Summer Sandwich Satisfaction

As the summer sun comes out to play, there are some days you just don't want to have to turn on a stove.  It's times like these where I break out the leftovers and get creative!


Today's sandwich started with some leftover Christmas day turkey. Say what?!? On Christmas day, I took leftover turkey breast and portioned it out, vacuum-sealed it, and frozen it. This was the last batch. You obviously could use fresh turkey breast or even chicken to make this easy summer sandwich. One summer tip is to cook a large turkey breast one evening and you are set!


In addition to the turkey breast, you will need these two babies:

Original Garlic Gold and Harry & David Red Pepper and Cheese Spread!


The recipe is really easy:


4 ounces of shredded turkey breast
2 tbsp of red pepper spread
1 tsp Original Garlic Gold
ground pepper
hot sauce (if desired, just a couple dashes)


Mix it up and let it sit for a little while for the flavors to come together. I served mine on sandwich thins, but it would also be great on a salad. This serves two people or one very hungry person. The Garlic Gold adds a crunch to the sandwich and the spread gives it a creamy texture without adding a lot of calories.


One serving of the recipes (makes two servings), does not include bread: Calories 112, Fat 3.5g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 17.5g


Garlic Gold Nutrition Facts (1 tsp): Calories 40, Fat 4.33g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 0g


Harry and David Red Pepper and Cheese Spread Nutrition Facts (2 tbsp): Calories 30, Fat 2g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 1g

That's a Wrap! Uncovering Lavash

As the economy continues it's slowing trend, more people are optioning to pack a lunch rather than buy lunch out in order to cut costs. But basicsandwiches get old fast, as I am discovering on my quest to eat cheap and healthy while traveling. So while in Minnesota this weekend, I set out to explore the local grocery store for something to change up my meals.

Near the deli, I found excatly what I was looking for. Lavash! According to CookThink, "Lavash (pronounced "luh-VOSH") is a thin, round Armenian flatbread (sometimes called cracker bread) made from flour, water and salt. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor-style oven. Popular in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, it is available in Middle Eastern markets. "

I was lucky enough to discover Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Flour Lavash. The package was relatively inexpensive and had four large wraps in it. One half of a wrap is a serving and makes a delicious replacement for traditional bread.

This weekend I enjoyed turkey & Laughing Cow Cheese light wraps with sprouts and a spicy honey mustard. I also used the lavash for brekkie wraps of egg, cheese, and chicken. I packed some lavash with individual servings of peanut butter, honey and jam from the hotel breakfast buffet and gave them to my students for airplane snacks (packing the pb, honey and jam in the quart size plastic bag for security!). And when I returned home, I made my favorite of all wraps:

BB&B Burrito (Barney Butter & Banana Burrito)
(serves 2)

1 large Joseph's Lavash, sliced into two
1/2 large banana, sliced in half lengthwise (so two 1/4 banana slices)
1 90-calorie packet of Barney Butter

Warm you panini press. Lay each 1/4 slice of banana on one of the two wraps. Distribute the packet of Barney Butter between the two bananas. Wrap and press!

One serving of Joseph's Lavash: 50 calories, 2 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein

Nutritional Information for 1 Burrito: 125 calories, 5.75 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein

Pizza Cravings? Sandwich and Salad Time? Hit Jamba

(Starting on the left and going clockwise: Gobble'licious, Caesar the Day!, Couscous & Produce)

Gobble'licious is a turkey sandwich if we want to keep descriptions simple. But the truth is that there is something special about the turkey, provolone cheese, field green, and fresh red peppers on the focaccetta roll. I could only pinpoint the dijonaise sauce. This sweet, creamy dressing brings the sandwich together. Altough the turkey is moist enough without it and the texture with the crunchy vegetables is better than your average fast food sandwich, the full fat cheese and creamy dressing make it a winner. Unfortunately, the dressing also packs on the calories. Without dressing: 420 calories/14 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/28 grams of protein. With dressing: 570 calories/28 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/28 grams of protein.

Caesar the Day! is just your average caesar salad with chicken, cheese and croutons. The dressing is anchovy free and the greens are a better quality than the airport salads, but there isn't too much to write home about here. Without the dressing, it is the lowest calorie item on the menu, which does redeem some of the general lack of creativity. Don't get me wrong, the flavor is good and I would order it again, but it's just a salad. Without dressing: 180 calories/8 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/13 grams of protein. With dressing: 330 calories/22 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/16 grams of protein.

Couscous and Produce is the more unique of this line, combining fresh jicama, bell peppers, romaine and field greens with Israeli couscous, currents and diced almonds. Accompanying the salad is a sweet light whole grain mustard dressing that complements the blend perfectly. One thing I like about couscous is how a little amount can leave me full for hours. This would pair well with a tropical smoothie or the passionfruit tea infusion. Without dressing: 360 calories/10 grams of fat/9 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein. With dressing: 480 calories/19 grams of fat/9 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein.

(Starting in the upper left and going clockwise: Tomo Artichoko, Smokehouse Chicken, MediterraneYUM, Four Cheesy)

The first thing that should be noted about these California Flatbreads is that they are small. Imagine a small snack size disposable plate. That is about the size of these beauties. Once you are aware of the smaller portion size, which it allows it to be a great snack or the perfect portion to pair with a smoothie for a complete meal, the second thing you should note isthat despite the name and a variation on crusts, these flatbreads are very similar to a pizza.

Tomo Artichoko: Topping a crispy flaxseed crust are tomato sauce, diced artichoke hearts, three cheeses (asiago, romano, and parmesan) and crunchy breadcrumbs. I will be honest, this was not my favorite. I enjoyed the creamy cheese one the other three flatbreads. Perhaps this was too refined for my taste but it was crumby and crunchy on top and did not have the same depth of flavor the others did. 310 calories/11 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein

Smokehouse Chicken: This flatbread utilizes bbq sauce, roasted corn, black beans and poblano peppers to compliment the plump bbq chicken. The crust is fluffy and crisp and the combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses complete this delicious flatbread. 300 calories/8 grams of fat/6 grams of fiber/15 grams of protein

MediterraneYUM: The feta-mozzarella combination of cheese is smooth and the flavors are herby. The flax seed crust adds another dimension to this flatbread and the grilled veggies add a smokey component. 250 calories/8 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/10 grams of protein

Four Cheesy: This is the perfect kid choice. The flatbread has a light tomato sauce and the four cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and romano) make this a rich choice. The crust is light and airy. This would pair perfectly with a heartier bverage like the pomegranate tea infusion. 330 calories/13 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/17 grams of protein

Review of Jamba's New Wraps

As a traveler, I often find myself looking for a quick and nutritious bite on the run. And Jamba released a new line of dining options that meet that need. The first products up for review are the Grab and Go wraps pictured above. Clockwise starting in the upper left: Greens and Grain Wrap, Chimichurri Chicken Wrap, Asian Style Chicken Wrap, and Greek Goodness Wrap.

This wraps are HUGE. Each of the pictures above is only half a wrap (er the Asian Style Chicken is maybe only a quarter!). Jamba makes these wraps with no transfats, high fructose corn syrup. artificial flavors or preservatives. They are premade and stored in the display cooler for customers on the run.

GREENS AND GRAIN WRAP: This wrap is made with a tortilla that has spinach powder in it. A hummus made fresh is used along with red quinoa which provides protein. There is also a burst of crisp fresh produce that provides a satisfying crunch when biting into the wrap. The hummus and quinoa add a nutty flavor to the wrap. The dressing is a sweet mango that adds another dimension to the wrap. The dressing, as with all of the dressings, are stored in a seperate container for customer control. This was probably my favorite wrap between the contrasting textures and flavors but it is also extremely filling. You could probably enjoy half now and half later! The wrap alone is 600 calories/14 grams of fat/9 grams of fiber/19grams of protein. Add an additional 40 calories (no additional fat/fiber/protein) for the dressing.

