Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake...

Just wanted to let you know that I'm back on track with my Weight Watchers recipes...and yes, this light and simple Chocolate Bundt Cake is from my Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook. Surprised?...you shouldn't be. It's only 4 points per serving, unlike the the little Pogácsa (biscuits) which I made, had at least 2 points per serving...and you just can't stop at eating one piece.We're on a new track now...still lost 1 additional lb. when I thought I gained some of the weight back...exercise does help!

On a lighter note...as in weight wise, and otherwise, I am staying on the Weight Watchers program and will be featuring mostly, my Weight Watchers' recipes, even for my Guest Post, which I am so excited about! For my Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe,  click over...check it out!

Linking to: http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/ 
                   http://katherinescorner.com/
                  



Chocolate Buttermilk Bundt Cake
from: Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook
2011 edition


2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/3 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 10 inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl.
Combine cocoa and chopped chocolate in small bowl. Pour boiling water over cocoa mixture, stirring
until chocolate is melted.
Whisk together buttermilk, oil, egg, egg white, and vanilla in large bowl; stir in cocoa mixture. Add flour,
mixture, stirring just until no longer visible. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let cool in pan on wire
rack 10 minutes. Invert and remove pan. Let cool completely. Serves 24 slices
Points Plus value: 4

note: You can substitute low-fat buttermilk, by making your own.
To a 1 cup glass measuring cup, add 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar, and fill to 1 cup, low-fat milk.
Do not stir, just leave for a few minutes and it will get thick, just like buttermilk...only cheaper, and just as good!

Gong Xi Fa Cai...Happy Chinese New Year...The year of the Dragon!

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Töpörtyüs Pogácsa-Hungarian (crackling) Biscuits



This is a difficult emotional task for me...I have actually made my Hungarian tepertős...or töpörtyüs pogácsa...a savory bacon bits biscuits...strictly Hungarian style, that is from my childhood!...one caution! Do not attempt to make this, unless you want a real challenge, or it's a childhood memory recall!...It's a huge challenge, and takes about 4 to 5 hours of folding, resting, rolling out the dough at least 3 times. I did have a Weight Watchers recipe for you (will have to post it next time)...made a delicious Manhattan Clam Chowder, which was in the cookbook.

I actually made a batch and scored the top...but when I baked it it had a "mind of its own" but all is well, they are incredibly delicious! 

As you can see...these biscuits turned out so flaky, savory, and delicious. A lot of work, but they were worth every minute of it!


Chick Pea Curry...and (not so) Weight Watchers Goodies

Week 2 of my Weight Watchers program, online...I lost 5 lbs. so far. But I must tell you, planning, is the "key" to this successful way of staying on track! It's not easy, when you think about various other foods to eat...easier to make, but hard when you have to say "no" or maybe just limit it to a bite?...or a small portion! Easier said, than done, but I did it, and I'm still doing it!
Last week, I was making mostly chicken dishes, with fresh and healthy vegetables, and this week I'm concentrating on legumes...all kinds of beans, and rice, and grain dishes. The only "sidetrack" is, that in the meantime, I'm also thinking about making cakes, and other snacks...which not necessarily from the Weight Watchers cookbook! As for instance...neither is the Chickpea Curry, but I'm sure, if I would google this recipe for WW, I could find similar recipe for this delicious dish!

Chickpea Curry
by; All Recipes.com

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 onions, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely chopped
6 whole cloves (I used 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
2 (2inch) sticks cinnamon, crushed (I used 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt, to taste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, and fry onions until tender. Stir in garlic, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt cayenne, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly. Mix in garbanzo beans, and the liquid. Continue to cook and stir until all ingredients are well blended and heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro just before serving, reserving  reserving some, for garnish.
Note: I added 1 Tbsp. hot homemade pepper sauce for more spice, and flavor. Also served it over Jasmine rice
6- 8 servings; Points value: 7

Black Beans and Rice...and Cuban Picadillo

Being on WeightWatchers is so much fun, and versatile with all the interesting and delicious foods you can prepare, right out of the cookbook, or get recipes online. Not only that, but you can create your own menus, as long as they are not too fatty, or too much carbs. I love beans, any kind...especially black beans. Here is South Florida we have a huge population of Cuban/Americans that have brought their culture, and cuisine with them to carry on and you can find a Cuban restaurant, or market all around town, here in West Palm Beach, but mostly in Miami!
It's so easy to make Black Beans and Rice, very satisfying with the addition of the Picadillo, which is stirred into the ready made Black Beans and Rice, and if you want to keep it vegetarian...just omit the Picadillo. I will include the basic ingredients for the Picadillo, which is a Cuban hearty ground beef dish, that can be also served with rice, just by itself...combining it with the black beans is really, so hearty and delicious with a simple salad on the side!

Black Beans and Rice
by; Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
5-6 garlic, minced
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, rinsed
and drained
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable stock, or broth
4 teaspoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 cups cooked white rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Saute the bell pepper, onion, and garlic, until very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, stock, sherry, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, pepper sauce, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add hot water to thin to desired consistency. Stir in the cilantro, and season with the salt and pepper; discard the bay leaf. Serve over the rice. Makes 4 servings.
Points Value: 9

Note: with the addition of the picadillo, another 3, or 4 points are added. What I did, was have my usual coffee at breakfast, and ate an entire grapefruit (0 points)...NO OATMEAL...I saved my 4 points to have the Picadillo

For the Picadillo:
Saute 1 medium onion, 4 cloves chopped garlic, in small amt. of olive oil. Add 3/4 cup tomato sauce, 3/4 cup beef broth, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, few dashes of red hot sauce, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir in 8 to 10 pimento stuffed green olive (you can cut them in half) and chopped cilantro. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes. You can serve them over rice, or add, and stir in with the Black Beans and Rice.

Linking to: Cookbook Sundays @ Couscous & Consciousness

Lemon and Cinnamon Scented Flan...and Citrus Love Month

Since I'm into my second week of the WeightWatchers diet program, you would think that I gave up after this super delicious flan...but I did not give up, I am continuing with more enthusiasm, as ever! I lost an additional pound...4 lbs, loss, as of this morning. Yesterday, I went to the gym to work out for 50 minutes, and I mean...really work out, cardio, 30 minutes, and weights, another 20 minutes. I wanted to join in on the Citrus Love Month with something used with citrus. I can't be spending too much time with desserts, knowing that I can only have one bite, or maybe 1 cookie for a treat, so I'm sharing my flan to link up! Also, I will show off my very well planned out dinner...but only, when I have dinner at my daughter Lora's is when I get enthusiastic about it...otherwise, it's dinner for one, and it better be from the WeightWatchers, or similar type of dish!

Lemon and Cinnamon Scented Flan
inspired by Food & Wine

2 1/2 cups whole milk
Peel of half lemon
1 medium cinnamon stick, broken
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
5 large eggs


  1. Preheat the oven to 300°. Set six 5- to 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups in a medium baking pan.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, lemon peel and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes; discard the lemon peel and cinnamon stick pieces.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, cook 1/2 cup of the sugar with the water over moderately high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Lower the heat to moderate and let the sugar syrup simmer, without stirring, until a deep amber caramel forms, about 15 minutes. Immediately pour the caramel into the ramekins, tilting them as necessary to evenly coat the bottoms.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, then strain through a fine sieve into a large measuring cup or a bowl. Pour the custard into the ramekins. Pour enough hot water into the baking pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for about 40 minutes, until a knife inserted into a flan comes out clean. Transfer the ramekins to a rack and let the flans cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the flans for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. To serve, run a thin knife around each flan. Top each flan with an inverted dessert plate and unmold, letting the caramel run over the flans. Serve at once.
Make Ahead: The flans can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in the ramekins.

Linking to: Citruslove @ Mis Pensamientos
                   Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherines Corner

Grilled WW T-Bone Steak...Fairy Hobmother, and Award!

I hope you don't find this lovely T-Bone steak repulsive...but I've been sooo good on my Weight Watchers diet, except at the end of the week. Mostly vegetarian!
Still, all you have to do is to count up all your points, and see the result at the end of the week. I was under 3 points of my allowed points, even if I "fell off the WW diet wagon"...Grilled T-Bone Steak? no way! Yes way! You are allowed to have that...of course, not this entire huge steak...half of it will do!
Did I also forgot to mention...I lost 3 lbs in one week...yeayyy!!!
I have to be honest with you, the side dishes are not in the WeightWatchers cookbook! It's just a sweet potato "nuked" in the microwave, with a pat of butter, and steamed baby spinach!
I'm not ashamed to show off my George Foreman Grill (thrift find $6.99) brand new, with book and recipes, as well! Retail price? at least double, or triple!

Grilled T-Bone Steak
Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

4 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage
1 1/4 lb T-Bone steak, at least  1 1/2 inch thick
trimmed of all visible fat
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Spray the grill rack with nonstick spray. Preheat the grill.
In  a small bowl, mix the oil, rosemary, and the sage. Rub the steak with the herb mixture; place on the grill rack. Grill 3 inches from the heat, turning once, 6 minutes on each side for rare. (In the George Foreman, you don't have to turn, it should be done within less than 10 minutes)...although, you can turn if the steak is a large piece!

Season with salt and pepper as soon as the steak is done. Transfer steak to a small cutting board. Let stand for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Points value-6

Chicken Stir-Fry...and Weight Watchers Diet


I have to be all honest with you...although, I've been good this week keeping up with my points system and staying away from unhealthy snacks, but last night I kind of "fell off the wagon"...NO! not the drinking "wagon" since I decided even with my favorite Chardonnay white wine, I am only enjoying that, once a week...even if that! Every point counts, and I don't want to jeopardize it with empty points, but I did. Last night, I just didn't feel like making dinner, so I bought some freshly made sushi, from our local supermarket. Ate the entire 8 pieces...will get to that, later!

Still loving my Weight Watchers Diet, the points are easy to keep track of, knowing that every recipe in the book gives you the points per serving. I made the Stir-Fried Chicken this past Thursday, and I was really proud with my progress of eating healthy, since I started the diet this Monday. When things go wrong, my problem is munching on snacks, that I normally don't do...I end up throwing out bags of chips, crackers, (no boxed cookies), peanuts, things of that nature, but this Friday, I ended up finishing all the chips, peanuts, crackers w/ cheese, so I lost track of my points. I will go into explaining "why" in another post, just want to concentrate on putting this post up, before my train of thought gets carried away.


Chicken Stir-Fry 
 adapted slightly from; Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

2 Tbsp. low-sodium chicken broth
( I used 1 Tbsp. organic vegetable soup base
and stirred it in 1 cup of water)
1 Tbsp. minced peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
(I also added 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar)
2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 teaspoon Asian (dark) sesame oil
3/4 lb. skinless boneless chicken breast
cut into strips (I used skinless boneless chicken
thighs, cut into small chunks)
2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
1 Tbsp. peanut oil (I used canola oil)
8 scallions cut into 1 inch length
(I used sweet onions cut int halves,
and sliced into thin strips)
2 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
(I used 1/2 teaspoon)
12 asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch length
I used a bunch of fresh green beans,
cleaned one ends, (you can cut them in half)
1 cup trimmed watercress
I used fresh organic carrots sliced (about 3)
also, I used yellow squash sliced thin



To prepare the marinade, in a zip-close plastic bag,
(I used a medium size bowl) combine the broth, ginger, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, (cider vinegar) brown sugar, corn starch, and sesame oil.Add the chicken. Seal the bag, squeezing out the air.(If you are using a bowl, add the chicken and turn to coat with the marinade.Cover with a plastic wrap.) Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, stirring occasionally, or if using the bag, stirring the bag, occasionally.






Drain, and discard the marinade. (I kept 1/2 cup of the marinade to add 1 more teaspoon of cornstarch, and add at the end.

