Recipe Tuesday:Quinoa, Turkey, Asparagus Bowl

Sometimes I get a wild hair up my a#* and make random meals.  I'm actually really good at just throwing things together without thinking about it.  Yesterday I was starving and needed some healthy food, so i threw this together and it was yummy and it made enough for 6 meals!

Quinoa, Turkey, Asparagus Bowl

1/2 cup quinoa-uncooked

1 cup water

1 8 oz can of tomato sauce

1 lb ground turkey

a bundle of asparagus-you could use any vegetable

1 clove garlic

Mrs. Dash

Pepper

Put the quinoa, water and tomato sauce in a pan. Bring it to a boil then simmer until all the liquid is gone.  While that is cooking brown the turkey with the garlic.  Add the asparagus, spices and quinoa mixture together at the end.  This took 20 minutes and was so good and easy!

 

Recipe Tuesday: Turkey Sausage and Zucchini Pasta and No Flour Pancakes

Before I do anything I need to talk about Boston.  It is a shame that people work so hard to run a marathon and someone wanted to ruin that.  The only good thing about tragedy is the way people come together and help each other.  They are willing to sacrifice themselves by running toward an explosion instead of away.  People become selfless and helpful in times of need.  My thoughts and prayers are with the people and family of those affected yesterday.

Yesterday I did some quick meal prep and came up with two random recipes.

Meal Prep

• Boiled eggs-I add a tsp of baking soda and boil for 20 minutes, the baking soda helps the shell come off easily.  I tried that whole bring it to a boil and let it sit for 20 minutes and let me tell you the yolk will not cook!

• Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies-1 Cup Oatmeal, 2 bananas, 1/2 cup chocolate chip.  Mash the banana and oats together, add chocolate chips. Form into balls, should make 12. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Great for a sweet tooth

• Turkey Sausage and Zucchini Pasta
• Pancakes-lots of pancakes

This took about 2 hours and only because I made 17 pancakes, 1 at a time.  I had already packed my other big pan oops! It probably would have only took me an hour otherwise.


Turkey Sausage and Zucchini Pasta

• 8 oz Smoked Turkey Sausage-Cut into quarter sized pieces
• 1 Can Diced tomatoes
• 4 Cups water or Chicken broth
• 6 oz pasta of your choice-I used Smart taste Rotini
• 1 medium Zucchini-cut up
• 1 Tbsp Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Mrs. Dash
• 1/4 Bell pepper-I had this in the freezer
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Onion powder

Heat Olive Oil in a big pan (it has to be big enough to fit all of these ingredients) add the garlic, bell pepper and sausage.  When the sausage starts turning brown add the tomatoes, water and spices.  Bring it to a boil then add the pasta.  Turn it down to low.  I know it is weird to add pasta then turn it down but trust me this is how you get the flavor!  When the pasta is halfway done add the zucchini.  That's it.  This should make about 6 servings at 163 calories each.

Looks yummy doesn't it?

I don't know about you but I love pancakes!  I do not like the crash I get after eating them though.  I made some cottage cheese pancakes once before and discovered they actually filled me up and kept me full! yesterday I found two different protein pancake recipes and decided to just make up my own.

No Flour, Protein Pancakes

• 8 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1 banana
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese- I used lactose free
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Blend all the ingredients together and use 1/4 cup to make your pancakes.  This made 17 for me but I also made them really big.  Feel free to half it or even freeze some of them.  This is easy to warm up in the mornings for a quick breakfast.  It has a whopping 8 grams of protein in each pancake and only 59.5 calories in each.

I am not a fan of syrup so today I warmed up 1/2 an apple, smashed it and added it to the pancakes.  Good stuff!

What is your favorite breakfast??

Advocare Cleanse Recipes, Meal Plan Example and Grocery List

Yeah I know a little late but because my fridge went out I won't be meal prepping or making new recipes this week:(  So here is some of the recipes I used, they can really be used anytime though!

Advocare Cleanse Recipes

Breakfast:

Sweet Potato Scrambled Eggs

¼ cup pureed sweet potatoes

5 egg whites-egg beaters makes this easier

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp pepper

1 Tbsp Onion powder-You can use real onion if you want to

Whisk it all together and cook.

