HAPPY EASTER!

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

Liver Pudding & Gouda Cheese Wrap

A Southern Tradition

I was so happy to find one of my favorite southern foods that I had to give up for three years because it was not carried in all parts of North Carolina. Liver pudding  is 96% fat-free...(who knew)....topped with  a slice of Gouda cheese and placed in a wrap it is a quick and easy lunch alternative. Gouda cheese when ate in moderation, because of its high fat and calories content, is still a good food choice because of its nutrient content. Vitamin K2 is responsible for the vibrant health and high resistance to aging and degenerative diseases.

Ingredients

1-8 inch whole-wheat tortilla
1 teaspoon mustard
2 slices of liver pudding
1 slice of Gouda cheese

Place the flat tortilla in a microwave safe plate
Add mustard, liver pudding and cheese
Hit for 1 minute in microwave
Fold the sides over the filling and cut in half

Enjoy with some apple sauce and a piece of dark chocolate.
Your taste buds will thank you!

5-Ingredient No-Bake Oatmeal Squares

Recipe adapted from www.cookiesandcups.com
3- Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Squares

5-Ingredient No-Bake Oatmeal Squares

Note: These bars are so simple to make and are full of protein and fiber. I placed two in the freezer and was happy to see that the bars freeze as a more solid and crunchy snack. These will definitely become one of my snacks of choice as I travel. These bars hold up better refrigerated or frozen.

Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
3 cups rolled oats
 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions
Line a 9x9 pan with foil
Spray lightly with non-stick spray
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the peanut butter and honey until smooth
Stir in the vanilla flavoring
Combine oats and cranberries
Combine mixture with oats
Press into prepared pan
Place in refrigerator until set
Cut into squares and keep refrigerated or place in freezer

Herbs

Herb Garden

       Living in an apartment or townhouse does not mean you have to give up gardening. A brick wall and  some different potting options will allow you to still garden and enjoy fresh herbs.   

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  I used Rachael Cooks, Beef Stew Seasoning Mix (All-natural) to my own family recipe for beef stew.  Her recipe beats out a packet mix that is not very sodium-friendly. www.rachelcooks.com



Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 pound beef stew meat
Rachel Cooks Stew Seasoning Recipe (Link listed above)
2 cups water
3 large potatoes (cut in chunks)
1 cup celery (diced)
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup sweet Vidalia onion (diced)
1 can mushrooms

Directions 

Place beef in the slow cooker
Coat the beef with the stew seasoning
Add the water and stir
Add potatoes, celery, carrots, and mushrooms
Cover and cook overnight on low heat for 10-12 hours

Couponing

 
www.grandparents.com
"Why You Should Be Using Coupons Now",
 This article informs us that by using coupons families are now averaging a saving of $416 per family per year.

"Why You Should Be Using Coupons Now"

During my Super Double Coupons trip to the grocery store yesterday, I saved $42.00 with coupons and another $25.00 using my E-Vic card. I also got some great buys on meat that the butcher had just reduced in price. These savings are very important to my family as we continue to modify our lifestyle changes to incorporate healthier eating habits. Right now our home is filled with the wonderful smell of Crock-Pot Beef Stew which I was able to fix because of all my savings yesterday. Look for this recipe on an upcoming post.

Stir-Fry Turkey

Trying to come up with recipes that are healthy while using some of the leftover turkey residing in your freezer?
This simple stir-fry recipe will do both. I added a twice-baked potato and this meal was complete and yummy!

Ingredients

2 cups of thawed turkey, cut into strips (Thaw in refrigerator)
1 cup frozen broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Directions

Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat
Add olive oil to pan
Add turkey and broccoli and stir-fry until golden
Remove from pan and sprinkle with parsley flakes

I added a spoonful of cranberry sauce because what is turkey without it!

No Beans Chili Dip

 There are so many versions of this dip online.
 I have been making it for so long that my recipe is ingrained in my brain for years to come.
The chips you use are as important as the dip. I used the regular tortilla chips and then keeping with my getting fitter lifestyle changes, I added multigrain  tortilla chips as well. Both styles of chips were a big hit!

Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 package chili seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 can  diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 can chili sauce, no beans
1 block Velveeta


Directions
Brown hamburger in large saucepan over medium heat
Add chili seasoning, water, and the tomatoes and green chilies, simmer for 5 minutes
Add the chili/no beans, and simmer for 5 more minutes
Cut Velveeta into chunks and melt in a microwave safe glass bowl
in the microwave 1 minute at a time while stirring
Once the cheese is fully melted, add the hamburger mixture and stir thoroughly

This dip is good hot or cold!

Crock Pot Black-Eyed Peas and Mini Cornbread Muffins

 

Black-Eyed Peas are a New Year's tradition at my house. 

Cracker Barrel Muffin Mix, makes a delicious cornbread addition to your meal.

Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed

2 slices fat-back, chopped

5 cups water

1 tsp. grounded black pepper

1 tsp. sea salt.

Directions 

Pour water into crock pot

Combine peas, fat-back, pepper and salt

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours 

Happy New Year!

A Time For Reflection!

A Time For New Beginnings!

A Time For Chocolate!

Golden Roast Turkey

Gobble-Gobble

STOP WORRYING! We are just two tough old birds!

