Red Velvet Cheesecake

February 7, 2012February 7, 20122 Comments

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the best way to a man’s heart? His stomach. This delicious cheesecake recipe will be sure to make him ga-ga over you. 🙂

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust.
Bake at 325° for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300°, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Beat 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of springform pan. Garnish, if desired.

*short-cut tip: Buy Graham Cracker ready crust and just follow cake mix recipe.

Cocktails Under 200 Calories

February 3, 2012February 3, 2012Leave a comment

Happy Friday everyone! With a fun-packed weekend ahead, here are a few suggestions to keep your drinking calories in check for the big game. Delicious, fresh cocktail recipes all under 200 calories!

1. Skinny Margarita

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Servings: 1 • Serving Size: 1 drink • Points: 4 ww pts
Calories: 185.5 • Fat: 0.0 g • Protein: 0.2 g • Carb: 6.4 g • Fiber: 0.2 g

2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila
.5 oz Orange Liquor
Juice of 1 Fresh Lime
Ice

Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

2. Cran Razzy

Cran Razzy Recipe

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, for garnish
2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice
2 cups seltzer
2 tablespoons lime juice, plus 4 wedges for garnish
6 ounces (3/4 cup) vodka
1. If using fresh raspberries, freeze them in a single layer for about 1 hour (or overnight) before proceeding with Step 2.
2. Combine cranberry-raspberry juice, seltzer, lime juice and vodka in a pitcher. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with frozen raspberries and lime wedges.
Per serving: 163 calories

3. Monkeylada

Monkeylada Recipe

If you are like me, I LOVE pina coladas, minus that they can be up to 800 calories. This version duals as a beverage AND dessert and has around 200 calories.

2 very ripe bananas
1 cup diced fresh pineapple, plus 4 wedges for garnish
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup “lite” coconut milk, (see Tip)
3 cups ice cubes
6 ounces (3/4 cup) light rum

Puree bananas, diced pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut milk and ice in a blender. Stir in rum. Divide among 4 glasses. Garnish with pineapple wedges

Southwestern Bean Dip

February 2, 2012Leave a comment

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip Recipe

Superbowl Sunday is just around the corner and most of the snacks such as chips, wings, pizza, etc are high in fat and calories. Here is a delicious dip recipe that has some healthier alternatives such as avocado, black beans, and veggies.

Ingredients

1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably “spicy”
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed
4 scallions, sliced
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, chopped
1/4 cup canned sliced black olives, (optional)

Directions

Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese.
Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives

Nutrition Facts:

Per serving: 146 calories; 7 g fat ; 12 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 5 g fiber; 288 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium.

Superbowl Party Food

January 25, 20123 Comments

Last weekend, my hubby & I had a small party for the NFL Championship games and we are excited that the Giants made the Superbowl. We are looking forward to watching the superbowl at a friend’s house and eat a ton of munchies, drink some good beer, and just enjoy the game. Here a few inspirations for your Superbowl parties.

{stadium made of junk food.. a kid’s dream!}

{cheeseballs.. looks so yummy!}

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Valentine ♥

January 20, 2012January 20, 2012Leave a comment

My favorite part of Valentine’s Day as a kid was passing out unique card to my classmates and waiting for special V-day cards from my peers. My little Valentines always had my favorite cartoons like Strawberry Shortcake, Smurfs, or Ninja Turtles- yes I was kind of a big deal! 🙂

We are never too old to pass out Valentine’s but a treat will get you much further. Bring something special into the office or to your friend’s place and celebrate the cheesy holiday!