Christmas Gift Review 2: Hungry Girl’s 200 Under 200 Cookbook

As promised, I’ve picked my next foodie Christmas gift to review. This one is definitely a favorite, simply because it’s absolutely delicious!

I don’t remember how or when I came across Hungry Girl, but my meal options have increased tenfold since! There are so many great recipes and just general tips on the site, that when I found out there were cookbooks too, I just had to have them.

Before getting the book, I had tried out recipes such a “Buff Chick Dip,” “Chicken with a Kick Pack,” and “Wrappers Delight” to name a few. Each of them were not only delicious and healthy, but super easy to make!

Written by the Hungry Girl herself, Lisa Lillien, this particular cook book boasts 200 recipes, each under 200 calories! Now, I haven’t followed each recipe exactly just based on what I’ve had available, but no matter what they’ve come out delicious! There really is something for everyone in the book; pastas, wraps, burgers, dips, desserts… the list just goes on and on.

So far from this book, I’ve made the EZ Tomato-Basil Chicken, Smothered Pig in a Blanket, and BLT Quesadilla. I’m sure you’re thinking there is no way the recipes are under 200 calories… But they are!

The chicken recipe was super simple, but a poor choice in chicken left the dish only passable. It was quick and served with just some spaghetti was a great post-gym refuel. However, I’m more than willing to try the dish again, hopefully this time with better chicken.

A few days later I ventured back to the book, this time to try the BLT Quesadilla. Now, I’m a HUGE fan of all types of Spanish/Mexican food. I was a little unsure about mixing the staples of my favorite type of food with bacon. However, if I’ve learned anything from Wife Swap, it’s that “bacon is good for me.” Let me tell you; I was wrong about this combo. It’s delicious!! The great part about the recipe is you can easily use regular bacon, turkey bacon, or veggie bacon depending on your preferences. This is really one of those recipes that you pat yourself on the back for not changing a single thing about it. I’ll absolutely make this again and again!

I had saved the most unbelievable (in my eyes) 200 under 200 dinner dish for last. Now, I hadn’t had my first chili dog until only a few months ago. My boyfriend actually looked horrified when I first told him that blasphemy. I was always really afraid of just how bad they were for you. So, when I saw that there was a take on them in this book, I was ecstatic! Similar to the quesadillas, you really have the ability to customize the dish based on your preferences; veggie hot dogs, turkey dogs, beef dogs, vegetarian chili, regular chili, etc. I settled on some Oscar Meyer turkey dogs, because they were only 40 calories with zero fat, and pretty low sodium. I saw Hormel’s spicy bean chili, so I immediately grabbed that too. I then followed the rest of the recipe exactly. Even my boyfriend, a seasoned chili dog eater was really impressed. They were definitely knife and forkers, but worth the effort! We each had two and a salad, and were good to go for just a little over 400 calories!

I can’t stress enough the sheer deliciousness of this book. I really want to make everything in it. I think my next stop will be cupcakes in ice cream cones. If that doesn’t bring you back to your elementary school birthdays, I don’t know what will!

So check out the three recipes below, and also follow the links above to Hungry Girl’s site, and the other recipe’s I’ve made from there. I don’t care if you’re a girl or a boy; I know you’re hungry! Happy nomzing!

EZ Tomato Basil Chicken

Ingredients:
1 LB raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast
1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes with basil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Spray pan with nonstick spray, and heat on high. Add onions & cook till they brown (approx. 3 minutes)
3. Pour 1/2 tomatoes into medium baking pan. Lay chicken in the pan and top with onions.
4. Pour the rest of the tomatoes over the onions and chicken
5. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through
Serves: 4

Smothered Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:
1 fat free hot dog
1 serving of Pillsbury reduced fat crecent rolls (refrigerated dough)
1/2 slice of fat free cheddar cheese (cut on a diagonal)
1/4 cup of low-fat veggie chili

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Roll out triangle dough, stretching a little
3. Lay cheese on triangle at the base
4. Place hot dog at base of dough and roll up
5. Place blanketed pup in baking pan, sprayed lightly
6. Bake in oven for 12-14 minutes (till dough is slightly brown and crispy)
7. Meanwhile, heat chili in microwave.
8. Once piggie is cooked, plate and top with chili
Serves: 1

BLT Quesadilla

Ingredients:
1 large low carb tortilla
2 tbsp fat free shredded cheese
2 slices extra lean turkey bacon
1/2 plum tomato, diced
1/2 cup shredded lettuce

Directions:
1. Cook bacon according to package, set aside to cool
2. Spray pan and bring to medium heat. Lay torilla flat on the pan, and top evenly with cheese
3. Once cheese begins to melt, cover 1/2 the torilla with bacon and tomato
4. Using a spatula, carefully fold the cheese-only side to the other half, press down to seal, and cook 1 minute.
5. Flip, and continue to cook 1 minute until both sides are toasty
Serves: 1