All Natural Peanut Butter Crackers

If you're from the South, you'll probably agree that one of the greatest snacks of all time is Peanut Butter Crackers and a Coke. If you think life doesn't get any better than that, then you've got to give this all natural snack cracker a go!

PBC:

• Almond Crisps by True North (Nut Aisle in Walmart)
• All Natural Peanut Butter

Simply spread just a little bit of the all natural peanut butter between 2 of the Almond Crisps. That's simply all there is to it.
Make ahead of time and store in an air tight container for an on-the-go-snack.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Chili For the Soul

Chicken Chili for the Soul

Hey guys! Nothing says fall like a nice bowl of Chili! For me, I'm just not a huge fan of red meat, but Dusty is a fan of it. We like both chili with extra lean ground beef and with chicken. Unfortunately for Dusty, extra lean ground beef is impossible in the Troy area now, so if we are both eating chili it is going to be made with all natural chicken tenders. If I am just making it for him, I make sure to examine the labels and make sure I get the healthiest ground beef I can find.

Chili is a great meal. It is super easy to fix, and is always a fan favorite. So, the next time you treat your guests to chili- make sure you treat them right and give them a healthy version of Chili like the recipe that follows:

Chili for the Soul

• The most important ingredient in chili is the meat. Make sure you get an extra lean or lean cut of ground beef. Also, try using all natural chicken tenders instead of beef. Simply brown your ground beef or sear your chicken.
  
• The downfall to chili is that it can be fairly sodium heavy. To reduce some of the sodium try using an all natural Tomato Sauce, Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning, and chili powder. It may take a while, but gradually try to use more of the Mrs. Dash than you do the chili powder.
• Simply mix your chili sauce in a Crock Pot and add the browned ground beef, or dice your seared chicken, in with it.
• For the best flavors, cook on low all day. For a quick fix version, simply make sure your meat is cooked through before adding to the chili sauce.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Comfort Foods

Pork Tenderloin with Carrots and Whole Potatoes

We all love easy comfort foods, especially now that the weather is getting cool. A great healthy alternative to a warm and hearty Crock Pot dinner is Pork Tenderloin.

Simply sear your meat with just a dab (no more than 1 tsp) of oil, then simply place in your Crock Pot with carrots and whole potatoes.

Let it cook all day, then relax and enjoy with the ones you love.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Game Day BBQ

Today is the day...the first home game of the season for the Troy Trojans! And let's face it, it is not really the football we look forward to...it's the good eats!

What better way to kick off the season than with BBQ! In my hometown of Dothan, AL my mom and dad (Ma and Pa) are known for their awesome BBQ and friendly service at The Blues Kitchen. So, I thought I would give it a go and try to make BBQ myself. I read about some great all natural BBQ Sauces in Clean Eating Magazine today! Try Denny Mike's BBQ Sauce for your next BBQ!

I really only made one adjustment to your typical BBQ recipe, and that was using Pork Tenderloin as my meat. It is the leanest cut of pork; yet, it is just as juicy, tender, and flavorful as any other cut.

I am hoping to develop a natural and healthy version of the BBQ sauce as well! But that is still in the research process! LOL

Give Pork Tenderloin a chance the next time you make BBQ for the big game and try to find a healthier BBQ sauce to go along with it. It will be a crowd pleaser and a tummy pleaser!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

A New Twist On A Chinese Classic

A New Twist On A Chinese Classic

So, we had a repeat of Chinese "Make-In" the other night. Dusty had sweet and sour chicken with steamed rice. I had picked up a cabbage to make Chinese veggies with, but completely forgot to prepare it.

So, I took down some of the frozen veggies I had left in the freezer and made a medley with them. I have to say, they were fabulous! Tangy, thanks to the Teriyaki sauce, sauteed with a tad bit of almond oil, and topped off with a little sweet and sour sauce when it was time to eat!

Give this Southern-style mix of veggies a try with your next Chinese "Make-In" dinner one night soon:

A Twist on Chinese Veggies

• Combine 1/2 c of frozen green beans and black eyed peas, 1/4 c of frozen peppers and onions, a good handful or two of shredded carrots, and bring to a boil. You want to make sure you boil them long enough to help them soften up.
  
• Heat a small saute pan over high heat with 1/4 tsp almond oil in it. Once the oil has heated, move the pan around a little so that it coats the entire pan. Reduce the heat to low or med-low.
• Strain your vegetables and transfer to the saute pan.
• Cover with a cap full of Teriyaki sauce (again, a little bit goes a long way because this is loaded with sodium).
• Saute for 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and have had time to simmer with Teriyaki sauce.
• Add a small spoonful of your Sweet and Sour Sauce just before you take your first bite for added flavor.

