I may or may not be back......

 

So it's been awhile. Had a baby, broke my foot, lived a little, got addicted to candy crush, but I'm still obsessed with food and still love anything that's clean and real. Writing all about it has been on my mind a. lot. lately. So, here's a recipe that I'm in love with.... And since I do not live by a Trader Joes, it has really come in handy....ENJOY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My version of Trader Joes Kale and Broccoli Slaw Salad with a Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette.

Package of broccoli slaw (by the packaged lettuce and salad kits)
Kale, chopped really small

Sunflower seeds

craisins

shredded rotisserie chicken

 

Dressing:

2 TB apple cider vinegar

2 tsp sugar (or honey)

1/2-1 tsp cayenne pepper (depends on how spicy you want it)

1/2 teas paprika

1/2 cup mayo (or use greek yogurt)

 

Homemade Ranch--The Real Thing

So...I'm reading another book...called The Omnivore's Dilemma...by Michael Pollan, who also wrote In Defense of Food that I read and loved. I'm learning how corn is seriously taking over the world....well at least in the food industry. Most foods found in the grocery store when following their food chain...start out on a corn farm. And guess what I found when looking at the label on my ranch mix.........FIRST INGREDIENT: MALTODEXTRIN (processed corn). Also, I buy Wild Coyote Ranch, and read the label on that...not only did it include Maltodextrin...but a handful of other "ingredients" that I did not recognize...or that I did recognize and was really sad it was listed. Ranch is our family's favorite condiment...so...luckily my sweet friend bought me Pioneer Woman's cookbook...and it had a homemade ranch recipe! SOOO EXCITED!

Not to mention that there are 3 things in life I wished I loved...and I try to so hard to eat them, but I just can't choke them down...they are Shrimp, Sushi, and Bleu Cheese (on a wedge). When I see people eating these...oh...it is sooooo sexy...and I want to be sexy...but my taste buds do NOT allow it. So...not only was the recipe for Homemade Ranch there...but it was actually titled: Homemade Ranch with Iceberg Wedge.....that is sexy. I can now cross Bleu Cheese wedge off my "Keep Trying To Love" list!!!! This is a great replacement. And although Ranch may not be the very healthiest....I'd rather eat it clean and real then filled with fake additives.

HOMEMADE RANCH WITH ICEBERG WEDGE
from Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman Cooks Cookbook

1/4 teas kosher salt

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 cup real mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 tp 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk, depending on how thick you want the dressing

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 Tb chopped fresh chives

2 Tb chopped fresh dill

1/2 teas distilled white vinegar

1/2 teas Worcestershire sauce

1/8 teas cayenne pepper

1/4 teas paprika

1/2 teas black pepper

dash of hot sauce (optional-which i did not add because of the cayenne pepper, which was the perfect amount of kick for me and my kiddos)

2 heads of iceberg lettuce
1. sprinkle salt over garlic, mashing with fork to make a paste. The finer...the better

2. add all ingredients in bowl together, stirring gently, and adjust seasonings as needed

3. chill for at least 2 hours

4. wash and dry iceberg lettuce, cut into wedges, and drizzle ranch on top

5. (my fave) Be GENEROUS with the dressing...since it needs to reach all the lettuce in the wedge!

Can you tell I A) Loved it and B) followed #5 like a champ...I was very generous with my dressing!

Protein Cookies

Made these this weekend for a treat....DELICIOUS...and you will DIE when you hear the ingredients, and then you'll DIE again when you make them and try them....THEY ARE GOOD!

Protein Cookies

4 cups old fashioned oats

3 scoops Vanilla protein powder (I use 100% WHEY from Costco)

3/4 cup Organic Peanut Butter (or any kind without sugar--you want the real thing)

1/2 cup honey

splash of milk, muscle milk, or almond milk

your choice of dark chocolate chips, raisins, raw coconut, nuts...etc.

Mix all together and press in 9X13 pan and cook for 15 min at 350^.

My husband also crumbled some up after they were cooked and had it as cereal! He's obsessed!!

You will be too!

