Vegan Bean & Barley Chili

Ingredients
1.75oz package of chili seasoning
4-10oz cans of rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies (do not drain)
2-8oz cans tomato sauce (no salt added)
15oz can chili hot beans (do not drain)
15oz can great northern beans (drained)
15oz can red beans (drained)
15oz can black beans (drained)
15oz can corn (no salt added, drained)
16oz bag pearl barley
6 cloves minced garlic
1 large onion (diced)
1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
10oz (aprox. 4) fresh habanero peppers,diced
2.5oz (aprox. 1) fresh chili pepper, diced
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
1 Tbs. cumin
1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions
In a 5 1/2 quart or larger stock pot cook pearl barley according to package (aprox. 45mins.)

In a second pan caramelize diced onion in extra virgin olive oil.  When almost complete add diced habanero peppers, diced chili peppers,  and diced garlic. 

Once pearl barley is cooked add onion mixture to pan and add all remaining ingredients, mix well.  Simmer on low, stirring occasionally for approximately one hour.  Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips (all optional).
 
Serving Size: 2 cups (recipes makes roughly 9 servings)
Calories: 402.5
Fat: 3.5 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Sodium: 1595 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 86.25 grams
Fiber: 19.5 grams
Sugar: 11.25 grams
Protein: 17 grams

Pepper Mayo

This is a great spread for any sandwich (I am embarrassed to admit I could probably eat it right out of the container with a spoon cause it is that good)!!!

Ingredients
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon Splenda
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more or less to taste)

Directions
Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Serving Size: 1 table spoon
Calories: 49
Fat: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 5 milligrams
Sodium: 101 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 1.25 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: .65 grams
Protein: .13 gram

KFC Twister Sandwich

KFC Twisters are one of the few fast food items I miss.  This sandwich (although now discontinued) is close to 600 calories, which is something that definitely doesn't fit into my daily caloric allowance.  With a little shopping and experimenting I was able to make a version that is amazingly close to the real thing at only about half the calories.

Ingredients
1 low calorie tortilla (like Ole Xtreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb Tortilla)
1/4 cup diced tomato
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1 tablespoon pepper mayo
2-3 breaded chicken tenders (aprox. 100g)

Directions
Place tortilla on counter. Spread 1 tablespoon pepper mayo down the center of the tortilla.  Top with lettuce, tomato, and chicken tenders.  Fold and eat.

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 322
Fat: 18.75 grams
Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
Sodium: 949 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 31.78 grams
Fiber: 13 grams
Sugar: 2.11 grams
Protein: 21.82 grams

Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

After creating a delicious lime fajita chicken filling, I needed a great way to serve it. Looking for something I could pre-make and pack for lunch, I decided to make a quesadilla. This will definitely be something I will have the ingredients on hand to make often. It was delicious and filling.Ingredients

1 low calorie tortilla (like Ole Xtreme Wellness High Fiber Low Carb Tortilla)
1/4 cup 2% shredded cheese
1/2 cup lime chicken fajita mixture

Directions

Place tortilla on counter. Spread 1/2 cup of the lime fajita chicken on 1/2 of the tortilla. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese on the other half of the tortilla. Fold in half.

Spray a medium sauce pan with non stick cooking spray. Place quesadilla in pan on medium heat until it is lightly brown. Flip and repeat on other side.

Let quesadilla rest for about 2 mins. then cut in half. Serve with sour cream and/or salsa.

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
Calories: 311
Fat: 14.25 grams
Cholesterol: 91 milligrams
Sodium: 627 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 9.33 grams
Fiber: 25 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Protein: 35.25 gram
Points: 6.5

Lime Fajita Chicken

I LOVE Mexican food, I am pretty sure I could eat it every day without becoming tired of it. I often cook a big batch of taco meat and freeze it in single serving contains for an easy dinner any night. The one thing I hate about traditional taco filling is the high sodium content in the seasoning. I wanted something low sodium, low calorie, and high in protein, yet flavorful. I decided to use chicken, peppers, and onions to create a fajita flavored filling. Ingredients
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tbs. canola oil (one tsp. reserved for caramelizing onions and peppers)
1 tbs. white vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
1 Jalapeno, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 medium white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium tomato, diced
1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, diced

Directions

In a medium bowl whisk together lime juice, white vinegar, canola oil, & cumin. Next add in diced chicken and Jalapenos. Cover and refrigerate for one hour (up to 24 hours).

Heat a small frying and add 1 tsp. of canola oil, diced green pepper, minced garlic, and diced onion. Stir occasionally until lightly caramelized.

In a large fry pan cook marinated chicken until chicken is fully cooked. Add tomatoes, caramelized onions & caramelized green peppers. Stir until mixed well. Remove from heat and serve.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (1/6 recipe)
Calories: 150
Fat: 6.25 grams
Cholesterol: 71 milligrams
Sodium: 153 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 4.5 grams
Fiber: 1 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Protein: 20.25 gram
Points: 3

Strawberry Shortcake Steel Cut Oats

Lately I have been experimenting with steel cut oats. I am not a big fan of them, normally I could take them or leave them, but they are nutritious and perfect to eat when I get to work since I can make a few days worth at a time. Finally I have found a way to cook them that is delicious. This recipe reminds me of strawberry shortcake. The best part is that I was able to turn the steel cut oats in to more of a dessert without adding tons of calories. YUM!
Ingredients
1 cup steel cut oats
4 cups water
1 - 1lb. bag of frozen strawberries (4 reserved for garnish)
4 tbs. Splenda

Directions

In a sauce pan bring water to a boil.

Stir in steel cut oats. Once added reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes (or to desired consistency)

Once oats are done stir in splenda and strawberries, breaking up the strawberries with spoon as you stir. Once mixed well separate into 4 dishes, garnish with a strawberry.

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 187.5
Fat: 2 grams
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Sodium: 0 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 36.75 grams
Fiber: 5.5 grams
Sugar: 7.75 grams
Protein: 5 gram
Points: 3

Bailey's Hot Cocoa

YUM !!! This is by far my favorite evening treat. Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa is a really good treat in itself at 25 calories, but if i have the extra calories a little Bailey's Irish Cream and Reddi Wip make it AMAZING !!!! A cup of this, a blanket, and a good TV show is the best way to unwind before bed. Serving Size: 1 serving of each in a coffee mug

Calories: 134
Fat: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 136 milligrams
Sodium: 183 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 12.5 grams
Fiber: 1 grams
Sugar: 10.5 grams
Protein: 2 gram
Points: 3