Orange Beef Stir-Fry

Orange Beef Stir-Fry 5 pts/6 servings (3/4 c. serving)
published in Light & Tasty August/September 2006, p38

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
1 egg white
1 beef flank steak (1 pound), cut into thin slices
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups hot cooked long grain rice

Directions

In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce until smooth. Add egg white and beat until blended. Add beef and toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine remaining cornstarch with water until smooth. Add the orange juice concentrate, ketchup, orange peel, hoisin sauce and remaining sugar and soy sauce; set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry beef mixture in hot oil for 2-4 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir orange juice mixture and stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with rice. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice equals 390 calories, 13 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 48 mg cholesterol, 725 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 24 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.

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Made March 8, 2011. I didn't use the grated orange peel, so I'm not sure if the orange flavor would be stronger if I had. The dish was pretty good, but not spectacular. I'm not sure I cut the steak in the correct direction. I took the easy way and cut it long-ways because it was nice and folded, but maybe I should have cut it along the width of the stead instead. The meat was a little bit tough.

The 5 points I calculated do not include the rice.

Apple-Spice Acorn Squash LT06

Apple-Spice Acorn Squash LT 06, 5 points

Ingredients

1 medium acorn squash
1 medium tart apple, chopped
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons butter

Directions

Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add 1/2 in. of water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10-13 minutes or until almost tender; drain.

Combine the apple, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg; spoon into squash cavities. Dot with butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6-8 minutes or until squash and apples are tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 2 servings.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Nutritional Analysis: 1 filled squash half equals 207 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fruit, 1 fat.

Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Curry

Slow Cooker Pork and Apple Curry 5 pts for 2/3 c. mix plus points for rice

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless pork loin roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Hot cooked rice, optional
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Directions

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.

Increase heat to high. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until thickened, stirring once.

Serve over rice if desired. Sprinkle with raisins and coconut. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup curry mixture with 1-1/2 teaspoons each raisins and coconut, calculated without rice) equals 235 calories, 9 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 68 mg cholesterol, 341 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit.

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Made May 5th. I enjoyed this recipe though there was a bit of bite to it. We couldn't pinpoint what exactly was causing the spice. I used a mix of pork loin and venison stew meat, so it could have been the way the venison was cured.

Cheddar Potato Chowder

Cheddar Potato Chowder 5 pts for 1 cup

Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups diced unpeeled red potatoes
1 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed fully cooked lean ham

Directions

In a Dutch oven, combine the first seven ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, place flour in a large saucepan; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir the ham and the cheese sauce into undrained vegetables; stir until combined. Yield: 7 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 212 calories, 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 29 mg cholesterol, 847 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 16 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 fat-free milk.

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Made April 17th. This recipe was pretty simple to make. I wondered if I really had to make the sauce in a separate pan though because I've made other sauce recipes right into the soup. I went ahead and did it the way it described though to stay true to the recipe this time. Next time I will probably not dirty the extra pan. I was impressed with how quickly it thickened though. It was the quickest and easiest I've ever experienced. I don't know if it was the 2% milk or the way I blended the flour in that made a difference. Or maybe it was my new pan. Who knows?!

I had a package of Four Cheese Mexican style in my fridge, so I used that instead of taking the time to shred the 2 cups of cheddar.

This recipe was a huge hit with Aaron (and me). It was really good!!

Creamy Vanilla Pudding

Creamy Vanilla Pudding, 5 pts for 1/2 c.
published in Reminisce Extra April 1993, p49

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups milk, divided
Pinch salt
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Place 2 cups milk and salt in a saucepan. Sprinkle sugar on milk and do not stir; heat over medium-high. Quickly combine cornstarch with remaining milk; add egg yolks and mix well. When milk comes to a full boil, remove saucepan from the heat and stir in cornstarch mixture. Pudding will begin to thicken. Return to the heat and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and butter. Pour into individual dishes. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

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Made April 3rd. I had 5 egg yolks left over from last week's recipes, so I made this pudding to use them up. I had to double plus half the recipe to accomplish it, but it was perfect for our family get together. The pudding was extremely rich (perfect for dipping tortilla chips in though). It is no wonder it is worth 5 points.

I ran out of cornstarch, so I used flour to make up the rest. Unfortunately I got cornstarch or flour lumps when I mixed it with the milk. I probably needed to use a bigger container so that it could mix better. But the pudding did thicken up really nicely, so the lumps were mostly aesthetic as well as surprising for those who got them ;)

I used skim milk and Imperial margarine for this recipe.

Chili Stuffed Potato

Chili Stuffed Potato, 5 pts

Ingredients

4 large baking potatoes (about 2 pounds)
1 can (15 ounces) vegetarian chili with beans
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
1 cup chopped seeded fresh tomatoes
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

Scrub and pierce the potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 12-14 minutes or until tender, turning once.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat chili. With a sharp knife, cut an "X" in each potato; fluff with a fork. Spoon chili over each potato; sprinkle with cheese. Top with tomatoes, sour cream and cilantro. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 stuffed potato with toppings) equals 354 calories, 4 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 466 mg sodium, 66 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 15 g protein.

