Emily Bites Cheesy Potluck Potatoes

Lately I've been getting into a food rut so I decided to step out of the box and try a new side dish. Turns out I've enjoyed it so much, it's been almost a weekly staple I've made to go alongside the various proteins I make for meals during the week.

On my weekend trip through the grocery store I picked up the ingredients needed to make Emily Bites Cheesy Potluck Potatoes and popped my frozen hash brown potatoes in the refrigerator to thaw once I returned home. When I got around to making the dish, while mixing all the ingredients together, I wasn't sure how it'd turn out. Thankfully the end result muted any potential doubt in my mind.

The recipe takes absolutely no time to whip together, perhaps just a little preparation work which means setting a bag of frozen hash browns potatoes in the refrigerator to defrost. After that it's pretty much a matter of dump, stir, bake.  I will admit, I have omitted the onion from the recipe simply because my boyfriend has an allergy - but either way, it's been absolutely delicious. The potatoes bake up wonderfully - the outside creates a nice crust, while the inner layer stays gooey and cheesy. So far all that have tried it (I have made this recipe 4-times since giving it a go) have really enjoyed it and look forward to it. 

If you're concerned with the use of the fat free cream of chicken soup - have no worries, the soup does not create any chicken-esque flavoring. I've enjoyed this as a side dish alongside steak, chicken and one of my absolute favorite ways to have this is included with my breakfast. A little scrambled eggbeaters over the top with a side of bacon/sausage make it a home run.

A serving, 1/8th of the recipe, is 190 calories or 5 points plus values.

Recipe: http://www.emilybites.com/2012/04/cheesy-potluck-potatoes.html

Quest Protein Powder - Peanut Butter Flavor

I've heard rave reviews about Quest protein powder and since I was in the market for a new protein powder I decided to give Quest a shot. I submitted an order online and received a container of Quest Protein Powder - Peanut Butter Flavor. Out of all the flavored protein powders Quest provides, I think I have heard the most about the peanut butter so it definitely peaked my interest so I decided it was time to give it a try.

I ordered my powder from Vitacost and received it within 2-days. Finishing up my existing protein powder I waited a few days before I cracked into this baby ... and I have to say, I'm VERY impressed with this product!  A serving is a pretty substantial scoop of protein powder.  The powder itself is finely milled and reminds me a lot of powdered peanut butter (PB2). 

I added a scoop of protein to my nutribullet, 4 ice cubes, a banana, 1/2 cup cashew milk and 2/3 cup water. I let it blend and it came together perfectly. The peanut butter flavored protein is smooth, creamy, airy (not really frothy but it's got a lightness to it when blended), undoubtedly peanut buttery (it reminds me a lot of the flavor of PB2), and has no aftertaste or chalky taste. It's undoubtedly one of the best protein powders I have tried on the market. A smoothie keeps me satisfied because there's a whopping 23 grams of protein in a serving. Granted, there's not much fiber in the mix (1 gram), which would keep you satisfied longer, but if that's a concern you can always add a scoop of fiber supplement or bulk the smoothie up with other additives to keep you going.

Overall, I'm quite a fan of this and would strongly recommend it, especially if you're in the market for a good tasting protein powder that isn't chalky or unsatisfying. I'm looking forward to experimenting with this ... of course, it's perfect in a smoothie, but I think it'd be a great way to skyrocket the protein in a bowl of oatmeal or even adding the powder into pancake batter to bulk up the protein intake. The possibilities are endless.

A serving, 1 scoop, is 110 calories or 2 points plus values.

Skinnytaste Turkey Burgers with Zucchini

I found myself falling into a food rut ... and food ruts are no fun because I get bored and nothing is even worth making/eating. I had an extra zucchini in the refrigerator and decided to make some sort of burger out of it. Then I remembered I saw something on Pinterest where turkey burgers were made. So I pulled up the recipe and decided to give the Skinnytaste Turkey Burgers with Zucchini a shot.

The burgers themselves are very simple to pull together. The only thing I altered from the original recipe is eliminating the onion and adding a little McCormick hamburger seasoning to the mixture. The recipe makes 5 pretty generous sized turkey burgers, which once cooked up, leave for a very moist and flavorful burger. I made a batch to have as prepped lunches for the week and shared one with a coworker and one with my mother and both raved about how delicious it was. I'm such a fan that I've made this recipe again to have as rotating lunches for a few days. Adding the zucchini to the poultry certainly makes it a much more satisfying meal.