This is a great way to enjoy Chinese style veggies without added fats or sodium. By using 1/4 tsp almond oil you save added fats, and by using the cap of the Teriyaki bottle to add it in, you reduce the amount of sodium.

Feel free to use this cooking method with the typical vegetables found in Chinese restaurants such as cabbage, carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, and more.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Vegetable Chili

Ok, so I had chili on the menu for the other night, but I really wasn't in the mood for meat, especially beef (not a big beef fan). So, I decided to throw a few different frozen vegetables- green beans, black eyed peas, and a seasoning blend of peppers and onions- in a Crock Pot with some tomato puree, spices like chili powder, an organic vegetable seasoning, granulated garlic, and a bit of Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning, and a chopped up chestnut (I gotta throw them in where I can!).

Use a good bit of tomato puree, sauce, or a combination of both. Also, be sure to par-boil your frozen veggies before placing them in the Crock Pot (bring them to a boil and then change your water- just drain them for this). I am not ashamed to say I did not do this, and they were tough.

Overall, it was a good recipe; however, the tough frozen veggies made it hard to eat! LOL

But give it a go for yourself using the tips above and you will have a warm, healthy, and easy meal to enjoy on a nice fall night.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Chestnuts...Not Just for Christmas

Chestnuts

Hey guys! So, today I went home to Dothan. Dad and I spent a good amount of time in the backyard picking up chestnuts that had fallen from the tree in our backyard!

We washed them up, scored them, and roasted them at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes. It is important to say that scoring the chestnuts is a must, because they will pop in the oven and scare the mess out of you if you don't! LOL We learned this first hand today!

I don't have much information on chestnuts right now, I'm still in the researching process. They are nutritious, beneficial to your health, and a low fat nut!

Here are some pictures to help guide you along the way or Roasting Chestnuts. They are really good, a tad dry when by themselves; but, they will be fabulous in dishes and when seasoned!

Check back soon, more info and recipes on chestnuts to come!!!




This is a pic of the chestnuts roasting in the oven...










This is what happens when a chestnut explodes in the oven! It's hard to tell, but it looks like flour has exploded on the side wall...











The Final Product...A nice roasted chestnut!





Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Chicken Tacos

Chicken Tacos

Everyone loves to go Mexican every once in a while, but I learned the hard way that going to a Mexican restaurant does nothing but kill the food. It is so heavy-laden with grease that you can't enjoy the ingredients.

So, tonight Dusty and I had tacos. Healthy and delicious tacos! They were made with chicken (high in protein and low in fat) and wraps (Flat Out in Whole Wheat) that are low in fat and high in fiber (9 g, 36% of your DV!).

All I did was cook the chicken, add in a taco seasoning, and warm up the fiber wraps. For extra toppings use an all-natural salsa, veggies, or a 2% cheese.

These tacos were satisfying; and best of all, no grease stains were left on our clothes!

The next time you crave Mexican, don't go out to eat, go out to your local market and get your own ingredients. You and your body will be glad you did!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

A Veggie Lover's Tailgate Dream

Veggie Shish Kabobs

Want to join in on the tailgating fun and keep up your healthy lifestyle at the same time?

There is a simple solution- Shish Kabob it! Alternate onion and pepper slices on a skewer and grill over a low to med-low heat on your grill.

Marinate with Jalapeno juice and a vegetable seasoning before grilling for added flavor.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Homemade Tomato Soup

Homemade Tomato Soup

Tell me, why would you buy something at the grocery store and not look at the ingredients first? Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't always do this. But, that is exactly why I am writing this blog.

Tomato soup. Pretty simple right? That's what I thought, until I turned the can around to the back. Why in the world would you put corn syrup in a soup? And flour, now that I can almost understand better than the corn syrup, but still, why is that necessary?

So, I got some tomato puree and tried my own. It has a stronger flavor, and is more bright red. Which, in my opinion, goes to show you that those added ingredients do nothing but dilute the flavor.

As is my rule with most anything that involves herbs and spices (as long as they're not sodium heavy), season your soup to taste. I like to make mine a bit spicy, so I like cayenne and garlic; but, to keep it simple, just go with sea salt and pepper.

