Fun with Ideal Protein Packets
 

Thread also known as Spicing up your packets, or Packet Hacks. We've talked about having thread for ideas about modify the IP packets to get a little variety. If you have favorites that are elsewhere in the forum, please link to them here.

Request: Please put the packet name in the title of the post.

I'll start!

Raspberry Jelly
 

Vanilla Pudding
 

Instead of using cold water as the liquid, I use cold decaf coffee for a "latte mousse" or cold spice tea for a chai-like treat.

Both are good with the chocolate pudding too.

Chocolate Orange Pudding
 

IP chocolate pudding packet + 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. orange extract = HEAVEN

IP crepes + one packet of splenda + 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice poured in 9 x 12 pan sprayed with pam on top of tin foil. Bake at 350 for 15 mins or so. Then spread a thin layer of WF peanut butter
(Nice way to use up the peanut butter)

This actually exists but it seems was not merged to our sub forum when we switched from the OTHER CARB COUNTERS forum.

Here is the original link I have sent a pm to Ruth to ask her to move it.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/othe...t-recipes.html

This is a post that references several straggler posts that are created by and related to IP in the carb Counter forum.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...rb-thread.html

I like to add almond or coconut extract to the chocolate drink or pudding. :)

Also, add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the crispy cereal!!!

Chocolate puddings
 

I mix a couple of tbsp of WF chocolate syrup with the puddings, makes them more chocolatetier (is that a word--hmmm for chocolateholics it is, ;);) )

Originally Posted by jordanna:
♥ Instead of the Chocolate drink which is 7 carbs, why not have the chocolate pudding as a drink for only 3 carbs!! Just add 10 - 12 oz of water :) I like mine with a bit of instant decaf coffee, some coconut extract & a bit of splenda...so good

♥Add a bit of coconut extract to your raspberry jello for a change of flavor!

♥Turn your vanilla pudding in to a shake by adding about 10 oz of water. Add a dash of vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon and some splenda to make it seem like a delicious no no :)

♥Add some diet splenda sweetened ginger ale to your raspberry jello to give it some effervescence!


♥Experiment to keep it interesting!

Mix up the packages into new flavors - I recently started adding half a package of chocolate pudding and half a package of cappuccino to 10 oz of water then pouring it in a mug and heating it for about a minute (give or take depending on the microwave). It's delicious and comforting and rich. Next I'm going to blend it with ice to make a yummy mocha ice cap!

Have you tried a dreamsicle yet (1/2 orange drink & 1/2 vanilla pudding with 8 oz of water)?

Have you tried a strawberry delight (1/2 strawberry pudding & 1/2 vanilla pudding with 10 oz of water)

or how about a double iced cappuccino (1 pkg of cappuccino mixed and 8 oz of coffee shaken over ice).

Experimenting with flavors and new ideas will keep you on the track to success!

Jordanna made the above suggestions and had them in her thread "tips for newbies".

Originally Posted by AngieEH:
thanks for the tips. I tried one today! I didn't like the texture of puddings so today, i took about half cup of coffee, cup of water, cup of ice (i know, sounds like a lot) and chocolate pudding mixture, blended it up, and i got a light tasting but thick mocha ice drink. I'm full :) I'm going to try your vanilla pudding one tomorrow. I saw one for a butterscotch somewhere in one of the threads but I forget what it was all about

Originally Posted by jordanna:
I love chi tea lattes, so here is what I do:

8 to 10 oz brewed tea
1 pkg vanilla pudding
sprinkle Chinese 5 spice to taste
shake it all up, heat up in microwave if not hot enough
enjoy :)

Originally Posted by TaylorMayde:
so this morning i mixed up a chocolate pudding with extra water to drink. i didn't have any splenda, so i used half a crystal light cherry packet. It's delicious. tastes like chocolate covered cherries :)

More tips from others no longer here and buried in other threads.

Vanilla Pudding with Lemon Flavors
 

Originally Posted by showgirlaz:
The vanilla pudding packets are my favorite. Add some lemon extract to the water before shaking. The flavor is great.

For breakfast, I make a shake using the vanilla pudding packet, one Crystal Light Lemonade and 10 fl. oz. of cold water. It's very refreshing. I am not a big fan of artificial sweeteners, so I only do this one every now and then.

The above tips is from BamaGirl and can be found here:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/2915363-post39.html

Chicken soup omelet ??
 

This morning I mixed up my morning regular -- an IP omelet + 1 egg -- not strictly phase 1 IP but my variation to make the program work for my schedule.

It poured rather slowly out of the shaker cup. I removed the lid and poured the thick mixture into the pan, wondering "Have they changed the formulation of the omelet?"

Curiosity got the better of me and I looked in the trash can -- I'd used a chicken soup packet instead of the omelet one.

It's good and a nice change from the fine herbs & cheese omelet. I may try it with the other soups. Absentmindedness is the mother of invention?

Originally Posted by I'm svelting!:
This morning I mixed up my morning regular -- an IP omelet + 1 egg -- not strictly phase 1 IP but my variation to make the program work for my schedule.

It poured rather slowly out of the shaker cup. I removed the lid and poured the thick mixture into the pan, wondering "Have they changed the formulation of the omelet?"

Curiosity got the better of me and I looked in the trash can -- I'd used a chicken soup packet instead of the omelet one.

It's good and a nice change from the fine herbs & cheese omelet. I may try it with the other soups. Absentmindedness is the mother of invention?

So true .... I actually made a sauce for chicken with WF choc sauce after someone said they mistakely used it instead of bbq sauce, it was pretty good, I know its not a packet but hey it was good. I add hazelnut to the choc pudding, just like nutella, I put WF peanut butter in the choc (pudding) shakes with some ice ....yummy. I use the mushroom soup (thicker) as a sauce for my miracle noodles with grilled veggies. I have tried to use the chicken soup as a coating for zucchini, that was ok, definatley something I would experiement with. I also loved the mirange cookies made with egg whites and vanilla pudding topped with WF strawberry, like vanilla jam jams and they travel well. I also made the cookies with the choc pudding and use the marshmellow as topping also good....... you can use any of the packets to make the cookies....

I made pancakes out of the Crispy Cereal packet by adding 2 egg whites, 1/4 tsp baking powder, McCormicks vanilla, butter, nut extract, splenda, dash sea salt, and enough water to make pancake batter...spray frying pan and put batter in...turn over when light brown and cook other side...makes 2 nice sized pancakes... Serve with WF pancake syrup....,youd never know it was cereal.

Marilyn

Vanilla Pudding
 

I've been finding the VP too sweet, so I followed one of Jordanna's suggestions. Mix a packet of chocolate with a packet of vanilla. The two packets combined make about 1 cup. I measured out 1/2 cup of the powder and prepared as usual. It was a nice change chocolate with a hint of vanilla. The other half of the powder mix is sitting in a ziploc for someday this week.

Chocolate Pudding
 

I like the chocolate pudding with a dash of cayenne pepper. I know it sounds weird, but it tastes great and I don't make it any other way now :)

One other thing that I do, is mix up the entire box of packets at the same time, using a large bowl and a hand mixer. Each serving fits perfectly into a Ziploc 1 cup storage container. They turn out so creamy and easily stack 3 or 4 high in the fridge, so they're ready to grab and go.

Pinky:

Chocolate puddings are my favorite, too, and that's a great idea with the mixer. I put a little bit of salt in them, and then add the chocolate WF syrup. Delish!

JC

I liked Jordanna's Chai Tea idea, but I like mine on ice so I used...

2 cups water to one Bigelow Chai Tea bag (I left the tea bag steep for a few so that the tea was nice and strong).
Pour 1 cup tea over ice, add 1/2 of a Vanilla To go Drink and stir.

I get to have two nice, cold Chai teas drinks this way. It was so yummy, I couldn't believe it. :dizzy:

Bumping for amber2beme

hugs :hug:

Honey Mustard Chicken
 

8 chicken breasts
1 cup WF Honey Dijon dressing
2 tbl Dijon mustard
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1-1/2 c chicken stock

Make very small slits down the length of each breast (helps the sauce penetrate). Season the chicken breasts with poultry seasoning on both sides and brown them (don't overcook, it will continue to cook in the sauce). Combine all the other ingredients in a bowl while chicken cooks.

Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat and pour the sauce over it. Simmer 20 minutes (low simmer). After 20 minutes remove the chicken, whisk up the sauce to smooth it. Serve chicken hot with a spoonful of sauce.

**I adapted this recipe from one I found on the web and made it with 4 breasts because I like more sauce. I didn't know if I could have chicken stock so I made it without. It came out a little dry but tasted pretty good! Next time I'm going to add the chicken stock.

Cappuccino Tweak
 

My husband leaves at 4:30 am for work and enjoys the Cappuccino for breakfast. This is his preference:

Cappuccino Packet
6 oz cold water
Dash of Cinnamon
1 pkt of Splenda - Mocha Flavor Blend for Coffee
Shake in Shaker
1.5 - 2 oz hot water
1 tsp of Instant Folgers Decaf
Warm on Stove or Microwave to desired drinking temperature

*** I noted that adding the hot water (from coffee brewer) after pouring the mixture into a pan on the stove and then adding the instant coffee reduced the foam down to about a 1/4 inch on top :)

Mushroom Soup Packet Tweak
 

My husband loved this:

Mushroom Soup Packet
8 oz cold water
Shake in Shaker
1 Cup Fresh Mushrooms sliced (we use portabella)
3 or 4 Green Onions
1 Cup fresh Spinach (we use baby spinach)
Sea Salt, Pepper or Mrs. Dash Products to taste (we use salt free table blend)
Saute Mushrooms and Green Onions (we used non-stick pan with evoo spray)
Mix Soup and veggies in the same saute pan to heat to desired temp
Put Spinach in bowl
Pour soup mixture over spinach
Enjoy :D

Here's one of my favorites.

1 C steamed shredded cabbage
1 C packed spinach, chopped
1 t dehydrated onion
1 packed Raspberry jello

Make the Jello in the normal way and ad onion with the hot water

Steam the cabbage 3-4 minutes in microwave steamer; add the spinach the last minute. (This is not necessary if you don't have thyroid issues.)

Mix and let set.*

*Note to people who use microwave steaming bags: I bought a microwave steamer dirt cheap at a local drug store and have probably used it every day since -- for vegetables and fish. In the long run it is so much cheaper than the bags. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by Linden:
Here's one of my favorites.

1 C steamed shredded cabbage
1 C packed spinach, chopped
1 t dehydrated onion
1 packed Raspberry jello

Make the Jello in the normal way and ad onion with the hot water

Steam the cabbage 3-4 minutes in microwave steamer; add the spinach the last minute. (This is not necessary if you don't have thyroid issues.)

Mix and let set.*

*Note to people who use microwave steaming bags: I bought a microwave steamer dirt cheap at a local drug store and have probably used it every day since -- for vegetables and fish. In the long run it is so much cheaper than the bags. Just a thought.

Sorry, I don't get it. Cabbage, spinach and jello? :shrug:

Originally Posted by Mamadancer:
Sorry, I don't get it. Cabbage, spinach and jello? :shrug:

Well, I grew up in the Jello generation and jello salad with vegetables or fruit -- even tuna, ugh -- was VERY common. Often olives and other stuff was added, too. Hey, don't you listen to A Prairie Home Companion? :D

Originally Posted by Letterer:
8 chicken breasts
1 cup WF Honey Dijon dressing
2 tbl Dijon mustard
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1-1/2 c chicken stock

Make very small slits down the length of each breast (helps the sauce penetrate). Season the chicken breasts with poultry seasoning on both sides and brown them (don't overcook, it will continue to cook in the sauce). Combine all the other ingredients in a bowl while chicken cooks.

Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat and pour the sauce over it. Simmer 20 minutes (low simmer). After 20 minutes remove the chicken, whisk up the sauce to smooth it. Serve chicken hot with a spoonful of sauce.

**I adapted this recipe from one I found on the web and made it with 4 breasts because I like more sauce. I didn't know if I could have chicken stock so I made it without. It came out a little dry but tasted pretty good! Next time I'm going to add the chicken stock.

You should post this in the recipes thread... It sounds yummy!

Originally Posted by Linden:
Well, I grew up in the Jello generation and jello salad with vegetables or fruit -- even tuna, ugh -- was VERY common. Often olives and other stuff was added, too. Hey, don't you listen to A Prairie Home Companion? :D

hehehehe - this makes me laugh. I was at a wedding on Saturday night and they had jello salad with marshmallows, apples, celery and other odd stuff in it. Marshmallows & fruit I understand - celery I do not!

Originally Posted by Linden:
Well, I grew up in the Jello generation and jello salad with vegetables or fruit -- even tuna, ugh -- was VERY common. Often olives and other stuff was added, too. Hey, don't you listen to A Prairie Home Companion? :D

I get a fruit and jello salad but sorry spinach and cabbage are a little "out there" for me. :p I live on the Canadian shield, no prairies here. ;)

Originally Posted by Mamadancer:
I get a fruit and jello salad but sorry spinach and cabbage are a little "out there" for me. :p I live on the Canadian shield, no prairies here. ;)

Well, all I can say is "youse guys ain't adventuresome." A little Western Pennsylvania colloquial to spice up your life.

Vanilla Pudding with Cinnamon
 

This my favorite. Make your vanilla pudding and sprinkle cinnamon on top. I love it!

Originally Posted by Linden:
Well, I grew up in the Jello generation and jello salad with vegetables or fruit -- even tuna, ugh -- was VERY common. Often olives and other stuff was added, too. Hey, don't you listen to A Prairie Home Companion? :D

Linden....lol....LOVE A Prairie Home Companion! and Lake Wobegon! :D

Vanilla pudding options
 

@ Coqui--me too!

