Midweek Minutes March 23, 2013



Midweek Minutes
March 23, 2013


Hello, Winners!

So, I did my newsletter last week and put it on a blog. I got lots of nice comments. I also posted the link to the blog on the ZIG'S WINNERS Facebook page, so that folks have access to it when the email gremlins attack. Thanks for being so positive about my newsletters. I hope they give you a smile.

Speaking of smiles, it's SPRING...okay, so it doesn't feel like it yet, but it WILL! Will you be ready? Do you have a favorite outfit that you want to fit into? Another leader was talking about that. Is there an outfit that you truly want to fit into? If you're not quite there yet, hang it out on your closet door, or whereever, so it will give you inspiration to work toward your goal.

What else does SPRING mean? It means that we are thinking about planting gardens, enjoying the sun in the evenings, and anticipating the end of the school year (well, teachers are!) Prom is coming in less than a month. Prom doesn't just happen, you know. (I'll do the prom newsletter another time...Vegas theme, Baby). However, the junior class and I have a goal, and we work at that goal for many months. Many of the juniors don't get it in September when we are doing preliminary planning and drawings. It's all about planning, step-by-step tasks, and just taking care of business.

As of today, in my classroom, we have all the programs finished...we are working on putting together some kits ahead of time... we have some boxes with napkins and other assorted items in them...and I find it cool that it's becoming real to some of the kids because they are seeing some of the actual decorations come in and visualizing what I drew on paper so many months ago. They are now getting excited!
It's like that with our weight loss journey. At first, we don't really know what to do. We're not sure of the outcome. We trust in those who have worked the process before. When we start to see some successes, we want to continue. We may not notice the changes we make in our SPACES at first. We may not feel comfortable in the ROUTINES we are working to create. Then, "all of a sudden" WE GET IT! It clicks!

So, hang out that favorite outfit...maybe it's for a prom? (Oh, wait, that's me). Look at it, and then SPRING into action daily to do what needs to be done. What's the alternative? See you in the meeting room! --Zig

P.S. Superior members...I am SO PROUD of your ATTENDANCE! Keep coming so we can keep our location going!!!!
These Members are springing into ACTION!

Total Losses:
Superior: -22.6 lbs.
Edgar: -12.2 lbs.
Hastings: -12.4 lbs.

30 lb. star
Janice M. (S)

16 week Stay and Succeed Charm
Deb B. (S)
Linda D. (S)
Janice M. (S)

5%
Rebecca B. (H)
Jill C. (H)

10%
Pam Wrm. (S)


WELCOME TO LIFETIME!!!
Liz B. (H)
Janet H. (H)

Biggest Losers
Julie H. (S)
Caroline M. (E)
Jill C. (H)

Sipping Smarts

So many drinks pack a surprisingly high PointsPlus® value. Here’s how to wet your whistle without expanding your waistline.
Article By: Amanda Genge
A little whole milk in your morning cup of coffee. A refreshing smoothie after your workout. A glass of wine with dinner. These might not sound like much on their own, but when you add up the PointsPlus values of everything you drink throughout the day — especially if you’re just estimating serving sizes at times, an exercise you’ll practice at your meeting this week — the number might really surprise you. That’s where the tools of the Weight Watchers 360° program come in handy. They can help you keep tabs on your liquid intake and show you how smarter swaps can save PointsPlus values without sacrificing satisfaction.
The first step in better beverage planning is related to this month’s Routine: After each meal or snack, decide how many PointsPlus values you’ll use for your next meal. You’ve learned how to apply this Routine to the food you eat, but it’s also important to include (and plan for) drinks in this tally, too. Just because you don’t chew them doesn’t mean they don’t count, so allocate some of your PointsPlus budget to beverages.
Raise a glass — not the number on the scale!
There’s no need to swear off sugary drinks or your favorite cocktails altogether, of course. You just need to be more savvy about what you’re sipping. Start with these tips:
  1. Size things up: At home, practice measuring out 4, 8 and 12-ounce servings of water (or any other drink) in a variety of different size glasses — some tall and thin, some short and wide, some stemmed and curvy. Take a mental snapshot of the 8-ounce average to have a good portion frame of reference.
  2. Beware “healthy” landmines: Store-bought smoothies can really be a meal in a glass, with tons of sugar and PointsPlus values, too. Blend your own at home using just fresh or frozen fruit, ice and low-fat or fat-free yogurt so you know exactly how they add up.
  3. Give your glass of water a makeover: H20 should be your go-to beverage, but that gets boring after a while. Jazz it up with fresh mint or crushed berries, citrus or cucumber slices or a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange.
  4. Swap what you’re sipping: Instead of a 20-ounce full-fat latte (8 PointsPlus value), get an 8-ounce cup made with skim milk, which has a PointsPlus value of just 1! Forgo lemon-lime soda (4 PointsPlus value for 12 ounces) and opt instead for seltzer with some lemon and/or lime juice (and a little artificial sweetener, or a tablespoon of real sugar for 1PointsPlus value). Cut your 5-ounce glass of white wine with a little seltzer to make a homemade spritzer and shave the PointsPlus value from 5 to 2.
Join us on the ZIG'S WINNERS Facebook page!
This is a great place for all my members to get together and share recipes, struggles, motivation and WHATEVER!

