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Showing posts from February, 2020

Slow Cooker Curry Chicken and Vegetables

Slow cooker recipes are always a-okay by me. Especially on a busy day. Or a cold day. Or a lazy day. Nothing is as good as coming home to the aroma of food cooking all day in your kitchen. I almost don't care what it is — just the mere thought of dinner already cooking and the smells filling the house makes me excited to eat it. That being said, I have always had a fondness for curries and am constantly amazed by how much flavor is packed into both curry powder and curry paste. This version is made even easier by cooking everything in the slow cooker, although you could make it stove top as well. For this particular recipe, I decided to go with an Indian curry and used a Madras curry powder but you could also use a Thai curry paste if you would prefer a Thai-inspired curry. Since curry powders and pastes can vary greatly in flavor, I suggest starting with two tablespoons and adjusting up from there. You can always add more. You can also add some cayenne pepper to the mix if you

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Asian Meatballs that come together in minutes with frozen meatless meatballs, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. These are so easy to make and perfect for dinner, an appetizer, or for meal prep. These easy crockpot meatballs may just be my new favorite meatless meal. Last weekend, we were having friends over. About two hours before we planned on starting, I found out we would have three extra guests, all of whom were vegetarian. I had already prepped these Asian Meatballs with Asian Kale Apple Slaw  and some brown rice, but I needed a meatless option.  Staring at a bag of frozen Trader Joe's meatballs, I knew those would be the key to creating a quick meatless option. Raiding my fridge, I came across some hoisin sauce and knew that was the perfect option. Since I still had some prep work to do and didn't have time to stand in front of the stove, I just tossed the meatballs in the slow cooker with the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey,

Baked Fish and Chips

I can't tell you how much we love this healthier Baked Fish and Chips recipe. As someone who is always looking for new ways to serve fish, this was a hit with the whole family and was as loved as these  Fish Burgers and Cajun Salmon . Growing up in New England, I ate my fair share of fish and chips. In fact, when all the other kids were ordering chicken tenders, I  was ordering the fish every time. It's always been one of my favorite things to eat. Unfortunately, with all the breading and deep frying, it just isn't something I want to eat on a regular basis so I knew it was time to come up with a baked version. This version is a little different than a typical baked fish and chips because I decided to leave off the breading entirely and instead go with a tender, flaky baked cod with super crispy oven fries and a lightened up quick homemade tartar sauce. If you can't imagine fish and chips without breaded fish, don't worry I will give you an option for that as we

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken recipe is great for game-days, parties, and an easy weeknight dinner. There are so many ways to serve it and it is so much better for you than buffalo wings!  Let’s talk about buffalo sauce for a minute. It’s one of those hidden gems I always have in my fridge for when something just tastes bland and needs a little something, something. Add it to a turkey sandwich and it magically tastes better. A few glugs make a quick weeknight hash delish. I have even been known to sneak it on my egg whites in the morning, rolled up in a tortilla with some cheese and veggies. However, this slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe is for when you really want that buffalo flavor. Slow cooked chicken tossed with just the right amount of buffalo sauce. Use it in tacos, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, chicken salad, the list goes on and on. And if you really want it to taste like a buffalo wing, add in the butter at the end for a smoother, richer taste. What Makes Crock Pot B

Healthy Meal Plans Week 9

As we settle into the last week in February, I always like to take a minute to reflect on what's working and not working when it comes to any goals I set for the new year. It helps me to get motivated about things that are going well and make tweaks in places where I am not accomplishing what I want. Personally, I am happy to report that things have been great on the healthy eating front BUT I need to get more active. That will be where I am focusing going into March. What's going well for you? What are you hoping to change? Now let's talk about the food. Here's what to expect this week! It starts out with a delicious Italian Frittata, Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini, and Slow Cooker Spicy Pulled Pork. Monday brings Creamy Tomato, Spinach, and Mushroom Pasta and Tuesday is One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables. Wednesday is Greek Tostadas and Thursday is Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken. To end the week, meals include Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw and Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps.

