Orange French Toast

18 weeks left in the year, and I'm determined to lose weight.  Combined with a love of food, this can be a tricky game to play.  So I'm currently all about portion control and including fruits and vegetables and making recipes that won't sabotage my diet.   I found this breakfast recipe in a Weight Watchers cookbook.    This entire breakfast, including the turkey sausages, was only 370 calories... not bad for a huge portion!  It definitely filled me up.

Orange French Toast

Orange French Toast from "Simply the Best" Cookbook

Makes 2 servings

250 Calories (4 WW points)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup skim milk

1/3 cup fat-free egg substitute

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

4 slices low-calorie whole wheat bread

1/2 cup nonfat or lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt

1 large naval orange, cut into slices

1/2 cup sliced strawberries

Directions:

In a shallow bowl, combine milk, egg substitute, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, coating both sides and allowing the liquid to be absorbed.

Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and allow it to heat.  Add the bread, 2 slices at a time, and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes;  turn over and cook 2 minutes longer.  Cut the French toast slices diagonally in half.  Place 4 halves on each plate;  top with the yogurt and fruit.

The Chicken a la King and I Casserole

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Supermarket"

(A collection of recipes based on Musical titles)

1.  The Music Manicotti
2. Gentleman Prefer Blondies

Recipe #3:  The Chicken a la King and I Casserole 

I LOVED this recipe.  It was creamy and cheesy and delicious.  I was going to add peas and maybe carrots or mushrooms for extra vegetable content, but I completely forgot.  And let's face it-- I hate mushrooms.  I ended up following the recipe except I omitted the almonds.  I froze half and baked the other.  I paired the casserole with a strawberry spinach and arugula salad.

"The Chicken A La King and I Casserole"
From Taste of Home Test Kitchen - Healthy Makeover Recipe

Yield: 8 servings (1 cup each)

306 calories

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked wide egg noodles
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk
• 6 ounces cubed reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta)
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

• Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the soup and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add the chicken, celery, green pepper and pimientos.
• Drain noodles; add to chicken mixture and mix well. Transfer to two shallow 2-qt. baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 400° for 20 minutes.
• Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and golden.