So just go there and ask to be added!
I'm posting my monthly calendar on there, and I also have a link to my blog which features my weekly newsletter.

5 tips for a low-stress Easter feast

Easter’s a big time for families to feast together, and just like every other holiday, lots of food, family dynamics and cousin Mary’s amazing cheesecake can make the meal difficult to navigate. Don’t sit down without a game plan.
• Bring a dish
• Don't sit down to dinner on an empty stomach
• Fend off the food pushers
• Create a new family tradition of activity
• Take over kitchen duty
Bring a dish. Leave the chocolate bunnies behind and bring a delicious, low PointsPlus® value starter. May we suggest this delicious Fresh Pea Soup with Mint?

Don't sit down to dinner on an empty stomach. You'll be more likely to overeat. Snack on veggies beforehand, or even prepare a few Easter-dyed hard-boiled eggs — for 2 PointsPlus values, it's a filling, nutritious choice, and a Weight Watchers Power Food.

Fend off the food pushers. When Aunt Matilda says: “Have some more ham and chocolate cake,” tell her in your sweetest voice that it looks delicious but you’re trying to lose weight. (If all else fails, promise to take home a doggie bag — then conveniently “forget” it later.)

Create a new family tradition of activity. Suggest a post-meal walk/game of Frisbee. Or run through the yard with the kids (and dog) as they hunt for Easter eggs.

Take over kitchen duty. If you’re an overnight guest, offer to make breakfast or another meal. It lets you control what you eat while looking like a gracious guest.