Got this recipe from my Trainer's facebook page: HOT TOPIC FITNESS

My Latest Obsession--The Mango

Let me first start off by telling you how the Mango and I fell in love. During this last pregnancy of mine I sort of had an addiction with....Cadbury Creme Eggs. The big one with the creme center. No...seriously, you do not understand how addicted I was. I do have to say, when I am pregnant I get really sick and food NEVER sounds good...unless of course it were a Cadbury Creme Egg....then it always sounded good. Well, my cute darling husband would bring me one home from work EVERY night. (3-4 nights a week--started at about month 7 or 8 of pregnancy). Sometimes he even brought home 3 or 4, and sadly I ate them all......that same night. Well obviously, I started feeling really guilty about these treats being my only source of nutrition....so one night I told him how much I appreciated this highly-anticipated-date with my creamy chocolate eggs....but I really needed to eat healthy. And since no real food sounded good, I told him to surprise me with something from the produce section. The next night he brought me home.....A Mango. Oh No, I thought. Did he really take me serious? Did you really not bring me home another Cadbury Egg? Seriously? (that's when I started hyperventilating because I really wanted my treat)....(then, that's also when I realized I had a real problem!) I was disgusted. It didn't look good, I'd NEVER had a mango....can you believe it. But, I tried it and it was good. Just good, though. The Cadbury Eggs came again the next night. Fast forward to after the baby was born, reality hits, my taste buds return to normal, and my mind switched to rational mode...and I start freaking out because of all the chocolate creamy weight I had gained...and I start really focusing on getting sugar OUT of my diet. Then one bountiful basket order last summer came a few mangos....and I was OBSESSED with how SWEET, JUICY, and AMAZING they were. The rest is history. We are now an item....I totally broke up with Mr. Cadbury Creme Egg. (we may have a fling since they are "in season"...but not anything like last year!) Moral of this story... Being pregnant really alters your rationality...your taste...your body.....and a whole lot of other things.....and also DONT JUDGE A FRUIT WHEN YOU HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN.


Let me tell you all about this wonderful fruit called the MANGO:

-They are a REAL comfort food. Beyond vitamins, mineral, and anti-oxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties. These enzymes act as a digestive aid, and truly do give you a feeling of contentment during and after you've eaten the mango.

-Mangos are a great tenderizing agent. Because of those above stated enzymes, they make the mango an ideal marinade.

-Great Source of Fiber. Eat a mango a day....and you will stay regular! An averaged size mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fiber.

-Mangos are a great source of potassium....perfect snack for after a workout!


I found this WONDERFUL website: http://www.mango.org/. It's the National Mango Board...cool hu? They have recipes, ways to cut and eat mangos, info and games/activites for kids! But...mostly...I can't wait to try these recipes using mangos:

Mango Caprese Salad



Mango Coconut Chicken



Mango Almond Crepes



Honey Grilled Fruit with a Lime-Mint Vinaigrette



Baja Fish Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa



Mango Avocado Chopped Salad



Tropical Mango Sorbet


I seriously wish I had the time and energy right now to go and make every single one of those recipes, because they all sound deliciously incredible. And last of all doesn't everything about the Mango get you so excited for summer!!!!!!!



PS. I get my mangos from Bountiful Baskets, and Costco. (and quite possibly my farmers market....can't wait!)

Grilled Tuscan Chicken

This is Tuscany:

I have been there.

Here is a recipe for Grilled Tuscan Chicken. I have tried it.

And I love both!


Grilled Tuscan Chicken


2 T chopped fresh Rosemary

1/4 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

salt & pepper

8-10 chicken breasts (I buy mine here.)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice


Combine all ingredients in plastic ziplock bag. Marinade 15 min at room temperature. (I marinade mine all day in fridge. Set mine out 1 hour before cooking.)
Grill, continuously basting.

No need to wait until summer to use your grill! Leftovers great reheated or on salads or in recipes. Makes a great moist flavorful chicken breast!!!

Crockpot Oatmeal

Mmmm....tried this recipe this morning, delicious....and that's sayin something because I'm not a huge fan of cooked oats.

The great thing about this too: You make it the night before, so breakfast is ready when you wake up!

CROCKPOT OATMEAL (made enough for me, husband, & two kids)

1 cup steel cut oats **


2 cups water


2 1/2 cups milk


1 tsp cinnamon


Combine and stir in crockpot. Cook on low for 8-9 hours.


Top with honey, pure maple syrup, nuts, raisins, or fruit. I added honey to mine this morning, it was so good!


