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! :)