MIDWEEK MINUTES November 16, 2013

Midweek Minutes

November 16, 2013

Hello, Winners!

What's with the Hunger Games? Is it a comment on the holidays? Let's see...in a way. We're not hungry sometimes when we eat (especially at this time of year)...it's all those goodies that tempt us...so instead, let's be Catching Fire with some new non-food traditions that don't involve food! Fun without Food was our meeting topic this week.

It is a tradition that my family and I started to go and see the Twilight movies over the holidays together. We are continuing that tradition with the newest Hunger Games movie. We don't get movie food anymore, and we just go to see the movie after we eat lunch somewhere PointsPlus-friendly. It saves money too. Then, we usually walk the mall and see what everyone wants for Christmas. Last year, we bought suitcases and supplies for our Christmas vacation to Hawaii. No, we're not going to get to do that again this year, darn it! That certainly was a Weight Watchers'-friendly vacation because we racked up exercise like crazy! Grilling steaks on Christmas Eve might be a tradition we'll keep! Old traditions...new traditions...it's fun to make holiday memories that are not going to add pounds.

Everywhere I look online I find articles on how to get through the holidays and not gain weight, and they make it sound pretty simple. The answer everyone seems to throw around when thinking about managing weight is to eat less and exercise more. That sounds good, but we all know there is more than meets the eye to managing our weight especially during the holiday season. That got me thinking...you know, there is an old saying which can be modified for weight management around these holiday times: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

During these next two months, our lives are even more jam-packed than normal. Time is at a premium. Tasty treats are everywhere we go. At our meetings, we have been talking about making realistic goals for the holidays. Some of our members want to keep losing weight; some think that maintaining their weight loss thus far is a realistic goal for them that losing.

Whatever your goals are, let's rework that old saying. Dr. Samuel Klein says, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of weight gain." Whether you want to continue to lose weight or just not gain over the holidays, let's try some of these tips.

1. ACTIVITY: IT'S A GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOURSELF. It's tough to stick to a normal routine during these next two months; however, whether you are shopping, cleaning for guests, putting up holiday lights, traveling, or just rushing off to ballgames. . . anytime you are active, that is better than sitting. When you can, keep doing your workout routines because you know that not only is it important to you, but it's important FOR you...and can keep you balanced. Give yourself the gift of being active as much as you can.

2. FOOD: BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE EATING.

Let's face it...it's everywhere...and even when you can't see it, you can sure smell it! Don't waste your POINTS on junk! For example: Don't eat those store-bought dinner rolls or that can of cranberry sauce. Go for what you really want and then take only half of a portion. Then, REALLY enjoy it...NO GUILT... and get away from the food table. If you think you want more, it's good to wait 15-20 minutes to let your stomach know you ate. Oh, and be sure to track your POINTS PLUS values.

3. TIME: ENJOY THE SEASON. It's busy this time of year...we know that. We get stressed. We eat. We get tired. We eat. We get emotional. We eat. We let down our defenses. We eat. It's cold out. We eat. Well, it's a special time of year...and we think we deserve to over-indulge. We OVEREAT! After all, we try to make everything perfect. (It has to be perfect, or ...or WHAT? What's the worst that could happen?) We are not perfect. Can you learn the word "NO"? What's wrong with figuring out your priorities and not overloading yourself? Not a thing? Plan what you can...get lots of rest...learn to delegate...and enjoy the season.

I don't want anyone to come out of the holiday season with a weight gain. It's not that the scale that is our enemy (it's just a piece of metal). We can be our OWN enemies. Remember what the holiday season means to you and embrace THOSE things instead of food.

I found a writer named Karly on the internet, and I quote this paragraph.

"You can have meaningful holidays while also zipping up your jeans in January. Holiday overwhelment, debt and weight gain are all symptoms of disconnect: a broken link between what you truly desire and the obligations that keep you from honoring them. The solution is self-care: balancing nurture (indulging in the delights of the season that create a rich, holiday feel) with structure (setting limits so that you don’t overindulge, whether it be on desserts, gifts, or too many activities.) This is empowered, authentic living."

I hope one of the things you truly desire includes coming to meetings...not out of obligation, but as important self-care. Hope to see you this week! You're worth it! --Zig

P.S. to Hastings' members...STAY AND SUCCEED...come each week and stay for the meeting to get your card punched and earn rewards!

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Member Milestones

Superior: -12 lbs.

