When we first switched to Smart Points I fought. I rebelled. I dug my heels in. Hard. Too many of my beloved snack foods were suddenly double and a handful triple the number of points they had been just the Tuesday before. I would even say I was perturbed.
But then I started reviewing my food journals and noticed how much I had begun using snack and processed foods as a go to. Almost a crutch. It really wasn’t good and I needed a good swift kick in the weight loss tuckus.
Hubby and I are snackers. We have been known to exist for days on peanut butter crackers and protein bars. Maybe that’s why we camp so well….but I digress.
One of the few “snack” bars left that is still under 5 Smart Points is made by Quest Nutrition. Boasting a whopping 20 grams of protein in most flavors these are a delicious, power packed, and versatile extra meal addition. I keep a Quest Bar in my purse just in case. If we get stuck away from better choices. Just in case I miss breakfast. For a protein punch before we walk. They are satisfying and yummy. Winner.
Two night ago I was wandering around our loft looking for brownies. Now let’s be honest…would it be a smart idea to keep anything even remotely resembling a brownie in my home? Nope. Negatory. So why did I think I might find one?
And then I got caught. Caught with a collection of things on the counter staring at them. It was a strange combo but remember I’m trying to make a brownie out of ingredients that don’t exist. Hubby casually walked by and innocently asked “whatcha makin?” This. “What is this?” I don’t know….but we’re going to find out.
So it turns out you can cook Quest Bars. And then they taste like a brownie. And what goes better with a brownie than a strong cup of coffee? Do you see where I’m headed with this?
Chocolate Espresso Whoopie Pie – 5 Weight Watchers Smart Points (1/2 for 3SP)
Ingredients:
- 1 Double Chocolate Chunk Quest Bar
- 2 Tbsp Light Whipped Topping (I use So Delicious Cocowhip Light)
- 1 tsp Cafe Bustelo Instant Espresso Powder
Set whipped topping container out to start thawing. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a bread knife cut the bar in half. Now this part is technical…squish the bars as much as you can with your fingers without breaking them apart. Place both pieces on one side of the parchment lined cookie sheet leaving half the paper empty. Bake for 3 minutes, remove, fold over the other half of the parchment paper to cover and then place a heavy pan or casserole dish on top and press firmly and evenly. Try to get them down to the thickness of about a quarter. Uncover but do not remove the now lopsy-doodle circles and return to oven for another 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. While the bars are cooling spoon out two tablespoons of the light whipped topping into a small bowl. Stir in espresso powder and fold in until fairly evenly blended. Spoon onto one piece of the bar, spread out evenly, cover with the other bar. Place in a zip seal freezer safe baggie and put in freezer for a minimum of two hours (we left in overnight). We cut in half and were very satisfied, but if you want the whole thing that’s a lot of Whoopie for only 5 Smart Points!
Link to the Apple store is: Smart Points Database in the Apple Store
Link to the Google play store is:
Smart Points Database on the Google Play Store