Steel Cut Oatmeal or Regular, as long as they aren’t instant

1 cup Steel Cut Oats

2 Cups of almond, coconut milk or just water

1 Cup water (if you are using regular oats leave this out)

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp Flax Seed (if you don’t want to buy this just eat a boiled egg along with it for the protein)

With this recipe you can add fruit to it while it is cooking or even pumpkin.  Blueberries give it a great flavor since you cannot add sugar or honey.

Put the oats, milk, flax and water in a pan.  Bring it to a boil then simmer for about 45 minutes.  Let it cool.

I just put this in the fridge and ate a cup with walnuts or almonds. 

Mini Frittatas

5 whole eggs-again egg beaters are great

1 Tbsp olive oil

1-2 Cups of Turkey Sausage, or turkey bacon-cooked, you can also put whole pieces of turkey bacon into the muffin cups and pour the egg mixture in the middle of them

1 Tbsp Pepper

1 Tbsp Basil

1 Cup Veggie of your choice-spinach (chopped), cherry tomatoes and peppers work great

Mix all ingredients together.  Put it in muffin pans (Should make 12) and bake at 350 for 10-15 min until it is no longer runny in the middle.

You can freeze these or eat a couple at a time.

I also made several meals for breakfast that could have been for any meal. 

3 egg whites

1 Cup Quinoa

1 Cup Mixed Vegetables

Dash of hot sauce

1 Tbsp Pepper

To cook Quinoa:

1 Cup Quinoa

2 Cups Water or Chicken Broth

Put ingredients into a pan, bring to a boil then simmer for 20-30 minutes.  This makes quite a bit.  Makes it easy to keep in the fridge and eat a little at a time without having to cook it every meal.

Cook the egg whites, add the rest of the ingredients until they are warm.  Feel free to add whatever spices you want. Get creative!

Make sure you boil a ton of eggs.  They are so easy to just pop in your mouth so you never go hungry.  They work for any meal or snack!

Lunch and Dinner

Black Bean Chili

1 pound dried black beans

28 oz can of diced tomatoes

2 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth

1-2 Cups Water-eyeball it, make sure it covers the beans

1 Garlic clove-whole or diced

¼ jalapeno-you can use the canned, just be careful because it can get hot real fast

¼ cup chopped onion-you can use onion powder

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

1 tsp Cumin

*You can add meat if you want to but it is good without it

Soak your beans the night before.  They are dirty so trust me it has to be done. 

In the morning rinse them and add them to a greased crock pot.  Add all the other ingredients.  I put the garlic and jalapeno in whole because I was lazy and then took them put before serving it but you can cut them up and leave them in it.  Mix it up and cook on low for 10 hours.  This should make 8 servings!

Slow Cooked Mexican Turkey

2 Large Turkey Filets-you can use chicken too

2 Roma Tomatoes-cut up or any tomato

1 Tbsp Lime Juice

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

1 Tbsp Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Cumin

1 Tsp Oregano

You can also use low sodium taco seasoning in place of the spices or even fresh garlic and onion.

Put the Turkey in the crock pot whole.  Mix the rest of the ingredients and pour them over it.  Let it cook on low for four hours.  When it was about 3 ½ I took the turkey out and cut it into bite sized pieces and then let it cook for another ½ hour.  You can leave them whole if you would like.

This was great over, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes and black beans.  You could even put it in a whole wheat tortilla.  You aren’t supposed to eat tortillas unless it is necessary and on workout days it might be.

Gluten Free Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs

½ lb ground turkey

½ cup ground almonds or oats

½ cup pureed sweet potato

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp pepper

1 Tbsp Parsley

1 Tbsp REAL Maple Syrup

Mix it all up and roll into balls, should make around 16.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  You can also make this as a meatloaf.

Mango Salsa

2 medium mangos-peeled and chopped

½ Red Bell pepper

½ Cucumber-diced

½ carrot-shredded

6 cherry tomatoes-cut in 3 pieces

1/8 jalapeno-diced

1 Tbsp Olive oil

1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar-optional

1 tsp Cumin

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Mix it all together.  This is really good over fish!