If interested in recreating this, you can find the recipe here: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/05/turkey-burgers-with-zucchini.html

A serving, 1 burger is 161 calories or 4 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip

In an attempt to make a healthy snack fresh vegetables, I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Jalapeno Greek Yogurt Dip. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect flavor wise, but I only hoped it would be delicious ... and I have to say, it really is.

With Greek yogurt dips I find they really are give or take. Sometimes they are a huge win, other times they are a huge fail. This dip itself is a huge win (so much win I've repurchased it a few times). The consistency of the dip is along the lines of looser than a chip dip, which is perfect to dip fresh veggies into. It's perfectly jalapeno, offering a nice almost bold spice - it's definitely clearly there but it's certainly not so spicy that your taste buds are overwhelmed. It's far more enjoyable than say the ranch veggie dip that's sold at most grocery stores. Plus, since it's not as thick your taste buds aren't just getting all dip and cancelling out the natural flavor of the vegetable you're dipping.

Initially I had purchased a tray of cut up vegetables at Trader Joe's and found the combination perfectly complimented the jalapeno flavor. Jicama, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots and sugar snap peas. All went pleasantly with the dip but as would snap peas, broccoli, celery, and bell peppers etc.

A serving, 2 tbsp, is 50 calories or 1 points plus values.

S'mores Oreo's

I would be lying if I said I wasn't eagerly looking forward to trying the new S'mores Oreo's. I had been keeping my eyes peeled while walking past the Oreo's at my local grocery stores. Then I noticed fellow Instagrammers were posting about them after spotting them at Target .. so off to Target I went.

I will make a bold statement before I delve into the deliciousness that these cookies are. So with that, I will go on record to state: these are hands down one of the best flavored Oreo's I have tried date.

 

The Oreo's are exactly as they're described - S'mores flavored. The cookie is graham cracker flavored, the cream is a mixture of chocolate and marshmallow flavored cream. Together, you undoubtedly get the classic flavor of a s'more just without the ooey gooey mess that comes with eating a true s'more. The only other difference that's not there is the burnt crunchy exterior of the marshmallow (granted, being, if you eat your s'mores that way). They're a true perfect rendition of the s'mores ... so good in fact that when I took the package out to share amongst family my neice, nephew and mother had their fair share.  So much of a fair share that I picked up another package while at the grocery store.

 

The S'moreo's should continue to be a staple in the brands product line because it simply is that good!

 

A serving, 2 cookies, are 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake

I purchased this Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake in December and popped it into the freezer. The idea was to have it around the holidays ... but with all the craziness that comes with the holiday hustle and bustle the cheesecake sat in the freezer untouched. For Easter I decided to opt out of making a dessert and serving this up to my family. 

 

The cheesecake is sold frozen and the directions state to defrost in the refrigerator or defrost at room temperature. The defrost times vary depending on the method you choose. This is your classic cheesecake, with a unique twist - added cookie butter on top. The crust if a crumbly, yet firm graham cracker crust, the cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy and the cookie butter smeared on top gives the whole dish a sweet, ginger snap flavor. It is sweet, but not as sweet as say a turtle cheesecake.  A single serving of cheesecake is definitely enough to satisfy ones sweet tooth.

 

Overall it was a smash hit for our holiday dessert - everyone that had a piece was equally pleased with how scrumptious is was.

 

Just in case you are a little bummed this isn't sold in stores at the present time, have no fear, Trader Joe's has mini bite versions of this available in the freezer section. They're basically the same thing, just cut into square miniature bites instead of served as a whole cheesecake.

 

A serving, 1/6th of the cheesecake, is 410 calories or 11 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Spicy California Rolls

Truthfully, I am not much of a seafood fan ... so stepping into the world of sushi has always been a little daunting. Admittedly, I tried cooked salmon sushi years ago and was absolutely not a fan so I took a step away from being adventurous when it came to sushi.

 

I've always noticed the prepared sushi available at my local Trader Joe's. I'd look and think maybe I should give it a try, but was just overall hesitant. Then one day my co-worker gave me a California roll she got from a local sushi restaurant to try out. I enjoyed it and in that moment I guess I sprouted wings. So on a trip to Trader Joe's I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Spicy California Rolls. I know some people are wowed that my first trip into sushi was grocery store packaged ... but in my defense I'd rather not spend a lot of money at a sushi restaurant to be completely grossed out (in public) let alone grossed out in my own home. So store bought was truly the way to go to get my "feet wet" if you will.