Give it a try the next time you want soup. Get a can of tomato puree or paste, and get creative!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Cooked Sandwich

Cooked Sandwich

When my dad first opened up Pa's Place, he specialized in sandwiches. He opened my eyes to the world of the Sandwich Press and having a cooked sandwich. This basically means just cooking your meats and melting your cheese. For me personally, it meant a turkey sandwich with mustard, lettuce, pickle, and sometimes onion that was "smooshed" (the sandwich press would flatten the sandwich if lowered enough, and that is my favorite way to eat a sandwich now!). Pressing, or cooking, a sandwich enriches all of the wonderful flavors. There is nothing better than the first bite of a warm and flavorful sandwich. Here's what you do:

Cooked Sandwiches

• Use an all natural meat, like Hormel Natural choice sandwich meats.
• Over a medium-high heat, cook 1-3 slices of the sandwich meat.
• Once the meat has had time to cook (it only takes a couple of minutes) place ½ to 1 slice of 2% Colby Jack cheese on top of the meat to melt.
• If you have 3 slices, place your cheese in the middle and fold the outer edges of meat over it.
• For 1 slice, place ½ slice of cheese to one side of the meat and fold the other half of meat over it.
• Remove the meat and cheese from the pan and place on you bread. Add any condiments (like mustard, onion, pepper, etc.).
• Place you sandwich over the med-high heat and brown each side.
• Cut and serve.

Once you eat a cooked sandwich, you’ll never go back to a plain cold meat and cold bread sandwich again! If you have a Sandwich Press you can use it to make your cooked sandwiches; but, if not, a pan on top of the stove works just as great.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Zucchini Bites

First Attempt Zucchini Bites

Now, tonight Dusty is going to have nachos, but I am trying to eat all natural again and get back into a great healthy lifestyle. So, I tried to come up with an alternative to using tortilla chips. Now, don't get me wrong, Baked Lays tortilla chips are a great healthy alternative, but I really wanted to use a vegetable. My first instinct was to use a summer squash, but my local market did not have any good looking ones. So, I decided to go with a nice zucchini! I know these are no where near "nachos", and they need a little added help, but they are still bite size, yummy, and they are much more nutritious! Now, they didn't turn out quite like I had hoped, but I also cooked them in a bit of a hurry. Here's what I did this time, please try it out and give any suggestions that you have. I'd like to continue working on this recipe and get it into tip-top condition! :)

1st Attempt Zucchini Bites

• 1 medium zucchini cut into 1/4" rounds (I used a mandolin, but you can just cut thick rounds with your Chef's knife).
• Place the rounds on a greased baking sheet.
• Cut small slices of 2% mozzarella cheese (sized to fit zucchini rounds) or sprinkle 2% mozzarella cheese over the rounds.
• Top off with chopped onion and bell pepper.
• Place in a 450 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so that the cheese does not burn.
• Place on a plate and sprinkle a small bit of parsley and granulated garlic on top.

As I stated above, this is a first attempt recipe that turned out rather bland. I want to continue to improve on it. A few things that I think will help are to mix the zucchini with 1 packet of Italian seasoning (and no more than 3/4 tsp almond oil if needed), using a 2% shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese (I used an all natural, fat free, gluten free monterey jack, and believe this contributed to the blandness of the dish) and putting them on the grill so that the oil drips down and the zucchini is not left sitting in the excess oil. Again, please leave any comments you may have on ways to improve this recipe without compromising the nutrition or flavor of the dish.

Always remember you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

"No Labor" Grilled Dogs with Chips

"No Labor" Grilled Dogs with Chips

Happy Labor Day Everyone! I hope you're having a great Labor Day! I am back in Troy now, and Dusty and I decided we would take a break from studying to enjoy a little bit of this holiday. And what else is there to do on Labor Day other than grill out?! We decided to do hot dogs and chips....the lazy man's healthy way. By this I mean, we at store bought chips, I didn't make them myself (LOL). Here's what we did:

No-Labor Grilled Dogs with Chips

• Take a Kosher, All Natural, or Organic hot dog and grill it to perfection. We used Hebrew National low fat wieners and grilled them for about 5 minutes or so until they were cooked through and had grill marks.
• The last minute (or less) on the grill we through our 100% Whole Wheat buns on the grill to toast.
• Once they come off the grill, add your favorite condiments like mustard, onions, and relish (remember to go heavy on the light condiments and light, if at all, on the added fats like mayo or slaw made with a store bought dressing).
• Pair your dogs with a Baked Lays product or make your own chips by slicing potatoes in thin rounds and baking them at 375 until crisp).