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN WRAP: This wrap has a lovely combination of flavors between the chile & lime grilled chicken breast and the locally sourced produce including corn and peppers. This wrap is served with a chimichurri sauce that adds a kick to the wrap. But those who are wary of spice, have no fear. It is a flavorful spice, not a burn your tounge spice (which I was hoping for), thus more palatable to the general public. The flavor profile is complex and it is definitely a healthy choice but be wary of the delicious dressing! The wrap alone is only 410 calories/9 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/22 grams of protein. The dressing adds an additional 150 calories/16 grams of fat/1 gram of fiber (no additional protein).

ASIAN STYLE CHICKEN WRAP: The lowest calorie wrap on the menu, this wrap is a light option for folks on the run. I felt like the chicken could use a bit more seasoning, but also recognize that I tasted this after a couple of heavier wraps so I will give it another go before passing judgement. The wrap includes jicama, field greens and other veggies wrapped in a tortilla that includes tomato powder. It is served with a delicious and low calorie mango dressing that is similar to the one found with the Greens and Grain wrap. Enjoy the dressing! Alone, the wrap has 400 calories/7 grams of fat/5 grams of fier/19 grams of protein. The dressing only adds 30 calories and no additional fat/fiber/protein.

GREEK GOODNESS WRAP: If you like Greek salad then you will love this wrap. Utilizing a tortilla flavored with beet powder, the wrap includes feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives and fresh field greens. The dressing is a Greek vinaigrette that incorporates a low-fat cholestrol-free mayonaise in it. I loved this wrap with the dressing because the herbs in the dressing balanced sweetly against the strong cheese and olive flavors in the wrap. Unfortunately, I had to use the dressing sparingly, because although it used healthy ingredients, it is still relatively high in calories and fat. Without the dressing, the wrap is 440 calories/16 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/15 grams of protein. The dressing adds an additional 110 calories/10 grams of fat (no additional fiber or protein).

Tomorrow I will review the new Tea Infusions that Jamba rolled out today. I would pair the wraps with these new tea infusions or a small enlightened smoothie to keep the beverage calories down but to still get some fruit servings into your meal.

Blended Bliss adds Bite: Jamba expands menu choices

Adding a variety of new food options to California store menus, Jamba Juice is giving us plenty of excuses to eat Jamba for every meal!

Today, I had the opportunity to sample the entire new line of California Flatbreads, Grab and Go products, and Fruit Tea Infusions. These products will not replace any current products in the Jamba line-up, but rather will make Jamba Juice "more relevant to more people," according to Kim Larson, vice-president of brand marketing, who lead us through the initial product briefing.

I think Jamba is on the right path with their new product lines. As Kim mentioned in her briefing, while many people can make a smoothie into a meal, others need that solid food product to chew on in order for the meal to be complete. Keeping in mind Jamba's goal to create all natural products, these food items are made of high quality, fresh ingredients.

This post is the first of a series of posts over the next week that will walk you through the entire product line including the seasonal Blackberry Bliss smoothie. We will discuss the flavor profiles of the various products, allergy information, Uncovering Food's suggested beverage pairings, and finally what are the best low-calorie options on the menu.

In addition to offering the new products, Jamba will also offer food and beverage bundles where you can save $2 on the bundle. Who doesn't like to save a couple bucks in this economy? And if a smoothie fills you up, I would still advise you to take advantage of the bundle. Add one of the Grab and Go menu items and toss it in your fridge for later!

Jamba, which I learned is Swahili meaning "to celebrate," has found a way to celebrate even the boring cubicle lunch. Coming later this summer, Jamba will be changing things up to make lunch more exciting. Rolling out the "Brown Bag Bliss," Jamba's paper bags that are used to carry your meal will now double as a picnic "blanket" for your desk. You will be able to load music and scenic views on Jamba's Web site, and even post the provided picture of a "window" on your cubicle wall. Leave it to Jamba Juice to add an entertaining and relxing spin to a weekday lunch! I am also excited to get to play with the Brown Bag Bliss request, an opportunity to send customizable video requests for Jamba Juice to coworkers and friends.

