Break the Cycle

Working on paperwork and getting a menu together. Got my order from the local co-op, lots of rice and beans. Also got some pepitas - love those sprinkled on everything - from salads to yogurt. I grinded up a cup of them and made some pumpkin bread for dinner tonight. That and leftovers and salad. Might have to make some fishsticks - not too many leftovers leftover this week LOL. Next week - going to Crockpot Lasagna Spicy Chicken with Apricot Couscous (copied on paper - will post later. WW In One Pot 100) Stove Top Mac and Cheese (WW In One Pot 214) Creamy Orzo with Chicken and Mushrooms (WW In One Pot 219) Rice with Shrimp and Peas Salmon Strudel and of course, at our house, it's not dinner without dessert so we'll be trying - Chocolate Zucchini Cake Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake Praline Pumpkin Cake Will make up a grocery list later. I'm thinking of making up weekly menus - sorta like Saving Dinner? That way I can keep them in my own computer, and just print out groc...

Ingredients 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon dried basil 1 tablespoon dried oregano 4 (8-ounce) cans no-salt-added tomato sauce 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 (1-pound) eggplants, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices 1/4 cup water 3 egg whites, lightly beaten 1 1/4 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Vegetable cooking spray 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Fresh oregano sprigs (optional) PreparationCombine first 7 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes. Place eggplant in a large bowl; add water to cover, and let stand 30 minutes. Drain well; blot dry with paper towels. Combine 1/4 cup water and egg whites in a shallow bowl. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese; stir well. Dip eggplant in egg white mixture, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place half of eggplant on a baking sheet co...

Saw this recipe on HG this a.m. - sounds good, and since our eggplants are still producing - I think I'll give it a go - Ingredients: 1 large eggplant 1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large egg whites) 1 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in the blender 1 cup canned tomato sauce w/ Italian flavoring (such as Hunt's Tomatoes Sauce with Basil, Garlic & Oregano) 1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup reduced-fat grated parmesan-style topping 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper Optional: dried Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, etc.) Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice ends off of eggplant, and cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Use a paper towel to blot eggplant slices on both sides (to remove excess moisture). Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray. Season crumbs with garlic powder, salt, pepper and, if you like, additional seasonings. Coat eggplant slices on both sides -- first with egg...

Praline-Pumpkin Cake desserts POINTS® Value: 5Servings: 16Preparation Time: 15 minCooking Time: 60 minLevel of Difficulty: Easy Take a break from traditional pumpkin pie and complete your Thanksgiving meal with this scrumptious pecan-topped pumpkin cake. Ingredients 1 sprays cooking spray 15 oz canned pumpkin 12 oz fat-free evaporated milk 1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute 1/2 cup sugar 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice 18 1/4 oz unprepared white cake mix, 1 package 1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped 1/4 cup reduced-calorie margarine, melted Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Stir pumpkin, milk, egg substitute, sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium bowl until smooth; pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and gently press it into pumpkin mixture to moisten. Sprinkle cake with pecans and then drizzle margarine evenly over top. Bake, uncovered, until knife inserted in center of cake comes out cle...

Well - to start off - I was up this weekend at WW. Course, after last weeks loss - I didn't really expect to have another big loss - but I wish I would have maintained at least. Oh well. Course, then yesterday it was such a beautiful day - took the kids to a few parks - and we ate outside - more than I should have of course. Lots of pretzels - salt will catch up with me today or tomorrow - so drinking lots of water. Going toa local amusement park today to celebrate dd's birthday - so probably another day of not so great food choices. I do have on my pedometer today. My goal this week - never go to bed with under 10,000 steps. If 8 pm rolls around and I'm a bit short - I'm hopping on my treadmill. I've said it, so now I must do it. A friend from my WW meetings let me borrow one of her cookbooks - I'll browse that tonight and see if there is anything new I'd like to try. This weeks menu - not so sure yet - tonight will probably be pizza. Tomorrow wil...

OK - holidays are coming - and if you have kids - that means LOTS and LOTS of batteries. I've been buying mine online - they last just as well as the "name brands" but wow - look at the price difference. Batteries.com They have digital camera batteries, back up batteries for your camcorder, cell phone batteries (excellent to have a charged back up battery when you're on the road !), laptop batteries, but the best deal of all (at least in this house) is the deal on the AA and AAA battery pack - here's and idea of their prices 40 AA's and 10 AAA's for $7.50 or 400 AA's and 100 AAA's for $49.99 - that works out to be 10 cents a battery !! Gotta love that. here's a couple more of their hotter deals - plus a coupon code - don't know how long the special prices will last - so stock up now for the holidays ! AcerNote 750 Replacement NiMH Laptop Battery $49.99 (Reg. $88.99) IBM ThinkPad 380 / 385 NiMH Replacement Laptop Battery $64.99 (Reg. $124.99...

Crockpot Tortilla Soup http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Chicken-Tortilla-Soup/Detail.aspx Makes 8 servings, 6 points each. Ingredients 1 pound shredded, cooked chicken 1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups water 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 bay leaf 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 7 corn tortillas vegetable oil DIRECTIONS Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut t...

