'Skinny' Magic Bars {WW Points}

FYI: We are on the road headed South to warmer temps for a few weeks...God graciously laid this opportunity in our laps just a couple of weeks ago.  I will be slowing down some...be on the lookout for some great guest posts while I'm away...and for new recipe posts on Sundays and Tuesdays.  I won't be online as much, so just wanted you to be aware.  Maybe I'll even share a photo or three of our fun in the sun. *-* As always - thanks for your support and interest in TBB blog. 

If you want to splurge, but stop from going overboard....
These luscious bars would be perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration.  They are fantastic and sweet, but the reduced-calorie version. 

It seems I am always trying one more recipe from Nancy's Skinny Kitchen. Must be because they are ALWAYS a winner right?

With so many sweets over the holidays, I was tickled to find this 'reduced sugar/fat' recipe for those amazing layered bars...called Magic Bars, and sometimes called Hello Dollies. 

We lived a very frugal life when I was growing up, so when mom made rarely made these, it was SUCH a special treat.  I've had a fondness for them for years. 

They were very easy to put together because you just layer everything, there's no mixing.  Using fat free sweetened condensed milk 

(click here for my very low sugar homemade sweetened condensed milk)

reduced fat butter, and less chocolate, coconut and nuts...you can enjoy these and count 4 Weight Watchers Points per serving also. 

I always appreciate the fact that Nancy allows me to share the nutritional info from her wonderful website too.  Trust you'll pay her a visit and stay a while. 

Just look how she reduced the calories...from 356 to 133!  These special treats really ARE Magic! 

Weight Watchers (old points) 3

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 4

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 bar 133 cal, 5.7g fat, 3g protein, 19g carbs, 1g fiber, 61mg sodium, 16g sugar

FAT FACTS: for 1 bar made with full fat ingredients 356 cal, 22g fat, 6g protein, 38g carbs, 2g fiber, 163mg sodium, 31g sugar

SKINNY MAGIC BARS 

1/4 c. reduced fat butter

(like Smart Balance)

1-1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs

1/2 c. flaked coconut, sweetened

(I used unsweetened)

1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

(click here for my homemade sugar free chocolate bars/chips)

1 (14 ozs) can fat free sweetened condensed milk
(click here for my homemade sweetened condensed milk)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

(I used pecans)

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray 9" X 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray with flour, being sure to spray sides as well. Add butter to pan; place in oven to melt. (will take about a minute)

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over butter, patting down, but do not mix. 

Sprinkle coconut evenly over cracker crumbs, then do the same with the chocolate chips. 

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all. (You can place can in a cup of warm water to make spreading easier). Top with nuts. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Cut into squares while still warm, otherwise, they'll be difficult to cut. 

Yield: 24 squares 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You may also like to try....

Skinny Nutty Carrot Cake Bars

Skinny Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze

Crockpot Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs & Weekend Potluck #155

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

So glad you're here...

My dish for...

I've been told these are 'over the top great'!

Only takes 5 ingredients - one of which is store-purchased meatballs, for easy prep time. Perfect for hungry Super Bowl Fans!! 

Crockpot Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks and a link back was ~

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Poke Cake by South Your Mouth

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Baked Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Wings by Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Copycat Whole Foods Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts by 

The Big Man's World

And, a personal favorite ~

One-Bowl Healthier Chocolate Cupcakes by My Overflowing Cup 

Your hostesses ~

• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video. Please use a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

An InLinkz Link-up

3 Super Super Bowl Appetizers {Blast from the Past}

A family favorite...heat it in the microwave and keep warm in a crockpot.

A perfect party snack. 

Chili Cheese Dip (2 Ingredients)

Bacon, chicken, cheese, onion and ranch dressing rolled up inside crescent rolls.

FAB.U.LOUS!! 

Cheesey Chicken Bacon Rollups

Everyone loves this easy party dip...with layers of refried beans, sour cream, taco seasoning & cheese - I love that it can be made ahead too. 