The hot California Flatbreads include: Smokehouse Chicken, Tomo Artichoko, MediterraneYUM, and Four Cheesy. The cold Grab and Go menu features wraps, salads and a sandwich. The options are: Greens and Grain Wrap, Asian Style Chicken Wrap, Chimichurri Wrap, Greek Goodness Wrap, Caesar the Day! salad, Couscous & Produce salad, and the Gobble'licious sandwich. Finally, the Fruit Tea Infusions include: Pomegranate, Passion Fruit and Prickly Pear.

These new products are worth the hype. They are flavorful and good for you which can't be said for so many fast meal options that exist. My only gripe? I am leaving for Alabama for the next week and they won't be available there! At least not this summer...

Opo!

One of my favorite food related activities is wandering through the Farmer's Market and looking for something new to try. This weekend yielded one such discovery. The Opo squash!

In order to learn about this green oblong vegetable, I spoke with the farmer about the squash and purchased one to take home and experiment with. I was told that in the Chinese culture, the Opo is also called Gwa.

The flesh of the Opo is white and firm with seeds that are attached (and remind me of a cross between a cucumber and a zucchini). It is in fact a member of the cucumber family! The skin is a pale green and the exterior is smooth and firm.

The flavor of the squash is similar to a zucchini although the texture is a bit softer. I took the larger base of the Opo and cut it horizontally to make 4 "burgers" with it. After a tiny sprinkle of salt and pepper, I threw them into my panini press to grill them. I used one of the discs and made a provolone, avocado, and baby red kale Opo burger!

While I found the Opo squash at my local Farmer's Market, you can find it in many climates where the weather is warmer. Because it needs warmth to grow, this particular squash is characterized as a summer squash but depending on where you live, you can find it throughout the year.

Another application was to slice the Opo into sticks, sprinkle lightly with seasoning salt, and bake. Voila! Low calorie "fries" made in a similar method as my Squash Chips.

The Opo is often used in stir-fries and stews, however you can also enjoy it raw. This vegetable is high in vitamins and fiber while staying low in calories. A perfect companion to any meal or enjoyed alone, I guarantee I will be scouting for more Opo squash on my new Farmer's Market expedition!

That's a Wrap!

May was a crazy couple of weeks, highlighted by my absence from blogging. However, that did not stopped me from cooking. Er, crafting, new ideas. I am not sure if this wrap can be considered a recipe, or cooking, but it is delicious, nutritious, and quick!

Earlier this year I discovered precooked brown rice in a multitude of formats. When traveling I buy Minute’s individual brown rice cups and at home I currently have frozen brown rice that comes in two serving bags (three bags per box). This allows me to get a filling grain in quickly when I am pressed for time. Food Gal, Carolyn Jung, recently recommended making large batches of brown rice and freezing smaller portions. This is the perfect tip for budget conscious readers!

I have had an uncontrollable craving for sushi lately. It is my quick meal on the run dining option. I know at airports and on the road, I can find healthier options at a sushi bar then I might at other dining establishments. This was becoming problematic though as the craving was beginning to affect my bank account. However, the traditional sushi rice and preparing sushi the way I was taught in the couple of courses I have taken, would take much more time out of my day than I wanted to devote to dining during those busy weeks.

Thus, this quick wrap, similar to a hand roll, was formed. Now sushi purists are welcome to criticize. However, note that I refer to my creation as a wrap and only say that it filled my need for sushi. I don’t claim it is sushi. I don’t use sushi rice (which for the unfamiliar is actually what sushi is, the rolls and pieces have a variety of other names from nigiri to maki).

I bought a package of nori from the store. My package cost under $2 and had ten sheets. I used two sheets per meal. Store the remainder in a large resealable baggie if you package doesn’t reseal itself. I also had some leftover broccoli and carrot slaw leftover from making some Gotta Luv It Chicken Salad Wraps. I purchased a package of imitation crab sticks. And finally I needed some brown rice, rice vinegar, wasabi powder, and low sodium soy sauce.

