Brownie Cheesecake Pie

This is the best of both worlds! Cheese cake and Brownies with a chocolate crust and fudge topping, yes please!! I promise people, you can eat good, I mean really good, I still eat low fat! Read and be amazed! Oh, I promise this won't last long at your house :)




Ok, there are three parts to this baby. Not hard to make but you do want to make this in the morning because it takes hours to cool so unless you don't mind eating dessert at midnight, make it in the morning or afternoon.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups chocolate Graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted tub butter, I use yogurt based tub butter
8 oz. fat free cream cheese
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 egg whites, beaten
Pillsbury brownie mix (this is the best when you are making brownies low fat from a mix. The other mixes don't turn out, believe me I have tried :)
OR homemade brownies *Recipe at bottom

1. OK, lets put the crust together. Mix your crushed graham crackers, sugar and butter in a bowl and mix with hands until all moist. Press into a greased pie dish. Set aside. Cheesecake time :)
2. Put cream cheese in bowl and mix with hand mixer until nice and smooth. NO LUMPS! Then add the sugar, vanilla, and egg whites. Set aside. Brownie time :)
3. Mix up your brownie mix substituting egg whites for eggs and applesauce for oil. Or make the homemade brownies*.
4. Grab your pie dish with crust. Pour half your brownie mix (about 1 cup) into prepared crust. Carefully pour/drizzle your cream cheese mixture evenly over brownies. You may need to use a spoon or rubber scraper to get it out to the edges.
Pour the rest of your brownie over the top and put it into a 350 degree oven for 40-50 minutes. Just check it with a toothpick. LET IT COOL! I know it will be hard, but let it cook and get nice and fudgy :)

*If you want a chocolate drizzle over top you can use chocolate sauce or make a quick ganache by melting 1 cup chocolate chips with 1/3-1/2)cup fat free half and half over low heat(depending how thin you want your sauce). Drizzle and enjoy!

* Homemade brownies (Hershey Recipe, altered by me:)
1. Mix 1/2 cup applesauce, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 3 egg whites together. Add in 1/2 flour or whole wheat pastry flour, 1/3 cup cocoa 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake as directed for above recipe or for an 8x8 pan of brownies bake for 16-20 minutes in a greased pan at 350.

Pork Chops with Maple-Apple Glaze

I am always nervous to overcook pork chops but these turned out great! Tons of flavor, a couple of ingredients and low in fat! Quick and prefect for any weeknight meal!


Ingredients:

1/4 maple syrup
1/4 cup apple butter
1 tablespoon ground mustard or spicy mustard
4 pork loin chops
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In a small saucepan mix syrup, apple butter and mustard. Cook over low heat about a minute, stirring occasionally, until blended.
2. Sprinkle pork with salt, pepper and garlic. Brush one side with glaze. Place glazed side down on a skillet over medium heat. You don't want the pan too hot or it will cook the out side of your chops and the middle won't be done. So heat to medium! Brush glaze on top side and cover pan with lid. Cook 8-10 minutes and turn to cook other side. Cook for 8-10 more minutes. You can glaze as much as you want. I like it very saucy so I used lots of glaze. Keeping a lid on also keeps in moisture for a NOT dried out chop.
3. After your chops are cooked take out of pan and place on plates. There will be extra sauce that you can spoon over your cooked pork! All done! So good, enjoy!

* This dinner is great with baked apples. All you have to do is slice 3-4 apples and toss with a little cinnamon and sugar. Place on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Cook for 20 minutes at 425 and done! So good!

* Along with apples, add a salad, steamed carrots, or steamed broccoli to finish! I made biscuits too!

Winner and Urban Cowboy burgers

Ok, well it has been so much fun reading posts from my fans...thanks guys!! I told Rex that I wanted to buy gifts for all my readers to show my appreciation, but we are still starving students :) I love you all and I am grateful that I am able to do this and that I have loyal fans!!! Ok, moving on the winner is.....