Quinoa Crusted Tilapia

2 Tilapia Filets

2/3 Cup cooked Quinoa

1/8 cup flour-use ground up almonds or oatmeal

1 egg beaten

Pepper

Cajun seasoning

Lemon juice

Olive oil

Put the Quinoa, egg and flour in 3 different bowls or plates large enough to fit the filets.

Add Cajun seasoning, and pepper to the flour.  Add about a Tbsp of lemon juice to the egg. Heat the oil in a pan, you will know it is ready if you splash water on it and it sizzles.  Dip the fish in the flour, then egg, then quinoa.  Cook about 3 minutes on each side.  It gives it a great crust!

Cilantro Lime Quinoa, or Brown Rice

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice

1 Tbsp Lime Juice

1 Tbsp chopped Cilantro-fresh is best but dry works too

1/8 cup of chicken broth

Add all the ingredients to a pan and cook on low until the chicken broth and lime juice is soaked up by the quinoa or rice.  Takes about 5 minutes.

Chicken, Sweet Potato and Green Bean Bake

2 large Chicken Breasts

1 Whole Sweet potato-peeled and cubed

1-2 Cups green beans-fresh or frozen

3 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

½ Cup Chicken broth or lemon juice

Use and 9x12 pan.  Put the chicken broth or lemon juice on the bottom.  Add the chicken in the middle and veggies on the side.  Sprinkle the top with the Italian seasoning.  Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, when chicken is done.

Avocado, Berry, Chicken Walnut Salad

1 ripe avocado

1 Cup Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blackberries or a mix

1 cup shredded chicken

2 Cups salad mix of your choice

¼ Cup Walnuts or Almonds

Lemon Juice mixed with a small amount of olive oil for the dressing

5 Minute Guacamole

2 ripe avocados

1 Tbsp Lime Juice-you can also use lemon or a mix of both

1 Tbsp Garlic powder

2 tsps onion powder

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper-adjust to how much spice you like

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp cumin

Mash the avocado and add the spices.

Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Guacamole

2 Tilapia Filets

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp cumin

1 ½ tbsp olive oil

2 whole wheat tortillas

Mix the spices together. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Sprinkle the tilapia with spices on both sides and add to the skillet.  Cook for 5 minutes on each side.  Add to a tortilla with some guacamole smeared on it.

Quinoa Pizza Balls

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa

1 Cup Red Beans

5-6 fresh Basil leaves-I used 2 Tbsp dry

¼ cup Parsley

1/3 Cup tomato paste

Garlic powder

Mash all ingredients and form into balls.  Made about 12.  Bake them at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  These are great over salads or just by themselves.

Avocado Chicken Salad

2 chicken breast-cooked and shredded

1 avocado-pureed or just mashed really good

There are 2 ways to make this:

¼ cup onion-or onion powder

2 Tbsp Lime Juice

2 Tbsp Cilantro

Pepper

Or…

Grapes-chopped

Celery-chopped

Apples- chopped

Walnuts-optional

Mix it together and eat it as a lettuce wrap!

Chicken Stir Fry

2 Cups already cooked brown rice or quinoa

1-2 Cups chopped Chicken

2 Cups Veggies- Your choice

Garlic

Onion

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Low to no sugar Soy Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan, add the chicken until cooked, then add garlic and onion for a couple minutes.  Then add Veggies and soy sauce.  Put it over the rice or quinoa.

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

1 Whole Spaghetti Squash

1 lb Ground Turkey

Low Sugar Spaghetti Sauce-Ragu is good

Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds.  Take a fork and poke holes into the two halves.  Lay them face down on a cookie sheet with foil over it.  Bake at 400 for 45 minutes.  You should be able to stick a fork into it easily.  When it cools a little, scrape the insides out.  It looks a little like spaghetti.

Add cooked turkey and spaghetti sauce.

You can also make pesto spaghetti squash:

You can buy the pesto or make it (without the cheese)

1 Cup Kale

1 Cup Spinach or Basil

½ Cup Walnuts

1 Clove Garlic

1 tsp pepper

3-5 Tbsp Olive Oil

Add everything but the olive oil to a food processor. When they are mixed start adding olive oil a tbsp at a time until it looks moist.  Add this to spaghetti squash or even whole wheat pasta.

Desserts

Banana, Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

1 Cup Oatmeal

2 Bananas

½ Cup Blueberries

Mash the bananas and mix with the oats until thoroughly mixed then add the blueberries.  Make them into cookies and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. 

