Leek, Eggplant, and Tomato Pasta

Now that school is back in full swing, things have started to get a little crazy. I'm finally starting classes for my specialty, pediatrics, and I couldn't be happier, but it is a ton of work and takes a ton of time. I just keep telling myself it will all be worth it to see PNP after my name!

I'm still trying to make time for things that I enjoy doing however, like making and photographing recipes for this blog. I also went bowling this weekend and bowled an abysmal 46 and 59. Yikes.

Anyway, this recipe was something new for me. I got the leek and eggplant in my bi-weekly delivery from Boston Organics and had no idea what to do with them. I don't think I've really ever cooked with these two ingredients. But I was down for a challenge. I also got cabbage and butternut squash in my delivery that I am still trying to figure out.

While I know that I like everything I got in my box, they are not things I would normally buy for myself. That's one of the reasons I enjoy getting the delivery - it forces me out of my comfort zone and forces veggies into me since I don't want to waste anything.

Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Look at all the cheesy goodness! I absolutely love macaroni and cheese, but unfortunately it is not very figure friendly. I recently picked up the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook and knew I had to try this recipe as soon as I saw it. I swapped out almost all the cheeses that the cookbook used and added ones that I like and I also decided to use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. Feel free to use whatever cheeses you want. I've been eating this for lunch for the past couple of days. It was so simple and easy to make and it definitely satisfied my craving for mac & cheese!

Kielbasa with Pasta, Beans and Spinach

I love sausage of almost any type, but it isn't always Weight Watchers friendly. When I saw this recipe using some of my favorite ingredients, I knew I had to try it out! I adapted this recipe very slightly from the Weight Watchers cookbook Fresh, Fabulous, Fast. It really lived up to the title. I was in a rush because I wanted to get the recipe photographed the night I made it and I was quickly running out of sunlight. The downside to the change of seasons! Luckily it came together in under a half hour and I was able to snap the pictures you see here.

And don't worry, the apple and pumpkin recipes are coming soon!

Orzo and Spinach Salad

I bet you thought that I had forgotten about this post! I didn't, it is just the end of the semester and that really easy assignment that I thought would take only an hour ended up taking, like, seven. Oh well. That's what I get for procrastinating.

This salad is so simple to make and incredibly tasty! When I have dinner, I am often not satisfied with just a vegetable on the side. I also want a carb, even if I am running low on points and carbs are some of the most point-y things. Well, this salad is low in cards, points and suited my needs quite well. It is definitely an addition to my normal repertoire.

Bistro Chicken and Pasta Salad

I've always seen the title "bistro" on menus and such, but I'm not quite sure what qualifies something as such. A quick Google search of "what is bistro" offers up many different interpretations, so this still remains a mystery to me. But, when I saw this recipe on Kraft I knew I had to try it. All the flavors blend really well into each other and I found it to be plenty filling. I'm normally not one to eat raw tomatoes but I decided to try them in this recipe and I am glad I did. I thought about making it without them, but then I think the recipe would not have turned out as well.

I ate this salad at room temperature and it was delicious. For leftovers, I would not reheat it, but just eat it out of the fridge. Or if you have time to let it sit out for a bit, get the chill taken off. It makes a fabulous lunch or dinner.

This recipe calls for grilled chicken. I used my George Foreman Grill to grill up some chicken tenders that I seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and onion powder. Using pre-cooked grilled chicken will work or cooking the chicken any other way will as well. I just like the slightly charred taste that grilling gives it.

Pork Lo Mein

In honor of entering into the Year of the Dragon, I decided to recreate one of my favorite Chinese dishes- pork lo mein! I adapted this recipe from the Weight Watchers website and adapted it to suit my tastes. One thing I did not do that I would recommend is to add scallions before serving. I had completely intended to, but I forgot to pick them up at the store and did not realize until  had already started cooking. In the original recipe, mushrooms are added, but since I don't do mushrooms, I left them out. If you want them, for 4 oz of mushromms the Points+ value will not change.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Beef, Cheese and Noodle Bake

Macaroni and cheese stepped up a notch. This recipe is packed with hidden vegetables to boost the nutrition and fiber. Lean ground beef packs in some protein to round out this satisfying meal. There is something about macaroni and cheese that everyone loves. It has been one of my favorite foods ever since I can remember. If you have kids, this is a great way to sneak some vegetables into them without them knowing. I would have loved this recipe as a kid, but if you had told me there were carrots in it, my opinion would have drastically changed. Therefore, I suggest you not mention it to them.

I use whole wheat pasta whenever I can. I honestly do not taste much of a difference between it and regular pasta. I know there are people who would argue with me so if you prefer regular pasta, then go ahead and use it. The nutritional information, however, is based on using whole wheat pasta. I know for Weight Watcher's, the Points+ value will probably go up by 1 or so. 

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

All the deliciousness of chicken parmesan, just with more pasta. I got the inspiration for this recipe from Creative Kitchen. It is delicious and super filling, the perfect meal. I do not have a problem with whole wheat pasta at all, but I know a lot of people dislike the taste. Feel free to substitute regular pasta. I also used thin spaghetti, but regular spaghetti, or really any other shape, would work as well.

Bow Ties with Broccoli Pesto

I got the inspiration for this recipe from one of my Weight Watcher's cookbooks, Fresh, Fabulous, Fast. I recently got a food processor and I was looking for a good recipe to try out on it. I love pesto, and thought the idea to make it with broccoli was really interesting. I made a few changes to the original recipe, but it still turned out pretty good. It came together fast and was perfect for a weeknight meal.

Pasta and Broccoli with Pecorino Romano Cheese

Pasta is always a good option when you need a quick dinner. However, the same old pasta with red sauce gets very boring after a while. This is an absolutely delicious recipe that I got from Gina at Skinny Taste. It is simple and easy to whip up in just a few minutes. The perfect weeknight meal.