Black Bean and Avacado Dip

Ingredients
* 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (14 oz) can of corn, drained
* 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* the juice of one lime
* 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
* Pinch of Salt and Pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
* 1 avocado, diced (add that when you're ready to eat it)

Directions
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients in order listed (except only add in avocado when you're ready to eat it).  Cover and chill until you're ready to eat.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2013/05/lunch-black-bean-dip-or-filling.html

Easy Cajun Jumbalaya

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 6 Servings                    

 

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

* 2 teaspoons olive oil

* 8 ounces kielbasa or other precooked sausage, diced (you can also substitute or add shrimp)

* 1 bell pepper, diced

* 1/2 cup diced celery

* 1 can diced tomatoes with onion and garlic

* 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

* salt and ground black pepper to taste

* 4 cups of instant cooked rice (2 bags usually)

* 1 can chicken broth

* 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

* 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

 

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Saute sausage/shrimp until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, celery and garlic. Season with cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, or until celery and bell pepper are tender. Add cooked rice, then stir in chicken stock and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, or until rice is tender. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce.

 

 

Adapted from here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-cajun-jambalaya/detail.aspx

Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins

This is one of the easiest, fastest, and YUMMIEST fall recipes!  My family really loves these and I love that I can have all the ingredients on hand in the pantry to make them anytime.  Start to finish these are ready in 20 minutes!




Ingredients:
*1 box of spice cake mix
*1 15 oz can of pure pumpkin
*1TBSP of pumpkin pie seasoning




Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350. 
*Mix together the powder from the spice cake mix (no oil or eggs, etc!), a small 15 oz. can of pumpkin and the pumpkin pie seasoning.
*Add to pre-greased muffin pan (I like the minis)
*Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean) 


Amazingly yummy pumpkin spice muffins!!

Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch-Take 2

Edit: I think I finally a recipe that I have settled on as my favorite.  I just can't get the non-mayo based recipes to taste as good but have discovered that the missing ingredient in so many of these is the tomatillo/salsa verde.  A lot of people used diced chili's but that just isn't it!  See this recipe for my current favorite:  http://boneyjeankitchen.blogspot.com/2014/10/chuys-creamy-jalapeno-dip.html


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I am still on a quest to find a perfect Chuy's Jalapeno Ranch Recipe.  This one was pretty good, but had a little too much lime juice in the original recipe.  I like the sour cream base better than Mayo.


Ingredients:
16 ounces Light Sour Cream
1 package (1 Oz.) Ranch Dip Mix
2 whole large jalapenos, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro
2-4 Tbsp lime juice
2-4 TBSP buttermilk (I probably go closer to 1/4 cup)



 Combine roughly chopped jalapenos, cilantro and garlic in the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add lime juice, sour cream and ranch mix. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired thickness. Pour into serving bowl and enjoy!




Adapted Source: http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/09/chuys-jalapeno-dip.html

Low-Fat Oven Fried Meat

This is a very regular meal at our house which is happily eaten be each member if our family, even the overly picky ones! I make this with chicken, center cut pork chops or a good white fish (tilapia, swai, flounder etc).

Ingredients:
*water
*greek seasoning or other seasoning of your choice.
*Italian seasoned bread crumbs
*corn meal
*meat
*cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400. In a wide shallow bowl mix 2 parts bread crumbs with one part cornmeal. Season with Greek seasoning or any other seasoning of your liking and mix well.

Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Rinse each piece of meat in cold water then dredge through bread/cornmeal mixture, flipping and covering until thoroughly coated. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat with each piece of meat until finished. Spray the tops well with cooking spray to help it crisped while baking.

Place in oven.

Here are my average cook times at 400 which might need to be adjusted as needed.

Chicken for 30 minutes.
Pork Chops for 25 minutes.
White fish for 15-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cedar Plank Fish

Cedar Plank salmon has long been one of my very favorite meals.  We recently decided to try a few different versions of cedar plank fish at our house.  I will update this as we find ones we like!

Be sure to soak your cedar planks for at least an hour before you grill it.  When you remove them from the water (or wine or whatever else you soaked them in) be sure to dry them off really well.

Cedar Plank Salmon with Brown Sugar

Ingredients:
*Salmon-or any other fish this sounds good with
*Brown Sugar
*Dijon Mustard
*garlic
*Salt
*Pepper

Directions:
Place fish on the planks skin side down.  Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Add a dollop of dijon mustard and brown sugar and rub into the side facing up. 

For cooking time, I often look to see how long and at what temp the fish should normally be baked in the oven and improvise based on that depending on what type of fish it is.


Cedar Plank Fish with Pesto

Ingredients:
*White fish filets, salmon, or whatever other fish you think would be good with pesto.
*Knorr Pesto mix
*garlic
*2 TBS olive oil
*garlic (optional)
*Lemon Juice

(You could also make your own pesto sauce or buy it premade.  I chose this route so that I could control the amount of oil and calories and I didn't have time to make it from scratch)

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together pesto mix, 2 TBS olive oil, 2 TBS lemon juice (or more to your liking), and 1 TSP garlic if you like.    