Other ideas:

Peaches with cinnamon warmed up

Bananas fried in a pan

Bananas with cinnamon

Apples warmed up

Snacks

Walnuts

Fruit-lots of fruit

Veggies-Cucumbers, Carrots, Snap Peas-Great to carry around and for a crunch

Rice Cakes

Natural Peanut Butter

Almond Butter

Almonds

Sunflower Kernels

Hummus

The snacks can get boring but you just have to mix it up a little bit.

Here is a meal plan example:

Day 1-

Breakfast

Oatmeal with almonds

Boiled Egg

Snack

½ Grapefruit

Lunch

Black Bean Chili

Snack

½ Cup Blueberries

½ Cup Walnuts-eaten together

Dinner

Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap

Veggie

Snack

Apple with Peanut Butter

Day 2-

Breakfast

2 Mini Frittatas

Fruit

Snack

Rice Cake with almond butter

Lunch

Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs Over Brown Rice

Veggies

Snack

Hummus with carrots

Dinner

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

Snack

2 Banana Blueberry Cookies

Day 3-

Breakfast

Sweet Potato Scrambled Eggs

Snack

Veggies

Lunch

Quinoa Pizza Balls over Salad

Snack

Orange

Boiled egg

Dinner

Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Guacamole

Snack

Fruit

Day 4-

Breakfast

Quinoa, Egg and Veggie Scramble

Snack

Rice Cake with Peanut Butter

Lunch

Chicken Stir Fry

Snack

Fruit

Sunflower kernels

Dinner

Avocado, berry, chicken, walnut salad

Snack

Warmed up peaches with cinnamon

Day 5-

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Boiled egg

Snack

Apple with Almond Butter

Lunch

Quinoa Crusted Tilapia

Snack

Hummus with Celery

Dinner

Pesto Spaghetti Squash-add chicken

Snack

Fried Bananas

Grocery List

Produce

Veggies of your choice

Cucumbers

Celery

Carrots

Tomatoes

Green beans

Sweet potatoes-2 or 3

Spaghetti squash

Asparagus

Avocado-2 or 3

Mango-2

Red bell pepper-1

Jalapeno-1

Cilantro

Basil

Bananas

Peaches

Apples

Grapefruit

Oranges

Berries

Salad

Cherry tomatoes

Kale

Spinach

Meat

Tilapia-4

Chicken-at least 8 chicken breasts

Ground turkey-at least 2 lbs

Turkey filets-2

Everything else

Lemon Juice

Lime Juice

Chicken Broth

Olive Oil

1 lb dry black beans

Kidney beans

28 oz diced tomatoes

Oatmeal-not instant

REAL maple syrup-this isn’t really allowed but 1 Tbsp isn’t going to hurt the cleanse

Almonds

Walnuts

Sunflower kernels

Natural peanut butter

Almond butter

Rice cakes

Hummus

Brown rice-not instant

Quinoa

Low sugar spaghetti sauce

Sugar free soy sauce

Low sodium taco seasoning

Whole wheat tortillas

Eggs-lots and lots of eggs

Egg beaters-whites

Almond milk or coconut milk

Cinnamon

Tomato paste

Recipe Tuesday: Crock Pot Black Bean Chili

This chili was so good we ate it for a week straight without getting sick of it! 

Crock Pot Black Bean Chili

1 pound dried black beans
28 oz can of diced tomatoes
2 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1-2 Cups water-eyeball it, make sure the liquid covers the beans
1 garlic clove
1/4 jalapeno
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
*I added some already cooked chicken-this is optional


The night before soak your beans.  They are really dirty and need this! 

In the morning rinse them and add them to a greased crock pot.  Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and water.  I was lazy so I didn't cut up the garlic or jalapeno. You can just put them in whole and take them out when it is done.  The onion I had already chopped up that was easy, you will need to chop them up or just use a lot of onion powder.  Whatever works for you.  Add the garlic, jalapeno, onion and spices.  Mix them up and cook on low for 10 hours.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

This was so easy and I think the 10 hours really helped the flavors.

This makes about 8 servings.  Your can eat it all week or freeze it.

