Nutella Stuffed French Toast

I love nutella and the husbands loves french toast!  This is my usual french toast recipe, but made for the chocoholic in you by adding nutella!

Hello, awesomeness!

You'll need:
6 slices of very thin bread (Pepperidge Farm is what I used)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter
Nutella (1/2 cup)

Step-by-step:
1.  Break the eggs into a tin or large tupperware, add the milk, cinnamon and vanilla, then beat with a fork.  
2.  Spread about 2 tablespoons of nutella on the thin bread.  Use a second slice to make a sandwich.
3.  Dip the bread slices, one sandwich at a time, and turn them over.  Don't try to soak them, just get them good and wet. 
4.  Set the griddle or wide frying pan over medium heat.  Drop 2 tablespoons of in and move to grease the whole bottom. 
5.  As the bread slices come out of the batter, put them onto the griddle or frying pan immediate, and cook both sides until golden brown.  Use your spatula to look underneath to make sure you don't burn it.  You may need to add some butter in between cookies to keep it from burning.  
6.  Serve with a dollop of whip cream.

-DD    

Spinach and Cheese Bites!

I love spinach!  Even as a child, I would eat spinach quiche, creamed spinach, and pasta with spinach.  My parents thought it was a bit strange being that my two brothers detested spinach, but anyway - I've always had a love for spinach :)

This easy appetizer is perfect for a party, and is very yummy!  The best thing about it, is you can eat them more guilt free than your usually appetizer foods - like cream cheese poppers, or pepperoni bites.

I love party foods that is bite size, because it's less messy and people seem to enjoy them!  Plus, if you're like me, I like to try a lot of different snacks at a party and this way you can do it guilt free! 

A delicious way to get your veggies in!

You'll need:
2 packages of Phyllo cups (15 cups each) - these taste AWESOME and are low in calories
10 oz of chopped spinach, thawed and well drained    
1/2 cup of shredded cheese (I used Muenster, but you can use Feta for a more authentic greek flavor)
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 green onion (about 2 tablespoons)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon softened cream cheese (optional)

Step-by-step:
1.  Put the phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake per box directions (usually 3-5 minutes at 350)
2.  Once cooked remove from oven, and leave oven heat on.
3.  In a medium bowl, mix spinach, muenster (or feta) cheese, parmesan cheese, green onion, and garlic powder.  Mix together until well blended. 
4.  In each phyllo cup, put about 1 tablespoon of the spinach mix.
5.  Bake for about 5 minutes (temperature is on the package, but usually 350).
6   Serve warm!

NOTE:  Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible from the spinach before mixing in step 3.  If it's too wet, the cups will get soggy and gross.

Enjoy, Popeye!
-Marina

PS:  If you're looking for other ideas for a healthy appetizer, you should try my Guacamole!  So good, and guilt-free eating!

Skinny Laughing Cow Chicken

I love Laughing Cow cheeses.  I usually spread it over a slice of toasted whole wheat bread for a healthy breakfast.  The light cheeses are about 35 calories for a wedge, and are full of flavor.

I wanted to make a light dinner for a girls night I hosted, and I came up with an adapted version of this Skinny Chicken using the Laughing Cow wedges.  Served with a side salad, this was a low fat meal!

You'll need:
3 large chicken breasts
3 light laughing cow wedges (I used the herb & garlic)
Parsley
1/4 cup of your favorite bread crumbs.  

Step-by-step:
1.  Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts so they are tender and thinner.
2.  Spread 1 wedge of Laughing Cow on each chicken breast.  Sprinkle parsley over cheese.
3.  Roll up the chicken breast.  If needed use toothpicks to keep rolled up. 
4.  Use cooking spray, spray the outside of the chicken breasts and roll in the bread crumbs.
5.  Over medium heat, take a large pan and heat olive oil (about 2 tablespoons).  Sear the chicken breasts on each side (for about 3 minutes on both sides).
6.  Bake in oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked. 


Enjoy!

-DD