Golden Roast Turkey
Preheat oven to 375

1 (12-14 pound) turkey
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator (8-12 hours)
Remove the neck and giblets
 Rinse the turkey and pat dry

 Ingredients

4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon pepper


Directions

Place the turkey in roasting pan, breast side down
Add next four ingredients together
Pour mixture over turkey
Cover with aluminum foil
Bake for 2 hours
Remove foil and turn the turkey breast side up
Turn  the heat to 435 until the turkey is a nice golden brown,
or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165.F
I placed my turkey on the lowest rack and cooked another hour during the browning of my turkey


First photo courtesy of Pixibay.com

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs

Dad's Deviled Egg Dish

My dad was an awesome father and a wonderful cook. I always enjoy using one of his recipes and one of his favorite dishes as I prepare food during the holiday for my loved ones.

Dad's Delicious Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

12 large eggs (hard- boiled)
1/2 teaspoon salt (add to boiling water for easier peeling)
1/2 cup mayo (I use the olive oil version)
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Old  Bay Seasoning

Directions
Cut hard- boiled eggs in half/lengthwise
Scoop out yolks place in separate bowl
Mix next three ingredients until smooth
Add the mixture to the egg whites
Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning

I do not add any salt because the Old Bay Seasoning adds that extra kick!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Chicken Salad

Need a quick and healthy lunch  recipe ? Need to find a way to use up your leftover rotisserie chicken?
This easy "Homemade Chicken Salad " recipe will do the trick! Pair it with a bed of lettuce, some fruit, and some crackers for an alternative to French fries and burgers.

Serving size-4-6
Prep time- 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped sweet vidalia onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 1/2 teaspoons mustard
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Directions

In a medium size mixing bowl combine the first three ingredients
Combine the next six ingredients and mix into the chicken mixture
Gently stir in the eggs
Cover and chill until ready to serve



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Mini Peanut Butter And Macadamia Nut Cookies

Who loves cookies besides the "Cookie Monster"? I do! I do! Don't we all? I have found if I bake smaller portions I eat smaller portions. I also have found if I freeze the correct portion sizes, when I take them out to eat, I am more likely not to overeat.

While trying not to gain weight with all the sweets that we are surrounded with during the holidays, I have been on the hunt for foods that I love, and that can be made into smaller portions so that I am not tempted to overindulgence while pacifying my sweet tooth.
These cookies do just that and they are so delicious and yes, you can...um...eat ...just three...
This recipe was adapted from: tasteofhome.com . Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.
Makes 2 dozen .


Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup macadamia nuts/ coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a medium bowl combine flour, soda, and salt, mix well. Set aside.
In a large bowl with a mixer blend sugars at medium speed
Add butter and mix to until it forms a  paste
Add eggs and vanilla, and beat at medium speed until thoroughly mixed
Add the flour mixture, nuts, and white chocolate chips
Use a rounded coffee scoop and drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet
Bake 10-12 minutes
Place on a cooling rack
Freeze by three!

Mozzarella Lasagna

 Mozzarella Lasagna

One way to still get to enjoy the dishes you love while maintaining your weight is too modify the ingredients. Normally, I use a 8 oz. package of shredded cheddar cheese when I make lasagna. I found out that a 8 oz. bag of  mozzarella, made with part skim milk taste just as good. I also substitute my ricotta to a low fat version and my hamburger to at least 90% lean. My husband and I eat this meal for two days and then I freeze the leftovers. Usually I have 4 meals left over and have these once a week. This allows me to pick and choose healthier meals in between a meal that uses beef which is one of the biggest sources of fat in our diet.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Ingredients

1 pound 90% lean hamburger
1 16 ounce can spaghetti sauce/low sodium
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon parley
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 pound oven-ready lasagna noodles/ whole wheat
15 ounces low fat ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 pound shredded mozzarella


Directions

In a 10 inch skillet brown the hamburger meat for 10 minutes over medium heat. Meat should not be pink.
Drain almost all the grease, I prefer lasagna to be moist so I keep a tablespoon of grease.
Add the spaghetti sauce and all the spices and simmer for 10 minutes
In a medium size bowl, combine the ricotta and the egg, stir until smooth, set aside
In a pretty 9 by 12 glass baking dish, spread some of the sauce on the bottom of dish
Layer the noodles, and spread the ricotta mixture
Layer more noodles
Add remaining hamburger mixture
Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese has turned to a golden brown in color

Angel Food Cake Divine

In a hurry and need a quick but healthy dessert for company?
Do you need to use up some of your frozen fruit that you picked up this summer at the Farmers Market?
 With just a few ingredients you can whip up this divine cake and sit back and enjoy your company.

Ingredients

1 ( 18.25 ounce) package Angel Food Cake Mix
Cooking spray
Bundt pan
2 cups yogurt (any flavor)
2 cups fresh fruit (or frozen) (any mixture)

Directions
Preheat oven according to package directions
Mix cake mix  according to package directions
Spray a 10 inch bundt pan
Add cake mixture
Cook in oven according to package directions



Remove cake from oven and insert pan upside-down on a glass bottle until cooled
Cut cake into wedges and line them around  the edges of a glass container
Pour the yogurt in the center
Top with the fruit

I sometimes use a straw and poke holes in the cake mixture and pour the fruit juice and fruit pieces into the cake.

Where Are My Pots And Pans!

I just wanted to post a quick update. I am in the process of relocating and will not be able to post more recipes until after the holidays. It has become necessary for me to hang up my apron and to pack my post and pans. Just remember as you enjoy all the goodies that we have at our convenience during the holidays, that modification of your portion sizes is extremely important in maintaining your weight.