Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Cranberry Buttermilk Scones

I have been looking for a good scone recipe for a LONG time! I used to eat a scone every morning when I worked at the school, until the place closed. My Aunt Vonnie and I happened to be talking about scones one day and she mentioned that she had a really good recipe. Well, I finally got it from her! I revamped it a little so that I can actually have one and not use all my points (Yes, WW points).

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 1/2 c. Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 1/2 c. White Flour
  • 20 Splenda Packets
  • 1/8 c. Sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 3/4 c. Cold Butter/Margarine
  • 1 c. Buttermilk (I used 1TBS of Vinegar and the remaining of FF Milk)
  • 1 c. Dried Cranberries
  • 1 tsp Grated Orange Peel (I used more, just cause I like it)
  • 1 TBS Milk
  • Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle

In a bowl, combine the flour, splenda & sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda; cut in butter. Stir in buttermilk just until combined. Fold in the cranberries and orange peel. Turn onto a floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a ball and pat into a 6-in circle. Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Place on stone. Brush with milk & sprinkle with cinnamon sprinkle. Bake at 400* for 20 min.

I calculated one of these to be 3 points. I'm sure if I used a lower fat margarine, it would be even less.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Almost Panera Bread's Black Bean Soup

There are lots of recipes out there, but this is my rendition on the recipe...
I am using dried black beans, well because I have a lot and I just like fresh beans.

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery ribs, coursely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 small Chicken Boullion Cubes (or 2 cups of fresh Chicken Stock)
  • 1-1 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 lb black beans
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/2 lemon, juice of
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
Soak black beans overnight in a bowl full of water. If you forget to soak, then add the beans to boiling water, remove from heat and let soak for 2 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse.
Add the soaked and rinsed beans to large saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water. Add Salt & Cumin.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for about an hour.
Take half of the beans and blend them in the blender & return them to the pot.
Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and chicken stock in with the beans.
Combine the corn starch with 1 1/2 TBS of water, mix and add to the pot with the lemon.
Cooked until thickened.
You may top with a fresh salsa, sour cream or whatever your heart desires. I made Yeast Rolls to go with it.