A "Go To" Recipe, and a New Favorite!!!

So...I'm back on the Weight Watchers "bandwagon"!  I want to lose 15 pounds by the time the Fringe Festival show opens in early August.  I HATE dieting, but I LOVE Weight Watchers...it's "do-able", and you can still eat what you want...just in moderation.

So...I found the following recipe YEARS ago at http://www.aimeesadventures.com/. I LOVE Egg McMuffins, and would have them EVERY day if I could.  This version is WAY more "diet-friendly", and tastes REALLY good...

MOCK Egg McMuffin

1 Thomas Brand English Muffin
3 egg whites
1 slice 2% American Cheese
3 slices deli select thin sliced ham (I used Carl Buddig ham...whole package...90 calories...)

Spray small skillet with non-stick spray.  Fry the ham in the skillet until hot throughout.  Remove ham, and cook the egg whites in the same skillet.  While the eggs are cooking, toast the english muffin.  Place cheese slice on bottom bun of english muffin.  Add  ham, and top with egg whites, then top with english muffin. 

To mix it up, I sometimes add chile peppers, green or red sweet peppers, or diced tomatoes to the eggs.

WWP:  8.

Tonight I tried a recipe from the Weight Watchers BOARDS, and it's TOTALLY going into my "favorite recipes" file...

Middle Eastern Burgers

1/3 c. bulgur

1/2 cup, plus 2 T. warm water, divided

1 tsp. canola oil

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 c. pitted prunes, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1 lb. lean ground beef (93 - 95% lean)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 tsp. salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 small whole-wheat pita bread halves

Preheat grill.

Combine bulgur with 1/2 c. warm water in a small bowl.  Let soak until the bulgur is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, 20 to 30 minutes.  Drain any excess liquid.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Add onion.  Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes.  Add garlic and prunes; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Don't let the garlic burn.  Stir in cumin, coriander and allspice.  Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.  Add remaining 2 T. water; cook until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. 

Combine beef, egg, salt, pepper, the onion-prune mixture and the bulgur in a mixing bowl; mix thoroughly.  Shape into four 3/4 inch patties.

Lightly oil the grill rack (hold a piece of oil-soaked paper towel with tongs and rub it over the grate).  Grill the burgers over medium heat, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side  (IF USING A GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL, JUST PLACE ON GRILL, CLOSE AND COOK FOR 4-6 MINUTES).  Warm pitas on the grill, if desired.

Serve the burgers with the pita, lettuce, and, for additional points, sour cream or salad dressing of your choice.

WWP (without sour cream or salad dressing): 9.

Here's hoping YOU have a GREAT low fat/low calorie recipe that YOU enjoy too!!!!