LOVE NOTE #120: Blissfully Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguettes!)

First go around... so yummy:)






Second go around...with a much better handle of the dough - I really love making bread! A recipe I plan to use once a week!





Finally, the banh mi bouquet:) So happy! Let's just say... barely 24 hours and I need to bake another batch! Hoping that the three loaves would last at least three days... but happy to see they were very much enjoyed... (or rather not seen...anymore!)





Hi Fellow Foodies!!!

I had the whole day off and had been planning my excursion into some banh mi making since last night's foray into nem nuong! With decades of French influence in Vietnam, the adoption of the baguette comes as no surprise! My carb cravings led me to Google-ing, and I found this gem of a recipe on http://vietworldkitchen.typepad.com/blog/2007/05/vietnamese_bagu.html. All the recipes found here are by Andrea Nguyen - amazing chef and author. I was filled with inspiration and excitement in anticipation of adapting her recipe - so much so that I wasn't able to fall asleep until close to 4 a.m. (and yes, I am very much an insomniac as it is!) You have to checkout her website, it is really amazing!



5 fab ingredients:

• 1 packet of dry active yeast
• 1.5 cups of warm water
• 3 cups of flour
  
• 2 packets of Splenda
• 1.5 teaspoons of salt

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the water and yeast until dissolved
  
• Add the salt and Splenda and mix until dissolved
• Add the flour one cupful at a time and stir with a spatula until combined
• cover with a towel for about 10 minutes
  
• grease a baking sheet and divide the dough into 3 equal portions
• punch down the dough into a rectangle that is 14 x 5 x 0.5 inches (or thereabouts) then roll the rectangle up into a jellyroll style (cylinder shape) and place the seam side facing the baking sheet; repeat for the other two portions
  
• Set this aside for about 45 minutes - covering with a wet cloth
• With a greased knife, place diagonals into the dough about 2 inches apart
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Place a shallow pan filled with water on the rack beneath the banh mi rack inside the oven
  
• Bake for 25 minutes
  
• remove and spray the top of each loaf with Olivio buttery spray - a nice golden coloring will develop
  

This is a bit tricky with a bit of lag time as well, but definitely worth the wait! We have a small kitchen table/bar that doubles as my study nook - so all the while trying to get my pathology studies on in between, my thoughts kept drifting to 'How is my dough rising?! Is it time yet?!' overtook any concentrations that should have been afforded to my studies! Anyways... So the verdict?! Ummmm... soooo very delicious and how I remembered them to taste when I use to live near Little Saigon (Originally from Costa Mesa, CA!) I must admit that I did struggle with the manipulation of the dough, but it was fun to get my hands dirty and flour seemed to be on the countertops, apron, and my forehead! But it was good fun! Yes, yes, yes ... I will need to work on making these look more like a traditional banh mi, but the taste was spot on! Crispy and on the outside, soft on the inside... and if one said food-fussy fiance asked "YOU MADE THIS?!?!" And I nodded sheepishly, holding my breath, in hopes that he would enjoy it..."Wow! This is really good!" Definitely not merely just lip service because when I returned to the kitchen about an hour later, one entire baguette was missing! The rather too deep perforations that were made along the length of the bread I thought was merely for style, but as it turns out, it made it so easy to just break and serve each piece instead of struggling with cutting or even trying to do it sans a knife leaving jagged edges! I can't wait for another go around with this recipe! I'll post more photographs, but to date, this is my most daring attempt at anything in the kitchen! Bread baking I always thought, was off limits without a bread maker. Well, I guess when you get to play Queen of the Kitchen, some rules need not apply;)

I hope everyone gets a chance to try this recipe!

Happy weekend everyone - and may you rule from your kitchen with sweets and a spatula!


Xox,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #119: Very Inviting Vietnamese Meatballs

Hello Foodie Friends!

These little meatballs have been inspired from my homeland - Vietnam! Known as nem nuong and traditionally made with pork, they go great with lettuce wraps, over rice, in a baguette, or straight up from the skewer as an appetizer - you just can't go wrong! I hope you enjoy these little delights! So yummy and so easy!