Sweet Potato Scrambled Eggs/ Day 3 of the Advocare Cleanse

Starting the Advocare Cleanse was rough.  I mean seriously no sugar or wine for ten days??  I wasn't sure I could make it past Day 1 without killing someone.  I did it and have slept better the last two nights than I have in two years.  I couldn't have asked for anything more.  I didn't do this cleanse for the weight loss because I don't need to lose anything more but to change my taste buds and SLEEP!  I'm not gonna lie that bread on my counter has been calling my name and everyday I have to tell it to shut the hell up. 

I am way too cheap frugal to not follow through with this cleanse.  That would be 40 dollars down the drain and I would have a heart attack.  Do you know how much wine I could have bought with that?:)

Anyway I thought I would share what I've been eating for my meals:

Breakfast:
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon
Blueberries
Walnuts
Scrambled egg whites with sweet potato (see below)
Kale-In my eggs

Snacks:
Brown Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
Apple with Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
Walnuts
Almonds
Grapefruit
Banana
Blueberries
Boiled Egg

Lunch:
Chicken or Turkey
Quinoa
Brown Rice
Veggies-any kind
Black Beans
Salad
Carrots
Celery
Sweet Potato


Dinner:
Chicken or Turkey
Salad-Lots and lots of salad
Salsa for dressing
Carrots
Celery

*You aren't really supposed to eat carbs for dinner during the cleanse so I have been only eating them at breakfast and lunch.

*I have been getting creative with my spices and with mixing all of this stuff up.  I don't want to get bored or will turn to bread...or wine....or pasta.

Drink LOTS of water and chew sugar free gum if needed, it really is helpful and the water helps the headaches!

Now to the sweet potato scrambled eggs:

Yes I know it sounds weird but even Marcus liked them!  They were really good, especially for not having any milk or salt.

Sweet Potato Scrambled Eggs

1/4 Cup of Pureed Sweet Potatoes
5 egg whites-I used egg beaters
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Pepper
1 Tbsp Onion Powder

Whisk it all together and scramble those eggs.  They don't look pretty but they taste pretty lol OK that was weird!

 

 

 

Everything tastes better on a Denver Bronco Plate;)

 Stay tuned for some more ridiculously healthy recipes.  I may just use them even after the cleanse!

Slow Cooked Mexican Turkey

When I decided to start the Advocare cleanse I knew I would have to come up with some new recipes that didn't include anything I'm not supposed to have. We took a little trip to sprouts and found some turkey breast filet's and I knew I could make something yummy out of that!

Slow Cooked Mexican Turkey

2 Large Turkey Breast Filet's-You can also use chicken
2 Roma Tomatoes-Cut up
1 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Oregano
You can also use low sodium taco seasoning in this!

Put the lime juice in, turkey, tomatoes and then spices.  Let it cook on low for four hours!  

I cut it up toward the end into bite sized pieces.  I have been putting this over quinoa, brown rice or black beans.  Definitely delish!

Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal

I know it isn't fall anymore and honestly who cares??! Pumpkin should be eaten all year long!  I have a pumpkin obsession.  I put this recipe in my crock pot this morning and it smells so good I am contemplating eating it for dinner:)



Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal
1 Cup Pumpkin
1 Cup Steel Cut Oats
2 Cups Vanilla Almond Milk (you can use any kind of milk or just water)
1 Cup Water
1 tsp Vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
Add sugar as needed

You can make this one of two ways.  The easy way is the crock pot, it takes about four hours on low.  Or you can make it on the stovetop. 

If doing it in the crock pot just mix it all together and let it cook.

If doing it on the stove top make it like you would rice.  Bring to a boil then let it simmer till the liquid is gone. 

That's it, easy and you can keep it in the fridge and heat it up with a tsp of milk everyday!  Breakfast for the week!

Gluten Free Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs

Sounds like a mouthful hah?  A tasty one at least!  The sweet potato makes the meatballs really moist.  I am not a big sweet potato eater so usually it has to be paired with marshmallows and pineapple. So this was different but I ate some for lunch and they are so good!! And gluten free!!

GF Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs

1/2 lb Turkey
1/2 Cup Rice Chex-Crushed(You can always use breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup Sweet Potato
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder (You can use real garlic and onion if you want)
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp parsley
1 Tbsp Parmesan
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

Mix it all up, shape into balls and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. This made about 15 for me, feel free to double or triple.

