Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Squid and Mussels with Pasta and Garlic Tomato Curry Sauce Recipe

Spices and Sauce Ingredients
¼ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp stone ground mustard
1 tbsp yellow mustard
5 cloves garlic
½ cup coconut milk (make sure to stir it) – this can be found in the ethnic aisle at Jewel or shopping market in a can
¼ cup red onion
½ cup yellow grape tomatoes
2 whole red roma tomatoes
1 green serrano pepper

Additional Ingredients
½ lb squid (calamari)
½ lb mussels
1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds (hold until the end)
2 cups fresh spinach (hold until the end)
½ box whole wheat pasta
2 tbsp olive oil (1 tbsp for cooking the fish and 1 tbsp for cooking everything together at the end)

Directions
Place the spices and sauce ingredients into a blender and blend for about 10 seconds or until sauce is not lumpy. Hold onto the sauce.

Cook the pasta separately on another burner for about 10-15 min until it’s al dente and strain. Hold onto the pasta.

Place the squid in a pan at medium/high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Do not add the mussels yet. When the squid starts turning golden brown, add the mussels with the squid and cook them for about 5 minutes or until ready. If you’re using frozen fish, make sure to strain after it’s cooked (or strain if necessary).

After straining the fish (if necessary), add another tbsp of olive oil to the pan you used for the fish re-add the strained fish to the pan. Next, add the cooked pasta, spinach, mustard seeds, and sauce on medium heat for about 5 minutes for the sauce to soak in with the rest of the ingredients.

Keep stirring and enjoy! This course serves about 6. Total time to cook and prepare is about 30 minutes!



Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Top 20 Quick and Easy and Healthy Meals and Snacks

Easy goto healthy recipes and snacks... NOT noodle bowls, cereal, or packaged/frozen meals (use sparingly)

1. Fried rice (cauliflower or brown rice)
2. Indian Food (ex Indian spiced lentils and veggies)/Curried Noodles
3. Burrito bowls
4. Buddah bowls
5. Tacos
6. Guacamole/Salsa
7. Hummus
8. Smoothies 
9. Coleslaw
10. Salads
11. Salmon (or other easy to cook on a pan fish) and serve with a grain and/or vegetable
12. Ramen or other soups (NOT from the package... Or at least don't use the flavor packet)
13. Lentil pasta (or bean pasta from jewel or trader Joe's) with marinara or xyz pasta sauce and parmesan cheese - can also homemake pasta sauce (optional)
14. Zucchini noodle stir fry (or regular noodle stir fry)
15. Chicken or Tuna Salad
16. Deli sandwiches
17. Eggs with cheese and taco seasoning
18. Chili
19. Grilled Chicken with brown rice
20. Rice and Beans (and other veggies + a protein)

Monday, July 10, 2017

Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Spiralized Veggie Pasta

My first shape reclaimed cooked meal! Back on track again on the healthy bandwagon and I'm blessed to have cooking talent or this would be much more difficult. Recipe by yours truly :)
Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Spiralized Veggie Pasta

1/2 cauliflower
1 cup water
1 tbsp Better than Bullion veggie broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
10 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup almond milk

1 tsp of:
Salt
Pepper
Basil
Crushed red pepper
Italian Seasoning

Put the garlic and olive oil onto a sauce pan an sauté garlic until almost brown. Next, combine the water and veggie broth and pour into the sauce pan with the cauliflower and tomatoes. Let the cauliflower and tomatoes simmer in the broth for about 10 minutes or until soft.  Pour all contents from sauce pan, spices, and almond milk into a blender and blend until soft. Serve on top of your favorite whole wheat, lentil/bean pasta, or spiralized veggie pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!






Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Here is the recipe to my el famous chili! This recipe serves a lot!

1 can of every bean you can find minus garbanzo (no more than 7 cans of beans)
3 cans black beans
3 cans tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 tsp better than bullion veggie broth
2 cups of water
3 cans of diced tomatoes
1/4 cup jalepenos
1/2 cup of onion (white or red)
1 tbsp garlic
1 tsp hot sauce (Tabasco works)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp of: cumin, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper!

Topping with (sharp) cheddar cheese or taco cheese or cheddar cheese is optional!
Hear for about 30 min or until chili starts to bubble, but if you want to simmer it longer, go ahead! Enjoy the tastiness :D

Friday, June 12, 2015

Get Essential Oils!

If you’re interested in purchasing any oil (specifically DoTerra brand), check out www.mydoterra.com/healthspirationstation

So what the heck is an essential oil?

