Confetti Potato Salad

This was unexpectedly really, really good. I mean, I wouldnt of printed it if I thought it wasnt going to be that great but, that was the perfect mix. This dish is also another instance that I wasnt so sure of the ranch dressing as a flavor but truly, it added a LOT to the mix. Another thing that shocked me was the low calorie count with so many potatoes.

Recipe from BHG dot com.
Yields 8 servings.
108 calories per serving.

INGREDIENTS
1.5 lbs red potatoes (about 3 medium)
1 c fresh green beans, trimmed & cut into 1 inch pieces
2 c broccoli florets
1/2 c carrots, shredded
1/2 c low fat ranch dressing
1/4 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS
Cut potatoes into 1/2 in cubes & place into a large skillet.
Add water to cover & bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat, cover, & cook for 5 - 7 minutes.
Drain well & set aside to cool.

Wipe out that same skillet & bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
Pour in green beans & return to boil.
Cover & cook for 3 minutes.
Drain & rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl combine potatoes, green beans, broccoli, & carrot.
Add pepper & salad dressing & toss to mix well.

Now, the recipe said to chill for at least 4 hours but, I let this sit in my fridge for about 40 minutes & it was just as delicious as Im sure it will be later this week.

Potato Pizza

Technically this recipe is an appetizer but, I served it for dinner last night along with some broccoli & it was incredibly filling, not to mention delicious. Also very fast & easy. My only real suggestion is that if you're mincing your own cloves, dont keep the larger chunks that you accumulate.

Yields 10 servings.
206 calories per serving.
Recipe from BHG dot com.

INGREDIENTS
10 oz pkg refrigerated pizza dough
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 medium red potatoes, cooked & cut into 1/4 in slices
2 tsp rosemary

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425.
Lightly grease baking pan.
Unroll pizza dough onto pan & slightly build edges.
Bake for 7 minutes & remove from oven.

Combine olive oil & garlic in a small bowl.
Brush over hot crust.
Sprinkle with half of the cheese & arrange potatoes on top.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and rosemary over potatoes.
Bake for 15 minutes.

Smashed Potato Soup

This was a very easy recipe, not to mention delicious. My only real beef with this is that is turned into glorified mashed potatoes moreso than a soup but, it worked. I got my boyfriend to eat green onions without him even knowing it, or not mentioning it anyhow. VICTORY.

Yields 8 servings.
260 calories per serving.
Recipe from BHG dot com.

INGREDIENTS
3.5 lbs baking potatoes, peeled & quartered
6 cloves garlic, peeled & smashed
1/2 tsp pepper
4.5 c chicken broth
1/2 c half and half
1 c reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c scallions, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS
In a crock pot combine potatoes, pepper, & garlic.
Pour chicken broth over top.

Cover & cook on low setting for 8 - 10 hours or on high setting for 4 -5 hours.

Mash potatoes slightly with potato masher.
Stir in half and half, cheese, & scallions.
Serve & enjoy.



Perfect for a weeknight!

Parmesan Chicken Salad

I havent tried this yet. I made this tonight to have for lunch the rest of the week. It sounds delicious & Im anxious to see justc how filling this will be.

Recipes from BHG dot com.
Yields 6 servings.
194 calories per serving.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c low fat mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp basil
2.5 c cooked chicken, chopped
1/4 c parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 c green onions, thinly sliced
Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, & basil; set aside.

In a medium bowl combine chicken, parmesan, & green onions.
Pour mayonnaise mixture over chicken mixture & toss.
Season with salt & pepper.

Brownie Cookies

Im a huge brownie fan. I stored these in the freezer after we ate them for dessert last night. I find that they're just as great re-heated. The other wonderful thing about this recipe is that you get regular sized cookies for under 100 calories a pop.

Recipe from BHG dot com.
Yields 24 cookies.
73 calories per cookie.

INGREDIENTS
1 c flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 c margarine
2/3 c sugar
1/3 c cocoa powder
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c 1% milk
1 tsp vanilla
Cooking spray
1 tbsp powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS
Mix flour and baking soda & set aside.

In a medium saucepan melt margarine; remove from heat.
Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, & brown sugar.
Stir in milk & vanilla.
Pour into flour mixture & stir until just combined.
Cover & chill for an hour. (Dough will be stiff.)

Preheat oven to 350.
Lightly coat cookie sheet with cooking spray.
Drop chilled dough onto baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes.
When cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar.