Replacing cream in "Chicken with Leeks and Cream" recipe?

[robinb]

Hi guys! My DH loves the Frugal Gourmet's "Chicken with Leeks and Cream" recipe. I have chicken and leeks and I am all ready to go but the cream is giving me fits. I usually just "suck it up" calorie wise and use half and half but I really want to stick with my diet and actually lose weight this week.

Any ideas on how to cut the calories? Should I mix the 1/2 and 1/2 with something else? I'm going Weight Watchers and a 1/2 cup of 1/2 and 1/2 is 4.5 points.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• • 1 chicken, cooked
  • 3 -4 leeks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic cloves, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions

1. Tear up the chicken meat into bite sized pieces.
2. Cut the leeks into 2-inch pieces up to the point where the leek begins to turn green. Slice the piece once lengthwise, and divide the leaves. Rinse if dirty.
3. Saute the leek stems and garlic in the oil. Then, add leek leaves, if desired. Do not allow the leaves to discolor; you simply want to cook them until they are barely tender.
4. Add the chicken to the pan, and cook it until hot. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well, and add the cream. Heat, and serve. Decorate with parsley.

 

[cewait]

Sorry for my ignorance but isn't this a recipe for 4-6 servings? Then the half and half would only add 1 point, or am I missing something. Anyway, cut the half and half with milk, or just use milk.....

I found that I am just better off cutting anything from my plate that has a white/cream/cheese sauce. It's just easier. But then I am just simple minded when it comes to nutrition....

 

[zigzagzerr]

Try substituting non fat condensed milk (the canned kind) in place of the half and half. I've seen that done in lots of recipes.

 

[pjlla]

Try substituting non fat condensed milk (the canned kind) in place of the half and half. I've seen that done in lots of recipes.

Also called evaporated milk.... just clarifying so you don't end up with SWEETENED condensed milk.... and BTW, I second the suggestion. I use it in many recipes that call for whole milk or cream. Or try one of the newer "fat free half and half" that is on the market..........P

 

[robinb]

We only used 2 chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken but I left the sauce the same. I just went ahead and bit the bullet and counted 2 points for 1/4 cup half and half. I served it over brown rice.