Easy Taco Dip

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots

You may want to consider doubling (even tripling) this tasty recipe.

We all know Bacon makes everything better, right?? 

These tasty nibbles are the perfect appetizer for Super Bowl Sunday.

After I made these for the first time, I was amazed how many times my husband asked for them again. He just doesn't normally do that. 

I saw several versions around the net and Pinterest, so just made them my own way.  You can pick and choose how you'd like to make them too. 

I saw some recipes for cutting the bacon in quarters, or halves...

And I read a recipe where they even precooked the bacon.

I also saw ideas to add jalapeno or pickle to the side of the tater tot pre-baking!

You could omit the cheese and I know they would be just as addicting. 

Or you could sprinkle with cheese AFTER baking!

And you can sprinkle brown sugar over them before baking.  No doubt that's wonderful, but since we need to watch our sugar intake, I omitted that step. 

This is a great recipe for making as few, or as many, as you'd like!

I lined the cookie sheet with non stick foil for easy clean up. 

You can dip the cooked tots in ranch dressing, or even maple syrup!

This is a special treat we'll be enjoying again and again.  They take a little time to wrap, but it's oh so worth the time.  

BACON WRAPPED TATER TOTS

32 frozen tater tots, partially thawed 

(about 15 - 20 minutes at room temperature)

16 slices bacon, cut in half

32 - 1/2" chunks cheddar (or cojack) cheese

While tots are thawing, preheat oven to 400. 

Lay a piece of cheese next to a tater tot and then wrap in half a slice of bacon. Or you can try cutting a slice into the tater tot and inserting the cheese. (I was concerned about the cheese 'oozing' all over by placing it beside the tot, but it wasn't nearly as messy as I imagined it would be)

Bake at least 20 minutes, turning over halfway through baking time. Bacon will crisp up a little more after removed from the oven. Remove from cookie sheet to paper towel-lined platter. 

Dip in ranch dressing, maple syrup or tabasco sauce (or mix a little in sour cream for a dip). 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You might also like to try...

Warmed Sausage & Cream Cheese Dip (3 ingredients)

Crockpot Reuben Dip (5 ingredients)

Snappy Super Bowl Ranch Pretzels (3 ingredients)

​

Healthy Peaches 'n Cream Baked Oatmeal (Yogurt-Based)

I love everything about this tasty and healthy dish! And am excited to share it because it's one of my own creations!!! 

Oatmeal is so good for you...and the Greek yogurt adds protein...and then there's fruit to sweeten it up! I used part oat bran for the oats to add more protein and fiber. Oat bran is also low in sodium and cholesterol too. 

What's not to love? 

This dish freezes well and reheats nicely too, so you can make it ahead and it only takes a few minutes to warm and enjoy a wonderfully delicious breakfast. 

I love the smooth and creamy texture of Chobani Greek Yogurt. They use only natural ingredients. 

Add protein powder or use egg substitute.  Just make it your own and you'll be sure to love it too.  Try it with blueberries or even apple chunks.

Top it off with more yogurt for added creaminess; and add milk if you'd like. 
I topped ours with slivered almonds, but that's optional. 

PEACHES 'N CREAM BAKED OATMEAL 

2 c. dry oats (quick, or old fashioned, or 7-grain)

1 c. oat bran

(or use 3 c. oatmeal)

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. nutmeg

(or use half cinnamon, half nutmeg)

1/2 c. heaping peach (or plain) Greek Yogurt

(I love Chobani) 

1/3 c. agave nectar or honey (or brown sugar if desired)

1-1/4 c. milk (2%, 1%, skim)

1 egg

1 tsp. almond extract or vanilla

2 tsp. melted coconut oil 

1 c. fresh or frozen peaches, chopped

slivered almonds, optional 

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray 2-qt. casserole dish or 8" X 8" baking pan.

In large bowl, add dry ingredients - oats, bran, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.

In another bowl, combine wet ingredients - yogurt, honey, milk, egg and almond extract. 

