Mid Week Recipe 1

 

 

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Jeni’s Mid-Week Recipe

Butternut Squash Pasta

1 medium butternut squash (peeled and diced)
3 Tbsp olive oil
8 sage leaves
12 ounces whole wheat linguine (or other pasta)
1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the butternut squash. Cook until soft (about 12-15 minutes)

While the squash is cooking, fry the sage leaves. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until surface is shimmering slightly. Add a few leaves at a time and cook until crisp, but still bright green, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. Season with salt. Set aside.

Using a large slotted spoon, carefully remove the squash from the water and place in a large bowl. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.

Place the cooked butternut squash in a large food processor or blender. Puree the squash until smooth. Add water or broth and puree until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. (You may need a little more or a little less water depending on the size of your squash)

In a large deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft, 3-5 minutes. Add pureed butternut squash. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the pasta and stir until pasta is well coated. Chop two of the sage leaves and stir them into the pasta. Serve the pasta with remaining fried sage leaves and additional Parmesan cheese!


Zucchini Fritters

  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated (not peeled)
  • 4 eggs, lightly whisked
  • 3 green onions, finely sliced
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp plus 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • light sour cream
  • coconut oil

Place grated zucchini in colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Toss the zucchini with the salt, by hand. Let stand for 10 minutes, then wring out thoroughly using dish towel or cheesecloth.

In large bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, green onions, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Heat coconut oil in large pan over medium heat.

Pour about 1/4 cup of the “batter” onto the pan, and gently press down on it with a spatula to distribute it into a round pancake shape. Heat for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until fritter becomes nicely golden. Place on paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Top with a little sour cream and green onions for garnish!


Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat butter and sugar together in a bowl until they reach a creamy consistency. Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Fold oats and raisins into batter.
  6. Drop 1-2 tablespoons of batter for each cookie onto a baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easy cleanup!).
  7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned!

Stuffed Zucchini

Ingredients:
• 2 medium zucchini

• 2 tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 green peppers
• 1 medium onion
• chopped parsley
•  grated Low-fat Parmesan
• Sea salt and pepper
• 200 ml chicken stock

Method:
1. Cut zucchini & clean inside with a spoon and put sprinkle a bit of sea salt.

2. Chopped onion, peppers and tomatoes, then place them in zucchini. Sprinkle parmesan and chopped parsley.

3. Pour broth into pan and place the zucchini. Put in the oven at 200 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Serve with light sour cream or greek yogurt.


Autumn Brittle

1 Cup Almonds

1 Cup Cashews

3/4 Cup Pumpkin Seeds

2/3 Cup Dried Cranberries

2  1/2 Cups Palm Sugar

1/2 Cup Honey

1 Cup Water

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1 Tbsp Butter

Heat the sugars, honey, water and salt in a large pot over a low-medium flame. Use a pot that is larger than you would think necessary because when the mixture begins to boil it will foam up and increase in size. Stir every five minutes or so. Using a candy thermometer, continue to heat the mixture until it reaches a temperature of exactly 302 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is very important because this is the temperature at which sugar hardens into a rock-like state after it cools. Pay close attention not to go very far above 302, otherwise you will burn the sugar.) It can take a while for the mixture to reach that high of a temperature, so don’t get too worried if 15 minutes go by and the thermometer is still at 175.
 
 
While the sugar mixture is boiling, place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a shallow pan, about 9 x 13 inches, and grease the parchment paper. Set aside. Once the sugar mixture reaches 302, immediately remove it from heat and stir in the butter, cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries until they’re coated in the mixture.
 
 
Immediately pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and spread it out into a large rectangle using a rubber spatula. Try to keep the surface relatively even and about 1 inch in height. Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the brittle to cool for one hour. Once it has finished cooling, remove the sheet of brittle from the parchment paper and break the brittle into pieces!

Summer Stacked Veggies

potatoes, onions, squash, zuchinni, tomatos…sliced, topped with garlic & your favorite seasoning and parmesian cheese!