I use the vanilla pudding as a thick shake/drink, using 8-9 oz. water plus any of the following:

Add some Crystal light orange and a tiny splash of vanilla= Orange Julius!

Add some Da Vinci Praline syrup and a bit of cinnamon=yummy!

Add some Da Vinci Caramel syrup=Vanilla caramel!

Add some Da Vinci Creme de Mint syrup= Vanilla mint!

Add some Da Vinci Egg Nog syrup and nutmeg=Egg nog drink!

:D:D:D:D

You all are making me hungry! I have never been creative in the kitchen so this is very interesting. One question though, do the IP packets disolve easily when you shake them, regardless of the liquid being cold or hot? I have tried different mixes and am never happy with the way they leave clumps.

Originally Posted by motiv8edmama:
You all are making me hungry! I have never been creative in the kitchen so this is very interesting. One question though, do the IP packets disolve easily when you shake them, regardless of the liquid being cold or hot? I have tried different mixes and am never happy with the way they leave clumps.

If using the shaker do not use hot liquid...........when you open it it explodes. I speak from experience haha
My experience has been to mix with cold water then heat. Hot water used to mix tends to make things clump.

Originally Posted by motiv8edmama:
You all are making me hungry! I have never been creative in the kitchen so this is very interesting. One question though, do the IP packets disolve easily when you shake them, regardless of the liquid being cold or hot? I have tried different mixes and am never happy with the way they leave clumps.

I've never had any trouble but I only use puddings to make shakes, sometimes with additions like WF chocolate in strawberry pudding. I put 10-11 ounces of cold water in the shaker, add the pud, shake well, then top it off to make 15-16 ounces of drink.

Has anyone heard from Carla? Is she well?

I like IP Chocolate Pudding mixed with 10oz of water and then heated in microwave for 1:20 then add 8oz of coffee and a couple of drops of mint extract. Like a mint moccachino.

Great ideas! Thanks so much! Have a blessed day!

Chicken Soup
 

Subbing half the water with lowfat chicken broth... improves it a LOT!

Vegetable Chili to Chili Fries
 

Hi everyone, we tweaked the Vegetable Chili and made Chili Fries from the Crispy Turnip Fries recipe which turned out wonderful.

Vegetable Chili Enhanced For Two:

Green Peppers diced (1/2)
Green Onions diced (bunch)
Roasted Jalapeno diced (to taste)
2 Chili Packets
Dash of Sea Salt
1 tsp of Mrs. Dash Table Blend
2 oz more water than called for on package
Olive Oil Spray

Used small amount of Olive Oil Spray in non stick fry pan, sauteed fresh veggies until slightly soft. Add water and then packets and cook on med to med high until dehydrated veggies in chili mix are no longer chewy :)

Pour over Crispy Turnip Fries and add fresh chives. As a personal preference I also added a couple of shakes of Tabasco to my bowl.

My husband loved this, second time he's eaten turnips since he was a kid. The turnip fries had a wonderful sweet taste that complemented the heat from the jalapeno.

Originally Posted by Monkey Hunter:
Hi everyone, we tweaked the Vegetable Chili and made Chili Fries from the Crispy Turnip Fries recipe which turned out wonderful.

Vegetable Chili Enhanced For Two:

Green Peppers diced (1/2)
Green Onions diced (bunch)
Roasted Jalapeno diced (to taste)
2 Chili Packets
2 oz more water than called for on package
Olive Oil Spray

Used small amount of Olive Oil Spray in non stick fry pan, sauteed fresh veggies until slightly soft. Add water and then packets and cook on med to med high until dehydrated veggies in chili mix are no longer chewy :)

Pour over Crispy Turnip Fries and add fresh chives. As a personal preference I also added a couple of shakes of Tabasco to my bowl.

My husband loved this, second time he's eaten turnips since he was a kid. The turnip fries had a wonderful sweet taste that complemented the heat from the jalapeno.

Wow, that looks pretty amazing. Can you say super bowl food?!?!?!? :-)

Originally Posted by Monkey Hunter:
Hi everyone, we tweaked the Vegetable Chili and made Chili Fries from the Crispy Turnip Fries recipe which turned out wonderful.

YUM!

CRACKERS:
One of my favorite tweaks is from the recipe thread... use the plain crepe mix to make crackers. It's great, u can season to taste so something new each time!

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE (sorta):
Also, I tend to make non french onion green bean casserole with the mushroom soup packets and green beans. Please note, green beans are restricted so its a treat and u have to watch that it doesn't overcook. Otherwise the soup separates with the protein cooking and water at the bottom. I tried adding cheese curls for crunch (to sub the french onion) but that didn't give me the taste I was going for... It's good for a little variety at least. :)