It’s grilling season, and we all know how tempting it can be to over indulge during backyard BBQ’s. Personally, I am a cheeseburger kinda girl. I can’t eat a burger if it doesn’t have cheese! But, we all know that cheese can be killer on the waste line if you indulge in to much of it. Before you hold the cheese on that burger, rest assured that it’s possible to enjoy your favorite foods without all the calories. In an effort to help you create a better-for-you grilling experience for the whole family,I have teamed up with Mom Select to bring you sensible options from Weight Watchers Cheese! Are you sitting there crinkling your noise? Most “diet” food tastes bad right? I mean if it’s supposed to be better for you, it’s going to taste awful right? Being Italian, I am a big fan of cheese.. I love everything from Havarti to your basic cheddar. I wouldn’t say that I am a cheese expert or anything but, I know my cheeses. Weight Watchers Cheeses are all low in calories, fat and sodium so you don’t have to choose between these benefits and can enjoy the rewards of all three at once. Here is what I received to try… Make sure you scroll down to the “My Finding” part!

• Weight Watchers Jalapeno Pepper Gourmet Cheese Wedges
• Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread
• Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Whipped Onion and Chive Cream Cheese Spread
• Weight Watchers Reduced Fat PepperJack Singles

My Findings: When I opened this box I was a bit disappointed. The only thing that I was excited to try was the Whipped Onion and Chive Cream Cheese Spread. I love strawberries but I hate almost everything strawberry flavored. While I love cheese, I am not a fan of PepperJack because I don’t like the heat or the pepper flavor….. normally…

Let’s start with the Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Whipped Onion and Chive Cream Cheese Spread. It was a very creamy and easy to spread treat. I had it on a basic salt-less wheat cracker. It’s a savory whipped treat to enjoy at all times of the day, on bagels, sandwiches, veggies… whatever you like! It is also unique in its category – no one but Weight Watchers Cheese offers a reduced fat whipped onion and chive cream cheese. It has less fat than regular whipped onion and chive cream cheese, added fiber and all the flavor you want. In a two-tablespoon serving, the spread has only 60 calories and a PointsPlus value of 2. I think I might have gone over a little

Next up is Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Pepper Jack Singles. I don’t usually like individually wrapped cheese on my sandwiches. For some reason, right from the deli cheese makes a big difference. However, when making a hot sandwich, you can’t tell the difference really. These Pepper Jack individually-wrapped singles make it easy to enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of melted cheese without all the fat and sodium of regular cheese singles. They are an excellent source of calcium with 25 percent of the recommended daily dose in every single along with 1 gram of fiber per single. Each slice has 45 calories and a PointsPlus value of 1. The claim is that the jalapeño peppers in these singles add a hint of heat to burgers, sandwiches, paninis, and more. Personally, we used them to make Grilled Turkey and Cheese sandwhiches and I didn’t think these were hot by any means. I am a baby when it comes to “hot” foods and this was very good. We also made turkey burgers and used the cheese as well. If you don’t eat turkey burgers, try them like this!

Are you getting hungry yet?! My favorite so far, the Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread. This decadent, fruity variety of the Original Weight Watchers Whipped Cream Cheese is the only one of its kind on the market – you won’t find reduced fat whipped strawberry cream cheese from anyone but Weight Watchers Cheese. With a fluffy, whipped consistency, each two-tablespoon serving has 60 calories, a PointsPlus value of 2, and is sure to freshen up the blandest of breakfasts. Like I mentioned earlier, big fresh strawberry fan but not a strawberry flavored fan. I was very reluctant to try this. To my surprise, the flavor is very light. It’s almost as if you don’t even taste it at first but then you get the strawberry flavor. I had this on a wheat bagel is and was devine!

I saved this one for last because it actually took me about 4 days to even get the courage to try it. The Weight Watchers Jalapeno Pepper Gourmet Cheese Wedges is a spreadable cheese that is perfect for spreading onto crackers, fruits, vegetables, bread and more as a quick, filling snack. Each rich and creamy wedge packs 2 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber into just 30 calories, and has a PointsPlus® value of 1. Once again, as I mentioned earlier, I do not like heat or peppers. But… I had to try it! It is an extremely creamy cheese. Almost melts in your mouth. This was one a little hotter than the Pepper Jack cheese. I had a bottle of water on hand and a little sip did just fine. No lingering burn in your mouth. While it wasn’t my favorite of all I tried, it was decent for me personally. I wouldn’t buy this one because it’s not something I liked but not because it was a bad product. Have you tried any of these? What did you think? These are great products to add to your meals and not feel guilty

Do you do the Weight Watchers Program? Have you tried the cheeses? What do you think!?