What a Labor Day treat! Easy grilling, great tasting hot dogs and Baked Lays for a no fuss holiday meal. The best part is that you get to have fun grilling out and chowing down on a hot dog meal that is healthy for you!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Food on the Run

Nachos In A Cup

This is just a cute little dish I made that would be great for parties or for when you need a meal you can take on the road with you.
They're cute, easy to eat, and yummy! Give them a try for yourself:

Nachos In A Cup

• Take a few Baked Lays Tortilla Scoops, add in a little seasoned extra lean ground beef, and top with 2% Cheddar (or Mexican if available) cheese.
• Serve and let your guests enjoy, or place in a shallow storage container to take with you.

Simple, simple, simple. And so delicious. This dish is bound to be a hit at your next party or your new favorite meal-on-the-go.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Just a Quick Note

Hey guys! Just wanted to say sorry for no posts this weekend, it's my sister's b'day, so I've been in Dothan celebrating all weekend! Not much cooking going on, I did pass up some great cookware yesterday. I'm saving that money for ingredients :)

Will be back up and in action starting Monday!

Thanks for sticking with my site!

Kelli

Turkey Wraps with Squash Medley

Turkey Wraps with a Squash Medley

This little dish I put together is great for weekend entertaining. One weekend my mom came to stay with me I made them for our lunch and she absolutely loved them. Squash and zucchini are two of our all time favorites, so I decided to throw the medley in as our side dish! Try them together or separate, they're both great either way. Here's what I did:

Turkey Wraps

Take an all natural turkey sandwich meat, one that is not too thick or thin and is long enough to wrap up.
Lay down 4-5 leaves of fresh baby spinach across the turkey.
Add a few thinly sliced rings of onion on top of the spinach.
Top your wrap off with a light drizzle of fat-free zesty Italian dressing.
Carefully fold the turkey over, creating a wrap (you can hold it together with a toothpick if needed).
Bake for approximately 10 min in a 350 degree oven, or until the turkey is warm.
Serve warm.

Squash Medley

Take 1 medium squash and 1 medium zucchini. Use a mandolin to make a thin julienne or a chef's knife to make thin rounds.
Place in a large bowl and add about 3/4 tsp Almond Oil and 1 small packet of Italian seasoning.
Toss to coat all veggies.
Cook over a medium heat, until veggies are soft.

And there you have it. Both simple, yet flavorful dishes. You can serve the turkey wraps cold on a hot summer (and fall if you live in the South!) day for a refreshing treat. You can serve the squash with a sauteed or grilled chicken.
The possibilities are endless. Both include healthy, low fat and low calorie ingredients, so incorporate them into as many meals, in as many ways, as you can think of.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Kelli's "Sloppy Jane"

Sloppy Jane Biscuit Bites

This is a recipe that I created while playing in the kitchen one day. I was toying around with the idea of making BBQ sauce, but came up with this instead. It's been a hit with everyone who has had it, so give it a try and let me know what you think. :) It's kind of like a shredded BBQ chicken, but with a twist.

I entered it into an online recipe contest. It didn't win, but was published on their site. Take a look:

Crock Pot Sloppy Jane

It's really amazing to me, how one little ingredient can, in fact, affect the entire recipe. I am making this dish tonight for dinner. As I went to put in mustard, I realized I was out! I really didn't expect it to make such a difference, but it really does. It does not even taste the same. Plus, I only had a little bit of chicken left after making oven-fried chicken last night, so it's a lot thinner than normal.

So, just remember, if you have a recipe that works well, stick to it! There is a reason why it works. :)



Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

A Classic Sandwich with Sweet Fries

Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Fries

So, growing up, my favorite food of all time had to have been chicken fingers! Wow, no wonder I was such a chubbykins!
Now that I am older, and can cook, I've discovered a way that I can still enjoy my all-time favorite food minus all the health catastrophes that come along with it!
Tonight, I made chicken sandwiches with french fries, only they are not fried, they're baked! A little crushed Corn Flakes or Fiber One for the chicken, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp almond oil for the sweet potatoes. And that's all there is to it! And as you can see above, you can adapt this dinner to fit any eater, I had a sandwich and Dusty had chicken fingers.


Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Chop Spaghetti

Chops Spaghetti

So, on the menu for tonight is one of Dusty's childhood favorites. He is a pasta lover. When he was little his mom would use pork chops in spaghetti, rather than beef or chicken. This is a delicious, and simple recipe to make, give it a try on your next busy day!

Chops Spaghetti

• Take 2 small cans of tomato sauce and add in oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste (see my Homemade Cheese Pizza for the sauce recipe). Place in the crock-pot on low.
  