Place fish on the planks skin side down.  Spread evenly over the top side of the fish.

For cooking time, I often look to see how long and at what temp the fish should normally be baked in the oven and improvise based on that depending on what type of fish it is. 

Diddo's Margaritas

These are the margaritas my dad likes to make and most definitely my favorite, however my dad's version was QUITE strong so I have adapted his recipe to make them a little crowd friendlier!  I like to save calories anywhere that I can so I usually use monk fruit or another equivalent replacement in place of the sugar.  

I usually double the batch for a small group and its plenty.  These are strong so I serve over ice.

1 cup tequila

1 cup water
1/2 cup orange liqueur (higher quality is much better like Contreu or Patron)
1/2 cup or simple syrup (bring 1/4 cup sugar & 1/4 cup water to a boil while stirring constantly) 
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

Mix all ingredients together.  Chill well and serve over ice if you like! Most importantly, ENJOY!

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

This is a really delicious salad that is not like most.  I LOVE this rendition of black eyed peas and can't get enough of it!

Ingredients: 1 pkg. (12 oz) frozen black-eyed peas
6 large garlic cloves
1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 large green bell pepper, finely chopped (or use the whole pepper if you prefer)
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (or more)

Dressing Ingredients:
3 T fresh-squeezed lime juice (I used more to my liking)
3 T olive oil
1 tsp. Spike Seasoning (or use another multi-purpose seasoning blend)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. Ancho chile powder (or regular chile powder if you don't have Ancho)
1/4 tsp black pepper
salt to taste

Instructions:

Bring a couple cups of lightly salted water to a boil, add about 6 large garlic cloves and the frozen black-eyed peas, and simmer until the peas are tender, about 20-30 minutes.  Drain the peas into a colander placed in the sink and let them drain well.

While the peas cook, chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and cilantro, and thinly slice the green onions.  Stir together the lime juice, Spike Seasoning, ground cumin, chile powder, and a little salt and pepper, and then whisk in the olive oil to make the dressing.

When the peas are well-drained (blot dry with paper towels if you're in a hurry) put them in a bowl and add about 2/3 of the dressing, stirring until all the black-eyed peas are coated with dressing.  Add the other ingredients and mix gently to combine, then add more dressing as desired.  (If you like your salads on the dry side, you may not need all the dressing.)  Let salad chill in the fridge about 30 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!)

This salad will keep in the fridge for several days, so I would recommend doubling the recipe and taking it to work for an easy lunch.

This is also good with a good vinaigrette added to it.  We have used Champagne vinaigrette when eating it.

 

Source:

http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2012/10/black-eyed-pea-salad-peppers.html

Parmesan Chicken Salad

This is a really yummy not your ordinary chicken salad recipe.  I made it one year for Devin's birthday party and it was a hit among everyone!

 

Ingredients:

1 Bag Sam's Club Mesquite Grilled Chicken (pre-cooked)

Mayo

Olive Oil

Lemon Juice

Pre minced jarred garlic

1 bunch parsley

Lots of grated Parmesan

 

Directions:

Defrost the chicken and chop it into very small cubes. Put into a large mixing bowl and add the garlic (I usually use about a tablespoon - we really like garlic, but you can add less!). Add mayo, olive oil and lemon juice as follows:

1 cup of mayo + 1 T olive oil + 1 t lemon juice.

I usually use between 1.5 - 2 cups of may for the entire bag of chicken and adjust the OO and lemon juice as needed.

Once mixed to desired consistency chop one whole bunch of parsley and add. Add as much cheese as desired - I usually use about 1.5 cups.

Serve on croissants.

* NOTE: If you don't have access to Sam's Club brand mesquite chicken, I would marinade 5-6 chicken breasts in mesquite marinade for 5-6 hours, then grill it and use that!

 

Source:

http://www.jennablogs.com/2011/03/parmesan-chicken-salad.html

Chicken and Dumplings-Super Easy Version (My Favorite)

 This is by far my favorite chicken and dumplings recipe and the easiest. 

Ingredients

1 pound/bag of precooked diced chicken breast

1 TBS chopped garlic

Large Container of chicken broth (Approx 4-6 cups) or water

1 can of cream of chicken soup

Greek Seasoning

1 bag spinach

1 carton fresh mushrooms

lemon juice (Optional)

1 can of refrigerated biscuits (I use Grands Original) -You can use 2 cans if you want LOTS of dumplings like we do! 

 

Directions:

*I really like to flour my biscuits, roll them out, cut down the middle once long ways then cut them into thin strips.  Or you can pull off chunks of each biscuit and use that instead depending on what kind of dumpling you prefer.  (Rolling them reminds me of how my Gussie and then my parent's used to make homemade dumplings as a child.  I prefer thinner dumplings than the thicker ones.)

*Put garlic, broth and cream of chicken in large stock pot and bring to a boil. 