Taco Pie

Taco Seasoning:
  • 1 Tbs chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Taco Pie Crust:

  • 2 cups of almond flour
  • 2 eggs – whisked
  • 1 Tbs coconut oil
  • 2 Tbs of the taco seasoning (see above)

Taco Pie Filling

  • 1 lg package of LEAN ground beef, chicken, or turkey – browned & drained
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/2 red pepper diced
  • 1/2 green pepper diced
  • 2 Tbs taco seasoning (see above)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies – drained
  • 2 avocados – diced

Instructions

  1. First combine ingredients for the taco seasoning in a small bowl – set aside
  2. In a frying pan add 2 Tbs of olive oil
  3. Add ground meat and brown, along with the onions and peppers over medium heat until meat is cooked and the veggies tender
  4. Drain fat from pan
  5. Add 2 Tbs of the taco seasoning mix
  6. Next add 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, and stir
  7. Simmer awhile to let flavors combine
  8. Time to make the crust…
  9. In a medium bowl combine almond flour, whisked eggs and coconut oil into a dough
  10. This will make a 9-inch pie crust, or enough for about 4 ramekins
  11. Spray pie pan or ramekins with olive oil
  12. Mix dough and form for which ever vessel you will be using for pie
  13. Press into pie pan or ramekins to form a crust
  14. Bake at 350 unfilled for about 8-10 min
  15. Remove from oven and add the taco filling from the pan
  16. Top with some diced tomatoes
  17. Return to oven and bake at 350 for another 20 mins.
  18. Top with slices of avocado or whatever garnish you would like

Cheesy Mini Peppers

Stuff mini peppers with string cheese & broil for 10 minutes for a quick appetizer or side dish.  PERFECT for football parties!


Pepperoni Pizza Cauliflower Casserole

Ingredients
For the Puree
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower
  • 2 Tbsp Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 8 slices turkey pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the Casserole

  • 12 slices turkey pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Puree
  • Clean and trim the cauliflower, breaking it into medium sized pieces. Place in a microwave safe bowl with cream and butter. Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Stir to coat cauliflower with cream/butter mixture. Microwave for another six minutes on high (or until tender.) Remove from the microwave and put into a high speed blender or food processor along with the 8 slices of pepperoni and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Puree until smooth. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Casserole

  • Spread the cauliflower puree into an 8 x 8 oven proof casserole dish. Cover with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and layer with pepperoni. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.

Cauliflower Cheese Sticks

– 1/2 Head of large cauliflower “riced” (use a cheese grater)

– 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

– 2 Cloves garlic, minced

– 1 Large egg white, lightly beaten

– 1/2 Cup low fat shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

*Jeni’s Marinara sauce for dipping:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:
1 can crushed tomatoes (No Salt Added)
1/2 can tomato paste
Italian Seasoning about 1 TBSP
Sea Salt
Coarse-ground Black Pepper
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Oregano about 1 TBSP

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil.  Place riced cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave about 5 minutes until softened.

While this is cooking, heat oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat and add garlic. Saute until soft.

In a large bowl mix egg white, garlic, cauliflower, Italian seasoning, and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Spread mixture into prepared pan.

Bake 30 minutes at 350, or until golden brown. Remove from oven, flip loaf over, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown. Allow to cool until they harden slightly, and cut into several pieces!


Skinny Mexican Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 6 whole wheat flour tortillas, medium sized
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • seasonings – sea salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano
  • 1 packet of beef flavored “flavor boost” or beef boullion
  • 1 pkg low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 can fat free refried beans
  • 1/2 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken stock
  • medium taco sauce
  • salsas of choice – Herdez red salsa and green salsa verde
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 1 small can sliced black olives
  • Mexican blend low-fat grated cheese
  • 2 fresh green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • serve with – reduced fat sour cream, spicy guacamole

Brush the whole wheat tortillas with olive oil and broil in the oven about 4-5 minutes per side until puffy and golden.

Brown the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet.  Add sea salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and a bit of oregano to the turkey as it is browning.  Once it’s cooked through, add one packet of beef “flavor boost” stock, taco seasoning and water.  Let it cook until this makes a thick sauce, then turn off the heat.