Ingredients:

• 1 - 1.25 pound(s) of ground pork, beef, chicken, or turkey (I used ground beef that was 85/15)
  
• 2 packets sucralose (Splenda) or you can use 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (a staple in Vietnam - it sounds kinda intimidating, but this gives it the dish some depth!)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (I always have a jar of Sambal Oelek in the fridge!)
• 2 tablespooons red wine (cooking wine is great!)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• preheat oven to 425 degrees
• combine all ingredients except the ground meat and mix with a fork until well blended
  
• fold the ground meat into the mixture
  
• roll the mixture into 1 inch balls
• place onto a baking sheet or baking dish
• bake for 25 minutes - making sure to flip them over at the halfway mark

Pictured with peanut sauce, rice, and lettuce. Another great dipping sauce is nuoc cham. However, they taste amazing sans the sauces as well!

This recipe yielded me 40 meatballs. If serving two skewers (with four meatballs on each skewer), it comes out to 5 PointsPlus if you follow the new Weight Watchers Program!

Go ahead and serve these as is, or for a presentation flair, put these cooked meatballs onto skewers (as pictured!) Traditionally, these meatballs are grilled, but being in New England, the weather isn't always permitting for such activities. This simple modification in preparation makes these Vietnamese meatballs accessible to anyone all year long! Enjoy!


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #118: Just Smitten Bite Size Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hello Everyone!

I love, love, love this recipe and it's from Weight Watchers! Here's the link:
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=50634
- and only 1 Points Plus per cookie so you can definitely enjoy more than one! These little treats are the perfect size to satisfy that sweet tooth without having to size up your wardrobe or feel obliged to wear all Lycra all day either:) Win-win! Full flavor but guilt free - just make sure to watch your portions! Enjoy!

Ingredients
2 Tbsp butter, softened
2 tsp canola oil
1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp table salt
1 large egg white(s)
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup
Instructions

* Preheat oven to 375ºF.

* In a medium bowl, cream together butter, oil and sugar. Add vanilla, salt and egg white; mix thoroughly to combine.

* In a small bowl, mix together flour and baking soda; stir into batter. Add chocolate chips to batter; stir to distribute evenly throughout.

* Drop 48 half-teaspoons of dough onto one or two large nonstick baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each cookie. Bake cookies until golden around edges, about 4 to 6 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Yields 1 cookie per serving.

My fiance is pretty much diet-food unfriendly... so I didn't tell him it was a Weight Watcher's recipe ... and cookie after cookie, with a juxtaposition of "Mmmm's" that followed each bite... well, I wasn't planning on telling him either;) Tee-hee! (I just hope he isn't reading this.... oooops!)


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #117: Crazy for You Corned Beef (2 ingredients!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I hope you're rockin' some fashionable green today to avoid getting pinched... or perhaps you're making sure to get noticed by not wearing any green so you can get pinched! Whatever your pleasure, today is the start of a lovely day in New England... and so many more days to come! Spring has finally sprung! The birds are chirping, the sun is out, and all the snow has melted! So raise your mug full o' green beer and let me hear a cheer:)

This easy slow cooker recipe requires two ingredients to just toss and go - and when you come home, a meal that is sure to satisfy!

Ingredients:

• 3.5 - 4 lbs. of seasoned corned beef (I used Frierich's point cut corned beef brisket)
• 1/2 cup of dark ale beer

Instructions:

• place the beef & beer inside the slow cooker - cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Easiest ever meal! Tonight these are going sandwich style and some french fries on the side so we can participate in some March Madness! I'll be donning my best college gear, so I like to call it March Fabness (much to the chagrin of said fiance...tee-hee!) It's an easy meal that takes little time to prep so you have more time to spend on other interests;)

Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #116: Brackets Baby Baked "Fried" Chicken

Happy Monday Everybody!

March Madness is in the air! What better way to enjoy some good ol' college hoops than with some fried chicken - baked that is! I caught the fever too - helping cheer on George Mason (le fiance is a fanatic for his alma mater!) while my roots are from UCLA - lets go Bruins! I can cheer on both unless they go head to head... well then no question it's blue and gold! Until then, we will dine in basketball bliss! Oh yea baby... let's rumble!


Ingredients:

• 6 skinless drumsticks
• 2 cups cornflakes - crushed (I just used my hands - it's fun to them dirty sometimes!)
  