Combine all ingredients, add blueberries, then add coconut oil; stir until blended. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with slivered almonds if desired. 

Place dish in oven. Cover foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove cover and bake another 20 minutes or until center of baked oatmeal is set.

Serve warm with more yogurt or milk.

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You might also like to try these recipes using Greek yogurt ...

Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie (Lighter Option)

Strawberry Yogurt Bites

Creamy Nutella Fruit Dip (2 Ingredients)

​

Crockpot Cheesey Turkey Sandwiches

We had lots of turkey left over after Christmas, and this was a real hit with hubby! It was quick and easy and I am sure this will become a regular at our house.  I froze some leftover turkey so we can enjoy it again later this year. 

Cheesey, filling, satisfying and oh so delicious!

Why...this would be awesome to serve at your Super Bowl party too!! 

Just a few ingredients....and you can use deli meat if preferred...I added some garlic powder and fresh ground pepper. 

Great for serving a crowd, but the recipe can easily be cut in half. 

Can be cooking in the crockpot while you do other things, or if you need something quicker, warm it all on top of the stove, adding cheese after turkey, broth and soup are heated. 

I was so excited to see this easy recipe at Recipes that Crock.

This original recipe found in a Gooseberry Patch's 

Slow Cooker Christmas Favorites. 

Terrific Hot Turkey Sandwiches!!! This filling is great, eaten plain, without a bun too!! 

CROCKPOT CHEESEY TURKEY SANDWICHES 

               8 c. chopped cooked turkey or  2 # turkey lunch meat

              1-1/2 c. (2%) Velveeta, cubed

            1 c. turkey or chicken broth

           1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

      1/4 tsp. garlic powder, optional

       fresh ground pepper, to taste

    12-16 hamburger buns

       In bowl, combine turkey, Velveeta, broth, soup, garlic powder          & pepper; pour into a slow cooker (sprayed with cooking spray). Cook on low for 3 - 4 hours (I'd check it after 2-1/2) or until the cheese is melted.  Stir well; serve on warmed buns. 

                 Yield: 12 - 16 servings

              Linked to Weekend Potluck
           GBP Roundup - Father's Day
             Back to School Recipe Roundup
Meal Plan Monday

You might also enjoy...

Easy Turkey Pot Pie

  Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

​

Leader Enterprise - January 21, 2015 - Moving More - Sugar Free Pudding Fluff Recipes

No Bake Energy Bites

I remember my mom telling me as a kid that confession is good for the soul. So I have to confess, I really overindulged on goodies over the holidays. And I feel it too. UGH! Because I'm using these thoughts to help me stay motivated to move more, I decided I would share them with you too. I always think if we can establish one good habit at a time, it keeps us moving ahead in the right direction.(pun intended)

If we are going to gain some new perspectives, in order to lose some 'old' weight, we must have some goals.

Exercise is an important part of the process of losing weight, but you don't want to push yourself too hard before your body is ready.

We are told that we need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but did you know that you can break that down into 3- 10 minute periods, and it's still effective? I LIKE THAT!

I enjoy walking, but when it's too cold and snowy to walk outside, sometimes I enjoy a Leslie Sansone in-home walking video to get moving inside. I'm also grateful for a friend who is my accountability partner-we like to walk inside the school hallways after school hours. It's warm and we have developed a pattern so we don't run into each other turning corners. It's amazing to me the difference even a little exercise can make in my energy level, not to mention on the scales. Find what works best for you and try to stick to a regular schedule. Finding a friend who will walk/exercise with you really helps you stay motivated and helps pass the time too.

If you chose to walk alone, use headphones to motivate you to move with the music, and if you are outside,don't forget to pay attention to your surroundings like that cute snowman or squirrel racing up the tree.

Lowfat Cappuccino Fluff (Sugar Free)

One thing I enjoy doing while I'm walking,is to pick up the pace--say,speed up the pace for a block/minute,then slow back down,just for some variety. Try skipping as far as you can, just to use different muscles. (Anyone around would enjoy watching you too!)