 

The container comes complete with 8 spicy California rolls, a package of organic soy sauce, wasabi and ginger. The sushi itself holds up pretty well and doesn't crumble. The rice is a little harder but I feel that's normal for cold rice. The filling itself I don't find to be spicy and it's not offensive tasting. My preferred way to eat it was to add a little soy sauce, ginger and wasabi to each California roll and pop the whole thing in my mouth and chew. The condiments added to it really helped bring it all together and made it a delicious snack. I wouldn't say it would be a completely filling lunch since it's higher in carbohydrate than protein, but it was satisfying.

 

I have repurchased this numerous times and have found it to be equally enjoying with every purchase.

A serving, 3 rolls is 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Zesty Southwestern Style Stuffed Chicken Breast

After seeing the Trader Joe's Zesty Southwestern Style Stuffed Chicken Breast on Instagram, they were immediately put on my list of things to try. Unfortunately for a while they were near extinct at my local Trader Joe's until over a month ago when I finally found them in the refrigerated meat/butcher section.

 

The chicken breast are sold raw and they are coated in a blend of spices, cheese, tortilla chips and sliced black olives while the chicken breast is also stuffed with cheese and pepper. The cooking directions are perfect because the chicken cooks evenly and still has a level of moistness to it without being dry as a bone.

 

The directions call to put the chicken breast in a baking dish (I choose to line mine with foil to make for easy clean up). Cover the chicken breast with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and return it back to the oven to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes When all done baking you're left with a crispy exterior, gooey cheese and just a spectacular tasting chicken.  To me it tastes as though you're having chicken tacos because you get that southwestern spice, while the cheese, olives and tortilla strips add more to the taco ambiance of you will.

 

I am such a fan of these chicken breasts that I have made trips up to Trader Joe's nearly weekly just to pick up another package. I find I enjoy the chicken best alongside a garden salad. This way I can have an enjoyable piece of chicken (7-8 ounces) alongside some fresh greens.

A serving, 5 ounces, is 190 calories or 5 points plus values.

Arnott's Tim Tam Original

For years people have been raving about Arnott's Tim Tam Original cookies all over the internet. Unfortunately, living in the US, Tim Tam's were not readily available as they were primarily available in Australia.  Considering the sheer cost to ship a package of cookies across the globe I decided I'd perhaps not try the original. Although, this past year, Tim Tam's have landed in the US and are being sold in Target locations.

Tim Tam's are two chocolate biscuits which are sandwiched against an airy chocolate cream. The biscuits are then coated in a thin layer of milk chocolate. The cookie is delicious, it's sweet but certainly not overpoweringly so. The chocolate does melt against your fingertips if you hold it for too long, but that only makes eating it fun. The biscuits provide a subtle bite, but overall I'd say the texture isn't hard, nor is it soft - it's right in the middle. They're quite delicious and I find a single serving is more than enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Now there are a number of ways you can enjoy your Tim Tam's. I find my favorite way is by doing what has been coined "The Tim Tam Slam". A Tim Tam Slam is where you take a beverage of your choice (coffee, tea, milk) and you bite a small corner off each end diagonally across from one another. Dip one bit corner into your beverage and use it as a straw to suck your drink up through the cookie. Don't do this too long because it will crumble and fall into your drink - but you can feel the cookie plumping with liquid. At that point you then want to pop the entire thing in your mouth. What you're left with is a heavenly treat. The biscuits are softened, the chocolate is creamy and it's just so yummy.

What I do know is that this was well worth the wait!

A serving, 2 cookies, is 190 calories or 5 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Ode to the Classic Potato Chips

Potato chips are one of those snacks that I have always enjoyed. I blame this on my mother who is a potato chip lover to the core. When I was younger, we had a few local potato chip factories that made homemade potato chips that they would sell in various size bags. They were some of the freshest potato chips you could get. Since those locations have since become extinct our taste buds have ventured into packaged potato chips.

 

It feels like many moons ago that I purchased a bag of Trader Joe's Ode to the Classic Potato Chips and I haven't looked back since. These potato chips are some of the truest form of potato chips that you can buy (particularly in comparison to the old school potato chip factories that were in my area). There are three main ingredients that make up this product and they are as simple as simple can be. Potatoes, Salt and Sunflower Oil. That's it! No artificial ingredients, no fats, no chemically altered/colored product.