POINTSPlus Values for Easter Candy
Brach's Premium Peacock Eggs (41 g or 18 pieces) = 4 PP
Brach's Classic Jelly Bird Eggs (41 g or 14 pieces) = 4 PP
Brach's Tiny Jelly Bird Eggs (40 g or 25 pieces) = 4 PP
Hawaiian Punch Jelly Beans (40 g or 23 beans) = 4 PP
Jelly Beans (10 items) = 3 PP
Jelly Bellies (1 oz) = 3 PP
Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans (30 pieces) = 3 PP
Lifesavers Jelly Beans (40 g) = 4 PP
Starburst Jelly Beans (40 g or 1/4 C) = 4 PP
Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans (40 g or 23 pieces) = 4 PP
SweeTarts Jelly Beans (40 g or 26 pieces) = 4 PP
SweeTarts Bunnies Gummies (40 g or 14 pieces) = 4 PP
Brach's Jelly Chicks & Rabbits (42 g or 4 pieces) = 4 PP
Cadbury Egg (1.2 oz egg, not the biggest one) = 4 PP
Cadbury Mini Eggs (12 pieces) = 5 PP
Dove Coconut Crème Egg (1 piece) = 2 PP
Dove Dark Chocolate (6 eggs) = 6 PP
Gummy Krabby Patties (4 pieces) = 3 PP
Hershey Mini Robin Eggs (1 box) = 7 PP
Lindt Mini Lambs (40 g or 4 pieces) = 6 PP
Lindt Mini Chicks (40 g or 4 pieces) = 6 PP
PB M&Ms (42g or 1/4 cup) = 6 PP
Nestle Creamy Caramel Nest Eggs (41 g or 5 pieces) = 5 PP
Nestle Crunch w/Peanut Butter Nest Eggs (40 g or 5 pieces) = 6 PP
Peeps (Milk Chocolate Covered Dipped Marshmallow) (1 oz) or 2 Peeps = 3 PP
Peeps (42 g or 5 Chicks) = 4 PP
Peeps (32 g or 4 Bunnies) = 3 PP
Peepsters Bite Size Chocolate w/Marshmallow Crème (40 g or 5 pieces) = 5 PP
Reese's PB egg (1.2 oz large) = 5 PP
Reese's PB egg (smaller ones, 17 g) or 1 piece = 2 PP
Reese's Pieces PB Pastel Eggs (39 g or 12 pieces) = 5 PP
Russell Stover Assorted Chocolates (2 pieces) = 4 PP
Russell Stover 7 oz Solid Chocolate Bunny = 31 PP
Snickers Egg (1 egg) = 4 PP
Whitman's Assorted Sampler (4 pieces) = 6 PP
Whoppers Mini Robin Eggs (41 g or 24 pieces) = 5 PP
Whoppers Robin Eggs (40 g or 8 pieces) = 5 PP
MEETING CANCELLATIONS: With the weather we've been having, we know in Nebraska the weather can change quickly, and if there is a threat of bad weather, please stay tuned to NTV or KHAS-TV. I will call them to announce a meeting cancellation by 3 P.M. for Geneva,Superior, or Fairbury...and as early as I can (or the night before) for Hastings Saturday morning meetings. You can also log on to their websites where they have weather closings.

You can also call the Weight Watchers' 800 number to find out if we are having a meeting.
1-800-651-6000.

H2O, That’s Delicious!

If drinking enough water throughout the day feels like a chore, these fresh ideas will make your next glass go down easy.
Article By: Alison Brower
Want to cut down on calories in one big gulp—and improve your health in the process? Swap that sweet cola for a glass of water. Non-diet sodas, sports drinks, and juices (even the 100 percent natural ones) pack hundreds of sugary, tooth-trashing calories.
The evidence is crystal clear: Good old H2O is the healthiest drink choice you can make. But even health pros admit that this plain Jane of beverages has a tough time competing with its seductively sugary sisters. “If you’re working out, plain water can taste delicious and refreshing,” says nutritionist Heather K. Jones, author of What’s Your Diet Type? “But for the most part, it’s kind of boring.” Well, bore no more: These fresh ideas will make water a lot easier—and more fun—to swallow.
Infuse with flavor
Fruit- and vegetable-infused waters have become luxury-spa staples—and all it takes to open your own refreshing “water bar” is a quick trip to your vegetable drawer: Toss a few thin slices of lemon or cucumber into a pitcher or bottle of water and refrigerate for a few hours (or overnight). You can add an even fresher twist with fruit-and-herb combos: Jones recommends strawberry and basil; pineapple and rosemary; mixed citrus fruits and cilantro; or simple lemon and mint. If you don’t have the time to prep your own mix, grab a flavored bottled water—but be sure to choose one with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, like Hint or Ayala’s Herbal Water (just check the label—there shouldn’t be anything on there but water and natural ingredients you can actually pronounce!).
Break out the bubbly
Sparkling water is just as hydrating as flat water, says Jones, and contrary to persistent but totally false rumors, there’s zero connection between carbonation and cellulite. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux, carbonated water might not agree with you—otherwise, a little fizz is fine, especially if it gets you to down more liquid. Invest in a SodaStream and you’ll save money and plastic by brewing your own bubbly at home or at the office. Bonus: The machine’s loud, guttural buzz will give your kids (or any child-at-heart coworkers) hours of laughs.
Tea it up
Hot or cold, herbal teas give you a taste boost, and may have additional nutritional benefits. Chamomile has been shown to help protect against cardiovascular disease and boost the immune system, for example, while ginger fights nausea. Green tea in particular comes with some serious health pluses: It may help to reduce risk for heart disease and some cancers. Need more of a kick? Caffeinated teas and regular coffee can also count toward your daily hydration tally.
Find your top tool
Jones has heard every excuse in the book for not drinking water—and she’s got a trick or “water tool” to counter every one. Remember, no tactic is gratuitous or goofy if it removes a barrier to your getting all the water you need.
  • If giving up high-calorie beverages leaves you feeling deprived... Make every drink of water a luxurious ritual: Pour it from a pretty carafe or drink it from a glam goblet.
  • If you have trouble remembering to get enough water... Paper your daily path with reminders, says Jones: Slap sticky notes on your mirror, your desk, and your steering wheel; ambush yourself with full glasses on your bathroom shelf and your mouse pad, and keep your car’s cup holder stocked with a fresh bottle.
  • If downing a whole glass of water takes too much time... try sipping it through a straw (and work on your patience!); when you’re on the go, water bottles with straw caps also make for quicker, more convenient sipping.
(25% off) ALL Cookbooks 3/24–3/30 (25% off)
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Pump up produce and use less meat with these tasty dishes.

