White Chicken Chili

I have read other bloggers' raves about white chicken chili for a while now. We tried one recipe back when I was pregnant - in.edi.ble. Too much spice (and I LOVE my spicy food!), too much cumin... blech.

Yet I stayed determined. While I was on maternity leave I saw Giada make a version that didn't appear too smoky and spicy on Giada at Home, and I decided to suck it up and try it. Fantastic! It's smooth, creamy, with just a hint of warmth rather than overt spiciness. I made a few modifications to her original recipe to accommodate what I happened to have in my kitchen, and we definitely weren't disappointed!


1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pounds ground chicken
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
2 tablespoons flour
1 (15-ounce cans) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup light sour cream

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds. Add the ground chicken, salt, paprika fennel seeds, oregano, and chili powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through.

Stir the flour into the chicken mixture. Add the beans and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 55-60 minutes until the liquid has reduced by about half and the chili has thickened. Add crushed red pepper and simmer for another 10 minutes. Stir in half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream, and stir until creamy.

Ladle into serving bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper, if desired.

WW Info: 3 Points per one-cup serving

Source: Adapted from Giada at Home

Pumpkin Waffles

Happy fall! Ok, ok, it's not quite fall yet, but I have already shifted over. My fall wreath is out, the scarecrow is in the front yard, and it's time to start cooking with PUMPKIN!! I love the flavor of pumpkin in all things, both sweet and savory. The health factor of pumpkin is just an added bonus.

My first foray into pumpkin this season was pumpkin waffles - something I have been itching to make since this time last year. They did NOT disappoint, especially when topped with a little maple syrup. Note, if you don't have all of the spices listed, a teaspoon to a teaspoon and a half of pumpkin pie spice would be a good alternative. (Sorry, the picture is a bit blurry!)

Yields 4 Belgian waffles. Could also be used with a traditional waffle maker.


3/4-cup flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger (I used a little less than this - I think ginger can be overwhelming at times)
Tiny pinch of salt
1 egg
2 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
7/8 cup milk (just eyeball it - a little less than a cup and you'll be fine. Remember, you can always add more but you can't really take it out once you've put it in.)
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Nonstick cooking spray

Preheat waffle iron. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in large bowl.

In a second, medium-sized bowl, mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin, milk, and butter, beating well. Gently fold into flour mixture.

Divide into four even-sized portions (I used about 3/4 to 1 cup each), and cook according to your waffle iron's directions, typically around 4-5 minutes each.

Source: RecipeZaar

Apple Brie Breakfast Quesadillas

No picture for this one - it was devoured too fast for that! This recipe originated on an episode of Sandra Lee and I modified it for our tastes. The recipe below is for one quesadilla; if you're feeding more people, just double (or triple or quadruple) it!


1 Burrito size tortilla shell
1/2 apple sliced
1 Tbsp brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese
1 oz. brie (that's 1 oz. with the rind removed - that waxy stuff doesn't taste good on anything)

Spread cream cheese over tortilla shell. Top with apple and slices of brie (I smushed them a little to help them melt more evenly over the shell). Fold over and place in hot skillet, indoor grill, or quesadilla maker, if you have one. Heat for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and shell is slightly browned, and enjoy!

WW info:
5 Points per quesadilla

Maple-mustard Glazed Chicken with Applesauce

I saw this recipe on Rachael Ray one day, and I couldn't resist it. The way the applesauce made the house smell was incredible.

Applesauce:
4 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup apple juice
1 large handful of golden raisins (1/2 - 3/4 cup)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Combine the ingredients in a crock pot and cook over low heat until soft, around 4 hours.

Maple-mustard Glazed Chicken
2 Tbsp EVOO
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp spicy brown Dijon mustard
Dash salt and pepper

Heat EVOO in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to skillet.

When almost cooked, pour maple syrup around edge of pan, add mustard, and stir. When sauce is reduced, dip cooked chicken in the syrup-mustard mixture to create a glaze. Top with applesauce.

I served this with broccoli macaroni and cheese, but the this mac and cheese doesn't warrant a post. Next time I make it, it will be better and I'll blog about it then. :-)