To the refried beans, add a little chicken stock to thin it out to make it spreadable.

Assembly:  To the bottom tortilla, spread red salsa, then add meat and a layer of cheese.  To the second tortilla, add beans, then flip over where the beans are on the bottom next to the cheese.  To the top of the second tortilla, spread green salsa, add cheese, taco sauce, tomatoes, olives and green onions (or whatever you choose).

Bake at 400 F until all melted or put it back under the broiler in the oven.  Cut into wedges  and serve with condiments of choice.


Peanut Butter Granola

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
2 Tbsp honey
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup oats

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Combine peanut butter and honey in a bowl and microwave until peanut butter melts (about 20 seconds). Stir.

Stir cinnamon and vanilla into peanut butter and honey mixture. Add oats and stir until oats are completely covered in peanut butter mixture. Spread out oat mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 7 -8 minutes until granola is slightly browned. Let cool until granola is crunchy!


Avocado Egg Salad

4 hard-boiled eggs

1 large avocado

2 Tbsp greek yogurt or light sour cream

1 tsp curry

Sea salt & Black pepper to taste

 

Chop eggs and avocado.  Add the rest and stir til combined!


‘Clean’ Blondies

Ingredients
  • Olive oil Spray
  • 1 (15 oz) can  chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips plus 2 Tbsp
  • sea salt (extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
  1. Spray 8×8 inch pan with olive oil spray.
  2. In a food processor, add all ingredients except chocolate chips and process until batter is smooth. Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.  (Batter will be thick)
  3. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are a tiny bit brown.
  4. Cool pan for 20 minutes on wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt then cut into squares. Makes 16 blondies.

Southwestern Zucchini Skillet

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1-1/2 cups quartered & sliced zucchini
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 can Low-Sodium Black Beans (drained & rinsed)
  • 1 can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Garlic (undrained)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup instant brown rice, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded Low-Fat Cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese blend

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and bell pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, undrained tomatoes and water. Increase heat and bring to a boil.

Add rice; stir well. Cover; remove from heat and let stand 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with cheese.


Cucumber Caprese Salad

2 cucumbers
1 pint grape tomatoes
2 Tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1 cup fresh mozzarella (the little balls)
1 avocado
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt and Black pepper to taste

 

Wash the cucumbers and dry.  Cut into 1/4-inch slices, then cut those in quarters so you’re left with triangular-shaped cucumber pieces.

Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut them in quarters.

Dice the avocado.

Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, basil, and mozzarella in a bowl. Pour on the oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly & serve immediately!


Papaya Breakfast Boats

1 medium papaya, ripe

Plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup blueberries

1 banana

1/2 cup granola

raw honey

chia seeds (optional)

Slice papaya in half lengthwise. Spoon out seeds and scrape away just enough meat to create a small well. Fill each side with yogurt, fruit and granola. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a pinch of chia seeds if you like!


Turkey Stuffed Peppers

1 lb lean ground turkey meat
1 garlic, minced
1/4 onion, minced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin powder
Sea salt to taste
3 large sweet red bell peppers (washed)
1 cup fat free, low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
Olive oil spray
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

Heat oven to 400°. Spray a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and cilantro to the pan. Saute about 2 minutes and add ground turkey. Season with sea salt, garlic powder, and cumin and brown meat til completely cooked through. Add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mix well and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Combine cooked rice and meat together.

Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, and remove all seeds. Place in a baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half – fill them up! Place all stuffed pepper halves on the baking dish and pour the remainder of the chicken broth on the bottom of the pan. Cover tight with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and eat up!


Dressed Up Banana

Chop up a banana, sprinkle cinnamon on it, and drizzle it with honey. So good and really tastes like dessert!


Grilled Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Onions

  • 4 large-sized sweet onions (Vidalia or sweet yellows)
  • 1 stick of butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 4 strips bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • sea salt and pepper to taste

Trim the ends off of the onions, and peel. Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the inside of the onion to create a cavity. (Careful not to dig all the way through the bottom).