** It is key to use steel cut oats. They are the least processed of all different kinds of oats. (rolled oats go through a steaming process) If you use regular oats, you will get a soupy mush cooked to oblivion. Also a little warning, steel cut oats are more pricey. I plan on using them just for this crockpot recipe. But, I really really liked them...so to me...it was worth it. I will, however, keep looking for a better, more affordable way to continue purchasing them.

Weekend Whole Wheat Pizza

Pizza was eaten before I could get a pic.



I am a picky pizza eater. My two favorite pizza shops in the whole entire world (minus the ones I will venture to on my next trip to Italy...in oh..10 years) are Westport Pizzaria in Westport, CT, and Penn Pizza, in Allentown, PA. If you are ever in those areas...stop and have yourself a slice. MMMmmmm, delicious. I miss the east coast for many reasons, pizza being a huge one of them. Nothin like it. Makes Dominoes, Little Ceasars, and Pizza Hut seem like moldy, fresh out of the trash pizza. SERIOUSLY. (Speaking of Dominoes...I read an article that will rile you up, and make you want to punch the governments face. I'll post it soon, so keep checkin back.)
Because we no longer can frequent our favorite pizza places, although this local pizza joint, 2 fat guys pizza, is our local favorite.....we make our own pizza....and it is WONDERFUL!

****I make this on the weekend because it counts as one of my treat meals! (The cheese is high in saturated fat. I LOVE mozzerella because it's lower in calories and fat and higher in protein per serving.)


Here's our family recipe.

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust (makes 2 large pizza crusts)

1 Tb dry yeast
2 cups warm water
1 Tb sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic salt
4 cups whole wheat flour (we grind our own)
1 tsp oregano
1 Tb olive oil

Mix yeast, sugar, salts, and warm water until yeast is dissolved. Add flour, oregano, and oil and stir until blended. (DO NOT KNEAD). Cover and let rise 1 hour. Flour hands and divide dough into 2 balls. Roll out 1 onto floured surface. Roll in sides to form crust. Place on pizza stone, poke holes with fork (a lot and not on the crust) and cook at 350 for 10 min. Raise oven temp to 400, add desired toppings, and cook until cheese is bubbly and slightly brown.
For crispier crusts, cook directly on rack and not on pizza stone.

Pizzas Pictured:
Plain cheese
Leftover turkey, cheese, and green pepper.
**for the sauce--I use my own bottled spaghetti sauce.

Not Your Mammas boiled Brussel Sprouts

Although I do love Brussel Sprouts, I wanted to try something different...something other than boiling them to oblivion. I found SUCH a great recipe. It was quick, easy, and delicious. That's what we want, right??!! Even my kids loved it!




Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Lemon & Poppy Seeds
WholeLiving.com



Ingredients Serves 6 to 8

1 lemon
1 lb. brussels sprouts, stem ends trimmed, finely sliced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock

Directions
1. Using a vegetable peeler, peel 3 long strips of lemon zest, avoiding white pith. Thinly slice zest; set aside. Squeeze 1 Tbsp. lemon juice and toss with brussels sprouts in a medium bowl.
2. Heat butter and oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Saute sprouts for 2 minutes, until bright green and tender. Add salt, pepper, garlic, zest, and poppy seeds and cook an additional 2 minutes. Pour in stock and cook 1 minute more.

From Whole Living, November 2010 .

Curried Chicken Burgers

I got this recipe from my cute sister-in-law! They were so good, and my kids loved them too! This is also a great recipe to play around with and add your own ideas. For example, if I would've had spinach on hand, I would've chopped it up with the chicken.

Curried Chicken Burgers

1- 1 1/4 lbs chicken breast (3-4 chicken breasts)
1 large egg
1/2 teas garlic powder
1/2 teas salt
1/2 teas ground black pepper
1/2 teas curry powder

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup mayo (can subsitute with greek yogurt)
1/2 Tbs grated fresh ginger
1 Tbs chopped chives

1. In a large bowl whisk egg, garlic pwd, salt, pepper, and curry.

2. In food processor, pulse chicken, about 10 seconds. Scrape sides and pulse again if any large pieces remain. Add to egg mixture.

