chicken noodle soup.

this is my mom's semi-homemade recipe. and honestly, it's pretty darn weight watchers friendly. you can change the amount of chicken or noodles to change total POINTS value. also, if you're like me, then you can remove the whole veggies for a plain chicken soup..or if you are like my hubs, you can chop them up if you like that in your soup.

4-5 boxes of low soldium chicken broth (i just used store brand)
2 lbs chicken breast, trimmed

G. Washington's Seasoning packet or 1 Tbsp similar all purpose seasoning (i can't find GWashington's here)

onion, cut or whole
celery, cut or whole
carrots, cut or whole

place all ingredients into a large stock pot. bring to a boil, then let simmer until chicken is fully cooked. add water & lower heat if liquid begins to evaporate.

serve with whole wheat noodles or cous cous. add whole wheat/high fiber bread or sandwhich thins for an extra 1 point.

POINTS value: 6
3 oz chicken (i take mine out, pat dry with a paper towel & then weigh on a scale) = 3 pts

1 cup whole wheat pasta/cous cous = 3 pts

broth = 0 pts

turkey sausage & pepper pasta

i got this recipe from my weekly WW's newsletter. i changed it a bit..

1/2 pound italian style turkey sausage (about 2 large links), casings removed
2 yellow pepper (if you want to save money..i say red & green peppers are fine, chopped into chunky strips
1 medium onion, cut into thin bits
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (fire roasted recommended..but i couldnt find it)
1/2 cup dry red wine (i used merlot)
1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
8 oz. whole wheat fusilli or rotini (i like smart taste brand)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (or more to tate)
salt & pepper, to taste
fresh basil (or you can be like me and just top it with dried basil)

cook pasta according to package directions.
in a large skillet brown turkey sausage, breaking it up as you go. remove to a plate.
in same skillet spray olive oil spray & add peppers and onion. cook until lightly browned (about 5 minutes). add wine & garlic and cook until liquid is almost gone (about 1-2 minutes).
add crushed pepper, turkey, and salt & pepper. cook to a boil then cover & simmer for about 10 minutes.

POINTS value: 5 total
2 points per 1 cup sauce
3 points per 1 cup of pasta

pairing suggestion: Celler 8 Merlot. 5 oz. for 3 points (bc it's wicked dry)

meatballs.

i make meatballs a lot for the hubs for pasta night. and i got tired of just having one meatball (for 1.5 points mind you). so here is the new and improved recipe. and the best part..the hubs didn't even notice.

6 oz 93/7% lean ground beef
1 egg white
1.5 slices white bread
2 Tbsp fat free grated parmesean cheese (so far the only place i've found this is at wegman's)
1 Tbsp garlic
parsley
oregano
salt & pepper

chop bread into small pieces. mix all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. add a splash of water if the mixture is too dry. wet hand (to help with sticking) & form 16 1-inch balls. place in a skillet (coated in cooking spray & spray olive oil*) & cook over medium heat until browned on all sides.
POINTS value: 1 pt for 2 meatballs.

*spray olive oil is a WW's best friend.

oooh yumm.

i decided to start a blog just for my weight watchers friendly recipes.

i am 3 weigh-ins away from being a lifetime member and i can't wait!

so i hope you enjoy & bon appetite!



"i am worth it! i deserve it! i can do it!"