Have you laughed today? *giveaway*

Let me tell you about my latest love affair. We met about 3 weeks ago, in the refrigerated aisle of the grocery store. I was looking gorgeous with dried baby spit on my shoulder, yoga pants, and my dirty hair hidden under a Gator hat. My baby was screaming her little chubby head off while my toddler was throwing groceries out of the cart while she tried to figure how to dig herself free. Then suddenly there he was, that beautiful blushed face and earrings called to me. The clouds parted and there was peace. At least for a few seconds.

Who is this new love of mine? The Laughing Cow, of course!

(was it a little too much?)

Have you ever tried Laughing Cow cheese? I did about 3 weeks ago and I think I've had at least 1 wedge everyday since. It comes in several varieties, but my favorites are "Queso Fresco and Chiptole" and "Garlic and Herb." Each wedge is 35 calories and only 1 Weight Watchers Point.

I started out eating it only on whole-grain crackers, but I've branched out and just have to share some of the many ways to use this special little snack.

You can eat the Swiss on apples or pears. Yum!

You can use it on your morning toast instead of butter. I toast a Nature's Own Whole Grain Sandwich Flat (100 calories) and spread some Garlic and Herb on both sides. I then fry up an egg and make a great egg and cheese sandwich.

Last night I made a quick and delicious low-fat Alfredo sauce. Here's how:

Laughing Cow Alfredo Sauce: (serves 4)

1 cup skim milk

1 TBSP Smart Balance

6 wedges Laughing Cow Cheese

1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 pinch garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (you might not need this)

Combine all ingredients except cornstarch in a small sauce pan and whisk over medium heat until smooth. If it's too thin, add cornstarch. Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftover.

A few nights ago I used it in mashed potatoes. HOLY (laughing) COW!

Laughing Cow Mashed Potatoes: (serves 3-4)

4 red potatoes

4 wedges Laughing Cow cheese (any flavor)

1 tbsp Smart Balance

salt and pepper to taste

Dice up potatoes and boil until fork tender. Drain and return to pot. Mash with your masher (or use a mixer if you don't have a masher) and then add cheese, butter, salt and pepper and mix well.

So you would think by the way this post is going that I have been paid to write it.... I WISH! I really just love this stuff and love that there's something I enjoy eating that doesn't wreck my diet.

I'm so happy that I want to give away a $5 Walmart gift card to one of you so that you can go and buy some Laughing Cow Cheese. To enter this giveaway, just be a follower of this blog and leave a comment telling me how your New Year's resolutions are going. The winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday, January 31.

Good luck!