WW: Crockpot Beef Stew Posted By: Hick Chick Wed, 25 Feb 2004, at 7:19 a.m taken from http://www.recipes-from-friends.com/weight-watchers/crockpot/beef-stew.htm 3 potatoes, diced 5 carrots, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 2 small onions, chopped 1 head (not clove) garlic, minced 1 large tomato, blanched and chopped 4 Tbs. barley 4 beef bouillon cubes 1 3/4 pounds lean beef 1/2 tsp. rosemary 1/2 tsp. savory 1 t salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 Tbs. flour 2 Tbs. corn starch Cube and brown the beef. Add flour to beef and stir together. Combine all ingredients except potatoes, corn starch, rosemary, and savory in a crockpot. Cover with water. Cook on high 12-24 hours. 1 hour before serving, add potatoes, rosemary, and savory. Immediately before serving, thicken with corn starch. (3 Points Per Cup)

Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff Makes 6 servings, 4 points each. Ingredients 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken 1 container (16 oz) fat free sour cream 1 packet powdered onion soup mix 1 can fat free cream of chicken soup 1 small can mushrooms Instructions Add all ingredients to crock pot. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Crockpot Lasanga Makes 8 servings, 7 points each. Ingredients 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey 1 large onion, chopped 2 Tbsp minced garlic 1 lb fat free mozerella 12 oz fat free cottage cheese 1 tsp Italian seasoning salt & pepper to taste 8 oz no-bake lasagna noodles 30 oz tomato sauce 6 oz tomato paste 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/2 green pepper, chopped Instructions In a frying pan, brown turkey with onion and garlic. Add spices and tomato sauce and paste, stirring over medium heat until warm all the way through. Mix cheeses in seperate container. Layer 1/3 meat sauce, 1/3 noodles, 1/3 cheese, and 1/3 vegetables in crockpot. Repeat 2 more times until all ingredients have been used. Cook on low 4-5 hours.

if you read the previous post - I think I posted about not breaking anything while riding the horses .... well, 1 ambulance ride, 1 ER visit, 1 referral, and 1 visit back to our favorite Ortho Doc = a broken elbow - in 2 places no less - URGH ! Yep - same dd - #2 - but not from riding - she was FEEDING the horses, and tripped over a cut down piece of bamboo - landed hard on her elbow - and that was that! I rode in the ambulance with her - since we were so far from home - it was easier on dh and the rest of the kids. They went to Chuck E Cheese - we went to the ER. We were actually in and out pretty quick - although they waited until our Ortho guy saw the x-rays in case he wanted to do surgery - urgh again. No surgery - barely. He said if the one break was just a bit worse, that would have been different as well. BRIGHT PINK cast - just like mom's last one - although it looks so much better on her then on me ! I did blow my eating that Sunday - the stress and all - so Monday ...

Yep - I'm back on track and know exactly what I'm doing. I can make good decisions and be happy with myself, or make bad decisions - and live with it. Lost 4 lbs at my WW meeting today - I am on my way. Got some meals planned - did some healthy grocery shopping. Picked up some carmel apples for treats - they really aren't as high in fat/calories as you'd think - much better choice then a doughnut !!! Going to take the kids out to ride horses - lets hope no one breaks anything ! Jerzy

Love, love, love Lands End - their boots, their all weather clogs, their clothes that last forever! Anyway - they are offering free shipping - through this link - until Tuesday, Oct.16. Not sure if it'll work in the outlet and overstock - but I'll let you know as soon as I go shopping. Perfect time to start your holiday shopping ! Yep - free shipping on your entire order. Some excellent deals in their overstocks and on the counter deals - some things that I purchased - flannel sleep shirts - $1.50 a pet sherpa jacket - $5 swim suits for dh - about $17 each lots of socks - 3 packs for $6 (includes mens, womens and kids) Jeans for girls - from $10-$15 twill pants for me - $7.50 When I order - if I'm not sure of the size - I order 2 or 3 sizes - if you live near a Sears store - returns are simple and easy !!! When you click on the link above - make sure to write down the source code and pin that pop up - you'll need them for the 3 day free shipping when you check out ! Je...

As you see - I've been working on some new recipes. Received my latest edition of cooking light - lots of good recipes this time around. Next week I'm going to try a few of the new ones posted below - as well as some linked ones - the spinach and ricotta-stuffed shells (7 pts) and the chicken, pasta, and chickpea stew (5 pts). I'm sure I'll try the baked ziti casserole (7 pts) sometime later this month. Just came across a chocolate chip cookie recipe - definately need to try that one LOL :)

Rely on a large Dutch oven or stockpot because this recipe makes enough sauce for several meals. Cook at a low simmer--just a few bubbles every few seconds will yield the deepest taste. For freezing tips, see below. This recipe goes with Chicken, Pasta, and Chickpea Stew , Mussels Marinara , Swordfish with Lemony Red Sauce , Sausage and Pepper Pizza , Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells , Baked Ziti Casserole , Shrimp Fra Diavolo , Colorful Vegetable Lasagna , Portobello Parmesan , Escarole, Three Bean, and Roasted Garlic Soup Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups chopped yellow onion (about 3 medium) 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves) 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 3 (28-ounce) cans no-salt-added crushed tomatoes Preparation Heat oil in a large ...