Hastings: -9.8 lbs

Biggest Loser

Joanne F. (S)

Laurie M. (H)

Kathy T. (H)

Velma V. (H)

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Friends (and Family) without Food

Having fun with the gang doesn't have to mean the same old dinner out.

Article By: Lisa Thomas

Does it seem like every time you get together with friends, food shows up too? After-work hangouts, weekend sporting events, neighborhood block parties, even PTA meetings somehow morph into food magnets! But you don't have to hang up your Plan to hang out with family and friends. In fact our tools are loaded with tips and tricks like this month's Routine: Put your fork down and sip water between bites that can help you stay on track during these social situations.
The dinner table is a natural setting for socializing. (Who doesn't love sharing juicy stories over comfort food and cocktails with the girls?) But all that sitting, eating and drinking (especially, now around the holidays) can leave us with more than a few good memories. During your meeting this week you'll explore a variety of fun, exciting and food-free ways you can socialize with friends and family (yep, there's stuff the kids will love too)! We've also gathered a few good food-free activities below.

Now, when you're spending time with others at fun places — like movie theaters, stadiums, parties or bowling alleys — there's going to be food around. Just remember your reason for showing up and enjoy the whole fun experience! Have a social event on the calendar this week? Bring it up at your meeting and explore strategies with your Leader and fellow meeting members. You'll discover that having fun without focusing on food can pay off in lots of ways. In the meantime, check out these three benefits:

1. Better control
Although this might seem obvious, it's still worth pointing out: If you aren't around food, you won't be tempted by aromas or visuals and you'll be less likely to spend more PointsPlus® values than you’d planned.

2. More earned activity PointsPlus values
Think of fun ways you can earn more activity PointsPlus values like dipping your way through an hour-long salsa class instead of dipping your way through a bowl of salsa and chips! With sexy hip movements and quick footwork, this vibrant dance is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

3. Greater fitness resolve
Besides the calorie burn, getting active with friends can help keep you motivated because you'll have a built-in support network. Also friendly competition can help encourage all participants to step up their game. And remember there's strength in numbers, so use these opportunities to try out activities you might shy away from if you had to do them on your own.

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Featured Product Sale 11/17-11/23: Electronic Food Scale and Measuring Spoons - $5 off Applies to both new and discontinued models

LAST WEEK FOR THIS SALE!

11/3-11/23 Snack Bars: $3.95 – Save $1

Heat & Eat Cups: $3.95 – Save $2

Popped & Crunchy Snacks: $3.95 – Save $1

Mini Bars: $4.95 – Save $2.55

Candies: $1.50 – Save $1.45

All Cookbooks On Sale: 50% Off 11/3-11/23

$14.95 Cookbooks are $7.45 – Save $7.50

$9.95 Cookbooks are $4.95 - Save $5.00

Save $5.00 Enrollment Products—20% off o Ultimate 360 Kits: $31.95

Track: $5.55

Shop: $9.55

Eat Out: $9.55

Bundle these Books: Shop and Eat Out: $15.95 when bought together

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Food-Free Celebration Ideas

Everyone loves a reason to celebrate: birthdays, promotions, milestone successes. These ideas prove you don't need cake and champagne to do it.

Article By: Sally Hammond

You know the feeling. You've hopped on the scale and — wow — the number is significantly lower that you expected. Or you catch sight of yourself in a shop window and barely recognize yourself, you look so good.

Or maybe you've won a prize, been promoted, won a contest, beaten the opposition or gotten lucky in love. Good news of any kind is always a reason to celebrate.
For most of us, happy celebrations lead to food and drink. But rewarding yourself this way can be counterproductive over the long haul, especially when you're trying to get — and keep — your weight down. Looking for ways to celebrate your achievements that don't involve thousands of calories? Try the following ideas.

• Get a facial. Whether you do it yourself at home or go to a salon, it's a great way to feel pampered and special. The smell of those special cleansers, toners, and lotions, plus that dewy, toned skin afterward, can really lighten your mood.
  
• Pose for a photo shoot. Go for glamour with a photo at one of those studios that makes you look like a movie star or a top model. Or have an "olden days" photo taken, one you can pass on to your grandchildren someday.
  
• Take in a show. Or visit that museum or art gallery you've been dying to get to.
  
• Get your hair done. A new 'do is a huge morale booster and a great reward. Try a new color or get a blowout or casual updo.
  
• Give yourself flowers. Have them delivered or pick up a bunch at your favorite florist or farmer's market and put them in vases throughout your home.
  
