Side Dishes!

Hey guys!

Have you ever been to a dinner or even a party where they served side dishes that you found more appealing than the main course? True this happens more so than not but it's usually not on everyone's mind front to make a whole dinner of side dishes...until now. Ma had this grand idea of making three sides for the blog meal tonight. Part of me thinks she's odd but the other part thinks this is genius! Why didn't we think of this before? Answer? Probably because it's the "proper way" to make a meal. There's always some sort of meat to showcase. In return side dishes get thrown to the side. Well no more shall these tasty side foods get tossed into the dark. Come forth and embrace the mini meals that accompany that main course show off.


Here's what you'll need:

Double Corn Dressing
Prep: 25 min.
Bake: 40 min.
Yield: 16 Servings

Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) unseasoned stuffing cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 each medium green, sweet yellow and red pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14-3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the stuffing, onion, sweet peppers and seasonings. Add the eggs, corn and butter; toss to coat. Stir in enough broth to achieve desired moistness.
Spoon into a 3-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until golden brown.


WW Points: *5 per serving



Light Rosemary Rice
Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/4 cup water
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese


Directions:
In a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and water. Stir in the rice, rosemary and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan cheese.


WW Points: *6 per serving




Creamy Spinach Casserole
Prep: 10 min.
Bake: 35 min.
Yield: 10 Servings


Ingredients:
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups herb seasoned stuffing cubes
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry


Directions:
In a large bowl, beat the soup, cream cheese, milk and
Parmesan cheese until blended. Stir in stuffing cubes and spinach.
Spoon into a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.




WW Points: *5 per serving

All three were amazing! Especially the creamy spinach casserole. My hubby doesn't even like spinach and he loved it.






Tid Bits: None tonight guys



Ma's Spot: Have you ever been out to eat or having a dinner at home and the best part of the meal was the side dishes? Well I decided that was what I wanted to do this week for the blog. I have to say the side dishes were delish. I loved the corn stuffing the most. It was easy to make and tasted great. The rosemary rice was nice. It was simple to make and not overly powerful with the spices. I have to come up with some way though to make it less dry. The spinach casserole was delicious as well. I do have to say though after it gets cold it's nowhere near as tasty. This is a dish best served hot.





SNACK CORNER:* It's time for snack corner! Where we take new snacks in the grocery store and break it down for you. We tell you which are hot and which are not.
Let's get to this week's pick:

WW Points: *3 per package




Dinah: On tonight's agenda we bring you the creation from Whitman candies and Weight Watchers. Thank goodness this was invented. Being on WW myself it's hard to partake in chocolates with my friends or family since chocolate is so high in fat and carbs. I'm not a huge fan of chocolate but every now and then I like a taste of it. So this little venture they'd went on makes it easier on so many levels. It doesn't skimp on flavor but somehow you can enjoy 6 pieces for only 3 points. No clue on how they do it but I encourage them to keep it up!



Ma: The only negative thing I have to say about this there wasn't enough in the package. I don'y know how WW keeps coming up with this stuff that tastes so fantastic yet is good for you. So I say to Weight Watchers keep it up, good job! And to our blog readers pick these up. You won't regret it.






That's it for tonight, next week we're not gonna be around since it's Ma's birthday! So we'll return on April 30th with a brand new recipe for you. Have a great week guys!



Spoons & Spatula's
~Dinah & Ma