Food Prep Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!  Or is it?? I only slept 3 hours last night then went to the gym and worked my butt off.  Then I came home to clean and do food prep for the week.  What was I thinking?? My eyes are closing at 1:45 in the afternoon.  Hello exhausted!! But guess what I didn't use no sleep as an excuse.  I still worked out and made sure I'm eating healthy this week! No excuses!!

When I start food prep I always make a list (Surprise, Surprise)

When planning it out I usually decide what needs to go in the oven and make that first. 

I started out cooking spaghetti squash and sweet potatoes. In one casserole dish I put frozen chicken, fresh green beans and sweet potatoes with an italian seasoning packet over it.

While that was cooking I made the rest of the Spaghetti squash and turkey marinara bake and put that aside.  I then cut up cucumbers and separated them into sandwich bags. 

I then made Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal (recipe to come).  I put it in the crock pot, the crock pot is your friend!

After that I made the quinoa, rice and boiled eggs at the same time.  I always have quinoa, or brown rice in the fridge so that I can make a quick meal. 

When the spaghetti squash and sweet potatoes were done I added the squash to the marinara bake, put it in the oven then made Gluten Free Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs (recipe to come).

And finally I made some no bake energy bites, I know they weren't on my list but sometimes I get a wild hair up my ass and make other things.

All of this done in 2 hours and most of it was cooking time!  If I can do it so can you!!

Mango Salsa

Oh mangos how I love thee! The girls at work call them "mongos" and it cracks me up!

I really wanted to make mango salsa.....just because and every recipe I found had a bunch of crap I didn't like so here I am making up my own. Why do I even look at recipes? I usually make whatever I feel like anyway.

Mango Salsa

2 medium mangos-peeled and chopped
1/2 of a Red Bell Pepper-diced
1/2 cucumber-diced
6 Cherry Tomatoes- cut into three pieces
1/4 jalapeno-diced
1/2 shredded carrot
1 TBSP Olive Oil
1 TBSP Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Lemon juice

Mix it all together.  We ate it over my Quinoa Crusted Tilapia. So yummy!

Parmesan, Walnut Spaghetti Squash

After doing an insanity workout tonight all I wanted to do was eat ...you know cheetos, cheez its, goldfish, pasta, or pizza.  Oh how I have been craving Anthony's pizza!  Instead I talked myself out of it and made something healthy and delicious.  It hit the spot without being 900 calories! This is only dinner for one, maybe two but you can always double and triple it. This is seriously easy if you have already cooked spaghetti squash in your fridge.  It took 5 minutes.

Parmesan, Walnut Spaghetti Squash

2 cups of cooked spaghetti squash
1/2 cup of ground chicken-you can use whatever meat you want or none at all
1/2 cup green beans-or any veggie you want
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp Walnuts-optional-gives it some texture

If you don't have spaghetti squash already in your fridge cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, put face down on a pan and bake at 375 for 60-90 minutes.  Scrape out the insides.

If you do have some just heat it up with the meat you choose.  I am always prepared so I had some already cooked in the fridge. (Remember my posts about preparing ahead of time? yep this applies)  I used the microwave because it's fast.  Cook the veggie however you like and add it to the squash and meat.  Then add the rest of the ingredients.  Mix them up and devour.

408 calories

Homemade Pho

You have never had Pho you say?? But you have heard of it right? It is a delicious Vietnamese soup that is supposed to be healing.  I know many people that go eat it when they are sick and it helps them feel better.  I have only had it at a restaurant once and have craved it ever since!  I checked out pinterest for some homemade ideas and combined a few of them.  It came out tasty and a tiny bit spicy...ok a lot spicy for me because I'm a big old wimp.  I still slurped it up because the flavor was fantastic.  Alright enough talk:

Homemade Pho

3-Whole Anise Stars-You can find these in the spice section
3 inch chunk of Ginger-smashed
2-Garlic Cloves whole-Only use one if you don't want it too spicy
1-Cinnamon Stick
1 tsp Sesame Oil
1/4 jalapeno-leave out if you don't like the spice

Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the anise, ginger,garlic, cinnamon and jalapeno. Let them cook for just a minute or two until you can smell the ingredients. Take them off the heat.