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 oz fat-free sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves - minced
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease an 8 x 8 baking dish
  
• beat the egg and combine with the garlic and sour cream. mix and set aside
• in a separate bowl, combine the garlic salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cornflakes
• dip each skinless drumstick in the sour cream mixture letting the excess drip; then roll the drumstick in the cornflake mixture until well coated and place in the baking dish. Repeat for the remaining drumsticks.
• place dish in oven and bake for 1 hour

Crispy chicken that is low fat and not fried? Check and check! Who says you can't have dessert tonight too?! Go for it!

Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #115: Monkey Business Frozen Banana Bites

Sweets for my sweet(s)! A twist on an old favorite - and in clever serving sizes that are bite size - keeping portion control well... under control! Yay! Frozen bananas rolled in peanuts is my Mom's favorite treat when we use to go to the Newport Beach Pier. These days home is on the opposite side of the West Coast, and recreating something familiar helps me feel a connection to family even when the miles dictate otherwise:)

These frozen banana bites have been dunked in melted unsweetened chocolate squares and rolled in pistachios! The chocolate has been sweetened with Splenda in order to avoid the use of sugar - helps keep the calorie count down as well! Frozen bananas have a creamy texture that can be a healthier alternative to ice cream - and packed with vitamin B6! Chocolate has been linked in helping with mood elevation and packed with flavonol antioxidants as well. Finally, studies have shown that consumption of pistachio nuts helps in lowering LDL's (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL's (good cholesterol) in the body. So enjoy a few of these after dinner, and let your body and mood reap the benefits - and your company as well;)

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• 50 pistachio nuts - chopped
• 1 square of unsweetened baking chocolate
• 7 packets of Splenda
• 3 teaspoons of Almond Milk or Coconut Milk

Instructions:

• divide the bananas into 1 inch pieces - and freeze for about an hour (until firm)
• place toothpicks into each piece
• melt the baking chocolate with the splenda (I just microwave it because I don't have a double boiler! Every 10 seconds I check on the progress, and stir, and repeat until melted. It takes about 40-50 seconds in total!)
• stir in 3 tablespoons of milk
• dip each frozen banana piece into the chocolate letting the excess drip off slightly
• finally, roll in crushed pistachios
• place these back in the freeze for half an hour or until the chocolate has set.
  

It's creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet - and dunked in sugar-free chocolate! This busy little treat is smile rewarding in each bite!


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #114: Sweet & Awesome Asian Pork Chops

A slow cooker recipe that can be prepared in no time! These are the best recipes!

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops (approximately 1 inch thickness)
  
• 1/4 white wine (Wine really makes this recipe soooo divine!)
  
• 1/8 cup lite soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of ketchup
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  
• 1 clove of garlic - minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek Brand is great! Adds that kick but totally optional! It is sold in my local American Supermarket, Shaw's, in the "ethnic" Asian section!)
  

Instructions:

• in a bowl, combine the wine, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and chili paste. Mix until smooth.
  
• place the 1 inch pork chops in the slow cooker
  
• pour the mixture of the pork chops and cook on low for 4 hours

Optional Sides:

• Jasmine rice, candied carrots
  

These came out tender but still firm and succulent! Wait until you take your first bite...


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #113: Rock It Chocolate -Almond Cookies

These sugar-free cookies are made with unsweetened chocolate baking squares and almonds! A great recipe for diabetics or those looking to watch their weight but unwilling to give up life's simple indulgences. Now you can have your cookie, and eat it too!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg or 1/4 cup Egg Beaters
• 3 teaspoons of canola oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee
• 12 teaspoons Splenda/sucralose (12 packets)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 23 almonds
• 1 unsweetened square of baking chocolate (Baker's)
• 1 tablespoon hot water
  

Instructions

• preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a cookie sheet
  
• combine butter, oil, applesauce and blend with a mixer until smooth
• add vanilla, salt, egg and beat with mixer for about 1 minute
• in a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder and instant coffee. Add a tablespoon of hot water and mix to form a concentrate. add to the mixture
• add flour, baking soda, and Splenda to mixture and beat with a mixture for about 1 minute until the thoroughly combined
• chop the nuts and chocolate square into morsels. Fold into the batter.
• drop teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden. remove and cool.
  