I cooked up the two serving rice bag, which would actually become four servings in the wraps. The serving size was 2/3 of a cup, so for those repeating this at home, you will need 1/3 of a cup for each serving (two wraps). Put the cooked rice in a bowl and toss in some rice vinegar, sprinkle some wasabi powder, and drizzle a little bit of soy sauce. While traditional sushi rice omits the wasabi and soy but contains other ingredients, this combination was perfect for a wrap on the run. It has the tang, the kick and the salty sweetness combination I was looking for.

Taking a piece of nori, put about 1/6 of a cup of the rice mixture in one quadrant. Add shredded broccoli and carrot as well as shredded imitation crab. Roll into a cone, much like a hand roll. If you aren’t able to roll it tight enough to close the bottom, fold over the tip to prevent escaping ingredients out the bottom. Two of these wraps are filling and full of protein and fiber. Points will vary based on filling, but mine worked out to be 2 points per wrap.

Brown Rice for Busy Eaters

If you are one of the many people who have commented, emailed, called or texted about my lack of blogging, you are not alone in your concern. And while the busy school year hasn't quite wound down, I am ready to start sharing some of the quick recipes and delicious food finds from the last couple of weeks.

I love rice. And one of my concerns as I try to eat healthier is how nutritionally deficient many varietals are. Which is why I aim to enjoy brown rice when going this route. However, brown rice can take a long time to prepare. Let's be honest, time isn't something many of us have to spare.

In my search to enjoy healthy foods while dealing with the stress of May, I discovered Rice Expressions in my grocery store. These boxes of organic precooked brown rice can be found in the freezer aisle and each box contains three bags. The bags each have two servings of rice... which is the perfect amount for me to fix up at a time!

Rice Expressions Organic Brown Rice only contains what it's name implies and one serving is 160 calories/1.2 grams of fat/2.5 grams of fiber/3.5 grams of protein.


One of my go to meals has been wraps, and I need variety in addition to speed of preparedness. I enjoy tossing a bag of Rice Expressions with a can of beans and a diced zucchini. I then add hot sauce and seasonings to taste for a spicy filling for a wrap on the run. High in fiber and protein, this filling can also be enjoyed without the tortilla and with your own creative add-ins. Enjoy!

Delectable Dressings: You "Gotta Luv It"

I have never been a salad girl. The thought of limp pre-washed lettuce with clumps of ranch dressing and couple of paltry vegetables tossed on top is not appetizing to me. Unfortunately this is often what salads look like when you purchase them in shops or airports. In restaurants, the dressing and fried toppings pile on the calories so high you might as well just get the burger. And the dressings you buy for use at home are usually loaded with preservatives and words I can't begin to pronounce. Since attempting to swear off the overly processed dressings, even my salads at home have lost their appeal. There are only so many days a girl can enjoy oil and vinegar.

However, my views of salads are beginning to change with the discovery of Gotta Luv It dressing and marinades. These locally made condiments are the brainchild of Jade Powell in Petaluma, California. These dressings pack a punch, and while the serving size on the label is two tablespoons, you don't need that much to enjoy a flavorful salad! Powell makes three dressings: Chipotle-Lime Fusion, Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Sweet & Tangy Italian. At under $5 a bottle, the fact that you only need a drizzle of dressing for a large salad makes Gotta Luv It a value investment as well.

While I usually enjoy creating my own recipes, I had to try a suggestion from the creator of Gotta Luv It:

Chipotle Lime Fusion Cole Slaw

1/2 medium Napa Cabbage, shredded
1/4 small Purple Cabbage, shredded fine
1/4 small Savoy Cabbage, shredded fine
4 stalks Green Onions, diced
1 small Carrot, grated
2-3 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (toast in saucepan or broil briefly in oven)
Gotta Luv It Chipotle Lime Fusion dressing & marinase

Toss all ingredients together and enjoy!