If you have read this far then you deserve a coupon! Here is a printable for $1 off any Weight Watchers Cheese product, and it’s good for 30 days after it’s downloaded and printed! Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: MAK Media, LLC was compensated in some form (product, monetarily etc) for this post. I wrote this blog post while participating in a Mom Select blog campaign. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own whether positive or negative. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to Twitter, Facebook or any other Social Media network that may be mentioned. This post is the sole property of MAK Media, LLC. You can read more about our Policy Disclosure here.

I don’t think there are any rules to what you can put in a Shepard’s Pie. It is another one of those versatile dishes that you can make your own. I love to make it because the kids love it, it’s hearty and well who doesn’t love mashed potatoes with all kinds of yummy goodness hiding under it? I like this one because it puts a little spin on what most people are used to when they make Shepard’s Pie. You can’t go wrong with potatoes and cheese, especially with little mouths around the house. The boys are not fans of onion but I can hide them in this. I even hide them from myself! Please tell me what you think!

INGREDIENTS

• 1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup World Harbors Jamaican Style Jerk Marinade & Sauce (Save $.50 now!)
• 1 can (8 oz.) mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup corn (drained if canned)
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS
This is so easy… Ready?

1. Preheat over to 375°F
2. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray
3. Brown your ground beef together with the onions. Yes, put the onions in while you are browning your meat!
4. Drain off the grease.
5. Stir in your Jamaican Jerk Sauce, mushrooms, drained corn, salt & pepper
6. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes
7. Spoon the meat mixture into your prepared 9 x 12-inch oven-proof dish
8. Top it with the mashed potatoes
9. Sprinkle on the cheese
10. Bake it for 20 minutes, until cheese has melted
11. Let it cool for 5 minutes, eat and enjoy!

Think you can’t cook? Do you watch those “30 Minute Meal” shows hoping to pick up something fast and easy? It’s true, you really can make something fast and simple in 30 minutes. I think this recipe would go great with some corn on the cob! It only takes 10 minutes to put together (It took me 7!) ans 20 minutes to bake. This is a much faster option to my previous Cajun Chicken recipe. I am loving these recipes so much for days when I don’t have a lot of time or I just don’t feel like getting into a long dinner process. My favorite part, not many dishes! I love these fast recipes because the chicken stays so moist. I hate dried out chicken.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Hellmann’s or Best Foods Mayonnaise
1-1/2 Tbsp. Cajun spice
1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 oz. ea.)
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

Directions:
Combine mayonnaise, cajun spice and 1/4 cup of the cheese. Spread on chicken, then sprinkle with bread crumbs and parsley. Bake at 425°, 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; heat 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. That’s it!

TIP: My sons found this a tad spicy so feel free to cut back on the Cajun Spice a little if you like.

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Hellmann’s transforms your chicken into a juicier, crispier, more delicious meal that your family will love. Whether you’re trying to please picky eaters or create delicious meals on a budget, Hellmann’s provides tasty, juicy chicken recipe ideas, like this Parmesan Crusted Chicken, to help moms and dads solve every day dinnertime challenges. Hellmann’s “Chicken Change-Up” aims to help parents manage dinner dilemmas in kitchens across America – and they want to hear what it’s like at your house! Hellmann’s on Facebook to participate in the Chicken Change-Up, where you can find ideas on managing dinner dilemmas and enter for a chance to win daily prizes.Had you heard of the Hellmann’s “Chicken Change Up” on Facebook? The Hellmann’s Facebook page will feature Celebrity Chef Tim Love providing his take on tackling these challenges in his own home. From now until April 30, 2012, parents across the country can participate in the Hellmann’s® Chicken Change-up by trying one of the featured Hellmann’s chicken recipes, sharing their recipe reviews and providing their own advice for managing dinnertime obstacles.  After participating, consumers can enter into a sweepstakes for the chance to win a $5000 grocery store gift card and other daily prizes.

Disclosure: MAK Media, LLC was compensated for this post. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to Twitter, Facebook or any other mentioned social media network. This post is solely the property of MAK Media, LLC.  All opinions are mine whether positive or negative. You can read more about our Policy Disclosure here.

This year for Valentine’s Day we stayed in. Since I am not big on this holiday to start with, I was happy with this. My son ended up with the Flu and home that night (and the rest of the week off school) so we made it work. My boyfriend made me a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. I’m a chicken and pasta addict so the man fed right into that addiction! He has a background in cooking so I thought it was time the man cooked for me. Here is the recipe he used with a few of his own little tweaks.