 

The chips are light and crispy. If you're a potato chip fan ... I'd say they're what you'd get if Lay's and Utz potato chip companies had a baby. They're a perfect blend of crisp potato chips, slightly thick (enough that you can dip these in dip without them breaking), but at the same time are light and airy. Even my mother, who is the biggest potato chip critic I know even loves these. She says they're one of her favorite potato chips ... and that's saying a lot.

 

These are undoubtedly a repurchase. I'm not even sure what has taken me so long to post a formal review on these. Try them ... you'll thank me later.

 

A serving, 1 ounce (roughly 17 chips), is 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Trader Joe's OH Danish Kringle - Pecan Kringle

On one of my last trips through Trader Joe's I saw they had kringles available and I nearly clicked my heels together with delight. Wondering what flavor it was ... I was awed when I saw it was the Trader Joe's OH Danish Kringle - Pecan Kringle. This was the third kringle I've tried (pumpkin caramel and almond being the other two) so I knew this one could swing either way ... either straight out of the park or it'd be third strike you're out.

The kringle is your classic Danish dessert which is a large round ring of flaky pastry crust which has a filling in the middle. The top layer of pasty crust is then covered in a moderately thick layer of icing - giving it the "icing on the cake" vibe. This particular kringles filling is a thick brown sugar cinnamon filling, which isn't very sweet, which is then riddled with pieces of pecans all throughout the filling. It definitely isn't shy of pecans, which is appreciated.

Flavor wise, this reminds me of homemade pecan danish rings. There used to be a bakery in my area that made them fresh every morning and the flavor of this brought me back in time for a moment. Ideally they're two different desserts, but they're similar and the flavor is there. This in a way throws a nod towards pecan pie, but only if you cut the sweetness of pecan pie by two-thirds. The kringle is sweet, but certainly not sickeningly so ... but I do find the 1 serving is more than enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.

A serving, 1/12th of the danish, is 230 calories or 5 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Feta Cheese Spread

Opting to pick up something different as a snack/condiment I decided to pick up a container of the Trader Joe's Feta Cheese Spread. I love feta and a spreadable version seemed to not only be unique but right up my alley. Initially I wasn't quite sure what I would use with this so I decided it'd be an experiment.

 

Experimenting with this spread was satisfying because it's so versatile. It's got sort of a cream cheese texture to it, where it's not loose and runny, but not so firm that it's a thick block of cheese - but it's somewhere in the middle but leans more towards the thick side of the equation. The dip is a unique blend of feta cheese, neufchatel, yogurt and Mediterranean herbs. This dip isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. If you don't like feta, then you're ultimately not going to enjoy this because it is one of the major flavor categories.

 

The dip has that classic salty feta cheese flavor, while the spices help mellow out the saltiness and give it some added boosted flavor. It's very unique and satisfying in a number of ways. Initially I tried it with some pita chips. Then I ventured into adding it into my salads, eating it with chicken, smearing it onto the top of a piece of bread and enjoying it with a hamburger. But surprisingly enough, one of the most enjoyable ways I had this spread was actually on top of a potato. It just went together so well and gave such good flavor to the potato that it was one of my favorites and I had it with my lunch for a few days.

A serving, 2 tbsp, is 60 calories or 1 points plus value.

Trader Joe's Zucchini Fries

Browsing the frozen foods section, I spotted and picked up a bag of the Trader Joe's Zucchini Fries. Initially they reminded me of a vegetable tempora ... while also a substitute for the normal french fries that could accompany any dish. I wasn't sure how they would fare since I know zucchini is one of the fussier squashes.

 

The bag describes the side dish as grilled and lightly battered zucchini. I sprayed some non-stick cooking spray on a baking sheet, added the zucchini fries, gave them another little spritz and popped them into the oven per the cooking instructions. A little more than halfway through, I turned the zucchini fries over and returned them back into the oven to finish off. Truthfully, at that point I was hesitant, the fries were kind of flimsy and not looking extremely promising. But I pushed those thoughts aside and let them finish baking off.

 

The end result turned out a lot better than imagined. The fries had enough time to crisp up making the outside batter crunchy and leaving the zucchini inside soft and moist. The fries did not dry out and for the most part the fries were firm enough to stand up on their own without falling limp when picked up off a plate. They were mild in flavor, being that of just zucchini and a slight batter on the outside of them. I enjoyed mine with a little sprinkle of salt over them, while I dipped them into a little reduced sugar ketchup. Overall I found them to be incredibly delicious ... whereas my mother who also had some alongside her dinner was as equally pleased with them as I was. Definitely a 2 thumbs up food find!