• Buy yourself a new outfit. If you're in the process of losing weight, buy it in your goal size as a major incentive to go the final distance. Or please yourself today with one that fits and flatters now.
  
• Take the day off.Clear your calendar and seize a whole day just for you. No plans, just play it by ear.
  
• Splurge on perfume. Don't always wait for overseas trips to get things duty-free — buy an expensive perfume and splash it around.
  
• Take a bubble bath. Then float for half an hour or longer. Grab a book or some magazines, light some candles, and keep topping up the hot water.

Once you start thinking of special ways to treat yourself, dozens more will come to mind. Soon, rather than routinely slipping into a bakery the minute you feel a yen to treat yourself coming on, you'll think again. You'll find yourself automatically popping open a bottle of bubble bath rather than the bubbly, passing the chocolate store on the way to the florist, and dialing the theater for tickets to a show rather than ordering in pizza.

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Beginning November 18, Weight Watchers Cooks Up a Culinary Competition with ABC’s Daytime Talk Show "The Chew" To Find Its First-Ever Chef!

Who are we looking for?
Weight Watchers and The Chew are seeking knowledgeable and enthusiastic culinary professionals with a passion for great-tasting food that can support a healthy lifestyle. Ideal candidates include but are not limited to culinary school graduates, restaurant chefs, private caterers, cookbook authors, food stylists, recipe developers or culinary experts with professional experience or formal training. . As is customary with these competitions, employees and independent contractors of the contest sponsors and administrators, such as Weight Watchers and ABC employees are not eligible for entry.

How can someone enter?
Beginning November 18 through December 8, qualified candidates can upload a resume and short video describing his/her philosophy on how great-tasting food can support a healthy lifestyle and a demonstrating how to make an indulgent dish healthier.
Please see TheChew.com for rules and eligibility details.

From those who enter, six finalists will be selected to battle it out in a culinary showdown on "The Chew" beginning the week of January 13. Each round of the competition will be featured in a weekly segment on "The Chew." The judges ("The Chew" co-hosts and a Weight Watchers representative) will score the dishes and one finalist will be eliminated after each round until a winner is crowned.

• The winner earns the Weight Watchers Chef title and a $75,000 one-year consulting contract.

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BAD WEATHER: If there will be a meeting cancellation due to SNOW, etc., please stay tuned to NTV or KHAS-TV. I will call them to announce a meeting cancellation by 3 P.M. for Superior...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.

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Community Talks: Rising Above the Relatives

Article By: Jason de Beer www.weightwatchers.com

When friends and relatives try to make your weight loss their business on Thanksgiving, a little mental rehearsing can help avoid a Turkey Day family feud. The holiday is just around the corner and many of us are feeling anxious about being asked about our food and lifestyle choices. What do you say when grandma piles on the guilt until you eat a second piece of cake? And what do you say to that brash cousin who asks, “Should you really be eating that?” We’ve asked the WeightWatchers.com Community how they respond to these rude and prying questions. Here’s the advice they had to share:

Planning ahead keeps it simple

STBXADICT knows that “It’s up to you, as an adult, to decide what you will eat. I have a few strategies to avoid the pushy people. One, I eat slowly so as not to be the first person finished. Being the first one done tends to precipitate the 'have some more' comments. Secondly, I have some phrases I use if someone is being particularly difficult. I say something like 'oh, but I want room for dessert later' or 'can I take some home with me for later?'”

“Last year I talked to my mom before Thanksgiving,” says JABBGB. She explained to her mom that although she really loves all the old family recipes, she would be watching her portion sizes. “I also requested that she make some plain veggies as an option; she had no problem adding it and everyone else had some too!”

BARBMINN’s advice is to “Always keep some food on your plate. Food pushers hate to see an empty plate. Keep some of your drink in your glass for the same reason.”

One liners

ROSTERP keeps it simple by just saying no. “No matter how hard they try, my response is simply, "no thanks, I'm fine."

JLAZLO’s rebuttal is to say: "Doctor’s orders, I can only indulge a little and I'm saving it for the wine."

“Like Nancy Reagan,” shares LIFETIMEMO, “just say no! It works every time. No one can force the food down your throat."

Persistent food pushers and nosy family members

SEWINGMRS tells the pushers: "That dish tasted so good that I would like to take some home with me to enjoy during the week. I will think of you, and how much you love us, when we share it at home as a family." She tells the nosy ones: "I can eat anything that you can eat. I just keep an eye on the portion size."

