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??

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.

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.

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;)

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).

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.

30 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
6 Servings

1 Can Chicken Broth
1 Can Water
1 Can Diced Tomatoes (I used Muir Glen Fire Roasted-Yum)
1 Can Black Beans or 1 Cup Frozen
1 Cup Frozen Corn
1 Cup Shredded Chicken
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Salt
1 Tbsp Pepper
Crushed Tortilla Chips-optional
Cheese-optional

Combine Chicken broth, water, spices and tomatoes on high heat.  When it comes to a boil add Beans, Corn and Chicken. Let them cook for about 5 minutes.  Add cheese and tortilla chips to the top and eat away!

Soy Sauce Chicken Drumsticks

I made these and they were delicious. I just wish I had used foil in the pan because I had to soak my pan for 3 days! Oops! Learn from my mistakes lol
I only made 3 drumsticks so adjust to how many you use.
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup Honey
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
Mix them together and marinade those drumsticks. I forgot to do it ahead of time but they still came out delicious.
Bake them at 400 for 30-45 minutes, depends on the size!

Grilled Pork Chops

People probably think I'm a nut when I serve them pink pork chops but as soon as they take a bite there is no longer doubt. My favorite marinade....catalina salad dressing! Try it! And if you love it let me know!

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak is one of my favorite meals!  I make it at work for thirty people and we always look forward to it.  I decided to make it in the crock pot for dinner tonight and it was a mistake!  Not the food but deciding to do it on a day when I am home.  It was torture having to smell it all day!

I usually make this with hamburger patties.  I cook them halfway and then put them in the crock pot the rest of the time.  I only had cube steak but it worked great!  The key to this salisbury steak is that you have to put everything in order in the crockpot.  I am not sure why but if it changes it doesn't taste as good...maybe it is just me!

Here is what you need to make dinner for two, double and triple if you need to.

2 cube steaks or hamburger patties
1 Cup of Onion-Chopped in big pieces
1 Cup mushrooms (Optional-I don't like them so I left them out)
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Can Diced tomatoes
2 cups of brown gravy-you can use the packets or make your own


I put the cube steaks in the crockpot and turned it on low.  Next I chopped the onion into big pieces.  I do this because I love the flavor of onion but not the texture so the big pieces make it easy to take them out. Put the onion and mushrooms into a sauce pan with the butter on low for a couple minutes.  You will start smelling something fantastic coming from that pan and then you can transfer it onto the cube steaks.  Pour the diced tomatoes over that and the brown gravy over that.  Cook it on low for 4-5 hours. Pretty simple and you can pair it with rice, baked potatoes or mashed potatoes!

And Yes I love using Marcus' plates lol


Here is how I made my brown gravy:

I know it takes more time and honestly it's a pain in the butt but it's delicious and you can make it as salty as you want or don't want.

2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup flour-this depends on your gravy
2 cups beef broth or two cups of water and 2 beef bouillion cubes

Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat until warm.  Whisk a tiny bit of flour into the oil at a time.  You have to constantly whisk it until it it really thick.  This is where I slowly add the beef broth.  You have to let the flour soak up the broth a little at a time. Keep adding it until it starts to look like gravy.  When the broth is all in it, bring it to a boil then shut off the heat.  It should thicken up.  Make sure you taste it and add a dash of pepper.

Spicy Tomato Soup

Here I go with the tomatoes again! If you want to know why I use them so much go here!

A friend of mine is having a baby soon so I decided to make her some freezer meals. The problem was she is allergic to almost everything ( poor thing). So I had to develop some yummy, healthy, gluten free, egg free, dairy free, almond free and corn free meals.  Holy moly!

Here is one full of veggies and protein:

3 cloves of garlic
Olive oil
1/4 chopped Onion
1 carrot shredded
1 can Rotel
1 26.5 oz can of Spaghetti Sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp sea salt, more to taste
2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp sugar
4 Cups water
1 Cup Kale
1 Cup Zucchini, pureed or chopped
1 Cup Great Northern Beans
1/2 tsp parsley
1/4 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 TB paprika
Dash of red pepper flakes, more if you want it spicy

In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, salt and pepper.  Cook for about two minutes then add Rotel, spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, water, kale,  zucchini and spices. Let them come to a boil, puree and then add beans until heated through. This is the fast version.
There are many options for this soup.  You can put it in the crock pot and let it cook all day. Serve it chunky. Add some pasta. Or even puree the beans with it so it is smooth. 
I like to let it simmer for at least an hour before serving it, gives the flavors time to marry!

Beef Fried Rice (Or Chicken or Pork)

Beef Fried Rice

 Brown or white rice cooked, follow directions and add chicken or beef bouillon to the water
1 package diced beef
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp-1/4 cup soy sauce, I don't usually measure it just do it by taste
peanut oil or oil of your choice
frozen mixed vegetables


Cook Rice.  Put oil in a skillet on medium.  When its warm add the beef, garlic and onion, cook until the beef is brown, then add vegetables, ginger, salt and pepper.  When the vegetables are done add rice and soy sauce.  Let them cook together for about 5 minutes.  

Chicken Fried Steak Strips

I took this original post from Heavenly Homemakers and made it my own.  Yes it is on a kids plate:)
We are big fans of chicken fried steak and after many attempts this was the winner!

2 large Cube Steaks cut into strips
2 cups Flour (you can use whole wheat or white, I used white)
1 1/2 cups of milk
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp seasoned salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
2  pepper
Oil (I used Vegetable)

 Heat about 2 inches of oil in a pan with high sides on medium. Mix the flour with the garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, salt and pepper and put in a pan for dipping.  In a second pan or plate put the milk in it.  I let the steak soak in the milk for awhile, then dip it into the flour. You can dip it back and forth a couple times or just one depending on how you like your breading. You will know when the oil is ready if you splash some water at it and it sizzles. Put the steak into the pan and cook about 7-10 minutes on each side until they are crispy.  You will not be disappointed and feel free to add different spices to your flour.  When it was done I made the gravy in the same pan and used all the delicious leftover pieces.


White Gravy

1 1/2 cups of Oil
3 Tbsp Flour
Milk
salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in the skillet where you made the chicken fried steak, when it is warm whisk in the flour and keep whisking until it becomes thick and brown. Just remember this takes some patience, it will not thicken and brown right away. You can add a small amount of flour if needed. Slowly add milk until it is the consistency you want, some people like it thick and some like it thin. When it gets to the consistency you want add salt and pepper until it tastes just right.  Put it over your chicken fried steak strips and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Chicken

Tonight was one of those nights that I didn't want to come home and cook after a long day at work but then I decided we should probably eat something besides cereal or sandwiches tonight. We have been busy with baseball and although I try my best to have some meals prepared it doesn't always happen.  I decided to check my Pinterest and see if anything was appealing and a recipe for brown sugar chicken stuck out.  4 ingredients and chicken in 15-20 minutes was exactly what I needed!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Garlic!!  I think it should be in every meal, except dessert of course!  Not only is it delicious but it is healthy too (Don't tell my Fiance!).  He is not big on "healthy" food but we won't tell him that I always try to make our meals healthy but tasty....and again that is where the garlic comes in.

You heat some olive oil in a pan, add some garlic, cook it until it is a golden color then add brown sugar. Pour it over the chicken and bake at 500 degrees for 15-30 minutes.  Mine took about 20!  And VOILA!

Doesn't look like much but trust me when I say its Yummy!  Just make sure you use a pan that has high sides, guess who gets to clean the oven this weekend?  I added some salad with strawberries and some leftover honey lime vinaigrette from Mother's day and we have dinner!

Now I'm off to do the dishes, not so hard with a view like this: