MIDWEEK MINUTES August 6, 2016
Midweek
Minutes
August 6,
2016
Hello,
Winners!
Well, it's back to school for
this teacher. Thursday marks the official first day for the teachers. I know
many of you will be getting ready for school in your households in the next week
or so if you haven't already started back. That means a change of routine and
schedules again. (There goes my afternoon nap!) Soon it will be time for
football, cross-country, softball games, and volleyball games. "Let the Games
Begin". . .with some Olympics in Rio to watch first. Where DID the summer
go? When was the last time you were at a WW
meeting? If it's been awhile, then this is a great time to get motivated and
get back!
It's going to be an interesting rest of the month...for two
reasons.
Number One: School
starts, of course. Sounds like the weather will be hot, and I hope you are
taking some time for yourself, making some summer memories, and perhaps watching
the Olympics.
Number Two: Sadly, Hastings members are
losing the Saturday morning meeting. Please come to the last Saturday meeting
on August 13 meeting for more information. The members who attended today want
to ask everyone to bring food (WW-friendly) for the last
meeting.
Change is here.
Remember what it
was like going back to school? Maybe you are getting your kids ready, or maybe
you are thinking about your own school days. You get some new notebooks, shoes,
clothes, and pens. It's exciting to see your friends from whom you have been
away all summer. It's a time for new beginnings. My year always seems to start
with the start of a school year. Why not let "back to school" be a new beginning
for you with Weight Watchers!
In
celebration, Weight Watchers
has some new products to excite your palette! Come to the meetings and see what
we have for you!
See you there! –Zig
Member
Milestones
Superior: –18.4
lbs.
Hastings: –13.2
lbs.
5 lb.
star
Cyndi S. ( S
)
LOOK who’s
at GOAL!!!
Val M. ( S
)
If summer’s events, travel, and family fun tend to upend your
regular routine, chances are your eating schedule is a bit out of whack, too.
But you can stay ahead of hunger and stick with your healthy intentions when you
plan ahead for on-the-go eating.
Smart snacking
A common misconception is that snacking leads to weight gain. While too many nibbles of anything can send the scale in the wrong direction, a well-chosen snack can ease hunger pangs, please your tastebuds—and deliver more than just empty calories. Eating a sensible and nutritious snack between meals helps to take the edge off, so come mealtime, you're not so hungry that you end up overeating. So, what's the secret formula for a snack that satisfies and has staying power? A lean protein and fiber-rich carb pairing is a good pick—like the combos in your Weekly.
A common misconception is that snacking leads to weight gain. While too many nibbles of anything can send the scale in the wrong direction, a well-chosen snack can ease hunger pangs, please your tastebuds—and deliver more than just empty calories. Eating a sensible and nutritious snack between meals helps to take the edge off, so come mealtime, you're not so hungry that you end up overeating. So, what's the secret formula for a snack that satisfies and has staying power? A lean protein and fiber-rich carb pairing is a good pick—like the combos in your Weekly.
Taking it with you
Preparing wholesome bites that travel well doesn’t have to take much time or effort. But if you just can't seem to get out the door with a snack in hand (or in your bag), these questions might help you zero in on—and figure out how to overcome—those obstacles.
Preparing wholesome bites that travel well doesn’t have to take much time or effort. But if you just can't seem to get out the door with a snack in hand (or in your bag), these questions might help you zero in on—and figure out how to overcome—those obstacles.
- Do you just not seem to have the right foods around?
- Or the right gear (an insulated bag or convenient containers) for carrying snacks with you? Check out our handy take-it-with-you options.
- Do you tend to rely on what will be available at your destination, like a snack bar, food court, or fast-food joint?
- What would make snacks easier to grab? How could they be more satisfying, or worth the SmartPoints® values? A dedicated “snack shelf” in your fridge and pantry is one way to make on-the-go eating easier. Plastic bins and containers can keep single-serving bags and packages organized and accessible. Creating a mix-and-match snack “menu” is another way to avoid boredom and give you new ideas for satisfying snack combinations (and it can double as a shopping list). And if you need recipes, you’ve come to the right place! We have dozens of mini-meals, snacks, and dips perfect for one.