Hot Drinks Cheat Sheet

Get the hot beverage breakdown before your next coffee shop stop.
Article By: Jack Kiefer
Whether you’re a traditional coffee lover or a sophisticated tea sipper, you’re like millions of Americans who start their day with a hot drink. But it’s how you take your morning beverage that can rack up major PointsPlus® values and potentially derail your weight-loss efforts. Worry not, for we have consulted coffee and nutrition experts to help you make the best choices to cut out the PointsPlus values without cutting out your morning brew. There are many hot drinks one can choose from to start the day, but coffee is king according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, which says that 17% of Americans down a cup o’ Joe on a daily basis. On its own, a cup of black coffee (no full-calorie sweeteners or cream) is zeroPointsPlus values — an excellent choice for those on plan.

But fall into the trap of buying an enormous specialty coffee from your corner coffee shop with cream, sugar and flavored syrups,and you can count on using somewhere in the vicinity of 8-10 PointsPlus values — or about the equivalent of a full healthy meal or even a big dessert. “Some people probably never thought they'd gain weight drinking coffee. After all, it's not cake,” says Weight Watchers nutritionist and recipe editor Leslie Fink. “But in some cases, it can be like having a pastry.”

The same goes for tea — drink it with water only and you won’t use up your preciousPointsPlus values; add creamers and full-cal sweeteners and you’ll watch the PointsPlusvalues add up in a hurry. Use our interactive drink maker above to see how various coffee, tea and hot chocolate concoctions tally up.

Use your bean
When it comes down to it, you just have to watch what you’re adding to your coffee, says Fink. "In my opinion, there are no ‘bad’ ingredients, just too much of some things,” she says, referring to cream, milk, syrups, sugar, chocolate shavings and the like. “And all of those extra ingredients can turn an innocent cup of coffee into a caloric dessert."

Fink says you can avoid a PointsPlus values disaster drink by using sugar-free syrups, non-fat milk, and low-cal sweetners. But she’s also quick to point out that most drinks, hot or cold, lack fiber, protein and healthy fat — the three food components that can make a balanced meal. “That doesn't mean these beverages don't have a place in the American diet,” she says. “But they shouldn't be considered a meal or meal replacement.”

Tips from a java expert
Michaele Weissman, author of God in a Cup and longtime Weight Watchers member, has a very simple approach to the hot-drink dilemma. She says to ask yourself, "Would you put cream in a fine wine?" Her point is that coffee is so rich in flavor that it can be enjoyed with very few add-ins. She says keeping your selections simple and ordering drinks with simple ingredients will not only keep you on track, but will let you enjoy the aromas and tastes of coffee the way it is meant be consumed.

Weissman says that next to red wine, coffee has the strongest and most abundant flavor profile of any beverage. While it’s true that much of the coffee Americans drink comes from South America, Weissman points out that coffee actually originated in Ethiopia. Nowadays, coffee beans are fermented and packaged, then ground and brewed before serving, a process which is similar in many ways to making beer.