Ingredients:

• 4  boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips or cubes
• 1 pound Mueller’s linguine cooked al dente
• 4 teaspoons McCormick Cajun seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 thinly sliced green onion
• 2 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Nakano Red Pepper Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Nakano Basil & Oregano Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Place chicken, vinegars and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.
4. Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

Disclosure: MAK Media, LLC was not asked or paid in any form to share this information. Any Brand names that are listed are for the sole purpose of specifying a product used. It is still okay to post something simply because I wanted to share it with my readers right?

I love making lasagna and it is a dish that my boys really enjoy. I wanted to change it up a bit so I came up with these roll ups. I am sure it is not my original idea since there are so many awesome Mom’s out there! They are fun to make and to eat. It’s an easy recipe that you can get the kids involved in! Spencer loves to stick the toothpicks in the top since he couldn’t quite get the rolling part down. I actually made almost a double batch which is why there are so many in my pan pictured below. ENJOY!

Ingredients:

• Cooking Spray
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup of soft cheese (such as Alouette, I used Philidelphia Cooking Cremes)
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons of basil
• 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup of Parmeasan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Coat a shallow baking pan with cooking spray
3. Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
4. Drain them and set them to the side. Be careful not to stir them to often or they will break when you are trying to work with them.
5. Next,  in a small bowl, combine the herbed cheese, mozzarella and basil then mix it well.
6. Lay your lasagna noodles out on a flat surface.
7. Spoon a thin layer of the cheese mixture onto each noodle. You don’t want to over load these.
8. Starting from one end, roll up the noodle and secure it with a toothpick.
9. Place rolls side by side in the pan
10. Pour the tomato sauce on top and then sprinkle them with parmesean cheese.
11. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until cheese filling melts and the tops are golden brown.

I am a cheese lover and at first thought these needed more cheese than what I put in. However, once they were baked and I tasted them, it is actually enough. I am going to try them again with the standard mozzarella and ricotta one time. I know, I never make anything by the original recipe

Serves 4

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Disclosure: MAK Media, LLC was not asked to share this information and was in no way compensated for this post. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to Twitter, Facebook or any other mentioned social media network. This post is solely the property of MAK Media, LLC. . All opinions are mine whether positive or negative. You can read more about our Policy Disclosure here.

I was looking for a fast, simple and delicious breakfast that I could prepare for the boys the night before when I found this recipe in one of my Robin Miller cook books. I mixed it up a little with what I had in the house. Below are the books directions with my alterations. I am going to try this one again with ham as we are not really big pepperoni fans. However, it was delicious the way it came out!

• Cooking Spray
• 1 pound acini di pepe pasta or orzo pasta (I used Orzo)
• 8 ounces of pepperoni diced (I used a 3 oz bag but mix it up! Use Ham, Ground Sausage, whatever!)
• 12 large aggs, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese (I used cheddar)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup basil (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 350. Coat a 12 inch Bundt or tube pan with cooking spray.
2. Cook your choice of Orzo or Acini De Pepe pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and put it into a large bowl.
3. Add the pepperoni, eggs, cheese and pepper. Mix well, and pour into your prepared pan.
4. Press down slightly to make a smooth top.
5. Bake for 40 to50 minutes, until set.
6. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before inverting onto a platter and slicing.
7. Garnish top with basil.

Serves 6-8

Disclosure: MAK Media, LLC was not asked to share this information and was in no way compensated for this post. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to Twitter, Facebook or any other mentioned social media network. This post is solely the property of MAK Media, LLC. . All opinions are mine whether positive or negative. You can read more about our Policy Disclosure here.

One of the things I wish I had done while my Dad was still alive was making him some Polish food. I am by no means a pro at this but it is something I wanted to learn to make. I have made these a handful of times and they were always a huge hit with everyone who has tried them. While my boys and I were back home for Christmas, my mom talked me into making them for her. They are really not as difficult as you might think. Just time consuming. I wanted to get a nice picture of them finished by the hounds moved in and I didn’t get a chance Most people serve their pierogies with sour cream but I also like mind with a nice spicy brown mustard.

Filling:

• 4 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
• 1 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup grated dry farmer’s cheese (Feel free to use your favorite FINELY shredded/grated cheese!)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped Chives (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the flour, egg, milk and water. Beat the eggs as you mix and gradually add the rest of the water until the mixture is combined.