The Sleep-Weight Loss Connection
Discover how more quality
sleep can equal more sucess at losing!
If you ask most people what behaviors encourage
weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle — mindful eating and moving more — are
usually the first changes that come to mind. But researchers are finding more
and more links between getting too few ZZZs and carrying too many lbs. And
although the reasons are not fully understood, there seems to be a connection
between sleep loss and hormonal changes that affect appetite and satiety. So,
how much attention do you pay to how much (or well) you sleep? Do you snore? Eat
dinner within an hour of hitting the hay? Or smack the snooze button (at least
once) every morning?
A good night’s sleep can impact how we feel, how we think, and our ability to make healthy food choices.
Getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night will help you recharge physically, mentally and emotionally —setting you up for weight-loss success. You'll be less stressed, more aware and better able to cope with all of life’s curveballs including temptations like sweets and junk food. Studies have even shown that too little sleep can trigger cravings for high-fat, high-calorie foods. And when you’re exhausted, you’re less likely to resist those urges. Isn’t it amazing to think that something as simple as some extra quality shuteye each night could help you stay in control?
An A+ plan for better ZZZs
If you're having difficulty sleeping, spend some time assessing your sleep habits and patterns. Keeping a sleep journal for a week or so may help. Be sure to take a look at the entire picture — that includes what goes on during the day well before bedtime. For example, working out regularly can lead to sound sleep. But exercising too close to bedtime can leave you feeling wired so get your fitness fix in no later than three hours before you hit the sack.
What — and when — you eat plays a role, too. Digestion raises body temperature, and a heavy meal too close to bedtime may keep you awake while your stomach works overtime. If you want an after-dinner snack, keep it light and chase it with a glass of milk or herbal tea, which some people find relaxing. (Just make sure to hit the bathroom before you hit the hay to avoid being awakened by a full bladder!)
Although it may seem silly at first, adding a "sleep" appointment to your daily schedule can help you stick to this month's Routine. Allow ample time for dinner, family, chores and any other loose ends you need to tie up before you retire. Commit to “shutting down” electronics (computer, tablet, phone, TV) at least 30 minutes before your target lights-out time to give your eyes and brain time to wind down. Perhaps have a warm, bubbly soak in the tub (when you get out, the decrease in body temperature can help you feel sleepy). Or you might want to read a good book or magazine, or listen to relaxing sounds on the radio before drifting off to sleep. Sweet dreams.
A good night’s sleep can impact how we feel, how we think, and our ability to make healthy food choices.
Getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night will help you recharge physically, mentally and emotionally —setting you up for weight-loss success. You'll be less stressed, more aware and better able to cope with all of life’s curveballs including temptations like sweets and junk food. Studies have even shown that too little sleep can trigger cravings for high-fat, high-calorie foods. And when you’re exhausted, you’re less likely to resist those urges. Isn’t it amazing to think that something as simple as some extra quality shuteye each night could help you stay in control?
An A+ plan for better ZZZs
If you're having difficulty sleeping, spend some time assessing your sleep habits and patterns. Keeping a sleep journal for a week or so may help. Be sure to take a look at the entire picture — that includes what goes on during the day well before bedtime. For example, working out regularly can lead to sound sleep. But exercising too close to bedtime can leave you feeling wired so get your fitness fix in no later than three hours before you hit the sack.
What — and when — you eat plays a role, too. Digestion raises body temperature, and a heavy meal too close to bedtime may keep you awake while your stomach works overtime. If you want an after-dinner snack, keep it light and chase it with a glass of milk or herbal tea, which some people find relaxing. (Just make sure to hit the bathroom before you hit the hay to avoid being awakened by a full bladder!)
Although it may seem silly at first, adding a "sleep" appointment to your daily schedule can help you stick to this month's Routine. Allow ample time for dinner, family, chores and any other loose ends you need to tie up before you retire. Commit to “shutting down” electronics (computer, tablet, phone, TV) at least 30 minutes before your target lights-out time to give your eyes and brain time to wind down. Perhaps have a warm, bubbly soak in the tub (when you get out, the decrease in body temperature can help you feel sleepy). Or you might want to read a good book or magazine, or listen to relaxing sounds on the radio before drifting off to sleep. Sweet dreams.
