"Nacho Taco"

"Nacho Veggie Taco"

• 2 soft tortillas (corn or 100% whole wheat)
• Olive oil, used sparingly
• Black Beans and Salsa OR Lean Beef left over from Tacos
• Up to 1/4 2% shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Salsa, lettuce, tomato, etc. for garnishing

1. Heat the tortillas over med-high with with a small amount of oil, flipping occasionally, until they are golden and crisp.
2. Using a pizza cutter, quarter the tortillas.
3. Place 4 of the quartered tortillas in a lightly coated baking dish and top with lean meat, or black beans and salsa, and cheese.
   
4. Place the oven on broil and allow the cheese to melt.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining 4 tortillas by layering them on top of the others.
6. Garnish with additional toppings such as salsa, lettuce, etc. and serve.

"Nacho Beef Taco"

This is a great way to save money and avoid throwing out leftovers!

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

Fiesta Night

Tacos

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
  
• 1 small jar taco sauce (or one small can tomato paste)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Tortillas (preferably 100% whole wheat)
• Up to 1/4 c 2% shredded cheddar cheese (per taco)
  

1. Place your lean meat in a large boiler (Dutch oven if you have one) and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer until the meat has browned.
2. Drain and rinse the meat. Transfer it to a Crock-Pot set to "Keep Warm" and add in the salt, pepper, paprika, sauce, and seasoning.
3. Let the meat simmer for at least 3-4 hours in the Crock-Pot, or until you are ready to serve.
4. Heat your tortillas in the oven or on the stove until they are soft and warm.
5. Add your meat, 2% cheese, and any other desired toppings (such as Greek yogurt, lettuce, or tomatoes). Roll your tortilla up and enjoy!

This is a great meal for a crowd. It is easy, fun, and a definite crowd pleaser. You can also make a wonderful Vegetarian version of this meal by following the recipe below:

Black Bean and Quinoa Tacos

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 can natural salsa
• Vegetable seasoning (or ground cumin)
  
• Up to 1/4 c 2% shredded cheddar cheese (per taco)
  
• Up to 1/4 c cooked quinoa (per taco)
• 100% whole wheat tortillas
  

1. Place your black beans in a medium bowler. Fill half of the black bean can with an all-natural salsa, and add to the black beans. Add in the vegetable seasoning and let simmer. As with the beef tacos, the longer you let the black beans and salsa simmer the better the flavor will be.
2. Cook your quinoa (1 1/4 c water to 1 c quinoa).
3. Heat your tortillas in the oven or on the stove. Add your black beans, quinoa, 2% cheddar cheese, and any other desired toppings (such as greek yogurt, lettuce, or tomato). Roll up your tortilla and enjoy!

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

Mixed Vegetables with Quinoa

Mixed Vegetables with Quinoa

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 1/4 c water
• 1 c quinoa
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Granulated garlic, to taste
  
• Mustard, to taste
  

1. Place the frozen vegetables in a small boiler and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, cover, and let simmer.
2. Bring 1 1 /4 c water to boil in a separate boiler. Add in 1 c of quinoa. Cover and let simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Once the quinoa has thickened, add in the red pepper, garlic, and mustard. Blend well.
4. Combine the vegetables with 1/4 c cooked quinoa and serve.

This is a wonderful vegetarian comfort food. If you desire a cooler dish, serve the vegetables and quinoa cold with mixed lettuce and a dab of all-natural honey mustard dressing.

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

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings

• 1 package frozen dumplings
• 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth
  
• 4 chicken tenders
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Salt and pepper the chicken tenders and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the dumplings one at the time, breaking them in half if desired.
   
4. Reduce the heat and let the dumplings cook until soft, stirring frequently.
   
5. Dice the chicken and add to the dumplings, or serve on the side.
   

This is one of my man's favorite dishes that his grandmother made for him when he was a young boy. This meal is easy to prepare, and one of the ultimate comfort foods after a long day at work or school.

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

Great Northern Bean Salad

Great Northern Bean Salad

• 1 can Great Northern beans
• Vegetable seasoning
• Mustard
• 1 bag of mixed lettuce
• Mrs. Dash tomato, basil, and garlic seasoning
  

1. Cook the beans with the vegetable seasoning and mustard.
2. Drain, let cool, and add 1-2 spoonfuls to a bed of mixed lettuce.
3. Top off with a dash of Mrs. Dash and your favorite all-natural dressing.