JUNKFORAMANDA says “If someone in the family goes into the ‘should you eat that on your diet?’ spiel, I respond with, ‘I'm not on a diet, I'm following the Weight Watchers plan, and can eat what I want, when I want, in moderation. Thanks for your concern,’ and then change the subject.”

When family members are being persistent. SUSIQ25679 just walks away. "I leave the room; excuse myself from the table by saying ‘I have to go to the bathroom.’ Most of the times, by the time I get back to the table, these pushers and nosy relatives have forgotten all about it.”

“When people try to push seconds on me,” shares RIKKI58, “I tell them that the first was so good that I would much rather take the seconds home for tomorrow so I can savor it again. Then I will take it to work and give it away. I let those who ask, ‘Can you eat that?’ know that I am not on a diet and can eat whatever I want, and then proceed to enjoy my meal.”

Avoiding pressure

“Many people associate love with food,” notices vabelle35. “The more they cook, the more they love you. The more you eat, the more you love them. You just have to learn how to show your love in other ways. When they push food on you, just get up and give them a big hug and kiss and excuse yourself to the bathroom.”

“I find the less I say, the better,” shares JO-SAM. “I don't try to explain or make any excuses. I look over the table and make the best decisions; I take a small helping of what looks good, and savor it. If someone says, ‘Oh, you have to try this!’ I respond by saying, ‘You're right, it looks delicious. I may try that later.’ Any explanation will probably draw more discussion than I can handle. The others are so busy eating, they're not going to notice whether you really try it or not. When you are finished, walk away from the food area!”

When vabelle35 is done eating she just gets up and starts cleaning the kitchen.

Ideas from the WeightWatchers.com team

Patti: “I tell people, 'I'm really trying so hard to stay on plan and you are making it really tough for me!' If you are honest and let them know that you are on plan, most people will back off. If they are people who love you it shouldn't be hard. If they don't love you they shouldn't be sharing Thanksgiving dinner with you!”

Leslie: “My response to people who comment on whether or not I should be eating something is usually; "Anything's healthy in moderation. And isn't there anything else more exciting to discuss than my food?" because everyone loves to talk about themselves more than they like to talk about others!”

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New Weight Watchers Entrée at Applebee’s Spread the word! On Tuesday, November 12th, Applebee’s added a new entrée, the Roma Pepper Steak endorsed by Weight Watchers, to its regular menu.
Plus, it included the Creamy Parmesan Chicken endorsed by Weight Watchers on its 2 for $20 menu.

Roma Pepper Steak, 13 PointsPlus value Roma pepper relish is piled over a 7oz. sirloin. Served with red potatoes and a grilled Portobello mushroom cap stuffed with a creamy white wine artichoke cheese spread. 

2 for $20 now includes Creamy Parmesan Chicken, 12 PointsPlus value Juicy grilled chicken breast with creamy au gratin parmesan sauce. Served with steamed spinach and mushroom & onion rice pilaf.

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NEXT WEEK AT YOUR MEETING

What's your game plan for the BIG DAY?

Join us for one of the most fun meetings

of the year!

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INTRODUCING...

New "HELP OUTS" by Google ...

and Weight Watchers has 3 Help Outs just for you!

Google says: What if getting help for a computer glitch, a leaky pipe, or a homework problem was as easy as clicking a button? What if you could connect via real-time video to a music teacher or a yoga instructor from the comfort of your home? What if you could get someone knowledgeable to get you “unstuck” when you really need it?

Today, we’re announcing Helpouts—a new way to get and give help over live video. Our goal is simple: help people help each other. We want to use the convenience and efficiency of the web to enable everyone, no matter where they are or what time it is, to easily connect with someone who can help.

Here's one of the topics...check it out at https://helpouts.google.com/home#home

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Member Recipes

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

12 slices of low calorie, high fiber bread (I used Sara Lee Delighful), dried and cut into bite size cubes (see Tip)

4 cups water

2 extra large chicken bouillon cubes (about 1oz)

5 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion chopped

1/4 cup liquid egg substitute

2 tbsp light butter (I used Brummel and Brown)

1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped

1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1/2 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large saucepan, heat water, butter and bouillon to a boil.

Add in celery, onion, sage, thyme, rosemary and pepper, and turn heat down to medium. Simmer until celery and onion are soft, about 15-20 min.

In the meantime, put bread cubes into a large oven safe bowl or casserole dish.

Pour broth over bread cubes and combine gently until all bread cubes are saturated.

Gently mix in the egg substitute.

