26. Pork Chops with Apple Pie Filling and Stuffing

Have you ever cleared your plate of dinner and then wished you could start over? Yes? Well, we didn't get fat by wishing we had eaten less did we? In any case we are (well I am) on diets. We are on lifelong journeys to correct our eating habits and live long and healthy lives. So have you cleared your plate recently and wished you could start over? I have. This is that kind of meal. The one you eat, but can't believe how good it turned out. The pork chops were so tender I couldn't get them out of the pot without breaking them! I found a rendition of this recipe on the WW message boards. It is a crock pot recipe, but seeing as my crock pot is out of commission I decided to use my trusty dutch oven. Now, I have a few pieces of advice. One, try to find a can of apple pie filling you either know and like, or that is no sugar added without aspartame (does that exist?), or perhaps one with just less sugar. Two, do not get lazy and just mix the stuffing mix and pour it on top. Cook it first, then spoon it on. If you do not cook some of the moisture out it gets a little too wet.

Pork Chops with Apple Pie Filling and Stuffing - 7 points per serving
Makes 6 servings
Special equipment: Dutch Oven or Crock Pot

1 1/2 pounds lean pork chops (6 slices)
1 20 oz can apple pie filling, sugar free or no sugar added
1 box corn bread stuffing mix
1 tbsp olive oil

Marinade:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
sea salt
pepper

1. Mix the marinade and pour over the pork chops. Shake well (in closed container!) until pork is well coated. Refrigerate for 2 - 24 hours.

2. Lightly coat dutch oven with olive oil (if using a crock pot, lightly coat a large skillet) and place over medium high heat. Add the pork chops and cook them until you get a nice sear on each side. (If using a crock pot, take them from the skillet and lay them into the bottom of the crock pot.)

3. Mix the stuffing mix as the box directs and cook.

4. Spoon stuffing into dutch oven/ crock pot. Top with apple pie filling. Cover.

5. Dutch Oven: Cook in oven at 300 for 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Crock Pot: Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Enjoy!

14. Oven "Fried" Apples

The inspiration for this dish came from the online Weight Watchers Message Boards. This was such a great idea! I have been craving fried apples, but fried apples are pretty high in points. These were tasty, but I would make a few changes. 1. I would peel the apples next time, I think the skin gives them a different texture. 2. I would use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin spice or I would just use cinnamon and nutmeg. 3. I would use a smaller baking dish. :)

These can be serves as a side dish, or over vanilla ice cream, or on top of a waffle in the morning! They are yummy and so versatile and only 2 points per serving!

Oven "Fried" Apples - 2 points per serving
Serves 6.

8 cups sliced apple (about 4 large apples)
1/4th cup maple flavored sugar free pancake syrup
4 tbsp light margarine
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (Its what I had!)
2 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350.

Arrange the apples in an 8-inch square pan. Sprinkle on the cinnamon, nutmeg, syrup and lemon juice. Toss or stir the apples to coat them evenly with the spices and syrup. Dot the top of the apples with margarine or butter. Bake for about 30 minutes.

If you prefer your apples to steam a little then cover the pan with tin foil before baking.

Enjoy!

13. Mini Faux Apple Pies

This recipe comes to us from Ashley, budding diet kitchen diva! Sorry that the picture isn't great, it was hard to get a good shot with the blast of cool whip white on top!

My household loves this idea too. I mean, who doesn't love apple pie?

My only issue with this recipe is that it isn't crispy enough for me, but we are working on a solution to that problem that doesn't involve a Fry Daddy... In the mean time enjoy!

Just a note: These were made using ramekins. Not everyone has these little baking dishes, so I think that if you secured the stop with tooth picks that it would still be fine in the oven, you could probably even use cooking twine. So do not fear!

Mini Faux Apple Pies - 4 Points per serving
Makes 1 serving
Special Equipment: Ramekin.

1 Whole Wheat Wrap (any brand, just be careful of the points)
1 1/2 small or 1 medium apple sliced
Pinch of Splenda
1 tsp Dark Brown Sugar
2 shakes of Cinnamon (To taste)
1 tsp smart balance 37% light spread margarine
2 short sprays of pam or similar.

Preheat the oven to 350.
Use one short spray of pam on the wrap, and press it down into the ramekin.
Mix the sliced apples with the splenda, brown sugar, cinnamon and margarine, then add to the ramekin. Close the top and use your 2nd short spray of pam to spray the top.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!