Find out what others are doing to maintain their faithfulness to exercise. Things that work for others could also work for you too. 

These No Bake Energy Bites are easy and tasty.They have protein and high fiber and little sugar!

NO BAKE ENERGY BITES 

1 c. dry whole old-fashioned oats

1 c. (toasted)(unsweetened)coconut flakes

1/2 c. (sugar free) chocolate chips

1/2 c. (natural) peanut butter

1/2 c. ground flaxseed

1/3 c. agave or honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl (or food processor for a smoother texture) and chill for 30 minutes. Roll into balls.Enjoy. Dip in dark chocolate for a special treat. 

I love dressing up pudding mixes. Here's a few simple sugar free recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whip them up in no time flat. Use sugar-full instant pudding if you prefer.

WHITE CHOCOLATE ORANGE MOUSSE

1-1/2 c. skim milk

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) sugar free instant white chocolate pudding mix

2 c. lite or fat free Cool Whip

1 tsp.grated orange peel or 1/2 tsp. orange extract

Pour milk and pudding mix into bowl;whisk for 1 minute.Gently stir in Cool Whip and orange peel.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

WATERGATE SALAD

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) pistachio sugar free instant pudding mix

1 (8 ozs) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1 (8 ozs) container vanilla lowfat yogurt

2 c. Cool Whip(Fat Free)

2 c. mini marshmallows,optional 

In large bowl, combine pudding mix with pineapple; stir until smooth. Add yogurt; blend. Gently stir in Cool Whip and marshmallows. Chill until ready to serve.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE FLUFF

1 sm. pkg.(4-serv.) sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) sugar free instant white chocolate pudding mix

2-1/2 c. skim milk

1- 12 ozs. tub Cool Whip Free

1/2 c. coconut

1/2 c. chopped pecans

In large bowl, add both boxes of pudding, then add milk and whisk until thick. Fold in Cool Whip, then blend in coconut and pecans. Chill-or eat immediately - but be sure to save some for the rest of the family.Yield: 8-10 servings

CAPPUCCINO FLUFF

2 c. skim milk

1 Tb. instant coffee granules

1 sm. pkg. (4-serv.) instant vanilla(or chocolate)pudding mix

2 c. Cool Whip Free

ground cinnamon, to taste, optional

Pour milk and instant coffee into medium bowl; blend until dissolved. Add pudding mix; whisk for 2 minutes until well blended. Fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. When serving, top with a few cinnamon sprinkles. Yield: 6 servings

Honey Sweetened Snack Mix & Weekend Potluck #154

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

I missed you all last week.  Thanks so much for your strong support in prayer and cares in the passing of my dad. It means so much. 

My Flashback Friday recipe is this awesome snack mix. Use up what you have in the cupboard...would be a perfect treat for the upcoming Super Bowl! 

Honey Sweetened Snack Mix

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Earthquake Cake by South Your Mouth

Recipes that caught our attention ~

1-Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake by Five Heart Home

Sausage Potato Soup with Homemade Bread Bowls by Reviews, Chews & How- To’s

And, a personal favorite ~

TITLE OF RECIPE by BLOG NAME

Your hostesses ~

• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional video Please use a direct link within your post.

When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

An InLinkz Link-up

3 Best Breakfast Favorites {Blast from the Past}

These magnificent 'muffins' are soo delicious - good for you - and versatile.

Add what your family loves best to the beaten eggs....veggies, cheese, meat....great to have on hand for a protein boost any time of day.

Mini Omelet Muffins

My oh my! With layers of scrambled eggs & sausage gravy, topped with biscuits, this dish is sure to please any hungry man (or woman) you need to feed!

Best Breakfast Casserole Ever

You just can't beat this awesome and tasty fruity dish!!

Made ahead...refrigerated overnight...what's not to LOVE????  
It makes me swooooonnn!  

Baked Waffles with Raspberry Cream Cheese