In a small bowl mix together butter, cheese, bacon, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Spoon the mixture into the onions, completely filling the center.

Place each onion on a square of aluminum foil. Draw foil up to create a sealed pouch.

Heat your grill on high. Reduce heat to medium low and place the foil pouches directly over the heat. Close the lid of the grill and cook for 30 – 40 minutes.  No peeking!

Remove from grill and allow to stand for a full 5 minutes before opening the pouches.

Use tongs to carefully transfer the onion onto a plate or bowl. Drizzle any remaining butter from the bottom of the pouch over the onion.


Edamole

3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I use Cholula)
1 garlic clove, halved
1 Roma tomato, diced

Combine all ingredients except for the tomato in a food processor until smooth.  Fold in diced tomato & serve!


Banana Wraps

IT’S NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY & WE ARE CELEBRATING!!!

Spread natural peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla.  Slice up a banana and place around on peanut butter.  Sprinkle with chocolate chips & roll it up!  Great breakfast on the go!


Tuna Melt Boats

  • 10 oz canned white albacore tuna (drained)
  • 2 Tbsp Reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp spicy mustard
  • 2 sticks celery (finely chopped)
  • 1 small pickle (finely chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp pickle juice
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • 5 romaine lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 C Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Combine everything but the lettuce and cheese. Then divide the tuna mix equally between the five lettuce leaves and broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted!
 

Shrimp & Barley Risotto

Ingredients:

3 cups of reduced-sodium seafood or chicken broth

1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves of minced garlic

1 9oz package frozen artichoke hearts (thawed and quartered)
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup  pearl barley
1lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2oz grated parmesan or romano cheese

2 tsp grated lemon zest
4 oz baby spinach

Directions:

In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, saute the onions until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring. Transfer to the slow cooker and add the artichoke hearts, black pepper, and barley. Stir in the broth. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or until barley is tender and the liquid is just about all absorbed.

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp and grated cheese. Cover and continue to cook on high for another 10 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque. Add the lemon zest and fold in the baby spinach, stirring until it’s wilted. Serve immediately!


Roasted Cauliflower & Quinoa Salad

  • 1/2 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (quartered)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme (chopped)
  • Sea salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups water or broth
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted & coarsely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup goat or reduced-fat feta (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme (chopped)
  •  
  1. Toss the cauliflower and mushrooms in the olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper, place on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400F oven until they start to caramelize, about 20-30 minutes, flipping them half way through.
  2. Meanwhile, bring the water and quinoa to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed the water, about 15-20 minutes, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered.
  3. Mix everything and enjoy!

 


Zucchini Chips

1 large zucchini

2 Tbsp olive oil

Kosher salt

 

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.  Slice your zucchini on a mandolin into thin medallions.  Place the slices on a sheet of paper towels and take another paper towel and sandwich the zucchini slices and press on them to draw out the liquid so it’ll cook a bit faster.  Line up the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet tightly next to each other in a straight line ~ do not to overlap them.  In a small bowl, pour your olive oil in and take a pastry brush to brush the olive oil on each zucchini slice.  Sprinkle salt throughout the baking sheet. Do NOT over-season!  It’s better to use less salt initially because the slices will shrink! You can always add more later.  Bake for about 2 hours until they start to brown and are crisp.  Let cool before removing and serving.


Oven Roasted Asparagus & Mushrooms

1 bunch Asparagus

1/2 package sliced White Mushrooms

Olive Oil

Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Garlic Powder

Wash and chop asparagus into 1″ pieces.  Add asparagus and mushrooms to a baking dish. Lightly coat with olive oil, mixing to ensure that everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast at 400F for approximately 30 minutes, to desired tenderness. 