3. Form 4 loose patties. Use spatula and carefully place on grill. Cook 4-5 minutes on both sides.

4. Combine mayo, ginger, and chives in small bowl.

Serve on buns, bread, or my favorite whole wheat Orowheat Sandwich thins!

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

Our family LOVES these:

Honey Roasted Red Potatoes

8-10 medium sized red potatoes, diced (the smaller the better, seriously think about it...who likes a huge chunk of dry potato....??? not me...and not my kids)

1 medium onion, diced

1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

3 Tbs honey

1 1/2 teas dry mustard

sea salt

coarse ground black pepper

Mix all together in bowl, and spread out in single layer on large cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 40-60 min. Toss half way through. Broil the last 5-10 minutes to get them nicely browned!

Mmmmm..delicious. A great side dish for any meal.

Food Journal 11/9

Here's what I ate on Tuesday the 9th:



Breakfast: protein pancakes with 1/2 banana & sliced almonds


Snack: apple, 2 egg whites


Lunch: Tuna Lettuce Wraps (see recipe below)


Snack: 2 Tb PB & 1/2 cup Blackberries


Dinner: Curried Chicken Burgers on Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin with Avocado, and Honey Roasted Red Potatoes (recipes coming soon)



That's 4 proteins, 3 veggies, 2 fruits, 2 grains, 2 fat (I have a hard time only getting one). Strive for 4, 3, 2, 2, 1!! Read this post if you don't know what I'm talking about.




Tuna Lettuce Wraps

Romaine lettuce hearts (I get mine from costco, such a good price)
1 can albacore chunk tuna
1 Tb lemon juice
2 Tbs Plain greek yogurt (the NO ADDED SUGAR kind...be careful)
2 Celery ribs chopped
2 green onions, chopped (I usually use a red onion, but didn't have one)
Course Ground Pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
pinch of garlic salt

This will make enough for 6 wraps.. 3 wraps is 1 serving. So you get two lunches out of this!!!

Sand dollar apples

I love fall, and I love apples. In Pennsylvania we used to go to this huge farm called Strawberry Acres. I think it was magical. It felt that way anyway. We would go on a hayride to the apple orchard and pick our own apples. There is nothing to get you in the fall mood like apple picking! Sometimes I miss Pennsylvania so much it hurts.
I made this little snack the other day. I baked a whole bunch of them. I was letting them cool, and I went to go try them, and this was what was left. Seriousy, 1 & 3/4 (my kids found them, and apparently loved them)





Sand Dollar Apples


Granny Smith Apples
Cinnamon
Sugar (optional-I baked mine without)


Slice thin slices through the middle, so the star appears, remove any seeds, and Bake at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours. Bake longer for a more crisp apple, and less time for a more chewy apple.

My favorite breakfast

I have to admit....before I started eating "clean" my husband would eat this all the time, and I'd throw-up in my mouth (ok...that's a bit of an exaggeration...maybe a lot of an exaggeration). But, mind you, that is also the time that I thought eating Raisin Bran was like the healthiest breakfast in the world! (HA)!



After I got over my addiction to sugar...I started eating this cereal...and after the 2nd or 3rd time, I couldn't get enough of it! Sometimes, I'd eat it for breakfast AND lunch! When I lay down at night, I cannot wait to wake up so I can eat this cereal. (that is NOT an exaggeration!)
I CRAVE THIS STUFF!!!

Brian's Oatmeal Cereal

1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/8 cup grape nuts
lots of cinnamon...and i mean lots!
*if we have any fresh berries on hand...like blueberries or blackberries, we toss those in too!!

I eat mine with Almond milk. Stir stir stir to blend in the cinnamon. MMMMMmmmmm GOOOOOOD!

Nummy Soup Recipe

I found this in a magazine a long time ago, our fam loves it!

It's called "Jill" Soup. I can't remember anything more than that!

2 TB olive oil

1 med onion

2 ribs celery, chopped (I use more)

4 ripe tomatoes in chunks

1 tsp sea salt

6 cups chicken broth (or water-I use 4 cups broth, 2 cups water)

3 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or cook your own beans which is even better)

2 cloves garlic, sliced (or minced)

1/4 cup parsley chopped (optional, I never have it on hand)

Serve with Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oil in pot over med-high heat. Add onion and celery, saute for 5 or 6 min. Add tomatoes and salt, saute 3 min.

