Weight Watching - Week 11

Stir Fry Beef & Broccoli - 6 points. (1/4 recipe).  This isn't nearly as complicated as it looks at first glance.  I often do a simple marinade by covering the sliced beef with soy sauce and a teaspoon of minced garlic, stirring well and letting it set for the time it takes to prepare the broccoli and other veggies (if using).  I also never precook the broccoli and have never had a problem.  To bulk this up without adding points, add any combination of sliced raw mushrooms, shredded or thinly sliced carrots, sliced sweet peppers, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, etc. stir frying each in small batches.  It is good just on its own, but you can also serve it over 1/2 cup rice (3 points).  Add ons for family could be rice and/or dessert.

Carnitas - 4 points. (For a generous 4 oz. of meat). This is made in the slow cooker, and makes the best pulled pork or taco filling ever.  It is also a great way to feed a crowd.  My favorite way to eat it is in a corn tortilla (2 points each) with  a slice of avocado (1/8 avocado is 1 point) and some salsa verde.  If you want to get fancy, you could also add 1 tablespoon of light sour cream (1 point). It is equally delicious in a bun with your favorite barbecue sauce.  Add-ons for family could be baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, and/or dessert. 

Cilantro Lime Chicken - 5 points.  (One drumstick with skin. Remove skin before cooking to remove one point.)  Serve with 1/2 cup of rice (3 points) to soak up the flavorful juice, and roasted veggies. I haven't made this, but there is no way it could be anything but delicious.  Add-ons for family could be bread, biscuits, buttered noodles, and/or dessert.

Fish Tacos Boats - 4 points. (2 oz fish, 1 boat, 1/6 recipe of slaw with light mayo).  This recipe is courtesy of Carol Suitt, the housemother at Maia Moms' Dream House. She took the tortilla boats (available at Walmart), crisped them in the oven, and then filled them with fish (fish sticks would work) and Lime Cumin Slaw, adding 2 tablespoons black beans, corn, and chopped tomatoes. They were a particular hit with her grandkids.  The grandkids really got a kick out of eating the bowl and one of the best things was that there are no extra dishes to wash. Another way she fixes them is to sprinkle the boats with cinnamon and sugar before putting them in the oven and then filling them with fruit salad.  Let your imagination be your guide - regular taco salad makings, chicken salad, etc. Add ons for family could be dessert.

African Peanut Stew - 5 points. (1/6 recipe). I haven't tried this, but it sounds really good. Several of the commenters on the original blog post highly recommend adding a good squeeze of lime juice to each bowl.  You can add 1/2 cup of rice (3 points) to each bowl to make it more filling if needed.  Let me know how it turned out if you make this! Add ons for family could be a meat side dish and/or dessert.

Beef Stew Provencal Style (Slow Cooker) - 7 points. (1/8 recipe with 4 medium potatoes and carrots added, no oil used to brown beef).  This is really good.  I used a can of fire-roasted tomatoes with garlic in place of the tomato sauce and ate it with a toasted slice of sourdough bread (2 points). It was very filling and nothing else is needed to make it a balanced meal. It could also be served over rice or noodles. Add ons for family could be crusty bread, cornbread, biscuits, crackers, and/or dessert.