Avocado Chicken Parmigiana

2 Chicken Breast Fillets, halved lengthways
1/2 Cup Wheat Flour
2 Tbsp Low-Fat Milk or Soymilk
2 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp Olive Oil/Cooking Spray
1/2 Cup Tomato Pasta Sauce
2 Avocados, Sliced
1/2 Cup Shredded Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese

Place chicken breast in a clear zippy bag and pound until about a half cm thick.  Place flour and breadcrumbs on two separate plates and lightly whisk milk and egg together in a shallow bowl.  Coat 1 piece of chicken breast in flour(shaking off excess), dip in egg mixture then coat in breadcrumbs using your fingertips pressing on to secure.  Place on prepared baking tray (lay with foil or baking paper), repeat the same process with the remaining chicken breast with flour, egg and etc.  Lightly spray or brush the prepared chicken with olive oil, bake for 8 minutes(turning after 4 minutes) in preheated 200 degree oven.  Remove from oven and spread each chicken breast with 1 heaped tablespoon of pasta sauce. Arrange avocado slices over sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Return to oven and bake for another 5 – 7 minutes or until golden and chicken is cooked through.

 


 

Bacon Guacamole Deviled Eggs

Ingredients
  • 6 eggs, boiled, cooled, peeled, and cut in half
  • 1 large avocado, mashed
  • 2 tablespoons bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons diced tomato
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (~1/2 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
  • sea salt and pepper, to taste
  • chili powder to taste
Scoop the yolks out of the egg halves, mash them, mix with the avocado, bacon, jalapeno, onion, tomato, lime juice and cilantro and season with salt and pepper.  Place a tablespoon of the mixture back into the holes left by the yolks in the eggs and serve garnished with extra bacon and a pinch of chili powder.

 


Eggplant Stir-Fry

Ingredients:
1 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp sweet Asian chili sauce
1 Splenda packet
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups peeled eggplant cut into 1″ cubes
1 tsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp chopped scallions

Directions:
For sauce:  In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, and stir to dissolve. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, sweetener, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Bring a large skillet sprayed with olive oil spray to medium-high heat. Cook and stir eggplant until mostly softened, 8 – 10 minutes.

Add garlic and continue to cook and stir until eggplant is soft, about 2 minutes.

Stir sauce mixture, and add to skillet. Add scallions, and cook and stir until sauce has thickened, about 1 minute. 


Eggplant Cannelloni

INGREDIENTS

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 large shallots (sliced)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2-12 oz jars roasted red peppers (drained)
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (juice of 1 orange)

Eggplant

  • 2 medium eggplants, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
  • olive oil cooking spray

Filling

  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • 4 kalamata olives (pitted and minced)
  • 1 teaspoon capers (chopped)
  •  2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
    1. For sauce

      Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook shallots and garlic until soft, about 1 minute. Reduce heat. Cook until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Add peppers and juice; bring to a boil. Lower heat; simmer until peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Cool. Puree in a blender. Pour into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.
    2. For eggplant

      Coat eggplants with cooking spray and broil on a baking sheet until golden on both sides, about 15 minutes.
    3. For filling

      Mash cheese, olives, capers and 1 tbsp of the parsley in a bowl. Place 1 tbsp of filling at the end of each eggplant slice; roll up. Lay seam side down in dish. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 400. Top with remaining 1 tbsp parsley. 

  • Zucchini Skins

Ingredients:
2 slices center-cut bacon or turkey bacon
2 medium-large zucchini (stems removed)
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped tomato
1 tbsp. chopped scallions
light or fat-free sour cream & salsa for dipping

Directions:
Spray an 8″ X 8″ baking pan with nonstick spray.

Cook bacon until crispy.

Pierce zucchini several times with a fork. Microwave zucchini for 2 minutes.

Flip zucchini and microwave for 2 more minutes, or until softened.

Pat dry. Let cool, about 5 minutes. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out and discard the inside flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch inside the skin. Thoroughly pat dry.

Place hollowed-out zucchini in the baking pan, cut sides up.

Distribute cheese among the zucchini. Chop or crumble bacon, and sprinkle over cheese.

Bake at 375 until cheese has melted and bacon is hot, about 5 minutes.

Cut each piece in half widthwise, and sprinkle with tomato and scallions.  

Serve with light sour cream & salsa!

