Monthly Archives: December 2013

Tastebud Tango

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Salad Palette pleasers: crunch, sour, sweet, spice, creamy, filling. All of these elements in one dish? By the way, this isn’t even a dish per se. It’s a fantastic salad that I have served at every single barbecue I’ve ever hosted. Yes, I know it’s not summer. I see the snow on the ground, BUT we all need to eat more salads and veggies. Especially since 75% of us will be making the cliche lose weight/get healthy new years resolution in less than a month. So, you can thank me once your taste buds do a lil dance while eating this “boring old salad”. Oh and its gluten-free so you know that’s a fad these days and so this salad is also now chic.

  • 1 avocado, diced (creamy & the binder)
  • 1 cup of corn (defrost in the microwave, starch/filling)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (crunchy a tad sweet)
  • 1 lemon or lime (juice only no zest for the tart)
  • 1/2-1 tbsp. tony’s (the Cajun spice, same one used in the salmon Omega 3 recipe…re use of ingredients is kind of the theme here if you haven’t quite caught on! Oh Hi! check out our Instagram to see what the container looks like. Adjust based on taste preference/saltiness)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • A pinch of dried parsley

Mix and serve cold.
Happy Eating, XO.

Hot and Homey Meatloaf

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Now that we’re getting in to the thick of cold winter nights, (the forecast said 10 degrees tomorrow night. What?!), I’m really  getting in to the thick of hot, homey, comfort food. And nothing says hot and homey (that’s homey, not horny, people…get your minds out of the gutter) like meatloaf with red sauce.

I got this classic recipe from the back of a box. For those of you who don’t know about Lipton’s Onion Mix, trust me, you need it in your life. Consider it a hand-me-down. My mom told me about it, now I’m telling you.

  • 1 package of Lipton Onion Mix
  • 2 lbs. of ground beef (seeing there’s only two of us, I tend to only buy a pound. It comes out just as tasty.)
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 water
  • 1/3 cup Heinz ketchup (ok, you caught me. The recipe doesn’t call for the Heinz brand per say, but we’re from Pittsburgh. Gotta rep it.)

Now listen closely – preheat the oven to 350 degrees, mix all ingredients together, and shape it in a baking pan (I give you license to get creative with your meatloaf shapes). After an hour, you’re done. Not only do you get a delicious meal, it also makes your home smell just like mom’s cooking.

Something to note: my husband hates ketchup (you can read about it here) so I tend to leave it out. But, the recipe can work with or without it.

For a different spin on meatloaf, be sure to check out our turkey meatloaf!

IMG_4981

Happy Eating, XO

Balls, Balls, Balls.

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Perverts, this is a Meatballs 3 different ways recipe. A menage a tois of balls. (Ha sorry I can’t help myself). Anyway, baked or pan seared…you pick your favorite. Chicken, turkey, or pork…you pick your favorite meat (that’s what she said?). OK for real though, the base for the mixture of these meatballs is the same: simple and delicious. The rest, you pick. Swear you can do it, all by your damn delish self.

Fine chop a large Vidalia onion, throw that in the bowl and then throw in Italian breadcrumbs (About a cup) After that add red chili flakes based on your level of spice preference. Lastly, toss in parsley flakes (dried or fresh), salt, black pepper (to taste, I do a pinch each or 1 tsp.) and a tablespoon of minced garlic. (I did 2 tbsp. but I’m crazy for garlic, so ya disclaimer) Crack an egg into the mixture and add your choice of ground meat. Don’t over-work the meat and form balls with your hands. I try to wet my hands with olive oil when doing this so the meat slides right off. (Too many jokes, too easy, I’ll take the mature route just this once).

Editor’s Note: Make sure if frying or pan searing that your olive oil is hot enough, but not scorching because the inside will remain raw while the outside burns (medium heat, kids). For baking the oven should be at 350 degrees and the duration will be based on meatball size. (1 lb. of ground meat should yield 6-8 medium-sized meatballs at 15-20 minutes).

Happy Eating, XO.

Casual Broccoli Chicken Divan

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With this recipe, it’s all about the laziness of layering and keeping it casual. It’s a quick and easy recipe to throw together on a Tuesday night, when you’re really not in the mood to cook. Not that I’m speaking from experience…

  • 1 pound chopped and cooked broccoli
  • 2 cubed and cooked chicken breasts
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of broccoli soup
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs

To start, preheat the oven to 450 degrees, and cook the broccoli and chicken. In a bowl combine the soup and milk. Layer the broccoli and chicken and pour the soup mix over the two. Sprinkle on the cheddar cheese. Mix the bread crumbs and butter (I tend to eyeball how much to use) and sprinkle them on top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. I like to serve over white rice, but feel free to get creative – it can be a really diverse dish! Broccoli Chicken Divan Happy Eating, XO

Enchilada Pasta

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Casseroles. Yes, a one pot meal is extremely convenient, but it should also be appetizing. So coming from someone who hates leftovers, its pretty shocking that I have taken this to lunch the next day every. single. time.

  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 5 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 medium size Spanish or yellow onion chopped (this was my addition, added a depth of flavor and crunch the dish needed, however if you don’t have any or don’t like, feel free to exclude).
  • 1 bag egg noodles
  • 1 can (10 oz.) enchilada sauce (red not the green)
  • 1 can (4-5oz) Rotel
  • 1 taco seasoning packet (you can thank me again for this shortcut since original recipe calls out cumin, cayenne pepper, etc. all the stuff included in the taco seasoning pouch itself)
  • 1 lb ground turkey (original calls for ground beef, but this is an easy way to cut fat & calories without sacrificing flavor)
  • 2 cups (1 will go in the casserole 1 is for the top) shredded Mexican cheese (kids, that means: Monterey jack, cheddar, or Pepper jack combinations. Kraft even has a light Mexican blend that’s yum!)

Cook the pasta per the instructions (I used fusilli because the twirl grasps the sauce really well, but penne rigate would do the same or the egg noodles suggested).
Meanwhile brown the ground turkey meat with a packet of taco seasoning and the chopped medium onion in a tablespoon olive oil.
Drain the pasta and let the meat cool, then mix with the frozen corn, a can of the Rotel tomatoes (the one with the green chilies, trust me it won’t be too spicy. promise.), sour cream, cream cheese, enchilada sauce, and half of shredded Mexican cheese. Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted (since all components are already cooked).

This is hearty, filling, and flavorful. You know that I’m not lying either, because Mexican is my least favorite cuisine and yet I adore this mexi-fusion casserole. Serves 4-6 people.

Happy Eating, XO.