

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Montreal Steak Seasoning

2 tsp. Honey dijon mustard 

2 strips center-cut bacon, each cut into 10 pieces

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Place the chicken on  a cooking rack coated with cooking on a baking sheet.
3. Season the chicken with Montreal steak seasoning.
4. Spread 1 tsp. of mustard on each piece of chicken.
5. Shingle the bacon on top of the chicken.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cooked through and the bacon is crisp.

Enjoy!

Chicken & Mushroom Marsala Bowls

Chicken & Mushroom Marsala Bowls

adapted from Cooking Light

This health-ified version of the classic chicken marsala has a lot of veggies and is served over quinoa instead of pasta.

If you do not have kale on hand, baby spinach makes a good substitute.

Any mushrooms you have on hand will substitute nicely for the gourmet mix - I just got them as part of my Misfits Box

Makes 2 servings                                                     5 WW Blue points / serving

Cooking spray

1/4 uncooked quinoa

2/3 cup + 1/4 cup homemade chicken stock or canned broth, separated

3 oz. kale, torn

4 oz. gourmet mix mushrooms, sliced

8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup minced shallots

1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup dry Marsala wine

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 1/2 Tbsp. Parkay cooking oil spray

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

1. Coat a small pot with cooking spray and sauté the quinoa until it is toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2. Add 1/3 cup stock to the pan; bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 12 minutes
3. Remove from heat, let sit for 10 minutes; season to taste with Kosher salt; set aside.
4. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, add the kale and sauté until wilted and tender, about 3 minutes remove from the pan set aside * and keep warm. 
5. Add more cooking spray to the pan, add the mushrooms and  cook until browned, about 8 minutes, remove from the pan; add to the kale and keep warm.
6. Coat the pan once again with cooking spray, add the chicken and sauté 4 minutes or until browned on all sides.
7. Add the shallots, thyme and garlic; sauté 1 1/2 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Add the Marsala and 1/4 cup stock and deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Cook 2 minutes or until the liquid has reduced to about 1/4 cup and is slightly syrupy.
9. Remove from the heat. Add the Parkay, mustard and salt and pepper to taste.; Stir to combine.
10. Add the mushrooms and kale to the chicken; Serve over the quinoa.

Enjoy!

* If the kale starts to stick to the pan before it is wilted, add a little water, a Tbsp. at a time.