Slow Cooker Curry Chicken and Vegetables

Slow cooker recipes are always a-okay by me. Especially on a busy day. Or a cold day. Or a lazy day. Nothing is as good as coming home to the aroma of food cooking all day in your kitchen. I almost don't care what it is — just the mere thought of dinner already cooking and the smells filling the house makes me excited to eat it. That being said, I have always had a fondness for curries and am constantly amazed by how much flavor is packed into both curry powder and curry paste. This version is made even easier by cooking everything in the slow cooker, although you could make it stove top as well. For this particular recipe, I decided to go with an Indian curry and used a Madras curry powder but you could also use a Thai curry paste if you would prefer a Thai-inspired curry. Since curry powders and pastes can vary greatly in flavor, I suggest starting with two tablespoons and adjusting up from there. You can always add more. You can also add some cayenne pepper to the mix if you

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Asian Meatballs that come together in minutes with frozen meatless meatballs, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. These are so easy to make and perfect for dinner, an appetizer, or for meal prep. These easy crockpot meatballs may just be my new favorite meatless meal. Last weekend, we were having friends over. About two hours before we planned on starting, I found out we would have three extra guests, all of whom were vegetarian. I had already prepped these Asian Meatballs with Asian Kale Apple Slaw  and some brown rice, but I needed a meatless option.  Staring at a bag of frozen Trader Joe's meatballs, I knew those would be the key to creating a quick meatless option. Raiding my fridge, I came across some hoisin sauce and knew that was the perfect option. Since I still had some prep work to do and didn't have time to stand in front of the stove, I just tossed the meatballs in the slow cooker with the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey,

Baked Fish and Chips

I can't tell you how much we love this healthier Baked Fish and Chips recipe. As someone who is always looking for new ways to serve fish, this was a hit with the whole family and was as loved as these  Fish Burgers and Cajun Salmon . Growing up in New England, I ate my fair share of fish and chips. In fact, when all the other kids were ordering chicken tenders, I  was ordering the fish every time. It's always been one of my favorite things to eat. Unfortunately, with all the breading and deep frying, it just isn't something I want to eat on a regular basis so I knew it was time to come up with a baked version. This version is a little different than a typical baked fish and chips because I decided to leave off the breading entirely and instead go with a tender, flaky baked cod with super crispy oven fries and a lightened up quick homemade tartar sauce. If you can't imagine fish and chips without breaded fish, don't worry I will give you an option for that as we

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

This easy Crockpot Buffalo Chicken recipe is great for game-days, parties, and an easy weeknight dinner. There are so many ways to serve it and it is so much better for you than buffalo wings!  Let’s talk about buffalo sauce for a minute. It’s one of those hidden gems I always have in my fridge for when something just tastes bland and needs a little something, something. Add it to a turkey sandwich and it magically tastes better. A few glugs make a quick weeknight hash delish. I have even been known to sneak it on my egg whites in the morning, rolled up in a tortilla with some cheese and veggies. However, this slow cooker buffalo chicken recipe is for when you really want that buffalo flavor. Slow cooked chicken tossed with just the right amount of buffalo sauce. Use it in tacos, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, chicken salad, the list goes on and on. And if you really want it to taste like a buffalo wing, add in the butter at the end for a smoother, richer taste. What Makes Crock Pot B

Healthy Meal Plans Week 9

As we settle into the last week in February, I always like to take a minute to reflect on what's working and not working when it comes to any goals I set for the new year. It helps me to get motivated about things that are going well and make tweaks in places where I am not accomplishing what I want. Personally, I am happy to report that things have been great on the healthy eating front BUT I need to get more active. That will be where I am focusing going into March. What's going well for you? What are you hoping to change? Now let's talk about the food. Here's what to expect this week! It starts out with a delicious Italian Frittata, Tex Mex Stuffed Zucchini, and Slow Cooker Spicy Pulled Pork. Monday brings Creamy Tomato, Spinach, and Mushroom Pasta and Tuesday is One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables. Wednesday is Greek Tostadas and Thursday is Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken. To end the week, meals include Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw and Grilled Cheeseburger Wraps.

Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a delicious, low carb alternative to baked pasta dishes that are made with tender spaghetti squash, a homemade meat sauce, and fresh mozzarella. Spaghetti squash has been a mainstay in my diet for years now and I am happy to report I am finally beginning to get the whole family to enjoy it. In the past, I would usually make a pasta dish using spaghetti squash for me and regular pasta for everyone else. Sometimes I would sneak some spaghetti squash into their pasta to add extra veggies, but many times I would just prepare the sauce separately so I could easily make both. Last week I had a rare night home alone and decided to make this spaghetti squash casserole since I was craving baked pasta and let's be honest, cheese. Instead of ordering out for a calorie bomb, which was definitely a temptation as I contemplated a night of Netflix, pasta, and wine; I decided to make a healthier version at home. This meant I could still enjoy my relaxing

Pepperonata

This classic Italian Pepperonata is a must for anyone who loves bell peppers.  It's easy to make, full of flavor, and can be used in so many different ways. Whether you serve it with some creamy polenta , serve it on a bed of spaghetti squash , or use it as a sauce for chicken - it won't disappoint. Pepperonata is an Italian dish made with bell peppers, sweet onion, tomatoes, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Everything is cooked together until the peppers and tomatoes begin to break down and form a sauce. Traditionally it is served with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping, sort of like a tapenade. It's also sometimes used as a pasta sauce or as a topping for polenta. Once you start making it, you will want to serve it on just about everything. I have served it over chicken, fish, pork, and shrimp. You can also add a can of chickpeas or cannellini beans to turn it into a heartier vegetarian dish. Top it with from fresh Parmesan, goat, or feta cheese for a meal you won't

Buffalo Chicken Salad

We have a slight obsession with buffalo sauce in our house and this Buffalo Chicken Salad has been on heavy rotation for lunches. We also love these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas , Baked Buffalo Wings , and Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches . I am always on the hunt for easy, make ahead recipes that make me look forward to lunchtime and this chicken salad with buffalo wing sauce has been hitting the spot. To keep things interesting, I always pack it a few different ways so I don't bored. Usually, this means one day as a sandwich or wrap, another day as a salad, and a third day with some crackers or pretzels.  The other amazing thing about this recipe is that there are so many ways to mix it up and make it your own. As someone who loves blue cheese, I almost always add some crumbled blue cheese to the salad. On the other hand, the rest of my family loves ranch so for their batch, I will add some ranch seasoning to the mix to add herbs and tone down the spice.  I have a friend who

Microwave Apple Oatmeal with Peanut Butter

This creamy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Peanut Butter is made in the microwave in under five minutes and makes a hearty, filling breakfast for a busy morning. I am a huge fan of oatmeal in the morning like this easy Microwave Oatmeal in the morning or Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal . A large cup of coffee, this creamy apple peanut butter oatmeal, and fifteen minutes of quiet alone time is pretty much heaven lately. In real life, it's more like tossing this oatmeal in the microwave, scrambling to make coffee, and shoveling it into my mouth in the car. It's not pretty but this oatmeal tastes so good it makes me forget about the chaos around me for just a moment and relish in the peanut buttery goodness. Because let's be honest, everything tastes better with peanut butter. The other thing I love about this oatmeal is that it keeps me full all morning. Between the fiber in the oatmeal and protein and fat in the peanut butter, it's a hearty breakfast that won't leave y

Healthy Meal Plans: Week 8

This week is all about member requests! I love using inspiration from member's to build the meal plans and this week we had requests for easy vegetarian pasta, Banh Mi Pork, and easy sheet pan meals. You'll see all of those this week alongside other yummy recipes you and your family will love. Have a suggestion? Send it my way! Now let's talk about the food! This week starts out with one of a reader request - Slow Cooker Banh Mi Pork. Monday night brings One Pot Spinach and Tomato Pasta. Tuesday brings Mexican Picadillo and Wednesday is Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Vegetables. To end the week, enjoy Sweet and Spicy Pork, Garlic Lemon Baked Cod, and Bang Bang Chicken. Meal Prep: A little work on Sunday goes a long way to make meals faster during the week. You can prep the Picadillo, baked potatoes, coleslaw, and quinoa. Plus you can prep all your veggies. Cooking Tip: There are a couple spicy dishes this week, but it is easy to adapt them to your preferences. Leave t