Risotto with Salmon or Chicken

This recipe came from the Weight Watcher's website and I love it. It originally calls for salmon, but I really like it with chicken; also, I had to double the recipe because the original was only for 2 servings, and my husband always likes leftovers for his lunchy the next day. And I serve it with a crusty whole wheat loaf from the Teet that you can just gobble up the risotto with, like a spoon. It's seven points according to WW, so it's probably around 300 calories per serving. This version serves four, about 1 1/2 C. per serving. Also, it literally takes 20 minutes to make, from stop to finish, so it's great for nights when I barely feel up to the gym, much less the task of facing fire and sharp knives in the kitchen.

Creamy Havarti Risotto
You'll need:
2 boxes risotto mix (I use Parmesan flavor; I finally located the blasted things next to the rice, not in with the other pastas... This is because risotto is an arborio rice. Hey, I'm dainty. I never said I was bright.)
4 C. water
2 T. Fat free butter spray (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter or Parkay version)
4 T. fresh chopped dill
4 oz. smoked salmon, diced, OR 1 package of no-drain chicken, already in chunks for your convenience
2 oz. Havarti cheese, grated (if it's too soft to easily grate, stick it in the freezer for a few minutes until it hardens a bit)
1 tsp. freshly grated black pepper, or to taste

Combine risotto, "butter," water and the mix packet from the box in a big ol' sauce pan. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 15 -- 20 minutes, until mostly absorbed (not totally -- should still be a little gooey).

Stir in dill, meat, pepper and cheese. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve it up still hot.

Paired with just bread, this is a perfect midday meal. It's easy, light, and yet warm and filling. The risotto makes you full for hours afterwards without making you feel all bloated and heavy, like some pastas can do.

IN OTHER NEWS: The Dainty Deb is taking her show on the road! That's right -- The Deb will be in Vegas until the 17th, so alas... You shall be forced to vacation with her and eat your own body weight in shrimp cocktails... NO! No! No! I mean, The Deb will be on exceptionally good eating behavior in Vegas because she will be too busy gambling all her sainted husband's money at the craps table. In between gambling, drinking and cavorting, though, she will miss you all very much. Check back in after the 17th for more Dainties!!