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Made April 1st. I bought Wolf brand chili with beans made from turkey. I looked for a vegan version and didn't ever see one. Maybe I'd have to go to a specialty store. I don't know. The potato was ok. The chili was a little more spicy than I'd have liked, but Jared seemed to enjoy it.

I didn't use the large baking potatoes either, so the points might be a little higher if you do. I weighed mine and it was only a 2 pt potato. I'm sure a baking potato would have been twice that at least.

Italian Ranch Chicken Strips

Italian Ranch Chicken Strips 5 pts

Ingredients

2/3 cup cornflake crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon water
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into eight strips

Directions

In a shallow bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, combine dressing and water. Dip chicken into dressing mixture, then coat with crumb mixture.

Arrange chicken on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly spray top of chicken with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until juices run clear. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: about 2 chicken strips equals 147 calories, 2 g fat (trace saturated fat), 33 mg cholesterol, 413 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 15 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 very lean meat, 1 starch.

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March 25th. Aaron wanted Chik-fil-A, so I made these for dinner instead. Everyone seemed to enjoy them. The recipe makes exactly what it says it does. Usually when it comes to dip and breading batter I end up with a bunch leftover, but not so with this one. I had to add a lot of side dishes to make up for the 2 chicken strips a piece. I served it with corn on the cob, green beans, strawberry soup, and baked sweet potato chips.

I only had regular ranch dressing on hand, so the strips were two points higher than it could have been. Still, 5 points for chicken strips isn't a bad deal!

Cheesy Beans and Rice

Cheesy Beans and Rice LT03, 186, 5 points for 8 servings

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

Cook rice according to package directions. Transfer to a bowl; add the beans. In a nonstick skillet, saute onion in oil for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, chili powder and salt. Bring to a boil; remove from the heat.

In a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray, layer a third of the rice mixture, cheese and tomato mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining rice mixture and tomato mixture.

Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 6 servings.


Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 306 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium, 47 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 15 g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.

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I made this last night (Feb 26th) for a girl's night with Mexican themed food. This is not a dish that is new to me. I have made it a few times before, and it's usually well received by everyone but my family :)

When I've made it in the past I've always used white rice, but this time I used brown like it calls for in the recipe. It is good either way. The recipe calls for 1 c. of rice, but I cooked 2 cups and used almost all of it. The cheese helps soften the bite of the Ro-tel, and the flavors all blend really well.

The WW points came out to 5 points for 8 servings. I mentally divided the dish into 8 pieces, but one could easily get double that for smaller portions.

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup (Crockpot)

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup LT04, 183, 5 pts

Ingredients

4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-1/4 pounds)
1-1/2 cups lentils, rinsed
3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine the first nine ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the cilantro and salt.
Yield: 6 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1-1/3 cups) equals 247 calories, 1 g fat(trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 785 mg sodium, 48 g carbohydrates, 13 g fiber, 14 g protien.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 very lean meat, 1 vegetable.

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Made Feb 21st. This is one of those rare recipes that didn't make it to the website which didn't seem like a big stroke in its favor, but I was pleasantly surprised. I prepared this for our Sunday meal, so the house was smelling really good when we got home from church. Matthew and I liked it, Jared thought it was so-so, and Aaron wouldn't touch it.

This recipe is my first really good experience with lentils. They turned out so soft, and the sweet potatoes and carrots blended into a really good flavor. This dish is really filling and hearty too. I would be willing to make this again.

Spinach Stuffed Pizza

Spinach Stuffed Pizza LT04, 183, 5 pts

Made on Feb 13th. The recipe says it makes 6 servings, but I divided it into 8 pieces.

This was my first experience using frozen bread dough, but it wasn't too bad. I was surprised that I liked the flavor of the pizza (and the crust was delicious), but I couldn't eat more than the 2 pieces for my serving. It isn't a pizza where I liked it so much I couldn't stop myself. I had a hard time stomaching the idea of eating a leftover piece later. It was good, but not that good. Interestingly, this is one of the few meals that Aaron seemed to like. He actually ate all of his two pieces. Jared barely made it to the end of his first piece.

I like the concept of the stuffed pizza, but if I made it again I would probably make a more traditional pizza.

Makeover Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Makeover Creamy Broccoli Casserole LT03, 93, 5 pts

Made on Feb 9th and served with the Cream of Cauliflower Soup (LT02, 36, 4 pts). According to the nutritional information, this should have been 3 points but I guess I didn't use enough of the low fat options to keep the points down.

The mayo gives this dish a very distinctive flavor. Matthew and I liked it, but I couldn't eat a lot of it at a time.