Month: April 2021

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

My kids could eat macaroni and cheese just about every day.  Most of the time I use store bought Kraft macaroni and cheese because it is quick.  On special occasions I enjoy making homemade mac and cheese.  This isn’t the healthiest version I have made, 

Veggie Loaded Pad Thai

Veggie Loaded Pad Thai

Pad Thai is without a doubt one of my favorite foods.  This is a veggie loaded version that tastes great when you are in a vegetarian mood.  Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: ½ cup low sodium soy sauce ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup 

Pesto Potatoes

Pesto Potatoes

If you like potatoes and you like pesto then you will love this quick, easy, tasty side dish. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1 pound baby potatoes (I used ½ a large bag of colored baby potatoes)

1 lemon zest and juice

½ cup water

¼-1/2 cup pesto depending on your preference

Directions:

  1. Wash potatoes.
  2. Transfer potatoes to a microwaveable dish.  Add the lemon juice and ½ cup water.
  3. Microwave for 6-8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  4. Drain water. Let potatoes cool slightly.
  5. Slice potatoes in half.
  6. Add lemon zest and pesto to your liking.
  7. Enjoy with any meal
Balsamic and Mozzarella Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic and Mozzarella Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are always delicious.  These pair well with Italian themed meals with the sweetness and acidity from the balsamic vinegar and gooey melted mozzarella.  Ingredients: 2 cups Brussels sprouts stems removed and halved 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

Parmesan Chicken

Parmesan Chicken

Chicken + Cheese = Yum! Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon water 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs ½ cup fresh Parmesan Salad (spinach, arugula, romaine…) 

Steak Salad with Zaatar Chimichurri

Steak Salad with Zaatar Chimichurri

My kids would eat steak any day and I eat salads almost every day.  This recipe combines steak and a salad so delicious even kids should like it.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

Dressing-

½ cup fresh cilantro leaves

½ cup fresh mint leaves

¼ cup fresh parsley leaves

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon zaatar

Juice and zest from 1 lime (2 tablespoons)

1 small shallot peeled and chopped

1 packet monk fruit sweetener or 1 teaspoon sugar

Steak Salad-

2 8-10 ounce New York Strip Steaks

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon zaatar

1 small shallot sliced

½ cup English peas

2 cups arugula

2 cups baby spinach

1 avocado sliced

Optional: radish, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc…

Directions:

Dressing– Add the cilantro, mint, parsley, olive oil, sherry vinegar, lime juice and zest, and shallot to a blender or food processor.  Puree scraping the sides as needed.  Add sugar/sweetener to taste.  Set aside or refrigerate up to 3 days in advance.

Steaks-

  1. Season the steaks all over with salt and pepper. I drizzled grape seed oil on each steak and gently spread it out.  Then seasoned with salt and pepper.
  2. Cooking options-
    1. Skillet- Heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the steaks and cook for 4 minutes on each side.    
    2. Grill- Grill on high for 4-5 minutes per side. 
  3. Transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let rest 3-4 minutes.

Salad-

  1. Using the same skillet from the steak or a new nonstick skillet spray with olive oil spray. Sauté the shallot for 5 minutes with 1 teaspoon zaatar.  Add the peas and cook for 1-2 minutes. 
  2. Mix the arugula and spinach in a large bowl.  Sprinkle with avocado, radish, peas, shallots, and any other vegetables you enjoy.
  3. Slice the steak into thick slices. 
  4. Divide the salad mixture among plates. Top with the steak and chimichurri dressing.
Roasted Vegetable Linguine with Shrimp

Roasted Vegetable Linguine with Shrimp

We love sauteed shrimp and roasted vegetables are one of my favorite things.  I would happily eat just shrimp and veggies with some marinara sauce, but I added the linguine to keep my kids happy.  Feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your preferences. 

Bacon and Cheese Omelets

Bacon and Cheese Omelets

My kids love bacon and they love cheese.  These simple omelets made them smile and filled them up. Ingredients: 6 slices cooked turkey bacon 6 large eggs ¼ cup shredded cheese (I used a Mexican blend) Directions: Preheat omelet maker. Add eggs to a medium 

Everything Bagel Veggie Omelets

Everything Bagel Veggie Omelets

I love my Everything Bagel seasoning mix.  This easy to prepare omelet is packed with veggies and full of flavor.   Feel free to mix and match veggies to your liking.

Ingredients:

1 cup diced vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, onion, tomato)

1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning

4 large eggs

Directions:

  1. Preheat omelet maker.
  2. Add eggs to a medium bowl.  Whisk to break up the yolks.
  3. Add the veggies and seasoning to the bowl.  Mix with a fork.
  4. Spray the omelet maker with olive oil spray.
  5. Pour the mixture into the omelet maker.  This made 2 large omelets for me. 
Carrot Coconut Muffins

Carrot Coconut Muffins

I love carrot and I love coconut, so I thought why not combine the two in a muffin.  Ingredients: ¼ cup orange juice Zest from 1 orange 1 cup cooked diced carrots 3 large eggs ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes 1