2 Quarts of Chicken Broth-8 Cups
Green Onions-about a cup chopped
1 Tbsp Sugar-Brown or white

Add the broth, sugar, spices and onions to a soup pot. Let this come to a boil for a quick dinner or let it simmer for awhile for better flavor. When it is done strain out the anise, garlic, cinnamon, ginger and jalapeno. Add a Tbsp of soy sauce and a Tbsp of rice vinegar (optional). Let it come to a boil again and add an ounce of Udon Noodles or asian noodles of your choice. When they are done add a cup of kale or vegetable of your choice.  Feel free to add chicken to this, I add some already cooked shredded chicken. Cut up a lime into wedges, squeeze it into your bowl. Serve up the pho and enjoy!!!

Quinoa Crusted Tilapia

Fish...Ugh!  I cannot stand fish normally.  I know you are thinking she doesn't like veggies or fish?  What does she like??  Oh you know pizza, pasta, ice cream, wine, chips, and anything that is bad for me.  Yep I am a fatty (not literally).  I bought Tilapia and told myself I was going to find some recipes that would make me eat it.  I saw a recipe for Quinoa Crusted Chicken and decided to google one for Tilapia. I found this and it was so good I ate a whole piece without gagging lol  I did change it up a little to give it some flavor.

Quinoa Crusted Tilapia

2 Tilapia Filets
2/3 Cup Cooked Quinoa
1/8 Cup Flour-I used whole wheat-You can substitute ground up almonds or oatmeal
1 egg beaten
salt
pepper
cajun seasoning
lemon juice
Canola Oil

Put the Quinoa, Egg and Flour in three different bowls or plates large enough for the filet's to fit flat.  I added a good amount of salt, pepper and cajun seasoning to the flour and a Tbsp of lemon juice to the beaten egg.  Heat the canola oil in a pan.  When it is ready you can splash some water at it and it will sizzle.  Take the tilapia and cover it in flour, then egg then quinoa.  Place it in the pan and cook about 3 minutes each side.  It gives it such a nice crust!  I might decide to like fish after all;)

Black Bean "Tostadas" and Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Yesterday I got home from work and decided to work out. I burned about 500 calories and I was starrrrving! I couldn't make this dinner fast enough! I have been craving tostadas but have been staying away from fried food so I just put them on warmed up corn tortillas instead. It hit the spot!!  

Black Bean "Tostadas"

 Black Beans-1 Cup
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Pepper
 Corn Tortillas-This made about four, you could probably even squeeze out 6
 lettuce-optional
tomato-optional
cheese-optional
sour cream or greek yogurt-optional

Warm the beans with the spices then smash, you can skip this if you like and use the whole beans. You might need to add a little water to keep the beans from burning. Warm the tortillas, 10 seconds for each tortilla. Spread the beans on them and add lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream/yogurt.

 I needed a side for these and had quinoa already made in the fridge. If you don't know how to cook it, you do it just like rice. Two cups of water to every cup of quinoa.  

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa
1 Tbsp Lime juice
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro, you can use dry if no fresh available
1/8 cup of chicken broth

Add all the ingredients into a pan and cook until the broth is soaked up by the quinoa. This took about 5 minutes.

This meal is simple, filling and healthy!!

Crock Pot Veggie Stew

In my effort to eat more vegetables (GAG) I made an all veggie stew and made myself choke it down.  OK so it was actually really good and surprisingly filling.  I filled a bowl, ate half and it kept me full for the whole night.  That is almost impossible.  That whole don't eat after 7 thing?  Doesn't happen for me or I starve ALL night long.  I have a crazy metabolism! 

Crock Pot Veggie Stew

2-Medium Sweet Potatoes-Peeled and cubed
4-Medium Red Potatoes-Cubed with peel (That is where those nutrients are)
2-Celery Stalks-Cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 bag Baby Carrots
2 Tbsp Onion-Diced or in chunks
1 garlic clove-diced
8 oz tomato sauce-or 2 actual tomatoes if you have them
1 Cup Chicken Broth
Paprika
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Pepper-I didn't measure these, just kind of threw them in and adjusted for flavor!

