Jalapeno Cheese Grits For Two -- 3 Smart Points Freestyle Program

I've used this recipe for over 40 years but it's always been one I'd make a huge batch of to take to pot luck dinners.  This is the scaled down, lower calorie version of the traditional recipe.  It makes four generous servings at 4 Smart Points per serving.

The original recipe includes butter and more cheese.  You'll never miss either ingredient! This is a hearty side dish that goes well with any type of meat main dish.

Jalapeno Cheese Grits

Makes 4 generous servings

3 Smart Points per serving on Freestyle program

½ cup instant grits

2 cups water

½ - ¾ tsp. Lawrey’s seasoned salt

2 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Chopped jalapeno peppers, can use fresh or canned

1 egg, beaten to a froth

Garlic powder

Bring water to a boil, add seasoned salt and grits.  Cook over low heat until thickened- 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in grated cheese, garlic powder and jalapeno peppers.  Mix thoroughly.

Fold in beaten egg.

Pour mixture into a 2-quart casserole sprayed with Pam.  Bake at 350° until brown and bubbly – 20 to 25 minutes.  You can also cook this in the microwave then pop under the broiler to brown.

Smart Points

Grits                     4

Cheese                  8

Cranberry Carrots -- 2 Smart Points

 This recipe came from the Chickasaw Nation Nutrition Services food demonstration this week.  It's a different way to prepare carrots.  I plan on adding this to our Thanksgiving menu.

The Smart Points listed were calculated based on the ingredients I used.

CRANBERRY CARROTS

Makes 6 servings

Recipe total Smart Points 12

Smart Points per serving 2

1 lb. baby carrots, sliced lengthwise

¼ c. water

½ c. cranberry sauce

¼ c. pecans, roughly chopped and lightly toasted

In a large skillet over medium high heat, whisk together cranberry sauce and water until blended.

Add carrots and mix well.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Top with pecans and serve.

**To toast pecans, spray a skillet with cooking spray, add pecans and stir over low heat until toasted.

Smart Points

cranberry sauce    6

pecans                  6

Zucchini and Tomatoes - 0 Smart Points

Although I've eaten canned zucchini and tomatoes, I'd never tried to prepare them myself until today.

I had purchased a few zucchini and after fixing the same recipe a few times, I decided to try something different and it turned out really delicious.

The Smart Points total for the entire recipe is only one, so unless you eat the entire pan full, it's going to be zero points.

ZUCCHINI AND TOMATOES

Makes 3-4 servings -- 0 Smart Points per serving

1 can Hunt’s diced tomatoes

2 T. tomato paste

1 small zucchini, cut into chunks

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

¼ tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Cover and

simmer until zucchini is tender.  Top with grated

Parmesan cheese, if desired---add points for cheese if 

you decide to use it.

Smart Points

Tomato  paste      1