Fettuccine with Sweet Pepper-Cayenne Sauce

Fettuccine with Sweet Pepper-Cayenne Sauce
This was a super spicy dish, but very delicious.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 12 ounces of dry fettuccine pasta, I used 12 ounces of wheat fettuccine pasta.
• Instead of 1 cup of reduced-fat sour cream, I used 1 cup of fat-free sour cream.
• Instead of 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, I used 3/4 cup of fat free grated Parmesan cheese.

This recipe makes 4 servings that are 9Points Plus each.

Candy Cane Fudge

Candy Cane Fudge
I was surprised at just how easy this recipe was. It's delicious and perfect for the holidays!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk, I used 1 (14 ounce) can of fat free sweetened condensed milk.

This recipe makes 64 servings that are 3Points Plus each.

Dad's Breakfast Pizza

Dad's Breakfast Pizza
My husband absolutely loved this recipe and couldn't get enough!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 pound of bacon, I used 1 pound of turkey bacon.
• Instead of 2 (12 ounce) cans of refrigerated biscuits, I used 2 (12 ounce) cans of reduced fat refrigerated biscuits.
• I omitted the teaspoon of butter.
• Instead of 12 eggs, I used 3 cups of liquid egg.
• Instead of 2 cups of cheddar cheese, I used 2 cups of reduced fat cheddar cheese.

This recipe makes 12 servings that are 9Points Plus each.

White Chocolate Cookies 'n' Cream Fudge

White Chocolate Cookies 'n' Cream Fudge
This was a really easy fudge recipe.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 3/4 cup of butter, I used 3/4 cup of light butter.
• Instead of 1 (5oz) can of evaporated milk, I used 1 (5oz) can of fat free evaporated milk.
• Instead of 3 cups of coarsely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, I used 3 cups of reduced fat coarsely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies.

This recipe makes about 60 servings that are 4Points Plus each.

Quick Gingerbread

Quick Gingerbread
This was a very easy recipe. I skipped the applesauce and whipped cream, which would obviously add to the points values.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 cups of Bisquick, I used 2 cups of Heart Smart Bisquick.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of milk, I used 1/2 cup of fat free milk.
• Instead of 2 tablespoons of butter, I used 2 tablespoons of light butter.
• Instead of 2 eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid egg.

This recipe makes 12 servings that are 6PointsPlus each.

Chourico Dip

Chourico Dip
This is great for parties!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of turkey chourico
• 1 (8 ounce) container of fat free cream cheese
• 1/3 cup fat free sour cream

Directions:

1. Cook chourico.
2. Mix all ingredients with a hand mixer.
3. Serve with cucumbers or tortilla chips. 

This recipe makes 18 servings that are 2PointsPlus each.

Chicken for Nachos/Tacos

Chicken for Nachos/Tacos
This is a versatile dish that you can use for nachos, tacos, fajitas, and more!

Ingredients:

• 3 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 (10 ounce) can of tomatoes with chilis

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving. 

This recipe makes 6 servings that are 3PointsPlus each. 

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork
This is a good dish for parties!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless pork
• 1 can or bottle of light beer
• 1 cup leftover coffee
• 1 bottle BBQ Sauce

Directions:

1. Cover the pork with the beer and coffee and cook on low in the crockpot for 6-8 hours.
2. Shred the pork, then drain the liquid.
3. Cover with BBQ sauce and put the meat back in the crockpot on low for about an hour. 

This recipe makes 6 servings that are 7PointsPlus each.

Pumpkin Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Pumpkin Cheddar Mac & Cheese
A lovely meal for the fall!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 4 tablespoons of butter, I used 4 tablespoons of light butter.
• Instead of 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, I used 2 tablespoons of light syrup.
• Instead of 2 cups of whole milk, I used 2 cups of fat free milk.
• Instead of 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, I used 2 1/2 cups of reduced fat shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese.

This recipe makes 6 servings that are 7PointsPlus each.

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti
This is a little heavier on the calories, but still a nice treat.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 3 cups of dry spaghetti, I used 3 cups of dry wheat spaghetti.
• Instead of 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, I used 2 cans of Healthy Request cream of chicken soup.
• Instead of 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, I used 2 cups of fat free grated sharp cheddar cheese.
• Instead of 1 cup additional grated sharp cheddar cheese, I used 1 cup additional fat free grated sharp cheddar cheese.