 


Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes

1 head cauliflower
2 large eggs
1/2 c Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c panko crumbs
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Sea salt to taste
olive oil

Cut cauliflower into florets & boil in water or chicken broth until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain & mash while still warm. Stir cheese, eggs, panko, cayenne & salt.

Spray a griddle or skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Form the cauliflower mixture into patties about 3 inches wide. Cook until golden brown & set (approximately 3 minutes per side).  


Eggplant Caponata 
Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, unpeeled,cut in 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large can crushed tomatoes, (No salt added)
1/2 cup chopped green olives
3 cloves minced garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons Splenda
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
Black Pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot. (I throw it all in the crockpot!)
Bring to a healthy simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook over low heat
uncovered for about an hour, or cover it and cook over very low heat for
several hours. Serve with Garlic Bread!

 


Zucchini Ribbon Salad

 

Zucchini Ribbon Salad
 
Start by cutting off the ends of your zucchini.  Then use a vegetable peeler to cut thin, lengthwise strips of zucchini, stopping and turning when you see the seeds.
 
Cook your zucchini strips either in a stove top grill or saute pan with a tiny bit of olive oil – they only take a couple of minutes. Cool completely, then add to your salad.
 
Toss your favorite salad – whether iceburg, spinach, or arugula for the salad base and toss it in a vinaigrette of 3 parts olive oil to 1 part red wine vinegar, added a touch of Dijon, a crushed garlic clove, salt, black pepper and oregano (any lemon based dressing would be work as well.)

 
 
Lay your zucchini strips on top, toss in some feta crumbles or shaved Parmesan and sprinkle with toasted nuts (hazelnuts, pine nuts or slivered almonds). To finish, drizzle a little more dressing over the top! 

 


Corn Salsa

1 bunch green onions

1 bunch cilantro

2 avocados

2 tomatoes

1 can black beans (drained & rinsed)

1 bag frozen corn (thawed)

1 envelope italian seasoning

1/4 cup white vinegar

sea salt to taste

*optional: a couple of fresh jalapeno peppers (chopped & SEEDED)


Chicken Avocado Salad

3-4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked & cubed)

1/4 cup chopped onion

2 Avocados (chopped)

Juice of 1 lime

Sea Salt & Black peper

Toni’s

Mix all in bowl!  (You can also add some chopped jalapenos for an extra kick!)


Mac & Cheese Muffins

 
 
Ingredients:
4 c cooked whole wheat macaroni
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp whole wheat flour
1 c soy milk
1 garlic clove (minced)
3 oz low-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 egg
1 egg white
1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, drained and patted dry
Sea Salt & Black Pepper to taste
 
Directions:
1.    Lightly mist a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil and set aside.
2.    In a sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour, mixing it into the butter until thick. Stir in the milk and garlic and raise the temp to bring the mixture to just under a boil. Add the cheese and whisk mixture together until thoroughly combined into a cheese sauce.
3.    Remove the cheese sauce from heat and then mix in the egg and egg white until combined.
4.    In a large bowl, combine the pasta, spinach, cheese sauce, sea salt and black pepper and mix together. Spoon the mixture evenly into the cups of your prepared muffin tin.
5.    Bake for 10-15 minutes at 400 until the tops start to brown. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin.

 


 

 Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste
  • 4 tsp *Basil Pesto
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced thin
  • 6 Tbsp shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Rinse chicken and dry with a paper towel.  Slice chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season lightly with sea salt and fresh pepper.

Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Place the chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spread 1 tsp of *basil pesto over each piece of chicken.

Bake for 15 minutes at 400 or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Remove from oven; top with tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

 

*Basil Pesto
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 clove peeled garlic
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • sea salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.
 


Baked Blueberry Oatmeal

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup water

2 Tbsp liquid egg whites

1/8 tsp baking powder

2 packets of Splenda

a dozen fresh or frozen blueberries

Cinnamon to taste (I like a lot!)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/8 cup chopped walnuts

 

Mix oats & water in a bowl and allow to soak a few minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 and pray a loaf pan with olive oil.   