Quick-cooking red lentils don't need to be pureed since they break down as they cook. Lentils are a great source of protein, as well as fiber. This recipe gives 20 percent of your daily fiber goal. Serve over brown rice with a side of broccoli for a vegetarian meal. Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 whole clove 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 dried hot red chile 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, minced 4 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic) 1 cup dried small red lentils 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Preparation Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; cook 2 minutes or until charred. Carefully turn over onion, and cook an addit...

Any winter squash would work in this spicy-sweet side dish. Though you start with a lot of squash, it cooks down in the preliminary roasting. Even the small amounts of currants and pecans contribute to the dish's hefty seven grams of fiber per serving. Ingredients 10 cup (1-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash (about 8 pounds) 2 teaspoons olive oil obj 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brandy 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup dried currants Cooking spray 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces 3 tablespoons chopped pecans Preparation Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange squash pieces in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan. Drizzle with oil, stirring to coat. Bake at 400° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until squash is tender and beginning to brown, stirring every 20 minutes. Transfer squash to a bowl. Add juice, sugar, brandy, 1 tablespoon butte...

Pilau (or pilaf), typically consists of meats or vegetables added to a grain, and is an ideal way to add more fiber to your diet with whole grains like wild rice, brown rice, or bulgur. Serve with pork chops and green beans. This hearty side's squash, potato, and brown rice offer about 10 percent of your daily fiber needs. Ingredients 2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled fresh pumpkin (about 12 ounces) 1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato (about 1 medium) Cooking spray 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup diced onion (1 small) 1/3 cup diced celery (about 1 rib) 2 teaspoons minced garlic 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 1 cup brown rice 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 bay leaf Preparation Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange pumpkin and sweet potato in an even layer on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 35 minutes or until tender and just until vegetables begin to brown, stirring after 18 minutes. ...

Short-grain, starchy white rice, such as Arborio, provides silky texture and creamy consistency for this satisfying dessert with universal appeal. Ingredients 2 cups cooked Arborio rice or other short-grain rice 3 1/2 cups fat-free milk 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk obj 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs, beaten 1/4 cup golden raisins 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon PreparationCombine rice, fat-free milk, sugar, nonfat dry milk, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place eggs in a medium bowl. Gradually add half of rice mixture to eggs, stirring constantly with a whisk. Return egg mixture to pan over medium-low heat; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in raisins and vanilla. Spoon 1/2 cup pudding into each of 8 bowls. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon over each serving. Yield 8 servings Nutritional Information CALORIES 176(7% from fat); FAT 1.4g (sat 0.4g,mono 0.5g,po...

Ingredients 2 cups dried black-eyed peas 1 tablespoon peanut oil 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion 8 ounces turkey kielbasa, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 4 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (10-ounce) bag prewashed mustard greens Preparation Sort and wash peas; set aside. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion to pan; cook 3 minutes or until tender. Add sausage; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in broth; bring to a simmer, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in peas, salt, peppers, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer 45 minutes or until peas begin to soften. Uncover and cook 15 minutes or until liquid begins to thicken. Stir in vinegar, tomatoes, and mustard greens; simmer 10 minutes or until peas are tender, stirring occasionall...

Off to a good start this morning - our holidays should be this weekend - looking forward to it. Some of the gifts I got the girls came from Amazon - a underwater digital camera for under $100, and a pretty decent looking digital video camera also under $100 (they were both around $75 each) Gotta love new technology prices ! Keeping an eye out for a new laptop. Our last one we gave away to BIL our last trip overseas - I need to replace it - be nice to be able to do work while the girls are swimming. Plus it's nice to stay in touch when we're on vacation ! DD #1 is starting 6th grade today. She's only 10 - so I'm not pushing her - but needless to say, I've very proud of her. We use Calvert as our homeschool curriculum provider - I love having everything in one package - especially with 3 of them in 3 different grades ! In 6th grade, the lesson manual is more directed at the student - so she'll be able to set her own pace. I did tell her that she would be...

Had a wonderful, wonderful time ! Definately would recommend the Liki Tiki Village to anyone who was looking for a relaxing and not too expensive Florida vacation. We paid $100/night for a 2 bedroom apartment - it had a full living room, a deck, a king size bed in the master bedroom with it's own bathroom - complete with a jacuzzi tub that easily will fit 2 large adults. The second bedroom had 2 beds - maybe doubles? Or Fulls. Plus their own full bathroom across the hall. Each room had it's own TV - the living room also had a tv and a queen size sleeper sofa. The dining table had seating for 6 - and the kitchen had all modern appliances including a dishwasher and washer/dryer - so no need to overpack !! The only thing we did that cost extra was a seafood buffet one night (think all you can eat lobster tails !!) and a dinner/theater - Arabian Nights - very $$ - but very worth it - especially if you have horse crazy kids. I'll post pics later. On the weight loss f...