Now I cheated, per the note on the instructions, and used bagged shredded cabbage. I also added some precooked chicken. This was an AMAZING salad. However, it was even better in a whole wheat wrap for lunch the next day. The flavors of the dressing popped when enjoyed with the crunchy cabbage and nutty seeds. While the chipotle lends a kick to the dish, it isn't overwhelming in the weaving of flavors and textures.

One of my favorite things about Gotta Luv It is how versatile the dressings are. From dressing fresh mangos with a light drizzle of the Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, to marinading chicken and tofu in the Sweet & Tangy Italian before tossing them on the grill this weekend, the thickness of the dressing and the fullness of flavor make these a winning staple in my kitchen.

For those who have been following Uncovering Food for awhile, you know that I enjoy sharing products that are rocking in local markets but should have national exposure. Gotta Luv It dressings are currently sold online and in more than 70 stores in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. However, I would urge you to ask your local stores to stock this family made, all natural dressing & marinade. It will save you the shipping costs and ensure you will have quick access to a versitile and healthy product. Have I ever steered you wrong?

Chipotle-Lime Fusion: This silver medal winning dressing is light with a mild kick. The tang of the citrus and the spice of the chipotle balance each other out for a dressing that only needs a drizzle to flavor the whole bowl of veggies. Great for a salad or tossed with some leftover chicken for a lunchtime wrap, this dressing adds zing to any meal.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar (5% acidity), Organic Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Dry Minced Harlic, Dry Cilantro, Spices, Salt, Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons (although you won't need that much!): 110 calories, 11 grams of fat

Sweet & Tangy Italian: This dressing won the Double Gold Medal at the Sonoma County Fair. It is creamier and sweeter than many Italian dressings on store shelves. Full of flavor, this dressing dances on your tounge and creates a party in your mouth. I used it to marinade some tofu and chicken for a weekend BBQ. The flavors were complex enough to add flavor to the proteins without overpowering the entree. It was also great tossed with some romaine and fresh parmasen when we had spaghetti.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Red Wine Vinegar (5% acidity), Organic Sugar, No-Salt Seasoning (Onions, Spices, Lemon Peel, Dehydrated Garlic, Citric Acid, Paprika, Red & Green Bell Peppers, Mustard & Parsley), Mustard Flour, Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons: 140 calories, 15 grams of fat

Raspberry Balsamic Vingairette: Another silver medalist, this dressing stood out for it's ability to work in sweet and savory dishes. Thicker than it's counterparts, the berries and balsamic flavors are strong and stand out in any dish. Like the other Gotta Luv It dressings, the recommended serving size is two tablespoons. I would recommend starting with a teaspoon and working your way up. While the calories and fat are higher than the more processed dressings on the shelves, the fullness in flavor means you don't need near the same amount. I recently enjoyed the Raspberry Balsamic in a fruit salad side dish with dark chocolate shaved over the top. The garlic and other spices in the dressing provided a savory contrast to the sweetness of the raspberries and balsamic i the dressing as well as the bittersweetness of the chocolate and the ripeness of the mangos and strawberries in the salad. It was an unusual and delicious combination.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Balsamin Vinegar (6% acidity), Raspberry Puree, Organic Sugar, Water, No-Salt Seasoning (Dried Onions, Spices, Lemon Peel, Dried Garlic, Citric Acid, Dried Bell Peppers, Mustard), Mustard Flour, Natural Raspberry Flavor
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons: 150 calories, 14 grams of fat

Chicken-Brie-Apple Pockets

As a teenager, I was involved in every activity I could be. I would rush off in the morning to school, work on the newspaper through lunch, spend afterschool working on debate, theatre, 4-H, and a number of clubs. Weekends were more school, 4-H and church activities. I was so involved in activities that my mom joked on graduation evening that maybe she would finally see me. I started my new job the next day :-)

But something my mother did during those days wore off on me. She would prepare fresh baked pockets of nutritious goodness that I could grab on the run. It was fast, healthy, and inexpensive. They were such a staple that in college I asked for a bread machine so I could make a similar meal-to-go. Over the years I have tried out different dough recipes, and will admit that somedays I resort to the boxed mix, but the ease and simplicity of these pockets make it a great option for everyone. The recipe I am sharing below is great because it is dairy free and fairly low in calories.