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 15
Result: 2

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

# 2, which is my cutest friend Aubrey Richardson!! Yeah Aub! Congrats, love you!! here is my email: britneybeard@yahoo.com . Send me your address and I will send your package tomorrow! Thanks to everyone out there too!!

Ok, onto the food part, yum! These turkey burgers are soooo good and full of tons of flavor! I make them all the time! Thanks to Mrs. Rachel Ray for being the queen of burgers!



Ingredients: (yield:4 burgers)

4 pieces turkey bacon
1 lb. ground turkey
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
lettuce
tomato
avocado
pepper jack cheese
pickles
whole grain buns

1.Chop garlic and veggies
2. Heat nonstick skillet and cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Wipe skillet clean and return to heat.
3.While bacon is cooking combine turkey, garlic, onion, thyme, cilantro, cumin and grill seasoning. Divide mixture into 4 equal mounds then form into patties. Spray patties with olive oil spray. Cook in skillet over med-high heat until done. About 5-6 minutes per side. Place cheese on during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
4. Garnish buns and burgers as desired and serve with homemade french fries!

Apple Snack Cake

I love this snack! I found a similar recipe in family circle, but changed it to make it my own! It is really healthy and perfect for a mid afternoon snack. Good for lunches, after dinner, anytime! Kids love it too, and it is full of healthy fruit! Enjoy!




Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg whites
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup diced golden delicious apples
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1. This is so easy! Heat oven to 350. Spray a 9x9 or 8x8 square pan REALLY well with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed blend together sugar, egg whites, applesauce and vanilla until fluffy. About 2-3 minutes.
4. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add flour mixture. Mix just for a minute until just Incorporated. Stir in diced apples, raisins, and nuts. Spread into pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees fro about 30-35 minutes or until center is cooked through. Let cool all the way before eating!!

* Whole wheat pastry flour does make the batter a darker color as opposed to using white ! BUT, No one will be able to tell you used whole wheat flour because the cinnamon makes the batter darker, disguising the whole wheat flour. I use this technique in pancakes, waffles and muffins! Just add cinnamon!

* When using whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour in muffins, cookies, quick breads, pancakes, cakes, brownies...... anything besides yeast breads. This kind of flour is lighter and not gritty perfect for baked goods. You can find it in the bulk section or even in your baking isle. It is loaded with fiber and great for your whole body!!

** Don't forget to post for the giveaway. You can comment on this post or go back to the original!

Moons over my Hammy (100th post!) and a Giveaway!!

Wow!! Next week is my first blogiversary! Yeah,this has been so much fun and such a great challenge for me. I love to cook so this is a great excuse for me to make lots of yummy food! In honor of 1 year of cooking I am going to give stuff away! I put together some fun kitchen stuff and if you want to win it, all you have to do is comment and tell me your favorite recipe on this blog. Then on March 21st I will announce the winner!

Ok, what we have here is: the best and most fun of all cupcake cook books! I love it and have used it a bunch! Perfect for parties.... believe me everyone wants this! Next, a citrus peeler, a Y peeler (love it), cute measuring cups, and a magnetic notepad for the fridge. I will throw in some yummy chocolate too! Fun, right?

Well today is my 100th recipe and post! I can't believe it. This came from my amazing sister and it was so good and easy! Yep, we like easy and quick. This will remind you of eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a yummy diner.



Ingredients: (this made 2 adult sammies)

loaf of sourdough bread
6 eggs (more for more sammies)
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices American cheese
sliced ham (lunch meat or deli meat)

1. First, you are going to make plain omelets for the egg part of the sammy. I use one egg, and two whites for each omelet and a little salt and pepper. You can add spices if you want, but really good this way. Set those aside.

2. Next, heat your skillet to medium heat and spray 2 pieces of sourdough with spray butter. We are going to do some layering. Ok, on the skillet: bread, then put 2 slices of Swiss cheese on one side, next egg omelet, 2-3 slices of ham, 2 slices of American cheese and then top with the other piece of bread. Basically it is a glorified grilled cheese. It is truly glorious.

3. Cook until golden brown, flip, cook and then enjoy! Really that is all there is to it. Add some homemade fries or potato wedges and applesauce and dinner is served!