• You want to get a pork chop that is extra lean, boneless, and sliced thin (this is only about 4g fat and 100 calories!).

• Sear it in a pan with 3/4 tsp of almond oil (or olive) over a med-high heat.

• Place the seared chops in the crock-pot with the tomato sauce.

• Cover in the sauce, and cook on high for about 30 minutes, and then set to low and let it cook all day.

• Just before time to eat, cook your whole wheat spaghetti noodles, drain, and top off with the sauce and one chop.
  

• If desired, place a tiny amount of 2% mozzarella cheese or parmesan, but remember, moderation is the key to a healthy dish.

So, there you have it. The next time your day is jam-packed and you have no idea how you're going to fit in a healthy meal, just stick your seared chops and tomato sauce in the crock-pot and come back when you're ready to eat!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Tis the Season...Football Season!

Time to Tailgate

That's right, football season is back. And that means the smell of tailgate food is in the air!
I went for a long time without enjoying tailgating, because I was afraid to eat the foods most people had.

But, the truth is, you can tailgate and stay healthy at the same time. All you have to do is check out these two articles I wrote for Ezine, and check back tomorrow for my Final 5 picks.

Start football season off right with delicious and nutritious tailgate foods for you and your guests. My bet is that they will never know they're doing their body a favor by choosing your party!

Top 5 Picks: Tailgating Food Ideas - Top 5 Tailgating Foods You Will Love

5 More Picks: Tailgating Foods You Will Love - 5 Tailgating Food Ideas

Try these tailgating tricks and let me know how they go over at your next tailgate party!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Grilled Herb Chicken, Crunchy Mac N Cheese, and Coleslaw

Grilled Herb Chicken, Crunchy Mac N Cheese, and Coleslaw

Ok, this is a bit of a blast from the past. Dusty had to go down to Dothan to help out his brother, so our dinner plans got messed up for tonight. But, this gives me time to catch up on some recipes I never got to post. So, tonight, I have for you grilled chicken seasoned with my special blend of herbs, macaroni and cheese with a bit of a crunch on the top, and a coleslaw mix that I put together myself. I'd really like feed back on this if you give it a go. Remember to be open to new ideas and flavors, and at least give them a try before you bash it. You may stumble upon something great! Here it is guys:

Grilled Herb Chicken

Ok, so first you want to belnd your herbs together. I have a wonderful mortar and pestle (and I highly recommend getting one if you don't have one) that I use to crush my herbs. However, a small food processor or a coffee grinder will be just fine. Just be sure you don't use the same coffee grinder you use for your coffee, otherwise you will get herb flavored coffee next time!
Take a fairly large bit of dried oregano & basil, a smaller bit of parsley & rosemary, and a few dashes of garlic & onion powder (again, when it comes to seasoning with herbs, I say season to taste). Crush in your mortar and pestle, or grinder of your choice, until the herbs become a powder like consistency.
Sprinkle onto 2-4 all natural boneless/skinless chicken tenders (which you could marinate in lemon juice for added flavor and as a tenderizer) using a spoon. Only season one side to begin with.
Now, place your chicken on the grill over a med-high to med-low heat, seasoned side up.
When it is time to flip your chicken, then season the other side. Be sure to be cautious of burning your seasoning, as it is easy to do.
Check your chicken with a meat thermometer or a small cut in the middle to check for any pink.

Crunchy Mac and Cheese

Use 100 % whole wheat macaroni style pasta. Cook the pasta until tender. Strain.
Then, add in 1/4 to 1/2 c of a 2% sharp cheddar shredded cheese and a touch of milk (I prefer vanilla almond milk) to help the cheese melt.
Scoop out two 1/2 c servings of the macaroni and place in two 4 oz ramekins. Top with crushed Fiber One cereal or finely chopped toasted almonds, and a small sprinkle of the shredded cheese.
Let it bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes or so, until the cheese on top has melted.

Kelli's Coleslaw

Take a prepacked coleslaw mix and add in all natural, plain, non-fat yogurt and 1/2 to 1 whole packet of the ranch dip mix.
Mix well and enjoy.
*Now, I am not a fan of mayo, and the plain yogurt just didn't seem to give it enough flavor. I am a ranch addict, and thought it'd be cool to try. I was not too sure with the first bite, but the taste seemed to grow on me. You could easily just substitute the yogurt for mayo in your favorite coleslaw recipe.

