Marvelous Recipes

My hubby and I are rather fond of lean pork tenderloin especially when it is prepared in my slow cooker. I found this recipe in an older copy of Taste of Home magazine. The cranberry sauce, orange juice and ground cloves create a sweet, nicely seasoned sauce that enhances the natural flavor of the meat.

1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
1 (16 ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons corn starch
3 tablespoons cold water

1. Place the tenderloin in a 3-quart slow cooker. Combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, sugars, mustard and cloves; pour over pork. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F.

2. Remove the pork and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; gradually stir into cranberry mixture. Cover and cook on High for 15 minutes longer or until thickened. Serve with the pork. Makes 4 servings.

Emily

Your taste buds will never believe these flavor-filled muffins from Weight Watcher’s “Simply the Best” cookbook are low-fat and low-calorie!

2-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cold reduced-calorie margarine, diced
3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/3 cup thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
24 dried apricot halves, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray eighteen 2-3/4″ nonstick muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray or line with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, orange juice concentrate and eggs. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined (do not over-mix). Gently stir in the blueberries, cranberries and apricots.

4. Spoon the batter into the cups, filling each about 2/3rds full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack 10 minutes. Remove from the cups and cool completely on the rack. Makes 18 servings.

Per Serving: 144 Calories, 3 g Total Fat, 0 g Saturated Fat, 24 mg Cholesterol, 211 mg Sodium, 28 g Total Carbohydrate, 3 g Dietary Fiber, 4 g Protein, 63 mg Calcium

Serving Provides: 1 Bread, 1 Fruit/Vegetable, 1 Fat

Points Per Serving: 3

Emily

These rich, creamy and delicious dessert bars are perfect for satisfying your family’s sweet tooth!

2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk*
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce

1. In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, oats, 3/4 cup of brown sugar and butter or margarine; mix until crumbly. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of crumb mixture; press remainder firmly on bottom of greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

2. In a small mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice. Spread mixture evenly over prepared crust.

3. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar and cornstarch; stir in cranberry sauce. Spoon mixture evenly over cheese layer. Top with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until golden. Cool and chill. Store covered in refrigerator. Makes 24 to 36 bars.

* Do Not use evaporated milk!

Emily

A light and delicious side dish that goes great with most any meal. Just the right combination of sweet and tangy flavors!

1- (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
1- (16 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce*
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1- (8 oz.) container Cool Whip
1 cup mini-marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and sugar until smooth. Add cranberry sauce and pineapple; blend well. Stir in Cool Whip, marshmallows and nuts; mix well.

Pour into a shallow 2 quart casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in the freezer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Mixture will be soft frozen. Makes 6-8 servings.

* Jellied cranberry sauce may be substituted for whole cranberry sauce, if desired.