Great for a warm sunny day or a summer night's supper. You can use the bean, or grain, of your choice to mix with your lettuce.

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

Our First Dinner at Home

Simple Pasta

• Ziti pasta noodles
• Ragu original sauce
• Italian seasonings
• Parmesan cheese

1. Cook and drain the noodles.
2. Spoon out equal amounts of noodles in a bowl and top with sauce and Parmesan.

My man and I just moved to the beach. It's been a long week of packing and moving in the rain! Last night was the first in our new apartment. It is nothing special, but we made a nice, cozy bowl of pasta to relax with on our screened in deck. :)

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

Cheesy Bread Sticks with Marinara

Moving Special

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• No more than 1/4 c 2% shredded cheese (I mixed mozzarella and cheddar)
• Marinara sauce

1. Preheat oven to 500.
2. Sprinkle cheese on both slices of bread.
3. Bake in the oven until the bread has toasted and the cheese has melted.
4. Place marinara sauce in a condiment bowl for dipping.

This is what I call the "Moving Special" because my man and I are moving to the beach and have no food left in the house. I have been eating peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and could take no more! LOL So, I was left with two slices of bread, cheese, and a little Ragu to work with. It was actually quite yummy! A great snack or appetizer :)

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

Open-Face Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

Open-Face Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

• 1 slice 100% whole wheat bread
• Mustard
  
• 2-3 tomato rounds, thinly sliced
• 1 small handful of fresh spinach leaves
• A pinch of diced onion
  
• 1/4 c 2% shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450.
   
2. Spread the mustard on the bread and begin layering the vegetables on top.
3. Bake until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.

This is a wonderful summer lunch. If you desire a cold-cut sandwich, simply use 2% cheese slices and raw veggies.

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

Personalized Bruschetta

Personalized Bruschetta

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 small tomato, finely diced
• 1 handful fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
• 1 Tbl almond oil (or olive oil)
• Fresh oregano leaves, minced and to taste
• 1 square, all natural Ciabatta roll
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian seasonings
  

1. Prepare all of your fresh ingredients and combine them in a small mixing bowl. Toss them with the almond oil until well coated.
2. Divide the Ciabatta bread in half. Paint on a very small amount of almond oil on each slice and place in the oven at 400 degrees until warm and crisp.
3. Spoon a small amount of the tomato sauce across the surface of both Ciabatta slices (save the rest for dipping or other recipes) and top with the fresh vegetable mix.

This recipe makes a great vegan personal-size pizza. It is also a wonderfully romantic dinner to enjoy with the one you love by candlelight.

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

Chicken Parmesan...With A Twist!

Chicken Parmesan with a Twist

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• 4 BL/SL chicken tenders or chicken breasts
• Up to 1/4 c 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese, for garnishing
  
• Fresh oregano
• Penne pasta noodles, whole wheat or enriched with fiber
• Up to 1 Tbl olive oil
  

Utensils needed: A meat mallet or small skillet Parchment paper

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine the tomato sauce and Italian seasonings in a small boiler and let simmer.
3. Meanwhile, lay the chicken out in between two sheets of parchment paper. Using the flat side of the meat mallet, or a small skillet if you do not have a mallet, pound the chicken out until it is fairly thin.
4. Layer a small spoonful of sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and a small amount of fresh oregano down the middle of each piece of chicken.
5. Carefully roll the chicken like a jelly-roll, started at the smallest end. Secure with toothpicks, if desired.
6. Place in a round baking dish that has been lightly coated with olive oil.
7. Drizzle an additional amount of sauce on top of the chicken rolls and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and sprinkle a small amount of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
   
8. While the chicken is baking, cook your penne pasta.
9. Drain the pasta and add olive oil and Italian seasoning.
10. Serve and enjoy!

This meal was a blast to make and its presentation on the plate will have everyone talking! This meal makes a great romantic dinner for two, or a nice dinner for the whole family.