* Don't forget to enter the giveaway!! Happy cooking!

Chicken Pot Pie

This is one of those recipes that everyone has to have. A go to, always good, warm dinner that can't go wrong. This one turns out great every time and you can throw as many veggies as you want in and no one can tell!!



Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1- 10 oz. can chicken broth
3/4 cup fat free milk
2 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded (you could use a rotisserie chicken too:)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup sliced cooked carrots (steamed or boiled)
salt to taste
*add in if you want: 1/2 cup each corn, celery, broccoli....what every your family likes
biscuits (either store bought, homemade, or I use Bisquick heart smart. They are low fat and so good!)

1. Heat oven to 425.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Stir in flour and pepper. Cook about a minute until smooth. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Add chicken, onion, peas, carrots and any other veggies. Heat through. Taste and add salt to taste.
3.While your mixture is thickening and warming throw those biscuits in the oven. They will only take about 9 minutes so when your chicken pot pie is ready so are your biscuits!
4. Serve in bowls and top with a warm biscuit or two! For extra veggie action serve with a side salad. Enjoy!

* If you want after your mixture is all thick you can pour your chicken pot pie into a casserole dish, top with un-cooked biscuits and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. I don't like the bottom of my biscuits soggy so I cook them separately.

Fudge Truffle Cheesecake

This is such an easy recipe!! And very fancy too :) It is smooth, rich, and yes, much much lower in fat than any other cheesecake out there!! Make this you will love it so much!




Ingredients:

oreo crust (directions below to make)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 packages of fat free cream cheese
1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 cup egg beaters or 2 eggs and 3 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla

1. Make crust by crushing low fat oreos to equal 2 cups crushed. Then add 1/4 cup spray butter (i can't believe it's not butter brand) and until all combined. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan. *If you want to cook your cheesecake in a water bath which keeps your cheesecake from cracking and keeps it moist, just wrap the bottom of your springform pan in foil. This keeps water from seeping into your cake. Place your springform in the larger pan (like a cookie sheet or casserole dish) and fill the bigger pan or dish with water. Set aside.

2.Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes, stir and keep heating 30 seconds at a time until smooth.

3. Beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add melted chips, egg beaters and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into crust.

4. Bake about 1 hour and 25 minutes (it takes longer because the cream cheese is fat free) or until middle is set. You can check it with a knife inserted to the middle. The knife will not come out clean. But your cake will be firm and moist, it shouldn't jiggle. With a knife loosen the cake from side of pan. Cool completely and then remove sides from pan. Refrigerate sever hours before serving. So make it in the morning or afternoon so you can dig in after dinner. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and eat!!

* for a thicker richer sauce melt 1/2 cup chocolate and 2-3 tablespoons of fat free half and half in a sauce pan. Add more if you want it thinner. Spoon over cheesecake, ice cream, or use as fondue. Don't let any go to waist so like the spoon and pan (like me) until it is gone! Sooo good!!

Chicken Jambalaya

Who doesn't love comfort food? The answer is no one :) This was great and I tested it out on my brother Brady who served his mission in Georgia. He knows southern cooking and he loved it! I served it up with warm sweet corn bread and we were good to go!




Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups instant brown rice
4 ounces sweet/hot turkey sausage links, cooked and sliced (about 3 links)
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 chopped green bell pepper
2-3 teaspoons cajun or creole seasoning (*substitute spices at bottom)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet, soup pot, or cast iron skillet with cooking spray and saute chicken for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the next 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Over and simmer 20 minutes.

2. Give it a stir and then stir in tomatoes. Cover and simmer 10 more minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve with corn bread and honey. SO GOOD!!

* I bought a low fat corn bread mix, Marie Calendar's brand... really good!
* The following spices my be substitute for creole seasoning: 1/2 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and a pinch EACH of cayenne pepper, dried thyme and ground cumin.
* Cook up the sausage links with the casings on. Then slice them and the cut again ending up with half circles.... it stretches the sausage a little further :)