Weight Watchers Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

This recipe comes from Weight Watchers

Ingredients:
10 medium uncooked red potatoes (halved-5)
1/2 C buttermilk, warmed (halved-keep the same amount)
3 TBSP strong-flavored grated parmesan cheese (I just used Kraft parmesan cheese in the bottle) (halved-1 1/2 TBSP)
1/4 C chopped chives (didn't have on hand, so I sprinkled in dry oregano for flavor)
Table salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Scrub potatoes and cut out any bad spots.  Boil whole for around 30 minutes or until fork tender.  Drain, return to pot, and mash.  Stir in remaining ingredients with masher and mix well to combine.

Full sized recipe makes 8 servings, half size recipe makes 4.  6 points per serving.

Jeremy & Laura's Pan-Fried Steak and Potatoes

Ingredients:
4 6-oz steaks (we just used 2, it was fine)
2 tbsp oil
6 tbsp crushed black peppercorns (we used 3)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp Cognac (we used Scotch, a web site said you can substitute this with Scotch, whiskey, or regular brandy)
1/4 c white wine
1/2 c heavy cream

Directions:
Rub the steaks on both sides with the oil and press the crushed peppercorns into the meat. Melt the butter in a large frying pan and cook the steaks for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak.

Add the cognac and flambe (we didn't do this, the cast iron skilled sizzled the alcohol right off, no flames needed!) by lighting the frying pan with your gas flame or a match (stand back when you this and keep a pan lid handy for emergencies).

Put the steaks on a warm plate. Add the wine to the pan and boil, stirring, for 1 minute to deglaze the pan. Add cream and stir for 1-2 minutes. Season and pour over the steaks.

Note: The peppercorns are quite strong.  If you don't like really spicy foods, regular pepper would work just as well.

Baked potatoes:
Preheat oven to 350, put racks in middle and bottom slots. Place pan or foil on bottom rack to catch drippings.

Wash and dry potatoes, and then stick them with a fork a few times so they don't explode. Then coat them in canola oil and sprinkle them with your choice of salt.  Place directly on middle rack and bake for an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the insides are cooked.

The sauce from the steaks is DELICIOUS on the potatoes.

Billie's Potato Soup

Great for a cold day.
Ingredients:
6 c. cubed, peeled potatoes
5 c. water
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. thin sliced carrot
1/4 c. butter
4 tsp. chicken bullion (or 4 cubes)
2 tsp. salt (sometimes I only use 1 tsp.)
3 tbsp. chopped parsley (I just sprinkle some in)
1 can evaporated milk

Directions:
Combine first 7 ingredients (all but milk and parsley) in crock pot. Cover and cook on high 7 hours. Add milk and parsley. Mix well, cover, and cook for 30-60 mins. longer.

Parmesan Potato Wedges

Great and simple side dish.

Ingredients:

3 medium potatoes

1 egg white, lightly beaten

¼ C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. garlic salt

Salt & pepper

Oregano flakes

Directions:

Wash potato skins.  Slice potatoes into wedges.  In bowl, combine egg white, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt and oregano flakes.  Place wedges into bowl, and with hands mix together wedges and cheese mixture until it sticks to potatoes.  Place on greased baking sheet and cook at 425* for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until potatoes are soft and cooked through.  Note: you can use any spices and herbs that you think will taste good!