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

Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Chicken with Polenta

Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Chicken with a side of Polenta

For the Chicken

• 2 BL/SL chicken tenders
• Mrs. Dash tomato, basil, and garlic seasoning
• Olive oil
  

For the Polenta

• 1/2 c polenta
• 1 c water

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
   
2. Place the chicken tenders in a small baking dish that is coated with a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle Mrs. Dash on the chicken and bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, place the polenta and water in a small boiler. Bring to a boil, cover, and let simmer.

This is a super quick and super easy meal. Even if the chicken is not completely thawed, baking it in the oven at 400 degrees still gives you a nice, tender chicken. Polenta is a great alternative to fresh or creamed corn.

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

A King's Breakfast

A King's Breakfast

• 2 medium eggs
• up to 1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
• a dash of skim milk
• 3-5 sliced of shaved turkey sandwich meat
• Mrs. Dash original seasoning
• 1 slice 100% whole grain honey wheat bread

1. Combine the first 3 ingredients in a bowl; whisk together with a fork in order to beat the eggs.
2. Cook over med-high heat in a coated skillet. Be sure to continually move with a spatula in order to make the eggs fluffy.
3. Heat the turkey over med-high heat in a small skillet or on a flat griddle. Season with Mrs. Dash and cook until warmed through, 1-2 minutes.
4. Place the toast in a toaster or oven that has been set to broil. Be cautious not to burn the toast.

I made this breakfast for my guy the other morning on his birthday. I served the breakfast, along with a small glace of pure orange juice, to him in bed on a small tray. This is the perfect way to treat that someone special in your life.

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

Pita Pizza

Pita Pizza

• 1 small can of all natural tomato sauce
• onion, chopped
• vegetable seasoning or Italian seasoning
• fresh basil, optional
  
• fresh oregano, optional
• 1 whole wheat pita pocket, whole
  
• up to 1/4 c 2% shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  

1. Combine the tomato sauce, onion, and seasoning in a medium size boiler and let simmer.
   
2. Turn the oven on a high broil. Place the pitas in for 1-2 minutes to brown slightly.
3. Remove the pitas from the oven, spread 1-2 spoonfuls of sauce, and no more than 1/4 c of cheese on top.
4. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
5. Cut the pita into fourths and serve.

This is a healthy alternative to ordering pizza or popping a frozen pizza in the oven. It is quick and cheap to make. Give it a try on your next movie night at home!

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

Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Rice

• 2 BL/SL chicken tenders
• Mrs. Dash original seasoning
• 1 package of sweet cornbread mix (I used a brand that only needed egg and milk)
  
• 1/2 c quick cooking brown rice
• 1 c water

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the chicken tenders in a coated baking dish. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash and bake approximately 30 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Combine the ingredients for cornbread and bake along side of the chicken during the last 15 minutes.
3. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, bring the rice to a boil, cover, and let simmer until all of the water has been absorbed.
4. Combine the chicken and rice into one large pot, or serve separate.

This is a healthy twist on a classic dish. For a vegetarian version, simply combine your favorite fresh veggies, steamed or raw, to brown rice. Follow this recipe or create your own:

Veggies and Rice

• 1/2 c quick cooking brown rice
• 1 c water
• fresh spinach leaves
• onion
• green bell pepper, grated
• carrots, grated
• all natural honey mustard or desired all natural sauce or dressing, optional
  

1. Bring the rice to a boil, cover, and let simmer until all of the water has absorbed, about 10 minutes.
2. While the rice is cooking chop, and steam if desired, your fresh veggies. Mix the veggies with your preferred dressing or sauce for added flavor.
3. Combine veggies and rice into one pot or serve separate. Top with a small amount of dressing or sauce, if desired.

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

Hobo Sandwich

Hobo Sandwich

• 2 BL/SL chicken tenders
• 1-2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 baking potato, quartered
• Mrs. Dash tomato, basil, and garlic seasoning
  

1. Place your potato in boiling water and cook until tender.
2. Meanwhile, wash, peel, and slice your carrots. Place them in a large boiler with a steamer basket and a small amount of water (add in a vegetable seasoning if desired). Cook until tender. Also, sear your chicken tenders until lightly browned on each side.
3. Once the potato has cooled cut it in half and cut the halves into quarters.
4. Place the tenders on a square sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Sprinkle with the Mrs. Dash seasoning and top with the carrots and potatoes. Fold the square sheet into a packet and place on a small baking sheet.
5. Cook for approximately 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

This is a great quick-fix meal that is easy to clean up. You can substitute lean beef or even a veggie burger for the chicken and add in any other desired steamed veggies.