You can drizzle these with chocolate by using half of an unsweetened chocolate square melted, add 1 tablespoon of milk, and 3 packets of Splenda/sucralose and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add this to a ziplock/sandwich bag and cut the tip of the corner so that a small opening forms. Drizzle chocolate onto cookies. I just used a zig-zag pattern - but get creative with hearts, smiley faces, etc... let the cookies cool so that the chocolate topping can solidify.

Sugar free never tasted or looked this good - and they can keep you lookin' pretty darn good too! Remember portion control is key to success! I place two (okay, or three!) cookies on a small plate, and put the rest away. I always have a cup of tea or coffee as well and take my time during this mini-break. I take a bite then I take a sip, repeat. It really helps curb the cravings without going overboard!


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #112: Cozied Up Cauliflower Crisps

Hello Everybody!

These naughty-looking little gems are surprisingly good for you too because guess what... baked and not fried! This meatless dish can be served as a side, an appetizer, or made into a main dish - it's so versatile, simple, and quick! Cauliflower packs quite a punch being high in fiber, low in fat, and filling like potatoes but sans the starch factor! In fact, I like to eat this as a main dish because it's makes me feel satisfied without feeling weighed down! Cauliflower is high in folate, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and a cocktail of other compounds that have shown to be cancer fighters. Tastes great and can fight aging? Check and check!!!!!


Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cauliflower (I used frozen!)
• 1/3 cup of bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of garlic salt

Instructions:

• steam the cauliflower for about 3-5 minutes (or microwave for about 2-3 minutes) - drain excess water.
  
• preheat oven to 425 degrees
• spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray
• combine the bread crumbs, garlic salt, garlic powder, and pepper and set aside in a bowl
• beat an egg and set aside in another bowl
• place three tablespoons of flour in a bowl
• dip each cauliflower in the flour, then egg wash, then the bread crumb mixture making sure each piece is well coated and place on baking sheet
• bake for a total of 20 minutes making sure to flip them over at the 10 minute mark

Dipping Sauce Suggestions:

• reduced-fat ranch, marinara, or tasty simply on its own!

This can easily be turned into a main dish - think Cauliflower Parm (instead of chicken Parm!) Just follow the directions above and bake until the 10 minute mark and flip the cauliflower - then add marinara sauce and some shredded mozarella cheese - then continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. A meatless and filling dish! Sooooo good!

A dish that is filling, vegetarian, and not fried, keeps a girl feeling like she's got game for the rest of the evening - a low guilt, nutrient-dense dish! Win-win! Oh yea!

This dish was adopted from http://www.ireallylikefood.com/717089418/recipe-crispy-baked-cauliflower/


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #111: Crazy for You Coconut-Peanut Sauce!

This dipping sauce adds that perfect ooomph to many dishes! A little bit salty, a dash of sweet, and a hint of spice - like life, these touches keeps things interesting;)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of chunky honey peanut butter (I love Peter Pan!)
• 2 teaspoons of Splenda (2 packets)
  
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soysauce
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk (So Delicious is a great organic brand to try!)
• 1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

• on medium heat, combine all ingredients and stir until it is well blended and slightly thickened - about 5 minutes.

And just like that you can add flair to a basic chicken dish or use it as dipping sauce to some baked tofu bites!


Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #110: March Madness Meatloaf

Since my fiance is a college basketball fiend, well, I found it only begetting to dub this meatloaf as such. It's soooo easy to make with just a few ingredients that you can pop it in the oven, and get your game face on without breaking a sweat...or a nail:) How's that for some championship style! March Madness Meatloaf is not only easy, but has been modified to be healthier too. Ground turkey has replaced the traditional beef and the seasoning comes from a stuffing mix! Mix and place in the oven - and in an hour, dinner is served:) So how are your brackets looking this year?!


Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Jennie-O Italian-seasoned ground turkey - $3.99 on sale!
• 6 oz stuffing mix (I used turkey flavor to go with the ground turkey - but any variety works just as well!) - $1.45 (store brand works great!)
  
• 1 egg $0.17
  
• 1/2 cup of wine (optional - but really adds that extra depth!)
  
