Hummus

View fullsize

This is a great staple, can be used as a spread on wraps and sandwiches or Dips for chips and veggies; and Hummus is packed with fiber

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of tahini
• ¼ cup of lemon juice
• Blend in Processor for 1 minute
• Then add 1 clove of garlic-minced
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• Process for another minute
• Scraping sides down
• 1 can of chick peas- drain and rinse

View fullsize

Directions:

1. Add ½ of can to processor and blend
2. Add remaining can
3. Blend for 1-2 min
4. Then add 1-2 tbsp of water for extra creamy hummus
5. Add to plate, drizzle with olive oil and a dash of paprika or Sumac
6. Using chips, pita bread, or veggies- Enjoy!

Cindy’s Sautéed Mint Salmon

Sale

Cindy’s Sautéed Mint Salmon

Sale Price: $0.99 Original Price: $1.99

Purchase

This is a great recipe with lots of flavor for you salmon lovers!

Ingredients:

• 4 Salmon Filets with no skin
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
• 1/3 cup of olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp of fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp of sea salt
• 1 packet of stevia

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl pour 1/3 cup of olive oil
2. 1 tsp of lemon zest
3. 2 tbsp of lemon juice
4. Add the mint, pepper, sea salt, stevia and set to the side
5. On med-high heat use remaining olive oil and Sautee the shallots
6. On a plate salt and pepper both sides of the salmon filets
7. Add the filets to the pan and cook 4-5 min on each side, then top with sauce
8. Enjoy!

Spiced Roasted Chickpeas→

We are looking for Healthy Side dishes throughout the holidays! This dish is packed with Fiber, Low in Fat, and Low in Carbs

Sale

Healthy Cooking: Chickpeas

Sale Price: $0.99 Original Price: $1.99

Purchase

Ingredients:

• 2 15 ounce cans of organic chickpeas- Rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of coriander
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Sea salt and ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. In a medium bowl toss the chickpeas with the olive oil, cumin, coriander, chile powder, salt, and pepper
3. Spread the chick peas on a cookie sheet
4. Roast for 30 min or until slightly golden

Cuban Picadillo

View fullsize

Ingredients

View fullsize

• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 white onion (yellow, finely chopped about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper (cored and seeded finely chopped about 34 cup)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cloves clove garlic (finely chopped about 4 teaspoons)
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• kosher salt
• black pepper                             
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 11/2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup canned tomatoes (diced)
• 2 tbsps worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 8 oz of red potatoes peeled and cubed

View fullsize

Directions:

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomato paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and bay leaves and cook until fragrant and tomato paste darkens in color, about 2 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes.

2. Add meat and cook, stirring and breaking up chunks, until no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, raisins, and potatoes. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.

3. Remove cover and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove and discard bay leaves. Serve with yellow rice and black beans.

Holiday Shrimp Cocktail

Great Appetizer for the Holidays that Friends and Family will love!

View fullsize

Don't let the cholesterol in shrimp fool you. When it comes to heart health, saturated fat is more important than cholesterol - and shrimp is very low in saturated fat. Shrimp is a source of good fat - in the form of omega-3's which helps to reduce triglyceride levels and lower the risk of a heart attack. Although eating shrimp too frequently could slightly raise LDL cholesterol levels, it also increases levels of HDL - the good cholesterol which improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol which is a positive for heart health. The omega-3's found in shrimp also have anti-inflammatory effects which are not only good for the heart, but may reduce the symptoms of diseases such as arthritis.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Cocktail: its Waistline Friendly- Shrimp is remarkably low in calories - with four large shrimp having only twenty-two total. Plus, the protein content of shrimp (almost eighteen grams in four of them) is great for building lean body mass when combined with an exercise program. Foods that are high in protein such as shrimp are also more satisfying - so there's less risk of overeating. Shrimp is clean eating at its best.

View fullsize

Ingredients:

View fullsize

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and de-veined
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions: 

View fullsize

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• On a large cookie sheet, line with foil and spray olive oil to coat
• Lay shrimp flat and coat with olive oil
• Toss with Sea Salt and Black Pepper
• Place in oven for 8-10 minutes, you want a bright pink color  

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 Lemon juiced
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Click here to view the Healthy Cooking video for this recipe.

Baked Chicken

I got a pack of chicken breasts on sale at the local grocery store- I think it had about 8 large boneless breasts. 

I think we got 3 meals out of them.  

Ingredients: 

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 clove minced garlic

1 cup of wheat bread crumbs

2/3 cup grated Parmesan  

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish

3. In a bowl, blend the olive oil and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the oil mixture, then in the bread crumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.  

4. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.  

Grilled Cobia

I finally went deep sea fishing and we caught a Cobia, also known as Lemonfish

This is a very mild fish and can be prepared many ways. They say it's one of the best tasting fishes, I would have to agree. The pork chop of the sea. One thing I am learning is not to overdue the spices which would block out the fish taste. This recipe has good flavor, yet you can savor the fish itself.

Paired with Raw Zucchini, Garlic Cabbage, & left over Couscous

Ingredients:

4-5 medium fillets Cobia

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons dry mustard powder

1 clove minced garlic

1 teaspoon celery seed

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 cup of white wine

Mix all ingredients in a freezer ziploc bag and place in refridgerator

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a freezer ziploc bag and place in refridgerator

2. Marinate for an hour

3. Grill on Medium Heat either using outside grill or grill plate

4. Turning several times, and baste with extra marinade at each turn. 

Don't over cook. Super easy recipe

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail & Sauce

You are going to love this quick & delicious recipe!

Roasted Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and de-veined

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

On a large cookie sheet, line with foil and spray olive oil to coat

Lay shrimp flat and coat with olive oil

Toss with Sea Salt and Black Pepper

Place in oven for 8-10 minutes, you want a bright pink color  

Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup

1 Lemon juiced

1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Gluten Free Lemon Pasta with Oven Roasted Shrimp

Gluten

 Free Lemon Pasta with Oven Roasted Shrimp

Ingredients

2 pounds (17 to 21 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Good Extra Virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 pound Gluten Free Angel Hair Pasta

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) smart balance butter spread

2 lemons, zested and juiced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the shrimp on a sheet pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss well, spread them in 1 layer, and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, just until they're pink and cooked through.

Meanwhile, drizzle some olive oil in a large pot of boiling salted water, add the angel hair, and cook about 3 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Quickly toss the angel hair with the melted butter spread, 1/4 cup olive oil, the lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Add the shrimp and serve hot.

Chicken Shawarma

View fullsize

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 poundskinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 16 (3-inch) strips
• Sauce:
• 1/2 cupplain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt 
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Remaining ingredients:
• Cooking spray
• 4 (6-inch) pitas
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 8 (1/4-inch-thick) tomato slices

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. To prepare chicken, combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add chicken to bowl; toss well to coat. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.
3. 3. To prepare sauce, combine yogurt and next 4 ingredients (through 1 garlic clove), stirring with a whisk.
4. 4. Thread 2 chicken strips onto each of 8 (12-inch) skewers. Place kebabs on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until done.
5. 5. Place pitas on grill rack; grill 1 minute on each side or until lightly toasted. Place 1 pita on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1/4 cup lettuce and 2 tomato slices. Top each serving with 4 chicken pieces; drizzle each serving with 2 tablespoons sauce.

Anaheim Sword Fish Tacos

Anaheim Sword Fish Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of oilive oil
• 1 anaheim chile pepper, chopped
• 1 leek, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• sea salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds of sword fish filets
• 1 lime
• 12 Corn Tortillas

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and saute the chile, leek, and garlic until tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix the chicken broth and tomatoes into the skillet, and season with cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Place the swordfish into the mixture. Sprinkle with lime juice
3. Cook 15-20 minutes until the swordfish is easily flaked with a fork. Wrap in warm tortilla shells and serve! Enjoy :)

Sicilian-Style Tuna

Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 (5- to 6-ounce) tuna steaks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large onion, sliced (about 1 cup)

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons salted capers, soaked in water for 10 minutes and drained

3 tablespoons minced pitted green olives

1/4 cup raisins

5 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped

1 cup fish stock or water, as needed

2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

4 to 5 fresh basil leaves, torn

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet over moderately high heat, warm the oil. Season the tuna with salt and pepper and sauté, turning once, until golden on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes total. Remove the tuna and set aside. Do not clean the pan.

2. In the same pan over low heat, sauté the onion, stirring frequently, until just tender, about 1 minute. Add the garlic, capers, olives, raisins, and tomatoes, and continue cooking, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. If the tomatoes don't release much juice, add the fish stock or water to give the sauce some body.

3. Return the tuna to the pan and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Cook over moderate heat until the tuna reaches the desired doneness, 2 to 3 minutes for medium.

4. Add the parsley and basil and stir to incorporate, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the fish with the sauce spooned over the top; garnish with pine nuts.

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Grease a large casserole dish.

Place the olive oil and garlic in a large resealable bag. Add cauliflower, and shake to mix. Pour into the prepared casserole dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown.

Amazing Fish Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lime
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 cups green or red cabbage, sliced into narrow strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound tilapia fillets
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small whole wheat tortillas
• 1 avocado, cut into 8 long slices

Directions

1. Cut lime in half. Squeeze juice from half and slice other half into 4 thin wedges. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and half the lime juice.

2. In another bowl, mix together yogurt, mayonnaise, and remaining lime juice. Combine cabbage and 2 tablespoons of yogurt sauce in another bowl; reserve extra sauce.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sprinkle tilapia with chili powder, black pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 3 minutes. Turn; cook 2 minutes more.

4. Place 2 tortillas, 1 lime wedge, and 1/4 of the tilapia on each plate. Serve with salsa, cabbage, avocado, and sauce.

Nutrition facts per serving: 278 calories, 22g protein, 23g carbohydrate, 12g fat (2.2g saturated), 5g fiber

Cindy's Low Fat Chicken & Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 1% low-fat milk (skim may be used, but creates a thinner sauce)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (made with olive oil)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp of pepper
• 1 tsp of sea salt
• Whole grain Fettuccine noodles
• 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 bell pepper- cut into slices
• 1/2 cup of thin sliced mushrooms
• 1 squash- cut into thin slices
• 1 tsp of basil

Directions:

Alfredo Sauce-

1

The key here is patience, add all ingredients gradually!

2

Melt butter in sauce pan on stove top with medium heat.

3

Gradually whisk in flour.

4

This will create a yellow paste.

5

Gradually add milk, whisking until incorporated and no lumps are present.

6

Continue to whisk until hot.

7

Usually 3-5 minutes.

8

The longer you cook the base (without the cheese) the thicker the sauce will be.

9

Add parmesan slowly, again whisking until incorporated.

10

Add crushed garlic and pepper.

11

Cook for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

12

Remove from heat.

Cook Whole Grain Fettuccine as directed, rinse and set to side

Chicken-

In a skillet- heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add in chicken and parsley

Sauté chicken until lightly browned after 5 min, toss in squash, bell pepper, and mushrooms

Sauté until vegetables become soft

Enjoy!l