2. Add broth/water, beans, garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 min. Add parsley last five minutes.
3. Serve with parmesan cheese.

Peanut Butter and Blackberries

One of my favorite snacks........Mmmmm

Hot Citrus Apple Cider

I am a Fall hot drink lover. Hot Cocoa, Caramel Apple Cider from Starbucks, you name it, I love it. Well, this year I have searched and searched and searched for a sugar-free, no preservative, no weird ingredients hot fall drink, and I have failed to find one. I seriously can't believe it. So...I had an epiphany. Create my own! This recipe does require a juicer. I bought mine from Costco in the spring, and it has been a great investment. It's a Breville Juice Fountain JE900. My husbands words after he tried it...."That's Incredible!" Enjoy this all-natural Hot Citrus Apple Cider recipe, and enjoy the fall! (or winter...for those of you who live in colder climates)

HOT CITRUS APPLE CIDER

8 apples, juiced (whole, don't peel or anything)

4 oranges, juiced (skin removed)

2-3 cinnamon sticks

1/4 teas nutmeg

1/4 teas ground cloves

Combine in crockpot on low. Can simmer 2 hours, or all day. Keep lid open for wonderful aroma!

A great Turkey Breast recipe

My mom introduced this to me, and it is absolutely incredible. I've never tasted anything with better flavor. (sorry no picture)


Crockpot Turkey Breast

6-7 lb bone-in turkey breast
4-6 sprigs rosemary (if you live in st. george, you can get this free)
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 TB sugar (you can omit this, or it only equals to 12.6 grams for the whole turkey. That's less than 3 grams a serving)
1 teas Sea Salt
1 teas Coarse Ground Pepper

Cook on low for 4-6 hours

I love this! Makes great leftovers for sandwiches, or to put in salads! And it couldn't be easier.

A Clean Recipe & Somewhere to start

Let me just start out by saying that I read something a couple years ago that completely devastated me. Like it makes me want to cry...that's how bad. It has haunted me ever since. But I can't talk about it yet...I'm just getting out a little warning. Because I'm going to post something in a couple days that might make you pretty upset or angry at the world. At least it did to me. And I am just now finally starting to make the change. (no, I'm not vegan) But like I said, this blog is to get information out there that you might not be aware of and to help educate America on the status of food in it's country. That's all I'm going to say...so stay tuned. I'm working myself up to posting it.

On a lighter note! I have a nummy recipe to share! And some pictures, because I am a visual person when it comes to recipes. But, I do need to preface it with: I NEED A NEW CAMERA. And some tips from my cute sister! Seriously though, I almost never try a recipe unless I see a picture of it first! So here's my amateur pics, and a delicious nutritious recipe!

Protein pancakes: (Servings 2, 2 pancakes each)

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese

2 egg whites

1-2 Tbs cinnamon (I LOVE cinnamon, and it's sooooo good for you, so I add 3)

1-2 teas vanilla

optional: I add a 1/2 serving of protein powder

Blend together. (magic bullet or blender) Cook low and slow. I like my pancakes dry, not ooey and gooey, so I cook mine on a low setting for about 10-15 minutes.

These are so delicious. My favorite way to top these are with sliced bananas & sliced almonds, and fresh berries drizzled with 100% pure maple syrup. (from costco)

If you are wanting to start out eating better heres some tips. Take it slow. Things are going to taste different, and you can't just go and throw out everything in your pantry and start from scratch (unless you really want to). But be realistic. I am still making small changes here and there. That's why I'm calling it a journey. We are lucky though because the world is starting to notice the crap that's out there, and people are responding and companies are forming to bring us wonderful all natural and pure real foods. Costco is really joining this band-wagon too, and I love it. Maybe I'll do a costco post about all the things I now can find at costco that I buy!!

Start label reading. Don't buy something if you dont know whats in it. Stick with the basics. Simplify your meals. Lots of lean proteins, veggies, and fruits. Avoid sugar...seriously it's the devil.

One food item to switch: Peanut Butter.
The ingredients in my new Organic Creamy PB (Kirkland brand...love it) include: Dry Roasted Organic Peanuts and salt.
Check out the ingredients in your other PB...the devil is added to it.
You may need to stir the organic kind...but it's so much better for you.