Heat a large nonstick skillet (I used a wok) until very hot.
If you're using sesame seeds, add to stir-fry until golden.
2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.







 In the same skillet, heat the peanut, or canola oil,. Stir-fry the scallion, or (onion) garlic, red pepper flakes for 2 minutes.( Add the asparagus, sliced carrots yellow squash, and (or if using beans, boil them first till still crisp for a few minutes) add these to the skillet, or (wok) and stir-fry.
Add the chicken and (watercress if you're using it)
Stir-fry until chicken is cooked through, 6-8 minutes.
Add the 1/2 cup of the reserved marinade, if you would like to have a nice thickened sauce, and let it come to a boil. (you can omit this process if you don't want the sauce)
Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds. (optional) I served it over Jasmine rice.
Weight Watchers points value: 4 with sauce, and rice, 6 points
4 servings

linking to: Cookbook Sundays #5 @ Couscous-Consciousness

Time for Reality Check....Chicken Soup for the Soul!

Chicken Soup for Flavor, Comfort, and for the Soul is always a welcome, whether you are on a diet...or not, but just enjoying  a nice cup, or bowl  of fresh homemade chicken soup!

As you know, I have announced my diet to the whole world, and also mentioned which kind of diet I am pursuing~
Well, I still stick to my WeightWatchers Diet that I lost 35 lbs in 3 months, which was 7 yrs ago, and have gained the weight back...only. because I just did not care, or keep track of what I'm actually eating...and that does add up over months and years...do not fool yourself, because, it does make a difference to keep track of what you are eating!
I think good home made soup is the best therapy for the soul, and also for a healthy DIET! Since I chose Weight Watchers Diet online, this time...knowing my point system, this is the best, of the best chicken noodle soup recipe that I already have been making for years, and years, but you can always revise it!  As long as you have the basic chicken soup (stock recipe) you can always revise it to your liking! The best part of it, this is acceptable on every diet you have decided to join!

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A New Year...a New You!

Yes, this is a New Year...and a New You...if you let it happen! I've been putting it off for the last 7 years and now, I've made the crucial decision! I want to be at my best, and I want to look amazing! ...that means, I have to lose 35 lbs...actually, 45 lbs! According to my daughter Lora, "how about 50 lbs?"...well, that means if I do lose 50lbs it would be my weight since high school! How many of you can really say you are at the same weight since high school?...I bet, not too many! As the years pass, the weight keeps creeping up...sad, but true!

We toasted to the New Year with a glass of nice pink Prosseco...








Had my bowl of  Hungarian/Italian style lentils made in the slow cooker...also, Lora's fabulous lasagne with the pumpkin, and the bechamel sauce...














Tonight...a large glass of Chardonnay (6 ozs.=2points) in the Weight Watchers system, and now...the Diet begins!


















I purchased this amazing Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook...a 2006 edition, with fabulous recipes that are totally appealing, and delicious, and are perfect for today's lifestyle, if you are contiguously, thinking of healthier eating and making healthier choices...this is the best way to go about it! I actually bought this book at a favorite thrift store of ours, for $1.99 knowing that it retails for at least $32.00. Beautiful hard covered notebook, with the best, of the best light and easy recipes.

I joined Weight Watchers online, just since yesterday, and will probably have to sign up for their weekly meetings locally, in order to monitor, and maintain my weight loss! I already know my point system, and know how to figure out the points in order to lose weight, and I will be posting recipes from this book, for the next 90 days, and keep you posted of my weight loss results!
I made my own recipe, from 2 pieces of boneless chicken thighs, that I had in the freezer, to accompany with a nice dish of salad. The actual dish was 6 points, and I allowed myself 22 WW points in order to lose 35 lbs within the next 90 days!
Here's the recipe, I adapted my recipe from!