• 1/2 cup of water (or just use all water - I just can't resist a dash of wine in all my dishes!

Ingredients for the glaze:

• 1/4 cup of ketchup
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of mustard
  
• mix until smooth - set aside
  

Instructions:

• preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a loaf pan
  
• in a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed
• transfer mixture to the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes remove and spread the glaze on top of the meatloaf. Place into the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

So for around six dollars, not only will you have more cash in your pocket leftover, but you can have a healthy version of a classic with enough for tomorrow's lunch (meatloaf sandwiches perhaps?!?!) Might I add the glaze is amazing!

Optional Sides:

• cornbread
• cauliflower in a balsamic reduction/wine reduction
• steamed frozen mixed vegetables
• garlic mashed potatoes

I love meatloaf and this version is easy, healthy, and economical! Leaving you more time, energy and dolla-dolla-dolla bills to celebrate with should your team make it to the Final Four - so let's bring it! Give me a "Woot! Woot!"

Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #109: Sugar & Spice Bites

These wonderful baked morning bites could be the perfect cure for your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

• 1 & 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 packet of dry active yeast
  
• 3/4 cup warm water
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Smart Beat oil blend
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 10 packets of Splenda
• 1/4 cup of sugar combined with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Instructions:

• dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes
• in a bowl, combine the applesauce, oil, and Splenda and mix thoroughly.
  
• add the water with the yeast and add to the bowl. Combine.
• Slowly add the flour and mix. You can knead the doughh at this point as well. Let it sit for an hour. (Doing this the night before can be helpful!)
• Grease a cookie sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• form about 1 inch balls then roll them in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
  
• Bake for about 8-10 minutes. (DO NOT OVERBAKE!)

Serve warm! Your home will smell soooooo delicious and portion control is key - so make sure to share:)

Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #108: Let's Get Wed Red Wine Sauce over Pasta & Garlic Meatballs

Using what was left in the kitchen, I came up with this filling dish! It's fast and inexpensive!
After spending an afternoon trying to put together our new little space-saver kitchen table, and with the temperature outside still requiring too much North Face attire, well, it was a whip-up-whatever dinner kinda day!


Ingredients for the sauce:

• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 teaspoons butter
  
• 2 lemon wedges
• 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
  

Instructions:

• On medium heat, in a pan add butter until it is melted
• add the wine, milk garlic salt, garlic powder, pepper, lemon, flour, and tomato sauce
  
• constantly stirring until the sauce is reduced to about 1/2. Remove from heat.

Pour over pasta - voila! A meatless dish and dinner is served! However, we love meatballs in our home, so follow the recipe below if you want to add some oomph!


Meatball Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef (or any ground meat variety - go turkey or chicken to make it a light affair!)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Place ground beef, egg, flour, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix until combined
• shape meat into 1 inch balls
  
• place in a baking dish
• bake for 25 minutes - flipping them over at the halfway mark.

There you have it! So quick and easy, leaving you both time for whatever you have in mind post dinner;)

Love,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #107: Give It To Me Garlic Breadsticks!

With some very slight variations, the basic pizza crust recipe does double duty - Yay! The dough is shown above with a garlic and herb red sauce. The perfect side for pizza, salads, chicken parm, you name it! This plate of carb heaven is so soft on the inside and crispy on the outside!


Ingredients:

• 3 cups of flour
• 2 packets Splenda
  
• 1.5 cups of warm water
• 1 package dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons Smart Beat oil blend
• pepper
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  

Instructions:

• preheat oven to 180 degrees
  
• in a bowl combine Splenda, yeast, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  
• Add the garlic powder,garlic salt, salt, minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoonful of oil & mix. Once combined, slowly add the warm water.
  
• Slowly stir in the flour until thoroughly mixed. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• use 1 teaspoon of the oil to grease a cookie sheet
• place the dough mixture in the center of the cookie sheet and with the back of a greased spoon or rolling pin, flatten the dough until the edges extend to the sides of the cookie sheet
• pre-cut the dough into 36 pieces
  
• place the dough into the oven for about 8-10 minutes (to help the dough rise!)
  