BACK TO SCHOOL
SALE!!!
Lunchtime? Practice Perfect Packing
How can you make sure
you're eating a healthy lunch? Bring it yourself. Read on for our tips, and
favorite portable recipes.
It's human nature to eat what's
handy instead of making the extra effort to eat right. Use this tendency to your
advantage by bringing healthy, low-calorie foods wherever you go. Follow our
tips, and you'll be a legend in your own lunchtime.
Shop savvy
Stock up on containers of various shapes and sizes to accommodate different food types and servings (make sure they are microwave safe). We like Obentec's bento-style Laptop Lunch system (from LaptopLunches.com) as well as Fit & Fresh's modular systems (available at many grocery and home goods stores), but cheaper alternatives by Ziploc and GladWare also do a great job. (The screwtop lids on the Ziploc Twist 'n Loc containers are great for those who just want to stuff something in your bag without worrying about spills.)
While you're in the housewares department, get yourself a soft collapsible cooler or tote. They now come in many sizes and styles and feature useful extras such as hot and cold pockets and drink compartments. Choose one that meets your needs and also suits your style. You'll be more apt to use it if you like how it looks.
At the grocery store, buy prepackaged items such as individual servings of tuna fish and crackers, yogurt with granola — even baby carrots are sold in single-serving baggies. Bananas and oranges are the ultimate "prepackaged" fruits.
Cook smart
Make a batch of soup on Sunday, divvy it up into portion-controlled containers for workday lunches, and pop them into the freezer. (Remember to leave room at the top of the container for expansion.) Research has shown that if you start a meal with a broth-based soup, you're more likely to eat fewer calories, says Elizabeth Somer, R.D. Other good make-ahead dishes that keep well: rice and legume salads, and healthy dips, such as hummus. Grill extra boneless chicken breasts to use in sandwiches and on top of salads.
Portion patrol
In this age of "supersizing," prepacking your meals in containers will help you eat reasonable servings. "Get to know true serving sizes, and plan meals with that in mind," says Jean Anliker, director of the Nutrition Education Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A good guide to follow: One ounce of food is about the size of the average thumb, 2-3 ounces is about the size of a palm, and a cup is about the size of a fist.
Measure up
When packing your tote, run down a nutritional checklist. Tally how many PointsPlus® values you'll be using during the day so you'll know what's left for dinner or an extra snack. Count up servings of fruits and vegetables and make sure you've included adequate amounts of protein, calcium-rich foods and complex carbohydrates. The right balance of foods will help curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
Not just lunch
Too busy for breakfast? Instead of grabbing a jumbo muffin on the way to work, try individually wrapped cereal and granola bars, yogurt and fruit. Be sure to pack snacks to get you through a long day. Working late? Plan ahead for that meal, too.
Hydrate
Don't forget to pack beverages. Flavored seltzer waters, vitamin waters, and diet sodas come in their own cans and bottles. Or bring your own concoction such as iced herbal teas and fruit smoothies in a reusable beverage bottle designed for that purpose.
Shop savvy
Stock up on containers of various shapes and sizes to accommodate different food types and servings (make sure they are microwave safe). We like Obentec's bento-style Laptop Lunch system (from LaptopLunches.com) as well as Fit & Fresh's modular systems (available at many grocery and home goods stores), but cheaper alternatives by Ziploc and GladWare also do a great job. (The screwtop lids on the Ziploc Twist 'n Loc containers are great for those who just want to stuff something in your bag without worrying about spills.)
While you're in the housewares department, get yourself a soft collapsible cooler or tote. They now come in many sizes and styles and feature useful extras such as hot and cold pockets and drink compartments. Choose one that meets your needs and also suits your style. You'll be more apt to use it if you like how it looks.
At the grocery store, buy prepackaged items such as individual servings of tuna fish and crackers, yogurt with granola — even baby carrots are sold in single-serving baggies. Bananas and oranges are the ultimate "prepackaged" fruits.