Add all other ingredients to bowl and stir.  Pour into loaf pan and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle a bit of Sucanat (or brown sugar) on top & broil for 3-4 minutes to brown top.


Fitness Cookies 

 Combine:
½ c canola oil
1c natural peanut butter
1c agave nectar

Add to Mixture:
2 eggs
½ tsp vanilla
1 ½c whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon

Then add:
3c old fashioned oats
½ c oat bran
¼ c flax seeds
¼ c sesame seeds
¼ c unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds
1c dark chocolate chips
¼ chopped walnuts
¼ dried cranberries

MIX WELL!
Scoop onto a cookie sheet and bake at 375º for 10-12 minutes!

 


Cranberry Salsa

1 12-ounce bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through
¼ cup minced green onions
2 small jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded and chopped
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 8-ounce packages light cream cheese

Place cranberries in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (stop before the cranberries turn mushy.)  In a large bowl mix together the cranberries, green onions, jalapeno, sugar, cilantro, ginger and lemon juice.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. 

Arrange the cream cheese on a serving platter and cover with the salsa.  Serve with crackers.

 


 

Cucumber Relish

 

  • 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 1 cup seeded, finely diced tomato
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 6 Tbsp pitted black olives (coarsely chopped)
  • 4 Tbsp fresh parsley (coarsely chopped)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh dill (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tsp fresh lemon juice

 

Lay cucumber slices in a colander placed over a bowl and sprinkle with pinch of sea salt. Leave for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until cucumbers soften and their liquid begins to drain into the bowl. Stir occasionally.
Combine the tomato, onion, olives, parsley, dill, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir in drained cucumbers, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for an hour or two.
 


 

TURKEY ENCHILADAS

1 Tbsp Olive oil

1 1/2 cup Chopped Onion

1 Tsp Chili Powder

2 Cups Leftover Turkey (diced)

1 24 oz. Jar Taco Sauce

1 Can Low-Sodium Black Beans (rinsed and drained)

1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice

½ Cup Frozen Corn (Thawed and Drained)

8 oz (2 Cups) Low-Fat Pepper-Jack Cheese (Shredded)

¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

6 8-Inch Multi-grain or Whole Wheat Tortillas

 

In a nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add onion and chili powder and cook until onion is almost  tender, about 10 minutes.  Stir in turkey, ¾ cup taco sauce, beans, rice, and corn.  Reduce heat to low; heat through, 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheese and chopped cilantro.

Spread remaining taco sauce in ungreased 9  X 13 baking dish.

Heat the tortillas according to package directions.  Dividing equally, spoon turkey mixture in line  down center of each tortilla.  Fold edge of each tortilla inward and over the 2 short sides of filling.  Starting with 1 unfolded side, roll up each tortilla.

Place tortillas, seam side down, in baking dish.  Pour remaining sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Tightly cover with foil.  Bake 30 minutes.  Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes.

*Garnish with Lite sour cream and Fresh cilantro sprigs

 


 

Mushroom Pizza Bites

 

 

  • 6 mini Portabella mushrooms or 2 large Portabella mushroom caps
    • 1/2 cup *Jeni’s marinara sauce
      • Turkey pepperoni
        • Black olives
          • 3 oz. low-fat shredded Mozzarella cheese < >1 egg white

            *Jeni’s Marinara Sauce
            In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:
            1 can crushed tomatoes (No Salt Added)
            1/2 can tomato paste
            Italian Seasoning about 1 TBSP
            Sea Salt
            Coarse-ground Black Pepper
            Garlic Powder (to taste)
            Oregano about 1 TBSP

 

Clean mushrooms and scoop out the insides with a spoon. Place on baking sheet and bake at 400 for 7 minutes.  While mushrooms are baking, combine shredded mozarella in a bowl with one egg white. Remove mushrooms from oven, and turn the broiler to High. On the mushrooms layer marinara sauce, cheese mixture, olives, and pepperoni. Return pan to oven and broil on High for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly!

 

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