Essential oils are extracted from the volatile aromatic liquid compounds within nature’s beauties, such as seeds, stems, bark, roots, flowers, etc. (“plant oil” so to speak). They smell like the fragrances from plants. Some benefits you can find in essential oils are medicinal (alternative medicine), cosmetic, aromatic, food enhancing, skin treatment, cleaning product, and much more.

Why do I enjoy utilizing these magical little bottles?

I mainly use essential oils as alternative medicine, recommended to me from one of my friends who is a holistic doctor. Since all of my experiences with oil has been positive and I have even had oils provide benefits from my friends, here are my observations of the benefits I’ve noticed (in addition to what the oils are supposed to do) from the oils and the purpose of why I’d use each specific one (see below). Note, not all of the oils are going to be listed and there are further uses for the oils besides for what I am listing, but this is based on the oils I’ve used before just for example’s sake:

Basil: Whenever my allergies or nose is bothering me, I use about 2 or 3 drops worth and apply it at the top of my head, next to my eyes (in the temple area), and under my nose. You can also inhale this. Say goodbye to your itchy and/or stuffed nose! *topical/aromatic uses

Black Pepper: I haven’t actually used this oil before, but from what I’ve read, it enhances food if you use 1-3 drops. *dietary uses

Clary Sage: This magic little bottle is useful for calming me during stressful situations or helping me relax (enough to go to sleep or in general). This oil also helps me balance my emotions and uplift me when I’m in a funky mood. I use about 2 or 3 drops and rub it either on the back of my neck (while at work or in public) or under my foot (when I’m trying to fall asleep). You can also inhale this. This oil also works very well in conjunction with Lavender oil. *topical/aromatic uses

Lavender: I use Lavender oil for very similar reasons to Clary Sage, mainly for its calming/relaxing benefits. I use about 2 or 3 drops and rub it either on the back of my neck (while at work or in public) or under my foot (when I’m trying to fall asleep). You can also inhale this. This oil also works very well in conjunction with Clary Sage oil. I also know people who have used this oil in soap and body sprays because it smells quite lovely! *topical/aromatic uses

Lemon: Oh lemon oil… very tasty Lemon oil. I enjoy using 3 drops of this oil in some water or tea to wake me up, perk me up, and motivate me to drink water more. I also inhale it when I want to save the oil or when I need something consistent, especially when I’m sitting all day at work and get sleepy. This oil can also be used for home cleaning products and air fresheners. *topical/aromatic uses

Lemongrass: This loveliness saved my rear end when I was a clumsy cat and tripped over myself at a swordfighting practice twice and rolled my ankle pretty bad and could barely walk… It was probably almost sprained at that point. Thankfully I had an appointment with my holistic doctor friend 2 days later, and he had one of the ladies that works for him do some massage techniques, use a special laser to help speed the healing process of tendons, and used Lemongrass oil. Within 2 days, the injury was completely reversed and it was as if it never happened. I also use this oil to help my wrists when my carpal tunnel bothers me because it helps heal weakened or sore muscles. *topical use

Oregano: Oregano oil was recommended to me when I had an ingrown toenail that caused a wart on my toe. The oil helped the wart go down and the stinging go away… and made my foot smell like Italy *topical use

Peppermint: I used 4 drops in about 1/3 of a water bottle when my friend was having stomach pain and it helped alleviate his stomachy weirdness *dietary use

Sandalwood: I sometimes have bouts of acne on my back or neck, and putting a little dab on each problem spot helps the grossness go down *topical use

Vetiver: Vetiver is one of my favorites because my holistic doctor friend recommended that (plus Balance plus Elevation oils) because it is a grounding oil blend that reduces anxiety and balances your state of mind. I was very close to needing to go on meds and thank you to these oils and the high quality of DoTerra, I ended up not needing them. It also helps me get into a good mindset before going to my karate classes or prior to doing exercise. This oil is also useful for helping with focusing. My favorite places to apply this are on the top of the head, back of the neck where your hairline is, behind the ears, and on my wrists to be able to smell it whenever needed. The scent lasts for awhile, which helps! *topical/aromatic use

AromaTouch: This stuff smells like wintergreen and I use it when I’m giving my boyfriend massages. He always enjoys it and it enhances the value of my touch on him! *topical use

Balance: Combined with Elevation blend and Vetiver oil, these three in conjunction with each other help enable a solid state of well-being. Balance oil helps with tranquility, balance, and holistic relaxation. This oil also helps me before going to my karate or doing exercise. Like Vetiver oil, I like to apply a little bit (a couple drops per use) to the top of my head, back the neck where your hairline is, behind the ears, and on my wrists.*topical/aromatic use