Cook smart
Make a batch of soup on Sunday, divvy it up into portion-controlled containers for workday lunches, and pop them into the freezer. (Remember to leave room at the top of the container for expansion.) Research has shown that if you start a meal with a broth-based soup, you're more likely to eat fewer calories, says Elizabeth Somer, R.D. Other good make-ahead dishes that keep well: rice and legume salads, and healthy dips, such as hummus. Grill extra boneless chicken breasts to use in sandwiches and on top of salads.
Portion patrol
In this age of "supersizing," prepacking your meals in containers will help you eat reasonable servings. "Get to know true serving sizes, and plan meals with that in mind," says Jean Anliker, director of the Nutrition Education Program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A good guide to follow: One ounce of food is about the size of the average thumb, 2-3 ounces is about the size of a palm, and a cup is about the size of a fist.
Measure up
When packing your tote, run down a nutritional checklist. Tally how many PointsPlus® values you'll be using during the day so you'll know what's left for dinner or an extra snack. Count up servings of fruits and vegetables and make sure you've included adequate amounts of protein, calcium-rich foods and complex carbohydrates. The right balance of foods will help curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
Not just lunch
Too busy for breakfast? Instead of grabbing a jumbo muffin on the way to work, try individually wrapped cereal and granola bars, yogurt and fruit. Be sure to pack snacks to get you through a long day. Working late? Plan ahead for that meal, too.
Hydrate
Don't forget to pack beverages. Flavored seltzer waters, vitamin waters, and diet sodas come in their own cans and bottles. Or bring your own concoction such as iced herbal teas and fruit smoothies in a reusable beverage bottle designed for that purpose.
And . . .
NEW VIDEO HUB at www.weightwatchers.com!
Say hello to Connect on Web!
In fact, Connect has proven to be so popular that we’re excited to announce that as of July 25th, Connect is our member community for desktop as well! This means that as of the first week of August, the old Community will no longer be available.
So, how does that affect me?
If you’re a
subscriber, as of July 25th on your
computer desktop, you’ll see a new section called ‘Connect’. That’s the place to
view everything that’s happening in the Connect community via your
computer.
If you’re not a subscriber,
you’ll be automatically redirected to a new site we’ve created with content just
for you. If I use the old Community, what do I have to do?
If you’re a current Community blogger, Group or Challenge participant, you’ll no longer be able access the old community from the first week of August, 2016.
Instead, subscribers can easily recreate their Group or Challenge in Connect using a hashtag such as #wwwfoodiesgroup or #lose10lbsbylaborday. Anyone who wants to join can use the same hashtag to form a library of posts and inspiration.
If you have a Weight Watchers blog, you’ll need to go through your old posts to copy, paste and save the info that you would like to keep, before the old community closes in August. You can continue to make your posts and updates via the Connect app. We have an awesome before-and-after image tool so you can share your progress.
Message Boards will be retired but can keep in touch via our Facebook page and can continue to ask for advice from fellow members. You can also follow us on Instagram or join other members on Reddit.
How can I keep all my followers and friends?
The more the merrier! To ensure your followers can find you on Connect, we suggest you copy and post this info below with your answers to your Weight Watchers username, blog, challenge or group:
Keep in touch with me!
The old WW community is closing the first week of August and moving to Connect. To keep following my weight-loss progress, you can find me on Connect in the mobile app by using the Search & Explore feature. When you log in to the mobile app, tap on Connect, then tap on Search & Explore. Once you’re there, type in my username and my profile will come up in the results. Tap on it and you’ll have the option to follow me so we can keep in touch!
My username is: (eg: alibonkers)
If you want to keep following my group or challenge posts, you’ll be able to find all of my posts in Connect by searching for my hashtag, this is the hashtag I’ll be using:
My challenge/group hashtag will be: (eg: #alibonkersgrouplose5kgbysummer)
What is Connect?
Connect is our exclusive subscriber-only community that allows you to post and share your progress, photos, and motivational quotes with other members. If you’re not a big sharer, that’s OK. You can view and follow other members’ journeys for inspiration. “Connect is intimate. It is always positive,” wrote one member in a review on Racked.com , calling it “The Only Good Social Network.”