Some of the earliest coffee beans — which are actually considered fruit — were stolen from the African nation and grown in other parts of the world, creating more than 1,000 different types of beans. As such, she suggests experimenting with different coffee selections to find one to your liking. “You may be more inclined to drink it black rather than add condiments that actually mask the taste,” she says.

Size does matter
Since coffee drinkers are consuming an average of 2.63 cups of coffee a day, size really does matter. "Americans want the biggest bang for their buck and we live in a ‘super-size’ decade. Many Americans seem to value quantity over quality,” Fink says. And far too often we get the up-sell from the barista, offering you the 20 oz. drink for only 50 more cents. And that means trouble when you consider a 12 oz. caramel frappuccino blended coffee with whipped cream packs a punch that will cost you a whopping 8 PointsPlus values.

Going big isn’t always the problem. You have to watch out for the little things, literally. Even though a splash of milk or pinch of sugar you put in your coffee might not add up to one fullPOINTS value, you can’t ignore it. You need to be aware that these things can add up. “If you really keep stock of every item that passed your lips, it should all balance out,” Fink says. “For instance, some food items round up to one but are closer to a half a PointsPlus value. Other times, items that are close to half a PointsPlus value round down to zero. So it should equal out in the end. Consistency (in tracking) is the name of the game.”

Food for thought
Here are a few substitutions that might make you think twice about your next latte: A 20 oz. Café Mocha with whole milk from a well-known coffee and snack chain has 12 PointsPlusvalues; a small has 7 PointsPlus values. To put that in perspective, you can have:
  • 21 Hershey's kisses for 14 PointsPlus values
  • 5 Oreos for 7 PointsPlus values
  • 6 KFC Honey BBQ chicken wings for 13 PointsPlus values
  • 1 small fast-food hamburger for 6 PointsPlus values
  • 1 large order of fast-food fries for 13 PointsPlus values

Zig's Meetings
Monday in Superior at 6 P.M. Church of Christ
Join our Edgar AT WORK SERIES: meetings on Wednesdays at 6 P.M. Rosebrook Care Center
Hastings Cimmaron Plaza: Saturday mornings at 9:30
Member Recipes

Broccoli and Apple Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
Points: 4 weight watchers pointsplus (2 points for 4 servings)*
Servings: 2 large servings
Serving Size: 1/2 salad
1 cup broccoli, broken into small florets
1 cup sugar snap peas
1 head butter lettuce
1 apple, sliced thin
1 tbsp. sunflower seeds
2 tbsp. dried cranberries
3 tbsp. crumbled reduced fat goat cheese
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and sugar snap peas and blanch for 2 minutes. Immediately drain and run under cold water to cool.
Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Toss everything together and serve.


Creamy Macaroni Salad with Peas and Chives

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup peas
1/2 cup Smart Balance® Omega Plus™ Light Mayonnaise Dressing
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
salt and fresh pepper
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Once boiling, add pasta and cook according to pasta package directions for al dente.
When pasta is ready, rinse the pasta under cold water in a colander.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, Smart Balance® Omega Plus™ Light Mayonnaise Dressing, mustard, vinegar, chives, salt and fresh pepper.
Makes 8 servings at 5 PPV
www.smartbalance.com



Delectable Skinny Salad with Fruits, Nuts and Cheese
1 serving 3 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS.

1 bag spring mix or field greens
1 large red or green apple, cored and chopped
½ cup red grapes, sliced in half
½ cup fresh blueberries
¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled, reduced-fat feta cheese or Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup Trader Joe’s Champagne Pear Vinaigrette Dressing or Girard’s Light Champagne Vinaigrette
1. In a large serving bowl, add all the ingredients except the dressing. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. When ready to serve, toss in salad dressing. Start with ¼ cup. Add more dressing, if desired.
3. This salad can easily be doubled, tripled, etc.
Makes 6 side salads or 3 main course salads

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3




Weight Watchers BBQ Beer Chicken
Points: 7 Weight Watchers Points Plus
Servings: 8
Serving Size: about 1 cup
3 lbs chicken breast
1 tbsp onion salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
12 oz wheat beer
24 ounces light barbecue sauce (I used Kraft)
*If you are a big barbecue fan, it’s worth it to splurge a a really good barbecue sauce for this recipe, just add 1 point per serving
In a bowl combine the beer, barbecue sauce, onion salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the crock pot and pour the beer and barbecue mixture over. Cook on low for 6 hours.
Shred the chicken using 2 forks and let cook for an additional 15 minutes with the top off. Serve in sandwiches, tortillas, over salad, or over rice.

