"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! :)