Just throw them in a crock pot on low for 4-6 hours.  The sweet potatoes will fall to pieces but it makes the stew tastier (in my opinion).

Pesto Spaghetti Squash

I found this on pinterest, didn't even look at the recipe because I know how to make pesto right?  Well I forgot an ingredient oops but it was an easy fix!  Pesto is so tasty and can be added to almost anything, veggies, meat, and pasta.  I have been trying to eat more vegetables and this is a great way to give it some flavor.

First I roasted the spaghetti squash.  You cut it in half, take out the seeds and put it in a 375 degree oven for 60-90 minutes.  Stick a fork in it and if it is soft it is ready.  Then just take a fork and scrape out the middle.  It looks a little like spaghetti (that's why it is called spaghetti squash duh).

Pesto

1 Cup Kale
1 Cup Spinach
1/2 Cup Pine Nuts(You can also use walnuts, or pecans)
1 clove garlic (add more if you like spice)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 Cup Parmesan (I forgot this one...oops)
3-5 TB Olive oil

I used my handy ninja to do this.  Just put all ingredients in the ninja/food processor except the olive oil, add a TB at a time until it is the consistency you want.

Look how bright that is, it just invites you to eat it:)

You can substitute the kale and spinach with basil if you want.  You can also freeze this in ice cube trays, or small plastic bags for later use.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

I had some leftover evaporated milk and heavy cream and knew there was no way I was going to end up using it.  I didn't want to throw it away so I brainstormed and realized I could make Macaroni and Cheese!


Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

8oz of pasta (I used GF spirals because that is what I had)
1/4 Cup Flour
4 Tbsp Butter
1/2 can evaporated milk
1/2 pint heavy cream
2 cups cheese (I used Colby Jack)
1/2 Cup Parmesan
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
Milk


 Cook Pasta according to the package, rinse and drain.  In a saucepan melt the butter, whisk in the flour and let it brown slightly.  Slowly add evaporated milk.  The flour will keep soaking it up, when the evaporated milk is gone add the heavy cream.  If you don't have either of these you can use milk.  When the liquid is soaked up add the two cups of cheese.  It will be really thick.  Add Milk a little at a time until you get it as thin as you want.  Add the parmesan, pepper and nutmeg.  Make sure you taste it and add more salt or pepper as needed.  It is very creamy and tasty.  If you use sharp cheddar it would be even better!

And because we are weird, I added smoked sausage and corn on the top.

Freezer Cooking In An Hour Breakfast Style

I love freezer cooking but only for breakfast or lunch.  I enjoy making dinner every night or every other night I should say! Even when we are home I never like to make breakfast so having it ready in the freezer when all we have to do is heat it up is a life saver.  Today I made four different breakfast items in an hour.  The banana bread took 40 minutes to bake but we don't count that.  I usually get out three bowls and all the ingredients for everything I am making and put it in the bowls.  Then I plan what is going in the oven first, second,and third.  I like to bake everything all at once since I have a propane oven and it uses quite a bit.




First up were these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

These were good but a little dry...could have been me though!

 Second were the Mini Sausage and Potato Frittatas

These were fantastic!!!

 Third was the Chocolate Avocado Banana Bread

I was hesitant about this recipe but it didn't disappoint me at all and who can go wrong with chocolate anything??!!

 Last but not least were my basic waffles..everyone needs a basic waffle recipe right?

I made these while making everything else. See how easy it is to make 2-3 weeks of breakfast??

Mini Sausage, and Potato Frittatas

Mini Sausage and Potato Frittatas

 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
 1/4 bag of frozen hashbrowns
16 oz breakfast sausage-cooked
5 eggs
 1/2 Cup Milk
 1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese
 1 tsp pepper

 Preheat oven to 375. Mix the egg, oil and milk then add the rest of the ingredients. Grease a muffin pan and add 1/4 cup of the mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes. It makes 12.

 Eat them right away or keep them in the fridge for a couple days. These were so good I had to stop myself from eating all 12...not kidding!

Basic Waffles

After getting that waffle maker there is never a need to buy eggos again:)

Basic Waffle Recipe

2 eggs
2 Cups Flour
1 3/4 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp Vanilla

Mix them together, add 1/3 cup and keep them cooking until they are how you like them!  Simple and delicious!