Island Ham
5–6 lb ham (smoked, lean)
1 cup pineapple juice
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
½ cup orange juice
2 tbsp cherry preserves
¼ cup dark rum
¼ cup yellow mustard
1 tsp ginger, grated or paste
1 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp Smart Balance® Blended Butter Sticks
Cook ham according to directions on package.
To make the glaze, add all remaining ingredients to a large saucepan.
Cook at a slow boil for about 30 minutes until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
When the ham has 45 minutes cooking time left, remove from the oven. Add the glaze to the ham and return to the oven.
You can save some of the glaze for serving; it will make approximately 2 cups.
Makes 20 servings@ 6 PPV
www.smartbalance.com

Individual Egg and Cheese Casseroles
4 ounces raw turkey breakfast sausage
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 Smart Balance™ Omega-3 Eggs
1 cup Smart Balance® HeartRight® Fat Free Milk
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
10 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Smart Balance® Omega Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Cook and stir sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbled. Add onion and cook until onion is softened. Set aside.
Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir in Smart Balance® HeartRight® Fat Free Milk.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
Mix dry ingredients gradually into egg mixture by sprinkling a spoonful at a time onto egg mixture and whisking until smooth before adding another spoonful.
Divide egg mixture among five (5-ounce) ramekins that have been sprayed with Smart Balance® Cooking Spray. Divide sausage among casseroles.
Top each casserole with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese. Use a fork to slightly submerge cheese into egg mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of individual casseroles comes out clean.
Makes 5 servings each 4 PPV
www.smartbalance.com


Irish Nachos
Points: 4 points plus
Servings: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
1 pound russet potatoes, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup black beans
Your favorite nacho toppings: tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, cilantro, salsa…
Preheat oven to 400°. Place baking sheet in oven.
Place potato slices on paper towels and pat dry. The more moisture that you remove, the crispier they will be.
Arrange half of potato slices in a single layer on preheated baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
prinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt.
Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Turn potato slices over; bake an additional 5 minutes or until golden.
Repeat procedure with remaining potatoes and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Add all the potatoes to one baking sheet or dish and top with the cheese, black beans, and your favorite toppings.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.


Chocolate Crème Eggs

Start a new family tradition with this oh-so-sweet holiday treat. And you’ll never guess the secret ingredient!

½ cup mashed potatoes, plain (no pepper/other herbs)
1 stick of Smart Balance® Blended Butter Sticks
1 tsp vanilla
2 lbs of powdered sugar
12oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips (You will only use about 2/3.)

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes and butter. Make sure ahead of time they have come to room temperature so that they will easily mix together.
Stir in the vanilla.
Add the powdered sugar and slowly mix all together. It will eventually come together like a moist dough. Place in the refrigerator for about an hour to harden.
Divide the mixture into 4 and shape into egg shapes. Place on waxed paper on a cookie sheet and return to the refrigerator for 3 hours until firm.
Once the eggs are firm, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until smooth.
Now you will need to cover the eggs in the chocolate. Line another cookie sheet with waxed paper. The best way to cover the eggs is to use a pastry brush/basting brush.
Place the egg upside down in your palm and brush the chocolate on the bottom of the egg. Place the egg onto the waxed paper chocolate side down.
Cover the top of the egg, making sure you cover all of the egg. You can try to make a fancy pattern with the brush if you want! Cover all 4 eggs and return to the refrigerator to set.
To serve, it is best to let the egg come to room temperature so that the chocolate shell does not crack when you cut it.
Makes 4 eggs.
Each egg serves 16.
Number of servings: 64 TOTAL @ 2 PPV
www.smartbalance.com
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