*  Once you feel your chicken and mushrooms are cooked, add in your biscuits.  You can pull them apart by hand and just drop them in.  Depending on your pot, you might want to reduce your heat just a tad.  I keep a big spoon that I use to stir pretty constantly as I drop them in so that they don't stick together.  Cook biscuits through.  Probably about 10-15 minutes.

*Add more broth/water if it is getting too thick

*Bring back to a boil then add mushrooms and chicken and boil until heated through stirring often.  (You can also use raw diced chicken but need to make sure to boil it long enough to cook it.  I would add it before the dough if it were raw.) 

 *Add your Greek Seasoning and a generous amount of lemon juice.

*Just before you are ready to serve, turn the heat down and add a bag of spinach.  Cover and let the spinach wilt.  Stir it in until it is cooked.

*Serve.

 

That's it.  The easiest chicken and dumplings ever and so so good!

 

 

*I usually use a large carton of broth and end up adding more broth at the end because it is a little too thick for my taste.

 

You can also substitute a bag of wide egg noodle dumplings for a simple no fuss dumpling, but it isn't quite as tasty!

 

*This could easily be done in the crockpot with some chicken breasts, mushrooms and the soups cooked all day on low.  Shred your chicken, add your dumpings and the rest of the ingredients when you get home and heat until ready.

 

Source (Adapted):

http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2012/09/dinner-tonight-chicken-and-dumplings.html

Skinny Sour Cream Enchiladas

Ingredients

• 16 oz. fat free sour cream

• 1 can fat free cream of chicken soup

• 1 tbls. fresh chopped cilantro (1/2 tbls. dried)

• 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

• 1 can Mexican Rotel -(I used diced tomatoes with garlic & onion since my family thinks rotel is too hot)

• 1 cup chopped onions (optional)-(I leave this out if I use the diced tomatoes with onion) 

• 8 low carb tortillas

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack and colby cheese blend (I use Mexican cheese blend)

• 1 can diced green chiles

 

Directions

• In a saucepan, mix together sour cream, soup and cilantro. Heat through and set aside. (This is will get to the bubble up/boil stage quickly and make a huge mess if you don't keep stirring.)
• Combine the chicken, tomatoes, onions and green chiles in a pan sprayed with cooking spray. Heat until onions are transparent. Or if you omit onions like I have done, for a few minutes to blend the flavors and juices.
• Warm the tortillas until flexible. (I microwave them for 10 seconds sandwiched between two damp paper towels.)
• Fill each tortilla with about 2 tbls. of the chicken mixture.
• Top with about 1/2-1 tablespoon of cheese (or a medium sized pinch if you measure like I do)
• Roll the tortilla up and place seam side down (or they will unravel and you will be annoyed.) in a 8x11 dish sprayed with cooking spray.
• Pour/Spread the sour cream sauce over enchiladas
• Top with the remaining cheese
• Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Info and Tips

Calories: 275Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14g

Black Bean Dip

This is a delicious dip that I will be making again and again.  I have eaten as both a dip and a side and it was great both ways!

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14 oz) can of corn, drained

1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped red onion

the juice of one lime 

1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

1 avocado, diced (add that when you're ready to eat it)

 

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients in order listed (except only add in avocado when you're ready to eat it).  Cover and chill until you're ready to eat.

 

Source:

http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2013/05/lunch-black-bean-dip-or-filling.html

Low Fat Poppy Seed Chicken

This was a delicious rendition of poppy seed chicken without all of the extra calories!

 

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans low-fat condensed cream of chicken soup                                            
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon greek seasoning                                                  
• 4 ounces low-fat Ritz crackers (about 20)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds 
• 2 bags of cooked instant rice                                                  

Directions:

Layer bottom of dish with rice.  Combine chicken, soup, seasoning in a baking dish on top of rice. Crush Ritz crackers and combine with poppy seeds; sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 15-20 minutes until heated through

 

 

 

Adapted from Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/low-fat-poppy-seed-chicken-336091

Chicken Swiss Casserole (Aunt Sally)

Swiss Chicken Casserole
Aunt Sally has made this for my family a few times and we love it so much I had to start making it myself!  I serve with green beans.

Ingredients:

 

3-6 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned

3-6 (4 x 4) slices Swiss cheese

2 (103/4 oz.) cans cream of LF chicken soup, undiluted

1/4 cup milk

2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix

1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

Directions:

 

Arrange chicken in a greased 12 x 8 x 2 baking dish. Top with cheese. Combine soup and milk; stir well. Spoon over chicken; sprinkle with stuffing mix. Drizzle butter over crumbs; cover and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

 

If your chicken is already cooked like mine usually is cook covered at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

*To save calories, instead of the melted butter, I like to reserve about 1/3 of a can of the cream of chicken soup and add milk to get it to a "melted butter" consistency.  I drizzle that over the top of the casserole in stead of the butter.  I haven't noticed a difference in the flavor.  :)