This recipe makes 8 servings that are 12PointsPlus each.

Pasta with Sausage and Red Grapes

Pasta with Sausage and Red Grapes
A dish that was sweet and salty!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 6 oz mild Italian sausage, I used 6 oz of mild turkey Italian sausage.
• I omitted the olive oil and used cooking spray instead.

This recipe makes 4 servings that are 8PointsPlus each.

Healthified Fresh Apple Cake

Healthified Fresh Apple Cake
This is a great fall recipe!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 cup of buttermilk, I used 1 cup of fat free milk.
• Instead of 2 eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid egg.
• I omitted the walnuts.

This recipe makes 20 servings that are 6PointsPlus each.

Rosemary Chicken with Orange-Maple Glaze

Rosemary Chicken with Orange-Maple Glaze
This was great with brown rice and a side of broccoli.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1/2 cup maple syrup, I used 1/2 cup of light syrup.
• I omitted the butter and olive oil.

This recipe makes 4 servings that are 5PointsPlus each.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
This is a thicker soup, so its a great hearty meal.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead f 1 (12 ounce) can or bottle of beer, I used 1 (12 ounce) can or bottle of light beer.

I did not include the chips, cheese or sour cream into the points value, but this recipe makes 8 servings that are 7PointsPlus each.

Spinach Basil Pesto

Spinach Basil Pesto
We love pesto, so this was a healthy version!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, I used 1/2 cup of vegetable broth.

This recipe makes 24 servings that are only 1PointPlus each.

Candy Bar Salad

Candy Bar Salad
This was good for a dessert, and kids will love it!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, I used 1 (8 ounce) container fat free frozen whipped topping.
• Instead of 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant French vanilla pudding, I used 1 (3.5 ounce) package of fat free, sugar free French vanilla pudding.

This recipe makes 8 servings that are 4PointsPlus each.

Spaghetti Carbonara II

Spaghetti Carbonara II
By omitting the oil, you save a lot of calories and fat in this recipe.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 pound of spaghetti, I used 13 ounces of wheat spaghetti.
• I omitted the olive oil altogether.
• Instead of 8 slices of bacon, I used 8 slices of turkey bacon.
• Instead of 4 eggs, I used 1 cup of liquid egg.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, I used 1/2 cup of fat free Parmesan cheese.
• Instead of 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, I used 2 tablespoons of fat free Parmesan cheese.

This recipe makes 8 servings that are 3PointsPlus each.

Cajun Chicken

Cajun Chicken
This is really low in points, so you can make it for a night you want to save points for a dessert or other treat.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 cups of vegetable oil, I used 2 cups of chicken broth.

This recipe makes 10 servings that are 3PointsPlus each.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This was an easy meal and it was ready shortly after I got home from work (since I had to add the dumplings later).

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 tablespoons of butter, I used 2 tablespoons of light butter.
• Instead of 2 (10.75 ounce) cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, I used 2 (10.75 ounce) cans of Healthy Choice condensed cream of chicken soup.
• Instead of 2 (10 ounce) packages of refrigerated biscuit dough, I used 2 (10 ounce) packages of reduced fat refrigerated biscuit dough.

This recipe makes 8 servings that are 6PointsPlus each.

Lasagna Toss

Lasagna Toss
An easy dinner for a busy day!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta, I used 2 cups of uncooked wheat penne pasta
• Instead of 1 pound ground Italian sausage, I used 1 pound ground turkey Italian sausage
• Instead of 1 cup of cottage cheese, I used 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese.
• Instead of 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, I used 2 cups of reduced fat mozzarella cheese.

This recipe makes 8 servings that are 9PointsPlus each.

Cajun Macaroni

Cajun Macaroni
A spicy twist on an old favorite!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1/2 pound of ground beef, I used 1/2 pound of ground turkey.
• Instead of 2 tablespoons of milk, I used 2 tablespoons of fat free milk
• Instead of 1 tablespoon of butter, I used 1 tablespoon of light butter.

This recipe makes 4 servings that are 9PointsPlus each.

Hamburger Soup

Hamburger Soup
Perfect for the chilly weather!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, I used 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey.
• Instead of 1/4 cup stick margarine, I used 1/4 cup stick light butter.