Connect is just like our old Community, but better! You can follow other Weight Watchers members and make new friends. Comment on their posts or hit the like button to show your support. Plus you can view the latest posts, trending posts and easily view your own posts.
Best of all you have full control of your privacy settings so you can manage who can follow your profile, accept friend requests and choose to make your posts public of private.
Member
Recipes
BLT Salad
Recipe
Makes 1
salad
1 slice bacon,
cooked and crumbled or chopped
2 cups Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon DIY Salad dressing or whatever dressing you have on hand
2 cups Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon DIY Salad dressing or whatever dressing you have on hand
Toss bacon,
romaine, tomatoes, and dressing in a medium bowl. Serve
immediately.
With DIY
dressing = 157 calories, 10.7 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 12 g carbohydrates,
3.5 g sugar,4.8 g protein, 1.8 g fiber, 380 mg sodium, 5
SmartPts
Chicken Marsala
Ingredients Serves 4
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup fresh mushrooms,
sliced
1 lb boneless skinless boneless, skinless
chicken breast, (four 4 oz pieces)
1 tsp dried thyme
1⁄2
tsp table salt, (more or less to taste)
1⁄4
tsp black pepper
1⁄2
cup marsala wine
1 1⁄4 cup
reduced-sodium beef broth, divided
1 1⁄2 tbsp corn
starch
Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over
medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender and releasing liquid,
about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place chicken on a plate and
season both sides with thyme, salt and pepper. Move mushrooms to outer edge of
skillet once cooked. Place chicken in center of skillet and sauté until golden,
about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Add wine to skillet; simmer 1 minute. Add
3/4 cup of broth and simmer, uncovered, until chicken is tender and cooked
through, about 8 minutes.
Dissolve cornstarch in remaining 1/2 cup
of broth in a small bowl; add to skillet. Simmer until sauce thickens, stirring
constantly and incorporating mushrooms into the liquid, about 1 minute. Serve
chicken with mushroom sauce spooned over top. Yields about 3 ounces of chicken
and 1/3 cup of sauce per serving.
Per serving: 7
SmartPoints
BBQ
Chicken
Ingredients for
Chicken:
1 package chicken legs (about 6 pieces),
see prep tips
1 package chicken thighs (about 6
thighs)
Salt and pepper, to
taste
Ingredients for Barbecue Sauce:
1 cup onions, diced
1 tablespoon garlic,
minced
½ tablespoon olive oil
2 cups diet root beer
¾ cup ketchup
½ cup apple cider
vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup spicy brown
mustard
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
sauce
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to
taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sprinkle chicken with a little salt
and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover chicken with foil
and bake for 45 minutes.
3. In the meantime, make the barbecue
sauce: In a nonstick pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and
garlic and saute for about 2 minutes until onions are soft. Stir in root beer
and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced to ½ cup,
about 15 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it as it can burn
easily.
4. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar,
mustard, molasses, Worcestershire and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 15
minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon
juice.
6. Remove cooked chicken from oven. Cool
slightly. Remove and discard all the skin.
7. Dip chicken pieces into barbecue sauce
to coat. Note: Since the chicken is already cooked there’s no need to worry
about cross contamination. Grill covered for 5 minutes. Turn over and spread
with more sauce. Continue to grill until charred, about 5 more
minutes.
8. ***To broil instead of grilled:
Preheat broiler. Dip chicken pieces into barbecue sauce to coat. Place pieces
on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5 minutes, turn over, coat with
more sauce and broil for another 4-5 minutes until browned.
Makes 12 pieces (each serving 1 piece of
chicken)
Prep Tips
This sauce can be used on chicken, pork or beef. Store sauce covered in refrigerator for several weeks. It can be doubled, tripled and so on.
It’s always such a chore to remove skin
from chicken. If you bake it first with the skin left on, it’s a breeze to
remove. It won’t change the calories or fat either.
Precooking the chicken in the oven before
grilling makes the chicken very moist and tender.
