Amazingly easy and tasty Sandwhiches

Pepperoni & Cream Cheese openfaced sandwhiches.
I shouldn't need to say more. But I know I do. These are amazing. Simply toast a plain bagel, add cream cheese (I use the 1/3 fat stuff) and then on a separate plate heat about 14 pepperonies for 10-15 seconds (don't overheat!) and lay them over the cream cheese. Enjoy.

These are so amazing. My survival during my pregnancies DEPENDED on these. I think I had one at least once a week...often more! (And no, I didn't gain extra weight..lol) Now I try to avoid them because of the fat content...BUT...they make a mean comfort food. TRY IT. Even if it sounds weird. Or don't. You'll only be missing out on the greatest combination of food ever!

Crockpot Chicken (or Beef!) Stroganoff

Dinner's on! And it's only noon!!! That's because I found me some crockpot recipes to try, and BOY AM I EXCITED! I know some of you out there (including my very own sister in law!) have a THING against crockpot foods....I have this to say to you. Get over it. You've probably only had foods that came from the campbell's "I don't have any taste" cookbook or some 3 ingredient or less thing. I LOVE my crockpot, and I'm not afraid to say it. For the rest of you, here's the recipe I'm trying. It originally calls for chicken, but I'm in the mood for some good red meat SOOOO true to my subconcious need to change every recipe, I have modified it some. I'll give it both ways in case you want to try the chicken one!

Ingredients:
4 chicken breast halves, cubed
(1lb-ish cubed deer or beef steak)
2 T butter or margarine
1 pkg (.7 oz) Italian Dressing Mix
1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Chicken soup
(Cream of Mushroom would be good with the beef)
1 (8oz) block of cream cheese
OPTIONAL: 1 can sliced mushrooms or equivilant fresh
frozen broccoli (for the beef kind, not sure about broccoli with chicken..maybe?)

Throw the cubed chicken (beef) into the crockpot along with the butter and Italian Dressing Mix. Cook on low for 5 hours. One half hour before serving add the soup, cream cheese, and veggies and cook on HIGH until heated through. Serve over rice or egg noodles.

POINTS: 10 per serving
makes 4 servings
14 points if served over 3/4 cup cooked rice OR egg noodles. 13 points if served over 1/2 cup cooked rice.
Weight Watchers has changed their point system, so this point value is only valid with their NEW system. (My GUESS is that it'd be a few less points with the "old" system, but I can't be sure) Curse you WW for changing what I knew so well.

*I'm thinking I might try it next time with some garlic added. We'll see how that goes.*

Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert*

*Definitely not diet-friendly.
Definitely worth it!

Ingredients:
1 box family size brownies (chocolate chunk is an excellent choice for this recipe!) + ingredients to make brownies
1/2-2/3 cups reese peanut butter chips
1 (8oz) block cream cheese
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1 (8oz) tub whipped topping
1 cup powdered sugar
2 T mini chocolate chips

Mix brownies as directed on back. Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips and mix well. Spread into 9x13 (or large round bakeware). Bake until middle is set. Cool completely.
Meanwhile beat cream cheese, peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Fold in whipped cream. Spread mixture over brownie. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. (Peanuts too, if desired). Chill for an hour before serving.

This is my new very favorite "pie" (I call it pie because i bake it in a round pan so it doesn't get called cake. It will be served at Thanksgiving this year. Guaranteed.

Cream Cheese and Chocolate Coffee Cake**

My mom and I made a version of this coffee cake for breakfast the other morning. Let me just say it helped me fall of my weight watchers diet "wagon" for the day. (I prefer to think I stepped off...Luke says I like to be in control...) So, before reading further please note that this recipe will hurl you in the opposite direction than diet...but it was so worth it. The problem is, she sneakily sent it home with me...(thanks for the HELP mom.) I don't have a picture yet (I don't dare make it again) but will try soon. I am planning to re-vamp the recipe and see if I can keep the taste and add some health. For now, enjoy it in it's most sinful state.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and 1-1/4 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9-in. springform pan. (I actually used a 6X8 2.2 qt pyrex pan) Combine the pecans, cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Cool completely before cutting.
Makes: 12 servings.
The fact you don't want to know until I revamp the recipe: 11 points per serving. (hoping to take it down to 7 and preserve the taste!)