This recipe makes 10 servings that are 4PointsPlus each.

Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin Dip
Just in time for the holidays... a great party dish!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, I used 1 (8 ounce) package of reduced fat cream cheese.

This recipe makes 32 servings that are 2PointsPlus each.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread
This is great for the holidays!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2/3 cup of vegetable oil, I used 2/3 cup of unsweetened apple sauce.
• Instead of 4 eggs, I used 1 cup of liquid egg.
• I omitted the nuts and raisins.

This recipe makes 24 servings that are 3PointsPlus each.

Potato Chip Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies
These are a nice salty-sweet treat.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 cup of butter, I used 1 cup of light butter.
• Instead of 3/4 cup crushed potato chips, I used 3/4 cup of baked potato chips.

This recipe makes 30 cookies that are 3PointsPlus each.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares

Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares
These are good, but the point values are still on the higher side, so I would only make this as a special treat.


The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, I used 3 (8 ounce) packages of reduced fat cream cheese.
• Instead of 3 eggs, I used 3/4 cups of liquid eggs.

This recipe makes 18 servings that are 8PointsPlus each.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
'Tis the season for cookies, so I have been experimenting with a lot of different recipes.

The recipe swaps:

• Instead of 1/2 cup of shortening, I used 1/2 cup of applesauce.
• Instead of 1 cup of peanut butter, I used 1 cup of reduced fat peanut butter
• Instead of 2 eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid eggs.

This recipe makes 48 cookies that are 3PointsPlus each.

Crazy Chicken Marinade Grilled Chicken

Crazy Chicken Marinade Grilled Chicken
This was another easy recipe that uses mainly spices that you find around the house.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 tablespoons of olive oil, I used 2 tablespoons of chicken broth.

This recipe creates 4 servings that are 4 PointsPlus per serving if you are following Weight Watchers.

Shredded Beef Chimichangas

Shredded Beef Chimichangas
Even though the recipe title calls for beef, I used chicken, and they came out just as good!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 pounds of boneless beef chuck roast, I used 2 pounds of boneless chicken.
• Instead of 1.5 cups of beef broth, I used 1.5 cups of fat free chicken broth.
• Instead of 4 (8 inch) flour tortillas, I used 4 low-carb tortillas.
• Instead of 3 tablespoons of butter, I used butter spray.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, I used 1/2 cup of reduced fat Mexican cheese.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of sour cream, I used 1/2 cup of fat free sour cream.

This recipe creates four servings, which are 11 PointsPlus if you are following Weight Watchers.

Double Decker Tacos

Double Decker Tacos
I love tacos, so this was a great twist.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 pound of ground beef, I used 1 pound of ground turkey.
• Instead of 1 (16 ounce) can of refried beans, I used 1 (16 ounce) can of fat free refried beans.
• Instead of 1 tablespoon of sour cream, I used 1 tablespoon of fat free sour cream.
• Instead of 12 (7 inch) flour tortillas, I used 12 low-carb tortillas.
• Instead of 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, I used 2 cups of reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of sour cream, I used 1/2 cup of fat free sour cream.

This recipe makes 12 tacos. If you are following Weight Watchers, each taco is 8 PointsPlus.

Cinnamon Bread Delight

Cinnamon Bread Delight
This was a great bread to have for breakfast.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 (5.1 ounce) package of instant vanilla pudding mix, I used 1 package of fat free/sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix.
• Instead of 1.5 cups of milk, I used 1.5 cups of fat free milk.
• I omitted the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of applesauce, I used 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• Instead of 2 eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid egg.
• Instead of 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar, I used 2 tablespoons of cinnamon mixed with Splenda.

If you cut the bread into 24 servings, then each piece of bread is 4 PointsPlus for Weight Watchers.

Cajun Pasta Fresca

Cajun Pasta Fresca
This was an easy last-minute meal to make. It's meat-free, but it would also taste good with some chicken.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 pound of vermicelli pasta, I used 1 box of wheat pasta.
• I omitted the olive oil.
• Instead of 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, I used 1/2 cup reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Instead of 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, I used 1/2 cup of fat free grated Parmesan cheese.

To make it easier, I also used a can of chopped tomatoes instead of chopping plum tomatoes. For 8 servings, this recipe is 5 PointsPlus per serving for Weight Watchers.