There you have it. A good 'ole southern dinner, without the fat and calories most of our classics have.
Remember, what works for me may not work for you. Just always look for a healthier solution, like non-fat yogurt for mayonnaise. It's all about your health and doing what is best for your body. :)

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Homemade Cheese Pizza

Homemade Cheese Pizza

What's better on a rainy night than a good pizza and a good movie?! Especially now that you can rent movies at Wal-Mart for $1.00. Well, that is exactly what Dusty and I are going to do tonight! Dinner and a movie at home in the rain!
But, rather than put nasty, greasy, processed, and refined delivery pizza in our bodies, I have made a Homemade Cheese Pizza! The sauce simmered all day for the maximum amount of flavor and I made the dough fresh, right before we ate it!
Now it's time to settle in, watch The Soloist, and enjoy this awesome dinner. But first, I want to share my pizza recipe with you, so you, your friends, and your loved ones can do the same!

Homemade Cheese Pizza

2 small cans of tomato sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Basil
Oregano
Parsley

Ok, for the sauce it is much better if you eyeball the amounts rather than measure them out. I normally do this, but today I thought I would try measuring it out to share with you guys; but, it is not half as good. The sauce is way overpowering this way. Just season and taste until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds. Simmer on a low heat while you prepare your crust, or simmer all day for maximum flavor.

Crust

3 c whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbl almond oil* (or olive)
2 tbl sugar (preferably raw)
1 pkg yeast
1 c warm water

Combine your sugar, water, and yeast in a small bowl.
Combine your flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well (push the flour to the sides so there is a hole at the bottom of your bowl).
Pour your yeast and oil into the well.
Slowly combine to form a dough (my dough was a little dry, so just add in little bits of water to help make a smooth dough).
Knead your dough in to smooth ball.
Let rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour or until doubled in size (I stick it in an oven safe bowl on the lowest setting for a quick rise).
Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes while you prepare you toppings.

Ingredients

Use between 1/4- 1/2 c of the sauce, depending on your personal preference.
Use 1/2 c of a 2% cheese (I used the Italian 3 Cheese Blend).
You could also pile on multiple veggies, or use a turkey or veggie pepperoni.

*I used almond oil, because I prefer it over olive, but either is fine. Also, I used 3 packets of Truvia in place of sugar.

There you have it, homemade pizza that is much better for you and just as good to you!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Picnics

Picnic for Two

Today has been an active day for Dusty and I! We went to a local walking trail, walked 3 miles, stopped for a picnic lunch by the lake, and went back for 3 more miles.

Now we are getting dressed to go to the Dinner Theater, so needless to say I am not cooking dinner tonight.

I do want to share a tidbit on sandwiches however:

The Perfect Turkey Sandwich

It is really not necessary to have 2 slices of bread to make a sandwich.
Just try laying your all-natural sandwich meat or all-natural nut-butter on one slice and folding it over.
Also, use a 100% whole grain/whole wheat bread. It's much better for you and stays with you longer.

I know it's pretty basic, but that's really all there is to it. Slim down you sandwich and add in more grain and fiber, and you'll be set to go!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

A Quick and Beneficial Breakfast

Apple Streusul Bar and Almonds

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you wake up late and/or you absolutely don't feel like fixing anything, even a bowl of cereal? There is a breakfast you can have that is delicious and nutritious, and requires very little effort!

Fiber One's Apple Streusel Bar and a few almonds are the perfect combination! The nuttiness of the almonds counteract the sweetness of the Fiber One bar perfectly.

Here's what you do:

Fiber One Streusul Bars with Almonds

It's really simple, open up the box of Fiber One Apple Streusul bars and take one out.
Get a small condiment bowl, and place 5-10 almonds in it.
Unwrap you bar, and enjoy alternating the sweet and nutty flavors.

The key to this breakfast is to really stop and savor the flavors. It is amazing how wonderful they are together.

This is a great breakfast for the morning of a light hiking or biking trip (like Dust and I are about to do). I stumbled upon it when I was chaperoning a church camping trip, and did not want to eat the disgusting camp food.

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Delicate Chicken With Veggies

Delicate Chicken with Veggies

It is so nice to know that fall is on its way! There is nothing more comforting than a big pot of stew, chili, or soup simmering on the stove!

This meal was not meant to be a stew, but time did not allow me make it the way I wanted to. I was going to make oven roasted chicken tenders with vegetables for dinner, but I ended up having to sear my chicken and add it to the crock pot along with my veggies to cook all day while I went to school and to work. And boy, was it delicious! The chicken simply fell apart on your fork when you tried to pick it up and the veggies were nice and soft.