Place stuffing into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until stuffing reaches desired texture.

Quick Notes

TIP: To dry out your bread, turn your oven onto the lowest setting (mine was 175 degrees) and evenly spread out all the slices of bread on a large, un-greased cookie sheet.

Let bread slowly toast in the oven for about 4-6 hours. As soon as bread stiffens, turn off oven and leave it in there overnight. Bread should be fully stiffened, with all moisture removed, but not burned or charred.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is about 1 ½ cups
Each serving = 5 Points +

Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

4 medium sized potatoes, sliced about ¼” thick

1 small onion, sliced into rings

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt

4oz reduced fat cream cheese

2 cups fat free milk

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp whole wheat flour

Additional salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 1 quart casserole dish with non-fat cooking spray.

Layer 1/2 of the potatoes into bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with the onion slices, and add the remaining potatoes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute.

Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. S

tir in cream cheese, shredded cheese, and yogurt all at once, and continue stirring until melted, about a minute or so.

Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until potatoes are cooked through, and top of potatoes has begun to brown and crisp.

Entire recipe makes 6 servings

Serving size is about ¾ cup

Each serving = 6 Points +

Four Cheese Mashed Potato Casserole

5	lb white potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 14 cups)
3	oz (from 8-oz package) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
1/4	cup crumbled blue cheese
1	cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
1/4	cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1	container (8 oz) reduced-fat sour cream
1	teaspoon garlic salt
1/4	teaspoon paprika
	1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, if desired

	In 6-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, place potatoes. Add enough water to cover potatoes. Heat to boiling over high heat; reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 15 to 18 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash potatoes in saucepan with potato masher or electric mixer on low speed.
	Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, blue cheese, Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Beat in sour cream and garlic salt.
	Heat oven to 350ºF. Stir cheese mixture into mashed potatoes until well blended. If potatoes are too stiff, stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. Spoon into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
	Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and top is lightly browned. Sprinkle with paprika and chives.

Serving: 1/2 Cup = 3 PP

Green Bean Casserole6 Servings (3 pts per serving/12 points whole recipe)

1 10 3/4 oz. can 98% ff cream of mushroom soup (condensed)

1/2 cup ff milk

1 dash pepper

16-20 oz. bag frozen french cut green beans

1 1/3 cups French's French Fried Onions

Mix soup, milk, pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in 1 1/2-qt. casserole. Bake at 350°F. for 25 min. or until hot. Stir. Sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake 5 min.

I Can't Believe It's Not Sweet Potato Pie

serves 4 @ 4 POINTSPLUS

1 large butternut squash (large enough to yield 2 cups mashed flesh)

1/2 cup Egg Beaters; Original

1/3 cup light vanilla soymilk

1/3 cup sugar-free maple syrup

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 cup SPLENDA; Granular

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2/3 cup miniature marshmallows

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel squash and cut into large chunks (removing seeds).

Fill a large, microwave-safe dish with a half an inch of water. Place squash into dish and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for approximately 8 minutes (and drain).

Squash should be tender enough to mash, but not fully cooked. With a potato masher, food processor or fork, mash squash.

Measure out 2 generous cups, lightly packed, and place in an oven-safe baking dish. Add all ingredients except for marshmallows.

Mix ingredients thoroughly, but do not over-stir; squash should still be pulpy. Allow to cook for 45 – 50 minutes.

Remove from oven, and disperse marshmallows over top of pie. Return to oven for 5 minutes, until marshmallows begin to brown. Allow to cool. Serves 4.

Foolproof Fat-Free Gravy

Makes 2 1/2 cups

2 cups turkey drippings

1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/4 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp chicken bouillon granules

1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp unbleached flour

1/2 cup skim milk

Defat the pan drippings by placing them in a fat separator cup.

(If you don't have a separator cup, pour the drippings into a bowl, add a few ice cubes, and skim off the fat once it rises and hardens.)

Combine the fat-free drippings, pepper, poultry seasoning, and bouillon granules in a 1 quart saucepan, and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

While the gravy is heating, combine the flour and milk in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and shake until smooth.

Slowly add the milk mixture to the simmering broth, stirring constantly with a wire whisk.

Continue to cook and stir until the gravy is thick and bubbly. Transfer the gravy to a warmed gravy boat or pitcher, and serve hot with the turkey.