Simple Taco Soup

Simple Taco Soup
Although the point value is slightly higher for six servings, this soup is delicious.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 pounds of ground beef, I used 2 pounds of ground turkey.

Instead of using a Dutch oven, I cooked this soup in the crockpot, which made it easy to make the night before and serve after work. If you serve this in six servings, then it is 13 PointsPlus for Weight Watchers. However, if you break it down to eight servings, then it is 10 PointsPlus per serving.

Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This wasn't quite as easy as the title suggests, but it was still pretty good.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 (16 ounce) package shredded Monterey Jack cheese, I used 1 (16 ounce) package of reduced fat Mexican cheese.
• Instead of 1 (8 ounce) container of reduced fat sour cream, I used 1 (8 ounce) container of fat free sour cream.

I also didn't char the corn tortillas on the gas stove, but instead toasted them in the toaster oven. If you are following Weight Watchers, this recipe makes 8 servings that are 9 PointsPlus each.

Grilled Chicken with Rosemary and Bacon

Grilled Chicken with Rosemary and Bacon
This was an easy main dish to make for a busy night, with minimal ingredients and only one swap.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 4 thick slices of bacon, I used 4 slices of turkey bacon.

Each piece of chicken is four PointsPlus if you are following Weight Watchers.

Banana Cupcakes

Banana Cupcakes
I made these, and my husband could not stop eating them! I didn't even frost most of them before they were gone.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1/2 cup shortening, I used 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• Instead of 2 eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid egg.
• Instead of 1/4 cup of buttermilk, I used 1/4 cup of fat free milk.

I actually didn't make the frosting in this recipe, and used store-bought frosting instead (on the ones that I actually frosted), so I am not sure what the point value is for the cupcakes with frosting, but if you make 18 cupcakes, they are four PointsPlus per cupcake.

Surprisingly Simple Spring Perfection Pesto Pasta

Surprisingly Simple Spring Perfection Pesto Pasta
While this recipe is already pretty healthy, I did make a few small changes to lower the fat content a little bit (and lower the Points value by 2). It was a great summer dish!

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1/3 cup of canola oil, I used 1/3 cup of vegetable broth.
• Instead of 3/4 cup low fat grated Parmesan cheese, I used 3/4 cup fat free grated Parmesan cheese.
• I omitted the olives (this is more for personal preference).

If you divide the dish into 8 servings, it is 8Points Plus per serving.

Monster Cookies

Monster Cookies
My youngest sister always loves to get Monster Cookies at a local coffee shop, so I figured I would attempt to make some on my own. Since you can really put whatever you choose into them, they can be made healthier or more unhealthy with the fillings. I chose to follow the basic recipe, with a few small swaps, and I also made smaller cookies. Instead of 36 cookies, I made 60.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 2 sticks of butter, I used 2 sticks of light butter.
• Instead of 2 whole large eggs, I used 1/2 cup of liquid egg.
• I omitted the pecans.

If you are following Weight Watchers, 36 cookies equal 5Points Plus per cookie; 60 cookies equal 3Points Plus per cookie.

Bacon-wrapped Coca-Cola Chicken Breasts

Bacon-wrapped Coca-Cola Chicken Breasts
I made this for dinner the other night, and my husband went back for thirds! You have to marinate it overnight, but it is otherwise a fairly simple meal to make. I also don't own a smoker, but it came out fine after baking in the oven at 325 degrees.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I used 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut each in half.
• Instead of 1 12-ounce can Coca-Cola, I used 1 12-ounce can of Diet Coke.
• Instead of 8 thin slices smoked bacon, I used 12 thin slices of turkey bacon (since I had 6 pieces of chicken now).
• I couldn't find Jack's Old South Huney Muney Cluck Rub, so I used McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub. I only used what it took to cover all six pieces of chicken, which was maybe 1/4 cup, not 2 cups.

If you are following Weight Watchers, each piece of chicken is 5Points Plus.

Haystacks IV

Haystacks IV
These were really simple to make for a snack or dessert. They are also only 2Points Plus each, so they are great if you only have a few points left to use for the day.

The ingredient swaps:

• Instead of 1 cup peanut butter, I used 1 cup reduced fat peanut butter.