Last Day Fall Crawl!!!

Hasn't this been fun seeing all the creative ideas in Fall Crawl?  Many thanks go to Marilyn for organizing such a fun event.  Today is the last day.  You must go to Renee's Joy Journey and see her fall inspiration.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/

October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/

Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Sweet Surprise

 *     *    *     Decadent Day     *     *    *

It's time for another Decadent Day!  Since we are well into fall - I mean pumpkin - season, today's decadent recipe features pumpkin.  Not quite a cake, not quite bars, I named these "cakelets."

In my book, anything with cream cheese icing fits into the decadent category.  So atop these cakelets goes my light version of the richest of frostings.  No guilt allowed when eating this taste treat!

Pumpkin Cakelets

1 cup unbleached flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 egg white

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Icing ingredients:

1/3 cup Neufchatel (light cream) cheese

2 teaspoons butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Coat 9 by 9-inch or 11 by 7-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.  In small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  In large bowl, whisk egg and egg white together, then stir in pumpkin, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.

Add dry mixture to liquid mixture, along with coconut, and stir just until moistened.  Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 25 minutes; cool in pan on wire rack.

In clean mixing bowl, beat Neufchatel and butter until smooth.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat again until smooth.  Spread evenly over cooled cake and cut into "cakelets."  Makes 16 servings, 3 points plus and 141 calories each.

Today, please be sure and visit Meli at Meli Faif Life for her fun fall idea.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Fall Crawl - Day 11!!!

Today you must go visit Deia at Love and Tangles for some more exciting fall crafting inspiration!

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Chorizo Enchiladas

We all need a little spice in our lives once in awhile.  These enchiladas are not too spicy, not too mild, but j..u..s..t right (remember Goldilocks and the three bears?).  These go together quickly, and what at first appear to be unusual flavors end up delighting your tastebuds!

These enchiladas can be made with pork and beef chorizo instead of soy.  You may have noticed that I generally opt for meat-free protein in my recipes, with the goal of fewer calories and less saturated fat.  However, "real" meat can always be substituted;  just remember to adjust the nutritional values.  In this case, the soy chorizo is easy and delicious despite it's much lower fat content.

Chorizo Enchiladas

1 (12-ounce) package soy chorizo
1 large (about 12-ounce) sweet potato, baked, peeled, and chopped
4 ounces reduced fat Cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup), divided
1 (10-ounce) can green chile enchilada sauce (I used La Victoria), divided
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (I used a local low carb variety called La Gloria)

Preheat oven to 350°F.  In large nonstick skillet sprayed with olive oil spray, brown chorizo over medium heat, stirring, for 5 minutes.  Take off heat and add sweet potato and 1/2 cup Cheddar and mix well.

Coat 9 by 13-inch baking pan with olive oil spray.  Spread 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce evenly over bottom.  Place about 1/2 cup filling on edge of one tortilla, roll up, and lay in baking pan.  Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas.  Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake enchiladas 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.  Makes 8 enchiladas, 6 points plus and 272 calories each.

Today is Fall Crawl Day 10!!  Please stop by the blog of Kim and Lars Waldmann to see another exciting fall idea.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Fall Crawl - Day 9!!!

Today is Jillian's turn to share an exciting fall treat at Food, Folks, and Fun.  Go take a look!

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Coffee Dream

There are so many intriguing flavors of specialty coffee drinks.  Pumpkin, coconut, caramel - all are very popular.  I can't help but come back again and again to a simple mocha version, basic but delicious.

Whip this up when you want a quick pick-me-up.  Not only will you be refreshed each time, you may even discontinue your expensive coffee drink habit.

Coffee Dream

1/2 cup strong hot coffee, divided
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
2 packets Stevia OR 2 tablespoons agave or honey
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or nonfat dairy milk
1 tablespoon nonfat creamer (I used So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ice cubes
Whipped topping, optional

In tall glass, whisk together 1/4 cup coffee, cocoa powder, and sweetener until powder is dissolved.  Pour into blender and rinse out glass.  Add remaining coffee, milk, creamer, vanilla, and ice.  Blend until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds in my high-powered blender.

Pour into glass and top with whipped topping, if desired.  Makes 1 serving, 1 point plus and 50 calories.  Increase values if using agave or honey to sweeten.