 

A serving, which is roughly a 1 cup (85g/3 oz.) is 140 calories or 4 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Maple Walnut Blondies

I have seen the Trader Joe's Maple Walnut Blondies time and time again ... but I've refrained from purchasing them because I could only imagine how delicious they'd be. Of course I was shopping with my mother at the time, who saw them and wanted to try them ... so they ended up in the grocery cart.  I figured since there was another party who wanted them it would be less temptation since I wouldn't be the only one eating them.

 

I'm a brownie fan to the core, but blondies are one of those treats I usually only have if another person makes them. Not sure why, but it's always been that way.

 

Opening the package up and taking out a blondie you can immediately notice the moistness to them. They're firm but softer in texture, the maple is undoubtedly noticeable and the walnuts give it a slight crunch to balance off the whole textural experience. They are sweet ... sweet enough that I found I could easily share a brownie with another party and feel satisfied. But they're also sweet enough that if you don't have someone to share them with you can eat the whole thing before you realize it.

 

They're undoubtedly delicious and a perfect sweet snack to cure any sweet tooth. If you really like maple flavor and you love brownies .. then you'd undoubtedly love these. If you're not a fan of maple ... steer clear because it doesn't lack in the maple goodness department.

A blondie is 290 calories or 8 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Roasted Vegetable Multi-Grain Lasagna

There are occasions where I'm in the mood for lasagna ... but I'm a bit of a lasagna snob. Growing up my mother always made homemade lasagna's so I find myself comparing lasagna's to the good ole fashioned lasagna. Most don't even come close ... but I decided to try out the Trader Joe's Roasted Vegetable Multi-Grain Lasagna because it was different. Typically my lasagna's contain some sort of meat in them ... but this seemed interesting so I gave it a shot.

 

I have to say ... I'm glad I did. This is one of the best frozen lasagna's I have had. A quick trip to cook in the microwave (you can also cook it in the oven if you prefer) and it comes out perfectly. The edges crisp (which is my favorite part of any lasagna), it's loaded with delicious cheese and the vegetables are chopped up nice and small which blend with the sauce and noodles. It's unique and different.

It was very satisfying paired alongside a garden salad. I found it's quite enjoyable and it will be an item to repurchase to have on hand when I'm in the lasagna mood and I don't have any frozen slices from a tray that I have made.  I shared some with my mother (who is an even bigger lasagna snob than myself) and she really enjoyed it.

 

A serving, 1/4 of container, is 240 calories or 6 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin O's

With the Fall season, Trader Joe's 'unleashes' their pumpkin flavored goodies Some of which are so delicious they should truly be incorporated into their everyday items. One of these products is the Trader Joe's Pumpkin O's. When I first picked up the box I wasn't sure if it was going to be true slam dunk pumpkin flavor ... but these are everything one wold imagine.

For comparison purposes I'll say they are a pumpkin version of Honey Nut Cheerios. The cereal itself has a classic wheat cereal flavor, but it's not overwhelming. The pumpkin flavor is at the forefront and it's clearly evident you're having a pumpkin cereal. It's not a dish that's so lightly flavored you have to "search" for the main flavor. The cereal also has a light sugar coating to it which gives it only a hint of sweetness.

Overall I find this to be one of the best pumpkin breakfast items I have tried. Even those who have tried some have all agreed that it's quite delicious (and even more delicious than one would assume). The only downside is ... it's seasonal and once it's gone, it's gone (until next season).

A 1 cup serving is 110 calories or 3 points plus values.

Weight Watchers Bacon Meatloaf

I picked up the Weight Watchers Comfort Food Cookbook at my meeting with the intention on making a few recipes from it. With fall (and now winter-like weather) upon us comfort foods are where it's at. I have a fan favorite meatloaf that I always tend to make but seeing a Bacon Meatloaf I knew I had to give it a try.

So one evening I whipped up a meatloaf for dinner and I have to say it was delicious! My sister-in-law even said that it was one of the best meatloaves she has ever had (she may have even said it's better than the one her mother made). I personally found it to be one of the better meatloaves I have had in a while. It was juicy, flavorful and an overall crowd pleaser. It was so good I reinvented it into mini meatloaves which came out fabulously.