Southern Oven "Fried" Chicken

1/4 cup fat free buttermilk
1/4 cup cornflakes crushed
3 Tbsp all-purp flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 lbs. chicken parts, skinned
4 teaspoons canola oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour the buttermilk into a large shallow bowl. On a sheet of wax paper, combine the cornflake crumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken in buttermilk, then dredge in the cornflake mixture, coating completely. Place the chicken on the baking sheet; drizzle with the oil. Bake 30 minutes, then turn the chicken over. Bake until cooked through, 16-20 minutes longer.
Points value: 5


My version of my Boneless Baked Chicken Thighs...based on the WW recipe, using 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs, rubbed with Cajun Blackened spice, and 1 teaspoon each of extra virgin olive oil for the chicken thighs drizzled on, and dredge in 1/4 cup of Matzo Meal, also adding a dash of salt, and pepper. Bake in a 350 degree F. oven till crispy, and light brown for about 25-30 min. turning once. Serve it over a garden salad, topped with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Slicing the chicken, and serving it on top of the salad. Total points- 6


For my first day, I consumed 24 of my 22 allowed points, from breakfast to lunch, and dinner...not too bad for the first day! For breakfast, I had home made oatmeal with raisins, sweetened with Blue Agave organic nectar- 4 points. For lunch I had lentil soup from my huge pot of lentils, added more vegetable broth to make a nice soup- 4 points. For snack crackers, and peanut butter-3 points. Also, cashew peanuts for more snacks, another 2 points. I think I actually stayed within my point system, just have to keep a closer eye on it, and start to exercise, as well! Will keep you more informed of my progress!



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Out With the Old...and In With the New Year!

Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls- click on the link, for the recipe!
With the new year quickly approaching upon us, where as in Australia, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, and Japan, already has celebrated the New Year 2012...we will be be doing the same, at midnight! I will be featuring some of my dishes from 2011 that in our Hungarian/Italian tradition we celebrate.Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, or Sweet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is our tradition, to start the New Year off. The ground meat stuffed cabbage, is made with beef, but the fresh sausage is pork, and pork is traditionally eaten, for good luck!
Italian Sausage with Grilled Cheddar Polenta-click on the link for recipe
Here's another suggestion: Italian Sausage with Grilled Cheddar Polenta. One of our very favorites, but if you're a vegetarian, you can omit the sausage...in fact, don't omit the sausage, just try the delicious polenta, filled with chopped jalapeno pepper, and grilled potatoes, onions, and zucchini, is sure to satisfy your hunger, and it's such a fabulous meal combination.
Garden Lentil Balls
No...these are not meatballs, they are actually Garden Lentil Balls and are packed with fresh gremolata, made with a combination of fresh herbs and fresh garlic, of course. Check for the recipe for the gremolata, as well. You can use lemon, in place of orange to make it traditional.You can also add Marinara sauce on top of these yummy lentil balls, and eat it as a main dish, with past

In Southern Italy, there is a tradition: OUT WITH THE OLD...meaning, on New Year's day, you throw out old objects, out the window, or over the balcony...just with caution!

Last...but not least, another Italian tradition, I don't know exactly which region it comes from, but listen to this one...WEAR RED UNDERWEAR!...yes, it's a tradition, but not just any old "ratty" red underwear, it has to be a new one!...most importantly, a gift from someone...LOL

...another suggestion for New Year's, is brunch... too early for breakfast, and maybe you want to chuck the suggested tradition, and go with BRUNCH!
Home fries-click on the link for recipe
There's nothing more comforting for a brunch than Home fries, bacon, scrambled eggs, or pancakes, waffles, and most comforting and so yummy, are the french toast!
Mark Bittman's Perfect Pancakes
 ...or how about these totally delicious and perfect pancakes...Mark Bittman's Perfect Pancakes. I was on a blueberry "kick, when I made these yummy pancakes! So amazing, really good!

It has been such a blessed year, with family, and friends, my life is fulfilled with such joy, you have all given me...by supporting my blog with all your sweet comments, love, and caring!

Wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year, in health and prosperity...with Love!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne!


Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

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Cleveland Winter 2017

Hello my friends, I hope you all had a great holiday. I just got back from Ohio and I thought it would be nice to put together a post to s...