Whole Wheat French Bread Dough (2lb loaf)

1.33 cups warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 tsp salt
2.5 cups bread flour
1.5 whole wheat flour
1.5 tsp active dry or bread machine yeast

Load ingredients into bread machine according to manufacturer directions and set on dough setting. When it is done (mine takes about an hour and a half), you are ready for the next step!

Like I mentioned yesterday, I recently had the opportunity to try out Ile De France Brie in cooking up some fabulous recipes. When this company was looking for a blogger who loves brie, they couldn't have picked a better person! Brie is a weakness in my home and usually disappears within a day of crossing through my front door. So I knew I would have to make a dish that would portion the brie out to be enjoyed over time. The Ile De France Brie melted fabulously in the Pumpkin and Brie Panini which meant I just had to use it in a warm treatment to enjoy the gooey earthy goodness.

I paired the brie with grilled chicken that had been seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled. To balance the brie and chicken, I also added Bauman Family Apple Butter. Brie and apples are a fairly common pairing in the wine world and enjoyed on toast with a glass of buttery chardonnay.

Filling for Pockets

12 oz chopped grilled chicken breast sorted into 1oz servings

6 oz Ile De France Brie cubed into 12 .5oz cubes

6 tbsp Bauman's Apple Butter

Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Cover dough when not using to prevent it from drying out. Roll each ball into a flat round circle. In the cent place one cube of brie, 1oz of chicken, and .5tbsp apple butter. Bring the edges of the circle together and seal pocket. Place pinched closure on bottom of pocket and space pockets on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat until all 12 pockets are prepared.

Cover pockets with towel and let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. In the meantime, preheat oven to 350 degrees. When resting of bread is done, bake in over for 15 minutes or until top of crust is lightly browned.

One pocket: 279 calories/8 grams of fat/1.6 grams of fiber/16.5 grams of protein

Pumpkin and Brie Panini: Bauman Family Fruit Butters

If you have been following my food journals at Uncovering Me, then you may already know that I bought a Breville Ikon Panini Press and I am in love! It has non stick plates which means I don't have to use any added oils when I make sandwiches. And make sandwiches I have!

As a featured publisher at Foodbuzz, I was given the opportunity to try Ile de France Le Brie. I plan on sharing more about the cheese specifically in an upcoming blog, but I knew I had to try some of it in a panini. I also had just received a sampler of Bauman Family Fruit Butters. As I look to utilize more naturally sweetened products, I ran across this company who sweeten most of their fruit products with fruit juice or honey. Many of the products they just let the fruit sweeten itself! This results in an all natural and low calorie alternative to overly processed spreads you find on store shelves. You can find these fruit butters in stores or order them online! One of the butters was a pumpkin butter that is sweetened with fruit juice and is only 25 calories for a tablespoon!

Pumpkin and Brie Panini

2 slices Oroweat Light Whole Wheat Bread (or your favorite whole wheat bread, adjust calories accordingly)
1 tbsp Bauman Family No Sugar Added Pumpkin Butter
1.5 oz Ile de France Le Brie

Warm panini press while assembling sandwich. On one piece of bread, spread pumpkin butter. Place cheese on top of butter and top off with second slice of bread. Grill on low for 3 minutes. Enjoy!

This sandwich is sweet, spicy and creamy. With April being National Grilled Cheese month, consider this my contribution to the celebration. It is so delicious I had one for dinner last night and another for breakfast this morning.

Nutritional Information using the above named ingredients: 255 calories/14 grams of fat/7 grams of fiber/11.5 grams of protein.


There are many uses for fruit butters besides paninis. I have used all of these to sweeten my steel cuts oats in the morning. They are also great on waffles and toast as well as mixed into yogurt. I even used the butters in savory main courses! All of the Bauman Fruit Butters I tried ranged in calories from 25 to 35 calories per tablespoon and were bursting with sweet fruit flavors. I love that the company has been around for over 100 years and is still family owned and operated.