Place your dough on a well floured surface. Knead it gentlt only until the ingredients are blended and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to over work your dough.

Form a ball with your dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling:
Put the potatoes in a medium pot and add just enough cold, salted water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. You don’t want them mushy or water logged.

When the potatoes are soft, drain them and return them to the pot. Make sure you get out as much water as you can. Add your cheese, butter,chives, salt and pepper. Mash them just until blended and large lumps are gone. Season again with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool while you roll out your dough.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. On a well floured surface, roll out your dough with a rolling pin until it is about 1/8 inch thick. I used a 3 inch metal cookie cutter to cut each pierogie out. Make sure you you keep them covered with a damp towel as you work so they don’t dry out.

Once you have all of your rounds, go back and lightly roll over each one. I found that this makes them a little easier to pinch closed and gets out and thick spots you might have missed.

Fill the center of each one with a teaspoon of the potato mixture. Join the edges and pinch them firmly to seal them. Press around the edges with a fork. I had a few stubborn ones that didn’t want to stay closed but most of them closed jsut fine without wetting the edges. Make sure you have a tight seal or you will have a mess when you cook them.

You can cook these as you work or wrap them and cook them the next day. Drop no more than 6 in the pot at a time. When your pierogies float to the top, let them cook an additional 2-4 minutes. At this point you can store them for frying later or move them right into a saute’ pan and cook until they are golden brown on each side.

Do you have ALDI’s grocery stores in your area? We do but, I must confess, I have never been in one locally. I vacationed in Atlanta a few years ago and shopped at one very briefly to pick up a few things. I didn’t pay much attention to the store itself and now I wish I had. It might help me with this article. I know stores are so different from one area to the next.

I recently was given the chance to write this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI. I went to the website and looked them up and found that there was one very close to my home that I didn’t even know existed. I agreed to participate and they sent me some gift certificates.

The funny thing was, when I received them, they included a shopping list to purchase various items that were important in association with wine for entertaining. Did you know ALDI’s sold wine? I didn’t! Heck, I didn’t even know grocery stores sold alcohol until I moved to Ohio. They don’t in PA where I am from!

I headed over to my local Aldi with my gift certificates in hand to check out what they had.  To my surprise they had a really big selection. I picked up a bottle of Chaza Moscato, (this is a deep red wine made with a sweeter more flavorful grape), a bottle of Villa Malizia Pinot Grigio (this is a white wine and this brand is good choice for the price but it a typical Pinot) and a bottle of Landshut Riesling (this is a white wine, very clean taste and leaves your mouth almost refreshed). To pair with these I also purchased Edenvale Brie Cheese, Belmont Cheesecake Sampler, Grandessa Mini Eclairs and Havarti Cheese. I LOVE LOVE Havarti! I was given $50 in gift certificates to create a holiday treat. I purchased all of these items for $50.28.

As for the store itself, it was well organized, the staff was nice, it was clean and I was out in less than 30 minutes with all of my things! Check our your local Aldi’s the next time you are in the mood for entertaining on a budget.

Disclosure: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting. While participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI, I received a gift certificate to facilitate my post. The views and opinions expressed in this blogs content are solely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product should be verified by the above mentioned manufacturer, PR Agency or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of of MAK Media, LLC® and/or its above sponsor. The product itself did not persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.

I made this for dinner the other night and just had to share! I am sorry to say that it was a time restricted night and I didn’t get to take picture of all of the steps for you.  I will try to make it again and add some photos at a later date. Please don’t hold me to that It was SOOO delicious and easy! Give it a try and come back and tell me what you thought!

What You Need!

1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked
1 lb.  boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1-1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 tsp.  flour
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz.) 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, cubed
3 tbsp.  Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp.  pepper

Make It!

COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 7 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet. Mix broth and flour in same skillet. Stir in cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, garlic powder and pepper; cook 2 min. or until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly with whisk. Stir in chicken.

DRAIN pasta; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

Find out your Pasta Personality and how it compares to some of Carrabba’s signature pasta dishes. Are you outgoing and have a spicy personality like a Marinara sauce, or warm and caring like a smooth Alfredo? No matter what your personality, Carrabba’s Italian Grill has a signature pasta dish that’s perfect for you! Take the Carrabba’s Pasta Personality Quiz and find out which one of their Signature Pasta meals best represents your personality!

I found it quite funny that mine came out to be Spaghetti and Meatballs. While I could eat Meatballs ALL DAY, I am not a big fan of Spaghetti. I am seriously a Fettuccine/Penne’ and Alfredo girl!