SKINNY FACTS: for about 1 piece of chicken
141 calories, 3g fat, 9g protein, 17g carbs, 0g fiber, 280mg sodium, 13g sugar
141 calories, 3g fat, 9g protein, 17g carbs, 0g fiber, 280mg sodium, 13g sugar
Cowgirl Caviar
Slaw
Ingredients 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 packets no-calorie sweetener (like
Truvia)
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Dash chili powder
3 cups bagged coleslaw mix
One 15-oz. can black-eyed peas, drained
and rinsed
One 15-oz. can black beans, drained and
rinsed
3/4 cup frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
Directions
In a large bowl, combine vinegar,
sweetener, oil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
Whisk until sweetener has dissolved and
mixture is uniform.
Add all remaining ingredients, and stir
well.
Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at
least 1 hour.
MAKES 8 SERVINGS @ 3 SP
Bursting-with-Blueberries Muffin in a
Mug
SmartPoints® value 2*
SmartPoints® value 2*
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. whole-wheat
flour
1 tbsp. all-purpose
flour
3 no-calorie sweetener packets
(like Truvia)
1/4 tsp. baking
powder
1/8 tsp.
cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. unsweetened vanilla
almond milk
2 tbsp. egg whites (about 1
egg's worth) or fat-free liquid egg substitute
1 tbsp. unsweetened
applesauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla
extract
1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or
thawed from frozen and drained)
Directions:
Spray a large microwave-safe mug with
nonstick spray. Add both types of flour, sweetener, baking powder, cinnamon, and
salt. Mix well.
Add all remaining ingredients except blueberries. Stir until uniform.
Gently fold in blueberries.
Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes, or until set.
Immediately run a knife along the edges to help separate the cake from the mug.
Gently shake mug to release muffin, and plate, right side up.
Let cool completely, about 25 minutes. (This step is a must for best texture.)
Add all remaining ingredients except blueberries. Stir until uniform.
Gently fold in blueberries.
Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes, or until set.
Immediately run a knife along the edges to help separate the cake from the mug.
Gently shake mug to release muffin, and plate, right side up.
Let cool completely, about 25 minutes. (This step is a must for best texture.)
MAKES 1 SERVING
Hungry Girlfredo Broccoli Mac 'n
Cheese
1/6th of recipe: 192
calories, 4g
total fat (2g sat fat), 548mg sodium, 29.5g carbs, 6g fiber, 6g sugars, 12.5g
protein
SmartPoints® value 4*
SmartPoints® value 4*
Ingredients:
4 1/2 oz. (about 1 1/4 cups)
uncooked high-fiber elbow macaroni
4 cups broccoli
florets
6 cups roughly chopped
cauliflower
2 tsp. chopped
garlic
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black
pepper
3/4 cup fat-free
milk
1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp. grated
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole-wheat panko
breadcrumbs
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray an 8" X 8" baking pan with nonstick spray.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and broccoli. Cook both according to the instructions on the pasta package, about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/3 cup water. Cover and microwave for 8 minutes, or until soft.
Drain pasta and broccoli, and place in a large bowl.
To make the sauce, in a blender or food processor, combine cooked cauliflower, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add milk, 1/3 cup Parm, and 1/4 cup water. Blend on high speed until smooth and uniform.
Add sauce to the large bowl. Thoroughly stir to coat pasta and broccoli.
Transfer the mixture to the baking pan, and smooth out the surface.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and remaining 2 tbsp. Parm.
Bake until top is golden brown and entire dish is hot and bubbly, 15 - 20 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and broccoli. Cook both according to the instructions on the pasta package, about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/3 cup water. Cover and microwave for 8 minutes, or until soft.
Drain pasta and broccoli, and place in a large bowl.
To make the sauce, in a blender or food processor, combine cooked cauliflower, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add milk, 1/3 cup Parm, and 1/4 cup water. Blend on high speed until smooth and uniform.
Add sauce to the large bowl. Thoroughly stir to coat pasta and broccoli.
Transfer the mixture to the baking pan, and smooth out the surface.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and remaining 2 tbsp. Parm.
Bake until top is golden brown and entire dish is hot and bubbly, 15 - 20 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
MAKES 6
SERVINGS
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I offer to members who attend my Weight Watchers meetings and wish to receive
it.
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