Here's how I did it:

Delicate Chicken With Veggies

Veggies
The night before, I placed one can of carrots (drained), 1 peeled and quartered potato, and 1 peeled and quartered sweet potato, and 2 cloves of garlic in my large cast iron pot. I added 1 can of low-sodium chicken broth, a bit of water, and a good bit of Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning to the veggies. I brought it all to a boil, and then let it simmer over a med-low heat for about 20-30 minutes.

I placed the cooled cast iron pan in the refrigerator to sit overnight.

The Chicken
Today at lunch, I seared the chicken over a high heat with a very small (1/4-1/2 tsp) amount of almond oil.

Once the chicken was seared I placed it, along with my veggies from the night before, into the crock-pot on a low heat and let it cook all afternoon.

Now, I prepared my veggies the night before because I knew I simply would not have time to do it today. You could easily prepare both your veggies and your chicken on the same day. Place them in the crock-pot together to cook all day, or place them in a roasting pan and cook in the oven for dinner.

However you choose to make this meal, make sure to share it with someone you love.


Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Coffee With the Girls

Cinnamon Biscotti

So, today I stopped by my friend Elisabeth's house for a cup of coffee while Dusty was in class. It was so nice to just sit back and chit chat! Now, had I half thought about it, I would made biscotti for us to enjoy with our coffee. But, just because I forgot our biscotti does not mean you should not get to enjoy it! I found a great recipe online for a Double Chocolate Biscotti, tweaked it a little bit, and am going to share it with you now.

Double Chocolate Biscotti

Approximately 1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c raw sugar
1/4 c dark cocoa powder
1/4 c dark chocolate chips
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 salt

Combine these ingredients in a medium bowl.

1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large organic egg (or an egg substitute equivalent to one large egg)
1 large organic egg white

Whisk these ingredients together in a large bowl, and add you flour mixture to it.

Make sure that your dough is not too wet, divide it in half, and place on a greased baking sheet. Form the dough into 2 separate flat loaves.
Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes and then cut into slices.
Bake the slices for an additional 15 minutes to help them firm up.
And that's it, serve and enjoy!

Of course, if you make this Double Chocolate Biscotti, be sure to use a dark chocolate, it's healthier for you! WebMD states that it's a great antioxidant and can help lower your blood pressure. But, chocolate lovers, that does not mean you can indulge in dark chocolate and get away with it. Moderation is the key for all foods.

Now, personally, I am not a fan of chocolate. As you can see in the picture above, I adapted this recipe and made a Cinnamon Biscotti.
I simply replaced the cocoa and chocolate chips with cinnamon. Also, I used an Agave Nectar in place of raw sugar (just measure to taste, but be sure that it does not make your dough too wet!).

Replace the chocolate in this recipe for your favorite ingredients like cinnamon, blueberries, almonds, etc. , and enjoy with your next cup of coffee!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

Fresh Cinnamon Toast

Fresh Cinnamon Toast

My fiance, Dusty, absolutely adores cinnamon toast. So, when I was at home in Dothan the other day, I got some fresh cinnamon sticks from daddy (the famous chef, "Pa"). Last night, when Dust asked if I'd make him some cinnamon toast, I jumped at the opportunity to use the cinnamon sticks! Here's what I did:

Fresh Cinnamon Toast

Take out one piece of whole wheat bread.
Spread on a very thin layer of a light butter (I recommend Promise Fat Free Spread, because it is what Cardiologists recommended).
Take one cinnamon stick and grate a reasonable amount onto your bread. There are no specific measurements, it is simply to your liking (cinnamon is great for you, so don't feel bad for going a tad bit heavier on this spice).
Top your toast off with a hint of raw sugar (I use no more than 1/2 of a packet of Sugar in the Raw).
Place in the toaster or oven until the bread is slightly toasted and the butter has melted.

This is a great way to simply spice up your boring morning routine. Don't just sprinkle on the cinnamon, take a little bit of extra time to grate it on instead! Then chow down with a hot cup 'o joe!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, and stay healthy all at the same time! :)

"Chinese Make-In"

Sweet and Sour Chicken

So, I have been wanting Chinese food sooo bad lately! But of course, we all know that Chinese Take-Out is sooo bad for us. Even the vegetables are drenched in oils, and not the good oils! So, I have created a Chinese Make-In Menu that you can make anytime. I prepared the foods this morning, and had my fiance pop them in the oven 30 minutes before I got home!