For those of you who enjoy fruit butters, am I missing another use? Please share ideas and links to your favorite fruit butter recipes here!

Product Review: Barbeque Popchips

If you have been frequenting the blogworld then I am sure you have already heard about Popchips. However, despite the raves about how "awesome" they are and how they taste, what I have missed are descriptions of the texture and appearance. Popchips are a unique species of snack food. They are healthy, but they aren't baked. They are crisp, but not fried. They are flavorful, but they are not potato chips.

At least not how you would imagine a potato chip.

When I received some samples of Popchips to try, I busted open my favorite chip flavor in the world. BARBEQUE. If you have been following my blog, you know that one of my favorite sandwiches is a peanut butter, honey and barbeque potato chip sandwich. I love the essence of barbeque flavor... it takes me back to my childhood when we would meet up with my dad's friends out on an island in the delta, barbeque tri-tip, swim in the cold murky water and have a blast! We would enjoy barbeque potato chips in the front of the boat while whipping across the wake from larger boats and screaming in excited fear.

Popchips have captured my summer memories with the flavor of their product. It isn't underseasoned like so many of the baked chip products are, while maintaining a balance between the potato and the flavoring. Which is a unique task for this heat & air produced product. The Popchip is thicker than a normal potato chip, resembling more of a mini rice cake in appearance. It is thinner than a rice cake, and much more crisp. This gives it the refreshing crunch of a potato chip.

How does it fair in my favorite sandwich? FABULOUSLY. I packed a Barney Butter and honey sandwich (since my school has a peanut free policy) in my bag this morning alongside a 0.8oz bag of barbeque Popchips. When it was time to eat, I opened the sandwich and layered in some of the Popchips. I closed up the sandwich and took a bite. The flavor and crunch were perfect. It was what this sandwich should be. And it required fewer chips because of the depth of texture and flavor!

Popchips are all natural and contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. I will definitely be replacing potato chips in my future sandwiches!

Ingredients: Potato flour, potato starch, safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, barbeque seasoning (sugar, whey, onion and garlic powders, salt, torula yeast, brown sugar, tomato powder, yeast extract, spices, natural flavors, natural smoke flavor, citric acid, paprika extract), rice flour, salt, soy lechithin

Nutritional Information: 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein

Whole Wheat Basic Sandwich Rolls

These can be stuffed for additional points to make delicious portable meals!

I make the dough in a bread maker. You do not need a bread maker, but make sure you let your dough rise twice if you are doing it all by hand.

1.5 cups 2% milk
1.5 tbsp light trans-fat free margarine (mine is 50/5/0 for a tbsp)
3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1.5 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
2.5 tsp active dry yeast (or bread machine yeast)

Warm milk in microwave for 30 seconds. Add to bread maker. Add remaining ingredients according to bread maker directions (I add in the order listed). Set to dough cycle.

When dough cycle is complete, knead air pockets out of dough. Divide into 8 equal balls. At this point you can roll the balls out and stuff them. Cover balls with a tea towel and let sit in a warm area without a draft (I put them in the oven with the light bulb on). Let sit for one to two hours (until dough has doubled in size).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

8 servings, 3 pts each

Turkey and Cranberry Salad

Perfect on light whole wheat bread or a whole wheat pita!

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

7 oz. Turkey Breast, cooked and diced (312 calories/6.4 fat/0 fiber)
2 tbsp. LF Mayo (40 calories/2 fat/0 fiber)
4 tbsp. FF Sour Cream (40 calories/0 fat/0 fiber)
3/8 cup Fresh Trader Joe Cranberry Sauce (165 calories/0 fat/1.5 fiber)
1/4 tsp. Ground Ginger

Preparation:

Mix together. Yum.

The calories are for the brands I used. Adjust accordingly.

Total NI for 1 serving: 139/2.1/.375