Turtle Pumpkin Pie

My family makes this every year and LOVES the combination of pumpkin, caramel, and coolwhip. Plus, its' not quite as filling as a true pumpkin pie. 

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel (found in jar)

1   Graham cracker pie crust (6 oz.)

1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. chopped Pecans, divided

2 pkg.  (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

1 cup cold milk

1 cup  canned pumpkin

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp.  ground nutmeg

1 tub (8 oz.) cool whip
1. Pour 1/4 c. of caramel toping into empty pie crust.2. Sprinkle with 1/2 c. chopped pecans. 3. Combine pudding, milk, pumpkin, cinnamon,    nutmeg, and 1 1/2 c. of cool whip. 4. Pour mixture pie crust. Cover with remaining cool whip and make your own decoration with the caramel topping. *Must be kept refrigerated!

Roasted Rosemary Chickpeas

This recipe comes from my wonderful roommate Lexi (a soon to be bride working on her LGN diet). These are great to eat as a snack or compliment with some grilled salmon or chicken. 

1. One can of chickpeas (drained)

2. 1/2 c. lemon juice

3. 2 tbsp. olive oil

4. 1 tbsp rosemary

*Marinate peas overnight in the refridgerator for atleast 1 hr.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. They will feel slightly crisp and begin to brown on the edges when cooked completly through. 

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Salad

I buy the already diced butternut squash and sweet potatoes, but if you can't find these you can use a whole sweet potato cut up into small squares and likewise with the butternut.

1. Coat about 1 c. of sweet potatoes and 1 c. of butternut squash (both diced into squares) with olive oil spray (0 calories). Place on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil.
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and plain cinnamon.
3. Bake on 400 degrees for 23 minutes or until a fork can be inserted with no resistance.
4. Mix in with a cup or  two of spinach leaves.
5. Add diced honey roasted almonds, some craisins, and a a little grilled chicken that can be cooked on a    George Forman grill.
6. Top with goat cheese and balsalmic vinagerette

Voila! Healthy yet so good.