Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin contains free-radical fighting carotenes! I made these this wkd and they turned out really good.

1.5 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 c. fat-free milk
1/2 c. canned 100% pure pumpkin
1 T. canola oil

Preheat oven to 375. Coat 12 muffin pan with spray (or use liners). Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt in large mixing bowl. Beat egg in small bowl for 30 seconds until foamy. Add milk, pumpkin and oil. Beat well. Add to flour mixture and stir until moistened. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake 15-17 min. until tops spring back when touched. Once muffins are cool, they can be wrapped tightly and put in freezer for up to 2 months. About 125 cal. each. (about 2 WW pts each). This came from Prevention May 07 magazine and i altered it a bit).

Mexican Casserole

Tom, Melanie and me enjoying the Mexican Casserole.






1 lb. uncooked lean ground beef (7% fat)
1/2 c. green peppers
1/2 c. onion
2/3 c. water
1.25 oz. pkg of Taco Seasoning Mix
14 oz. can diced tomatoes
6 large tortilla (flour or whole wheat)
16 oz. Taco Bell Home Originals Fat-Free Refried Beans
3 c. 2% shredded cheese (mexican)

Cook beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain well. Add water and taco seasoning, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for another 10 min. Place 2 tortillas in a sprayed 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish. Spread with half of the refried beans and beef mixture. Top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 min. or until heated through and cheese is melted. Let rest for 5 minutes and cut into 8 servings. Weight Watchers points - 7 per serving. This came from the Weight Watcher website.

Mom's banana bread made healthy

We grew up eating this all the time. I've altered it to make it a bit more healthy. It's yummy!

3 ripe or overripe bananas (4 if small)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. splenda
1 egg
1.5 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Mash bananas with fork (or blend in blender). Stir in other ingredients. Pour into sprayed loaf pan and bake one hour in a 325 degree oven. 12 slices. 2 WW points each.