Also, if you do not want your potatoes in the hobo packet, you could make a Cheesy Potato side dish by using the following recipe:

Cheesy Potatoes

• 1 baking potato
• skim milk
• up to 1/4 c 2% cheese

1. Boil the potato until it is soft. Once the potato has cooled, remove the peel and mash in a small mixing boil.
2. Add in a small amount of of milk to help cream the potatoes.
3. Place in a small oven-safe ramekin and sprinkle the cheese on top.
4. Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

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

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells

• 6 manicotti shells
• 1 c ricotta cheese
• 1 c 2% mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning, to taste
  
• Homemade marinara sauce (tomato sauce with Italian herbs and a dash of garlic) for drizzling
• Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
   
2. Cook the manicotti until it is just tender.
3. While it is cooking, combine the cheeses and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl, and simmer your marinara sauce.
4. Remove the manicotti from the heat and place in a round baking dish.
5. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture, drizzle with the marinara sauce, and top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake at 350 for approximately 10 minutes, until the cheese mixture is warmed through.

This dish makes a great romantic dinner in when paired with a nice crisp salad.

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

Veggies and Dip

Veggies and Dip

• 2-3 whole carrots, washed and peeled, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 c nonfat Greeks yogurt
• Mrs. Dash Tomato, Basil and Garlic seasoning, to taste
  
• Organic vegetable seasoning (includes cumin, onion, garlic, coriander, oregano, etc), to taste
  

1. Wash and slice your veggies (any veggies of your choice, I prefer carrots and peppers). Store in resealable container.
2. Combine the seasonings with the yogurt until a desired taste is acquired. Do note that the longer the dip sits, the stronger the flavor, so be sure to not season it too much in the beginning.

This dip is also great as a mayonnaise substitute on sandwiches or whole wheat wraps.

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

Special Sauce Chicken with Baked Potato Wedges

Special Sauce Chicken with Baked Potato Wedges

For the Potatoes

• 1 Large Russet Baking Potato
• Almond Oil or Olive Oil
• Italian Seasoning
• Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning

1. Wash and peel the potato.
2. Quarter the potato and dice into small wedges.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potato wedges, a dash of oil, and the seasonings.
4. Lightly toss with your fingers to evenly coat the potatoes.
5. Place on a small baking sheet and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

For the Chicken

• 2 All Natural BL/SL Chicken Tenders, thawed.
  
• Grilling or BBQ Marinade of your choice (I recommend one of the Mrs. Dash blends)

1. In order to get the most flavor from your chicken dish, marinate the chicken in the sauce all day, covered on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.
2. Place the chicken in the oven at 350 and cook for 30-40 minutes, until it has cooked through.

As long as you prepare ahead of time, this is a quick, simple, and flavorful meal to make. Even if you do not have time to prepare ahead of time, just be sure to poke holes in the chicken with a fork; this will help to absorb the marinade more.

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

Italian Spiced Rice

Italian Spiced Rice
(Adaptation of Paella)

• 2 All Natural BL/SL Chicken Tenders
• 1 Small Turkey Sausage Patty, cooked as instructed on packaging
• 1/2 c Tomato Sauce, divided
• Italian Seasoning, to taste
  
• Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning, to taste
  
• 1/2 c Whole Grain Rice
• 1 c Water
• Olive Oil, used sparingly to coat skillet
  

1. Place a small amount of oil in a medium skillet over med- high heat. Once the oil has heated, swirl it around to coat the entire pan, and add the chicken tenders. Cook covered for 3-5 minutes on each side until both pieces are cooked through. Cut into small pieces (carefully while in the pan or remove and return to the pan).
   
2. Reduce your heat to medium, or even low-medium. Cook the turkey sausage as directed on the package. Dice and add to the chicken along with 1/4 c tomato sauce, Italian spices, and Mrs. Dash to taste.
3. Cover the chicken and turkey sausage mix and let simmer on low.
4. Combine the whole grain rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the water has absorbed.
5. Mix the rice in with your chicken and turkey sausage, along with an additional 1/4 c tomato sauce, seasonings and enjoy!
   

You could serve this festive dish alone, or accompanied by a whole wheat garlic bread.

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