The recipe itself takes a small amount of prep work but everything comes together quickly and effortlessly - and before you know it, dinner is on the table.

Weight Watchers Bacon Meatloaf

Serves 6. 7 Points Plus Values/serving. 2 slices per serving. 257 calories.

Ingredients:

* 1 tbsp canola oil

* 3/4 lb white mushrooms, finely chopped

* 1 onion, finely minced

* 1 1/2 lbs ground lean beef (&% fat or less)

* 1/2 cup plain dried whole wheat bread crumbs

* 1/4 cup ketchup

* 1 large egg, beaten

* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

* 1 tsp salt

* 2 slices center cut bacon, cut lengthwise in half

1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Spray small roasting pan with nonstick spray

2. Heat oil in large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion, cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes.

3. Transfer mushroom mixture to large bowl; let cool slightly. Add beef, bread crumbs, ketchup, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; mix until blended but not over-mixed.

4. Transfer meat loaf mixture to prepared pan; shape into a 4 x 8 inch loaf. Lay slices of bacon on top. Bake until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of load registers 160*F for well done, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into 12 slices.

Valrhona LE Lait 29% Cacao Milk Chocolate

Let me take a moment to introduce you to a little gem I found at Trader Joe's one afternoon ... and have since repurchased a handful of times. One day at checkout I noticed some chocolate bars and curiosity got the best of me so I picked one up. Checking out the nutrition facts and being completely wowed, I tossed one in my basket and decided I'd give it a try.

 

Upon giving it a try .. that's when the Valrhona LE Lait 29% Cacao Milk Chocolate became my new favorite candy bar. The chocolate is considered to be gourmet chocolate ... which in my opinion is exactly that. It's smooth, it's creamy, it melts in your mouth ... and it has that rich chocolate flavor that I tend to only find in European chocolates. A bar houses 7 small squares which when eaten slowly is like a delicacy. A delicacy that also feels like it's a lot more loaded with calories/points plus values that it is. It makes for enjoying chocolate to be more of an enjoyable experience over a guilty pleasure.

 

The bar also comes in a dark chocolate variety but since I'm not the biggest dark chocolate fan I stuck with the milk. I do have a bar of dark to try one day ... but so far, the milk chocolate is phenomenal.  Plus for 99 cents per bar, you're getting quite a fabulous bar of chocolate for under a dollar.

 

A bar (which is also a serving) is 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Glenny's 100 Calorie Chocolate Chip Brownie

One morning the gentleman who replenishes the vending machine at work came in and left some "healthy treats" on the table for my coworkers and I to sample. There weren't very many items but the one that caught my eye was the Glenny's 100 Calorie Chocolate Chip Brownie. I took a quick glance at the nutrition facts and brought the package back to my desk to tuck away in my desk.

 

After needing an afternoon pick-me-up I decided to open the brownie to have a snack. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised ... the brownie was pretty big, far larger than a serving if I were to make boxed brownies. The brownies texture is a mix between cake and fudgy and had chocolate chips running throughout the dessert. For only 100 calories it was perfection - chocolatey, tasty and pretty satisfying.

 

For being pretty packed with fiber (7g) and protein (4g) they definitely do not have that fiber taste that can be found in some Fiber One products. These aren't hard on the stomach, haven't made me feel bloated or uncomfortable. They're delicious straight out of the package, while I also find them to be a perfect addition to a dessert to make it feel a little "sinful". Brownie sundae anyone?!

 

A package is a serving, which is 100 calories or 2 points plus values.

Dannon Light & Fit Greek Caramel Apple Pie

I've mentioned it time and time before ... Greek yogurt is my favorite yogurt and typically the only "type" of yogurt I purchase. I've heard great things about the Dannon Light & Fit Greek Caramel Apple Pie yogurt so when I finally spotted it on shelves at Wal-Mart I picked a couple up.

 

Needless to say I'm glad I picked up a couple because this yogurt is pretty amazing. It's delicious - filled with bits of apples. The apple flavor is right up there with the caramel being in the background. The caramel isn't blatantly artificial or offensive. The two flavors blend together effortlessly leaving a delicious flavored breakfast, snack or dessert. I've enjoyed it on its own while also with some cooked cinnamon apples. Out of the two limited edition caramel apple flavored greek yogurts out on the market right now ... this one undoubtedly takes the cake.

 

A serving is 80 calories or 2 points plus values.