• remove the cookie sheet and then increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees
• use the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to coat the top of the dough
• sprinkle pepper, Parmesan, garlic powder to the top
• place back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden
• remove and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
  

Dipping Sauce Options:

A nice red sauce or olive oil is lovely!

And there you have it - a fantastically simple recipe that everyone can enjoy! It's lightened up with the use of Smart Beat Oil Blend instead of butter; and Splenda was used as a substitute for sugar. And when it's down to the last piece, you'll be shouting "Give It To Me!" A double entendre? Perhaps;)

Enjoy my darlings!


XoX,

Marikym

LOVE NOTE #106: Pinch Me Pizza - A Low-Fat Makeover!

Hi Everyone!

This crispy on the outside, soft on the inside homemade fresh crust is ready to be topped in about 20 minutes! And isn't that the tricky part of it all?! Or arguable choosing the topping(s)...ahh, but here is the awesome part - whatever you can think of, it is yours! That's the fun of making pizza at home... and now here it's made nearly fool-proof! Yippee! For under $3.00 for a cheese, well, you have a lot (of dough ... pun intended...tee-hee!) left over to finish the pizza off with as many toppings to your heart's content! In as little as 30 minutes, fresh made pizza can be made quickly and so much healthier than delivery!

(Shown above - my half: pineapple, spinach, onion, turkey bacon
his half: turkey bacon, ground beef). One pizza made for two - now that's some
kind of (food) wonderful;)

You shouldn't feel guilty because the cheese is the reduced-fat variety but still remains oooey-goooey. The crust is brushed with a heart-healthy oil blend (Smart Beat) instead. Go ahead, take a second piece!


Ingredients:

• 3 cups of flour - $0.40 (on sale at $1.99 for 5 lbs!)
  
• 1 packet of active dry yeast (or 2 & 1/4 teaspoons) - $0.39
  
• 1 & and half cups of warm water
• 1 teaspoon Smart Beat oil blend $0.03
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt $0.01
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder $0.02
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt $0.02
  
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper $0.02
  
• 2 packages of Splenda (or 2 tablespoonfuls) - $0.10
  
• 1 cup of tomato sauce - $0.42
• 1 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese (mozzarella is the most popular, but it's your choice!) - $1.50
  

Total: $2.91* for a cheese pizza!

Instructions:

• Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees
• place the warm water in a bowl and then add the dry yeast & Splenda. Mix until dissolved. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the garlic powder, garlic salt, pepper, salt, and oil. Stir.
• Add the flour slowly and continue to blend with a wooden spoon until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.
• grease a cookie sheet with Smart Beat
• transfer the dough to the center of the cookie sheet
• use the back of a spoon that is greased with a bit of oil to flatten and spread the dough to the edges of the sheet
  
• place the sheet into the oven for about 8-10 minutes (so the dough can rise)
• once the dough has been removed from the oven, increase the temperature to 400 degrees
  
• Add tomato sauce, cheese, and the topping(s) of your choice
• place the sheet back into the oven and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the cheese in the center is melted
  

No special utensils were used! The cookie sheet doubled as a pizza pan. You can mix with a fancy blender but I just used a wooden spoon to mix - and you know what? Surprisingly it was just as tastey! The total bill for a cheese pizza came to under $3.00 - leaving you the choice to make it vegetarian with any cocktail of garden delights, very meatatarian, or well, both! However you slice it, it's sure to please and yet still easy on your waistline! Low fat but definitely not low taste - go ahead and enjoy another slice or two (okay, I had three!)

The preparation is a snap and the customizations are limitless - Pinch Me Pizza - pinch yourself to make sure this is for real - or maybe, you're the one who will be thanked with a love pinch;)

If you follow the new Weight Watcher's Points plan, each slice of cheese pizza comes to 4 points:) Vegetables are typically zero, so go ahead color your pizza like a rainbow! Meats of course will be extra points! It's pretty darn delicious for being low in points! We have pizza night every week, and with this recipe, I can go to bed with a clear conscience and wake up still feel svelt;) (Well, svelter than if I had purchased it at a pizza shop!) Skinny jeans and fatter pockets... such a lovely combo!

Thanks so much for following along and I hope you get the chance to try this recipe!


Love,

Marikym

*Additional toppings will be extra, of course:)