"Chinese Make-In"

Sweet and Sour Chicken:
Take a couple of cups of crushed Corn Flakes or Fiber One Cereal, along with a hint of Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning and place in a ziploc bag.
Add in bite size pieces of all-natural boneless/skinless chicken tenders and shake to coat all of the pieces.
Cook on a greased baking sheet at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

The Sauce
Combine apricot preserves with a fat-free catalina dressing and heat over a medium heat. There are no real specific measurements for this recipe. Just play with it and dip the tip of your finger in to test the flavor (use a clean finger each time, of course!).

The Chinese Rice:
Of course, when it comes to Chinese you always want to go with the Steamed Rice as opposed to the Fried Rice. If you feel it is tasteless, add a dab of Sweet and Sour to flavor it!
The joys of "Chinese Make-In" are that you can make your rice healthy! Simply replace white rice with brown rice.

2 cups boiling water
1 cup of brown rice

The Chinese Vegetables
In my opinion, the best part of the meal!
Take a mixture of your favorite veggies, steam them, and enjoy!
A few good veggies are cabbage, carrots, water chestnuts, and broccoli!

And there you have it. An easy, delicious, and healthy Chinese dinner! Once you make this meal a few times, you will be able to whip it up in no time!

Always remember, you can have fun, eat great, AND stay healthy all at the same time! :)

A Cool Lunch for a Hot Day

If you're like me, sometimes when you get too hot in this summer heat, you don't even have an appetite. This recipe is quick and simple, cool, and very light. You can make this within five minutes, sit back, and cool off!

Summer Salad and Open-Face Cracker Sandwiches

Salad:

1 Handful of Organic Lettuce, washed and chopped

1 Slice of Natural Oven Roasted Chicken Sandwich Meat

Honey Mustard (Publix brand contains no high fructose corn syrup) for your dressing

Combine the first two ingredients. You want to lightly dress the salad with your Honey Mustard as a dressing.

Open-Face Cracker Sandwiches:

2 Multi Grain Crackers

1 Slice of Natural Oven Roated Chicken Sandwich meat, cut lengthwise into two slices

Honey Mustard

Drizzle a small amount of the Honey Mustard on both Multi Grain Crackers. Place the Natural Chicken meat on top of the Honey Mustard. This meat can be served cold, or warm by simply heating in a pan on top of the stove.

Top of your meal with a nice cold glass of purified water.

Summer Days

Oh, how I love summertime! After a nice day of being outside, grocery shopping, and swimming, what better to do than make Tacos!!! For Dust, I made Chicken Tacos, by sauteing two Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast by simply spraying a small pan with Butter Flavored Cooking Spray and cooking them for about 5 minutes on each side before taking them off and cutting them up into small chunks. I then placed them back in the pan and added a bit of Water and Taco Seasoning. I let them for a few minutes more, had him come over and assemble the taco the way he liked (he added 2% Mexican Cheese and Taco Sauce). Then I placed the assembled taco in a pan over a med-high hear and sprayed with the Cooking Spray until they were a nice golden color and the Cheese had melted.



For me, it was the same concept, only I made Veggie Tacos. I used the Morning Star Grillers Recipe Crumbles. I eyeballed it and put just enough for about two tacos into a small pan with the Butter Flavored Cooking Spray. I let it cook over a medium heat until heated and tender. I assembled mine similar to how Dusty assembled his; except, I used the 2% Mexican Cheese and All Natural Salsa. I placed them on the same pan over a med-high hear and sprayed with the Cooking Spray until they were a nice golden color and the Cheese had melted.



We sat outside on the porch and enjoyed our tacos as the sun went down on our nice summer day.

A Candlight Dinner and Dancing

Tonight, Dusty pulled a fast one on me! He told me to get cute, that we were going to the store to pick out what we want for dinner, make it together, and have a candlight dinner for two! It was soooo fun and yummy! Dusty simply had Whole Wheat Pasta with a basic Tomato Sauce and I made a Squash and Zucchini pasta. My pasta wasn't that great, then again it was the first attempt. It needed a lot more flavor, so I will try it again and THEN give you all the wonderful ingredients that go into it. I tried to make a Garlic Sauce/Topping for it; but, it was not so hot.

The overall night was amazing though. The table was beautiful and the company was wonderful. Dusty and I listened to songs by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michale Buble, the romantic and jazzy type of music. After dinner we danced, played cards, and just hung out. It has been very nice.

Our beautifully set table and meal.

Dusty's Whole Wheat Pasta and French Loaf

My "First Attempt" Summer Squash Pasta