Low-Point Spice Muffin Trio

Why I'm the only one in this house who likes spice cake is beyond me, but since that is the case, I had to get creative because it's this time of the year I love spice cake and different recipes using spice cake mix. By turning this mix into three different recipes, this spice muffin trio has something for everyone; chocolate, cranberries, pumpkin, and pecans.... you pick and enjoy!!!

Low-Point Spice Muffin Trio

Ingredients:

- 1 Spice cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 Tbs dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, eggs, and applesauce. After combined, equally divide batter into 3 separate bowls. In the first bowl, add pumpkin, cranberries, and combine. In the 2nd bowl, add chocolate chips and combine. In the 3rd bowl, add pecans and combine. Spray a muffin tin with Pam baking spray. Add filling from each bowl to the muffin tin. Each bowl will make 6 muffins. Bake muffins for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Drizzle with a little icing if desired. Enjoy! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

Total servings - 18
Serving size - 1
Total points per serving-Cranberry/Pumpkin- 2.5, Chocolate chip - 3, Pecan - 3
Total points plus per serving-Cranberry/Pumpkin-3, Chocolate chip- 4, Pecan - 4

"Be thankful for every moment." - Anonymous

Turkey Cookies!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just happened to come across an adorable picture on Pinterest of something very similar to these and just had to give it a try. How delightfully easy this is! Perfect little dessert your children will love helping you make for Thanksgiving.  

I didn't calculate points because this is store bought cookie dough. Had I had more time, I would have made my own dough recipe that I am sure would have been fewer points; however... IT'S THANKSGIVING... the one time where it's ok to indulge! :)

With cookie dough, icing, candy corn, and mini M&Ms, this simple and sweet recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving! Enjoy! 

Blessings to you and yours at Thanksgiving!

Spider Eggs

There's no trick to this yummy treat!!

Turn your favorite deviled-egg recipe into a Halloween hit by adding black olives to create spider eggs! A bit creepy yes, but still very delicious! Have some Halloween fun this year by creating these for your family. 

* Not intended for Halloween goodie bags for trick-or-treaters. ha!

Don't have a favorite deviled egg recipe? You're in luck. Just click on the link below for an easy recipe right here on Points in My Life!

Low-Point Deviled Eggs

"What do skeletons say before they start to eat? -- Bone Appétit"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Chicken with Strawberry Avocado Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo, pronounced peek-o-day-GY-o, also called salsa fresca, is a fresh, uncooked condiment made with tomatoes, onion, chilis or jalapeños. You can also vary the recipe using other fresh ingredients. It is a refreshing combination of sweetness, tanginess, with just enough spice to keep you coming back for more. Perfect with chicken, tacos, tortilla chips, or just by the spoonfuls!

Ingredients:

- 4, 4 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1, small avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and diced
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1/3 cup diced mango
- 1/2 Tbs diced jalapeños
- 1 1/2 Tbs diced onion
- 1 Tbs honey
- juice from 1/2 a lime
- 2 Tbs chopped fresh cilantro (or chopped celery leaves)
- salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken with a little salt and pepper and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cooked through. While the chicken is baking, in a medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Remove chicken from oven and add two tablespoons of pico de gallo on top of each serving. Enjoy! If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this easy recipe, Click Here.

"Life is short. Do stuff that matters." - Anonymous

Quinoa Meatballs

These savory meatballs are made with ground turkey. Ground turkey can often times become dry while baking, but with the added quinoa and homemade meat sauce, they're very moist, flavorful, and high in protein. 

Ingredients:

- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 garlic gloved, diced
- 1 egg

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place quinoa and 3/4 cup water into a small saucepan and heat to boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and let cook for about 12 minutes (until the liquid is absorbed), stirring frequently.

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic and egg. Add in quinoa and combine thoroughly. Roll turkey into balls and line a baking dish with meatballs. Top meatballs with meat sauce and place in oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Remove and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

BBQ Meat Sauce

- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1 Tbs worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 Tbs teriyaki sauce
- 1 Tbs splenda
- 1/2 cup ketchup

Combine all ingredients and pour evenly onto meatballs before baking.

If you'd like a printer-friendly version of this recipe, Click Here.

"You are loved more than you will ever know, by someone who died to know you." - Romans 5:8