Lori's Rambling

Yet another recipe from the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook . I haven't really tried a recipe from this book that I didn't like. It has been fun, since I'm not working I have time to try all kinds of new recipes. I'm finding my joy of cooking and baking again -- now that I'm not cooking for 15 people everyday! If you are a lover of white sauces or alfredo sauces, this is a tasty low-fat alternative. It was very creamy and tasty. Ham and Noodle Casserole 6 ounces uncooked yolk-free fine noodles 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) 1% small-curd cottage cheese 1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained 1 cup cubed fully cooked lean ham 3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/4 cup fat-free milk 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon dill weed or 1 Tablespoon snipped fresh dill 1/4 teaspoon salt Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add n...

This recipe is a quick meal loaded with tons of taste. This recipe took 30 minutes from start to putting it on the table. Chicken Fajita Spaghetti 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil 1 small onion, sliced 1 small sweet red pepper,julienned 1 small sweet yellow pepper, julienned 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup taco sauce 1 envelope fajita seasoning mix Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook chicken over medium heat in oil for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute the onion and peppers until tender. Add the chicken, green chilies, water, taco sauce, and fajita seasoning mix; Heat through. Drain spaghetti; toss with chicken mixture. Yield: 6 servings. 1 1/4 cup equals 282 calories and 6 weight watcher points. I know the recipe is a keeper when my husband tells me that I can def...

I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone -- whether they are on Weight Watchers, trying to lose weight, or don't need to watch their weight. Hamburger Noodle Casserole 5 cups uncooked yolk-free noodles 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 package (8 ounces) reduced fat cream cheese 1 cup reduced fat ricotta cheese 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream 3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided 2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper; heat through. Drain noodles; stir into beef mixture. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta cheese and sour cream until blended. Stir in half of the onions. Spoon half of noodle mixture into a 13x9 in. bakin...

I have been on a weight loss journey for about five months with the help of Weight Watchers. I have lost 25 pounds and have about 50 more to go. I will be sharing low fat, healthy recipes that have helped me to eat healthier and yet still taste good. Sometimes breakfast can be very difficult to eat low-fat and healthy, yet still feel full. One of those recipes that I have discovered that tastes wonderful, is filling and low-fat is Low Fat Baked Oatmeal. Low Fat Baked Oatmeal 4 1/2 cups quick oats 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cup skim milk 1 cup applesauce 1 cup Egg Beaters 3/4 Tbsp. baking powder Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Pour into a well-greased 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 until middle is firm and top is golden brown (between 30-40 minutes). Serve with skim milk and fresh fruit. This recipe is especially tasty if using applesauce with cinnamon in it. It makes 8 servings at 6 Weight Watchers point per serving. This is very tasty and very filling. This...

We spent quite a bit of the day getting organized. Jaelyn and I spent about two hours in her bedroom, organizing, putting things away, and boxing up things she doesn't play with to sell at our yard sale that we are planning for Memorial Day Weekend. Then Scott and I spent some time taking pictures of things to post on Craig's list for sale, trying to downsize, simplify, and clean-out. Why we ever left things get to this point, I will never know. I'm not sure why we never took the time to get rid of stuff over the years. At least now we have the time to work on cleaning out. Then the challenge becomes not buying things we don't need, and getting rid of clothing and other items when we are done with them. We went to Lowes tonight to get a hose for the outside faucet, a weed-wacker, and new light bulbs for the kitchen light. Our kitchen light has 40 watt bulbs in it. About a week ago I bought new light bulbs for the light only to discover that it is an unusual fixture and ...

This it the beginning of having a blog -- to keep my thoughts organized, share websites and tips that I have learned to make life easier, and interesting and amusing things from my life. Who knows what twists and turns this blog will take as my life and priorities change. Scott and I are starting a new chapter in our lives with leaving houseparenting at Milton Hershey School. As we both explore job options, it is a scary but exciting time in our lives. It is quite a change from cooking for 15 to cooking for 3. Jaelyn seems loud most of the time, when she used to "blend" in with the girls' noise. It is nice to be able to go out as a family in the evening. Funny thing is, one of the most exciting things for me is to be able to shop in a grocery store again. There are many new and different things in the stores since I last shopped for family groceries. It takes me much longer to shop now and I keep stopping and looking at new things. Jaelyn is currently e...