Note: You can make this a plain coffee flavored drink by omitting the cocoa powder.

It's Fall Crawl Day 8!!  Head on over to Chez Mukweto to see my friend Jacqueline and her fun fall craft.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Fall Crawl - Day 7!!!

Please go visit  Kimba at Kimba’s 2 Cents today for a wonderful fall sweet treat.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Time for Pumpkin

Welcome to Fall Crawl Day 6 here on Tracy Cooks it Right!!  I am a food-loving, recipe-reading gal who cooks and shares light and easy recipes.  Come on into my healthy kitchen.

Nothing is more fallish than pumpkin.  Here is a simple, homey dessert that will usher in all the good feelings you get as  autumn  approaches.  It will warm your house and your heart but not increase your waistline.   Dig in and enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk, such as Blue Diamond
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 egg whites
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces day-old French bread, cubed (about 4 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon light buttery spread (I used Brummel and Brown)
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Nonfat whipped topping, optional

In medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin, egg whites, maple syrup, vanilla, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and salt.  Coat an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.  Place bread cubes in bottom of pan.  Pour pumpkin mixture over bread, making sure to cover it all.

Melt buttery spread in small cup and stir in brown sugar and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.  Add pecans and mix well.  Distribute pecans mixture evenly over soaked bread.  Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325°F.  Remove pan from refrigerator and uncover.  Bake 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and serve with nonfat whipped topping, if desired.  Makes 8 servings, 3 points plus and 135 calories each.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Fall Crawl - Day 5!!!

It's Abby's turn to share a fall idea today at Dirt on the Rocks!

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Fall Crawl - Day 4!!!

Please go visit Lorie at Reading Confetti today to see a fun fall craft!!

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!

Late Summer Zukes!

Hard as I try to let go, summer keeps hanging on to me.  While others are simmering chili and looking forward to the cooler days, zucchini and basil are still plentiful in my kitchen.

I wondered how the chilies and basil would blend.  Turns out they're a good match and a great combination for a quick side dish.  Plated with sausage and peppers, tomatoes, and my beloved figs, it made a colorful and tasty dinner.

Zucchini Bake

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut in 1/4" slices
1 medium onion, chopped
1 egg
1 (4-ounce) can chopped chilies
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces reduced fat Cheddar, grated (about 1/2 cup)

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Coat 8 by 8-inch baking pan with olive oil spray.  In 10-inch nonstick skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat.  Add zucchini and onion, stir, then cover and cook for 15 minutes until soft.

Beat egg in mixing bowl.  Stir in chilies, basil, salt, and pepper.  Allow vegetables to cool five minutes, drain off any liquid, then stir into egg mixture.  Pour into prepared baking pan and sprinkle with Cheddar.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.  Makes 4 servings, 2 points plus and 119 calories each.

Now . . . letting go of summer a little bit . . .

Welcome to Fall Crawl Day 3!! 

Please go visit Letty at Bella Vida by Letty to see her creative fall idea!

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Mariyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
**Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/**
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl.

Fall Crawl - Day 2!!!

Go on over and visit Kellie at "A Glimpse of My Life" for a fun fall idea today.

Fall Crawl Schedule
Sept 19th - Marilyn - http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/
Sept 20th - Kellie - http://happybabychronicles.com/
Sept 21st - Letty - http://bellavidabyletty.blogspot.com/
Sept 22nd - Lorie - http://www.readingconfetti.blogspot.com/
Sept 23rd - Abby - http://dirtontherocks.com/  
Abby's will also include our 1st blog hop Linky Party
Sept 24th Tracy - http://tracycooksitright.blogspot.com/
Sept 25th - Kimba - http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
Sept 26th - Jacqueline - http://mukweto.blogspot.com/
Sept 27th - Jillian - FoodFolksandFun.blogspot.com
Sept 28th - Kim&Lars http://larskim.com/
Sept 29th - DEIA http://loveandtangles.blogspot.com/
Sept 30th - Meli - http://melifaif.blogspot.com/
October 1st - Renee - http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/
Renee's will be our Second blog hop /Linky Party
October 2nd - Giveaway & thanks to all that joined us in on the crawl!