PP: 1

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

Makeover Homestyle Gravy

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

2 teaspoons canola oil

1/2 cup sherry or unsweetened apple juice

2-1/2 cups water

1/2 cup packed fresh parsley sprigs

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon turkey drippings

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/2 teaspoon browning sauce, optional

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan, saute the onion, carrot and celery in oil until

tender. Add sherry; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Add the water,

parsley and bay leaves; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer,

uncovered, for 30 minutes or until liquid is nearly reduced by half.

Strain and discard vegetables and herbs; set liquid aside (liquid

should measure 1-1/2 cups).

In a small saucepan, combine flour and broth until smooth. Stir in

the drippings, sage, browning sauce if desired, salt, pepper and

reserved liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or

until thickened.

Yield: 3 cups

Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup equals 1 PointsPlus Value

Cranberry Cornbread

1 1/4	cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4	cup cornmeal
1/3	cup sugar
2	teaspoons baking powder
1/2	teaspoon salt
2	eggs
3/4	cup milk
1/4	cup vegetable oil
1	cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
2	tablespoons sugar

	Heat oven to 400°F. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray.
	In large bowl, stir flour, cornmeal, 1/3 cup sugar, the baking powder and salt until mixed. Add eggs, milk and oil; beat with spoon until mixed.
	In small bowl, toss cranberries and 2 tablespoons sugar until coated. Fold into batter. Spread in pan.
	Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm. Makes 9 servings

6 PP

 

Layered Apple Pies

12	Wonton wrappers
2	Large granny smith apples (or other baking apple of choice), peeled, and diced into small chunks
1 tbs	Lemon juice
2 tbs	Honey
1/2 tsp	Cinnamon
1/2 tsp	Apple pie or pumpkin pie spice
Pinch	Salt
2-3 pkts	Stevia (or sweetener to taste)
Optional	Toppings: 1(8 oz) Container Light Cool Whip or Tru Whip
	WWP+ 4

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, or foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Lay wonton wrappers out individually on baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sweetener. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until wontons have crisped, and become lightly golden brown.

Remove from the oven, let cool completely on baking sheet.

Meanwhile, to make the apple pie filling, Place all of the ingredients in a small sauce pan, and cook over medium heat,

until apples are soft and resemble the appearance of apple pie filling, stirring constantly, (about 2-5 minutes). Remove from heat.

To build the layered apple pie, start by placing one baked wonton on a plate, and layer with about 2 tbs apple pie filling in between each layer,

(alternating with cool whip if desired). Repeat layers 2 more times, (baked wonton will be the top layer, and three wontons will be used for each tower). Top with whipped topping if desired.

IMPOSSIBLE PUMPKIN PIE

Serves 8 

Per serving: 4 PP

3/4 cup Splenda

1/2 cup Reduced Fat buttermilk baking mix

2 Tablespoons margarine -- melted

2 eggs (use Egg Beaters)
1 15 oz.

1 12 oz. can evaporated skim milk
can pumpkin

anilla

Mix all ingredients toget
2 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons 

vher. Pour all but 1-2 cups into sprayed pie pan. 

Add remaining 1-2 cups after you have the pie pan in the oven so that it will not spill. 

Bake 350 degrees for 55 minutes in 9" sprayed pan. Pie is done when knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Creamy Grape Dessert

Warning! This dessert is highly addictive and hard to stop eating! Don't be fooled by the humble ingredients,

this is easy to make, very refreshing, and is perfect to bring to a BBQ. Truthfully, the first time I heard of this

grape dessert, the ingredients did not appeal to me. But when I tasted it, OMG! This is one of those recipes

you'll be making again and again and chances are you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

Easily doubles for more people.

Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes

Servings: 8 Serving Size: 1/8th 

Points+: 6 pts

1 lb green seedless grapes, washed and dried well

1 lb red seedless grapes, washed and dried well

8 oz fat free Chiobani Greek yogurt

4 oz light cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup agave (or sugar)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

2 tbsp brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Directions:

Cut

grapes in half and set aside.

Mix  yogurt, cream cheese, agave and vanilla until blended well. Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large

serving dish.Combine  brown sugar and crushed walnuts. Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely. Chill until

ready to serve.

 

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This newsletter is in no way affiliated with Weight Watchers, Inc. It is simply a motivational tool that I offer to members who attend my Weight Watchers meetings and wish to receive it.

Remove from list? If you no longer wish to receive weekly newsletters from me, please reply to this message indicating "Remove from list" in either the subject header or the body of the message.

I also try to post the newsletter on our private FB page "Zig's Winners" and the Google Blog called Midweek Minutes. Find us on FB and ask to join

our own private support group!