"Let all thy joys be as the month of May"
--Francis Quarle
ahhhh....the grass is green, the azaleas are blooming....4 weeks until Memorial Day and bathing suit season!! This month I chose light dishes with outside dining on the brain. Grilled meats, seafood, fruits and veggies to prepare us for the tastes of summer. May also brings us a few special occasions to celebrate (in a lighter way): Kentucky Derby: why not try Classic Mint Julips for 3 pts.; Cinco de Mayo: scroll down to my Chili Recipe and serve with baked chips, corn tortillas, beans and lots of veggies to make your own soft tacos or nachos; Mother's Day: depending on having a brunch/lunch/or dinner I recommend the Pork dish below and maybe Champagne Limoncello cocktails for only 1 pt!! And pick anything below for Memorial Day Weekend (guests will just love the cute shell appetizer!!)
ahhhh....the grass is green, the azaleas are blooming....4 weeks until Memorial Day and bathing suit season!! This month I chose light dishes with outside dining on the brain. Grilled meats, seafood, fruits and veggies to prepare us for the tastes of summer. May also brings us a few special occasions to celebrate (in a lighter way): Kentucky Derby: why not try Classic Mint Julips for 3 pts.; Cinco de Mayo: scroll down to my Chili Recipe and serve with baked chips, corn tortillas, beans and lots of veggies to make your own soft tacos or nachos; Mother's Day: depending on having a brunch/lunch/or dinner I recommend the Pork dish below and maybe Champagne Limoncello cocktails for only 1 pt!! And pick anything below for Memorial Day Weekend (guests will just love the cute shell appetizer!!)
Happy May and Happy Losing!
4 pts.
This is soooooooo easy....just needs time to marinate. The flavors are scrumptious between the grill, spice and sweetness of the strawberries. This recipe serves 12 so cut it down to serve your needs. I would pair this with a nice green salad and some lemon peppered orzo!
This is soooooooo easy....just needs time to marinate. The flavors are scrumptious between the grill, spice and sweetness of the strawberries. This recipe serves 12 so cut it down to serve your needs. I would pair this with a nice green salad and some lemon peppered orzo!
"Floribbean" Grouper with Red Pepper Jam
10 pts.
The prep work makes this a special occasion dinner rather than a quick weeknight supper. But, hey, you deserve it on one of these beautiful weekends. So, what's not to love...the crust is panko, coconut and cashews...oh yes, I'm not kidding. And the jam is balanced out with red and jalapeno pepper and papaya! So, put on some Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffet for this florida/carribean dish and serve with a crystal light mocktail like a margarita or mojito!!Ya mon!
10 pts.
The prep work makes this a special occasion dinner rather than a quick weeknight supper. But, hey, you deserve it on one of these beautiful weekends. So, what's not to love...the crust is panko, coconut and cashews...oh yes, I'm not kidding. And the jam is balanced out with red and jalapeno pepper and papaya! So, put on some Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffet for this florida/carribean dish and serve with a crystal light mocktail like a margarita or mojito!!Ya mon!
Grilled Chicken with White Barbecue Sauce
6 pts.
This is one of my favorite BBQ sauces for the past 9 years! I've used it on everything for a change from the classic messy BBQ sauce. And soooooo easy!!!
6 pts.
This is one of my favorite BBQ sauces for the past 9 years! I've used it on everything for a change from the classic messy BBQ sauce. And soooooo easy!!!
Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach
8 pts.
OMG...i HAVE to get an old school iron skillet (Right, Mrs. Horton??) I have been trying to cook restaurant-like scallops but always fall short because it is sooooooo easy to "boil" them instead because of all the moisture left in them. So pat them with paper towels forrrrrrrrrever to dry them out. And the key is an extremely high heat. I absolutely loved this dish with the bacon...mmm...and because there are no carbs, it gives you an excuse to get a nice big baguette to dip into the sauce and have it drip down your chin! Mua!
8 pts.
OMG...i HAVE to get an old school iron skillet (Right, Mrs. Horton??) I have been trying to cook restaurant-like scallops but always fall short because it is sooooooo easy to "boil" them instead because of all the moisture left in them. So pat them with paper towels forrrrrrrrrever to dry them out. And the key is an extremely high heat. I absolutely loved this dish with the bacon...mmm...and because there are no carbs, it gives you an excuse to get a nice big baguette to dip into the sauce and have it drip down your chin! Mua!
Spring Linguine with Basil
8 pts.
Sometimes you just need a quick, easy, mid-week supper that screams, "Spring". This is it.
8 pts.
Sometimes you just need a quick, easy, mid-week supper that screams, "Spring". This is it.
Turkey Spinach Lasagna
9 pts.
Great for gatherings or on another day of Memorial Day Weekend when you're not grilling. You can also make ahead and freeze. I've used this as a vacation meal, too....letting it thaw while we are at the beach all day and popped it in the oven while the gang gets showered. It's really good lasagna that includes your veggies so you're all set. yum.
9 pts.
Great for gatherings or on another day of Memorial Day Weekend when you're not grilling. You can also make ahead and freeze. I've used this as a vacation meal, too....letting it thaw while we are at the beach all day and popped it in the oven while the gang gets showered. It's really good lasagna that includes your veggies so you're all set. yum.
Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
11 pts.
A little higher in points, but if you're craving a creamy pasta dish similar to a vodka sauce, this one is great. Kids will love it, too!
11 pts.
A little higher in points, but if you're craving a creamy pasta dish similar to a vodka sauce, this one is great. Kids will love it, too!
Cool Chicken Salad Shells
8 pts.
I just can't take how cute these are.....artichokes, olives, fresh basil...I admit I haven't tried it...but they are just so cute. I think they would make a fantastic appetizer to any seaside gathering or summer picnic. 8 pts. equals 3 shells.
8 pts.
I just can't take how cute these are.....artichokes, olives, fresh basil...I admit I haven't tried it...but they are just so cute. I think they would make a fantastic appetizer to any seaside gathering or summer picnic. 8 pts. equals 3 shells.
6 pts.
Another summer staple for many many years. I LOVVVVVVVE crab cakes, but they are usually so fattening and greasy (oh, did my mouth just water?) but if you would like to have that craving fulfilled on a regular basis, go for these for only 6 pts!!! They are a bit time consuming because of the prep, but the red pepper mayo makes it worth it! Bake up some potato wedges while you're prepping and pretend they are fries on the side!!
p.s. Check out my other blog all about our "Supper Club".
6 girls bring one food course: appetizer, soup/salad, side dish, dessert and the host picks the main dish and "theme"! All recipes are taken from Cooking Light Magazine and are pointed out!The last lady brings wine pairings for each course and a special cocktail!!
We've tried many different ethnic cuisines, a fondue dinner and even a "Chocolate" themed dinner!! Check it out!
Cooking Light, Drinking Heavily! :)
6 girls bring one food course: appetizer, soup/salad, side dish, dessert and the host picks the main dish and "theme"! All recipes are taken from Cooking Light Magazine and are pointed out!The last lady brings wine pairings for each course and a special cocktail!!
We've tried many different ethnic cuisines, a fondue dinner and even a "Chocolate" themed dinner!! Check it out!
Cooking Light, Drinking Heavily! :)
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