Clary Calm: I love Clary Calm because it’s very helpful for balancing my super messed up hormones, especially when it’s “that time of the month”. It also helps with relaxation, but I mainly use it to rub on my stomach to ease the cramps I get, which are usually pretty bad. This one is sold as a roll on and just a teeny bit gets the job done *topical/aromatic use

Deep Blue: Deep Blue oil is super helpful for muscle and joint pain. I use this in conjunction with Lemongrass oil when my carpal tunnel is bothering me. I also use this in conjunction with AromaTouch oil (or by itself) to help with my boyfriend’s bad shoulder pain. This oil is excellent for deep rooted pains. *topical use

Elevation: I consider Elevation oil the “anti-depression” blend because it’s a mood lifting and energizing oil. For overall mood effectiveness, I use this in conjunction with Vetiver oil and Balance oil. I also apply this (a couple drops per use) to the top of my head, back the neck where your hairline is, behind the ears, and on my wrists.*topical/aromatic use

On Guard: You can use the oil by putting 4 drops in about 1/3 of a water bottle, but I ideally like the drops the best because they’re like suck on candies. Combine these with vitamin C, adequate sleep (even though that doesn’t necessarily happen all the time), a healthy diet, and exercise, and I literally haven’t gotten sick at all since January, 2014. These things are little miracle workers, especially with taking public transit to work and being around too many sick people… *aromatic/dietary use

Slim & Sassy: By using 4 drops in 1/3 water bottle, this helps me not be too tempted to eat tons of food, curbs my appetite, keeps me in control, and my favorite, it helps me delete waste from my body by triggering me to need to go to the bathroom. It helps me maintain my previously lost weight too and not think about food all the time either, especially when on the “see-food” diet sometimes. *dietary use

Whisper: This oil was a good luck charm for when I landed a new role at work because it brings out your natural jolly aromas. I basically use this oil as a replacement for perfume and I love it! *topical use

If you’re interested in purchasing any oil, check out www.mydoterra.com/healthspirationstation, and if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below or send me an email at Rebecca.Duxler@gmail.com! Hope you enjoy the magicness and wonder of essential oils!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Rebecca Duxler's Healthful Recipes

All of my recipes...errrrr... creative inventive concoctions... now organized in 1 central place. Enjoy the healthy cooking and the tastiness! Much more coming soon!

Last Updated: 2-5-2021



Dips

El Famous Burrito Dip Recipe

El Famous Layered Taco Dip Recipe

Peppery Onion Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Hummus Recipe

Game Day Greek Yogurt Taco Flavored Dip Recipe

Guacamole Recipe

Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip Recipe

Garlicky Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip Recipe



Salsas

Black Bean and Pepper Salsa Recipe

Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Corn and Black Bean Salsa Recipe

Fresca Fuego Salsa Recipe



Soups

Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Clam Chowder Recipe

Miso Soup Recipe

French Onion Noodle Soup Recipe

Enhanced Progresso Italian Wedding Soup Recipe




Appetizers and Sides

Kicked Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe




Dressings and Sauces

Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe

Lemon Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe

Tuna Tomato Garlic Spinach Artichoke Sauce Recipe

Parmesan Garlic Tomato Sauce Recipe

Chili Garlic Salad Dressing Recipe




Quick, Easy, Healthy, and Salads

Pea and Mushroom Pasta a la Linguine Recipe

Protein-Filled Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad Recipe

Enhanced Knorr Rice Sides: White Cheddar Queso Recipe

Healthy Tuna Salad on Garlic Bread Recipe

Kale Caesar Salad with Bacon Recipe

Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Grilled Pepper and Onion Tuna Salad Recipe

Egg Salad Recipe

Deviled Egg Salad Recipe

Cucumber Veggie Bean Salad Recipe

Salmon Salad Seaweed Wraps Recipe

Enhanced Ramen Recipe 1: Roast Chicken Asian Peanut Noodles Recipe

Enhanced Ramen Recipe 2: Asian Cole Slaw Recipe

Enhanced Ramen Recipe 3: Kicked Soy Fishy Noodles Recipe

Enhanced Rice Pilaf Recipe

Tuna Salad on Crackers Recipe



Entrees

Spicy Vodka Sauce Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Spiralized Veggie Pasta Recipe

Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry With Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Light Shrimp Dejohnge Recipe

Skaley Bacony Sausage Recipe

Healthy and Hearty Chili Recipe

Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Bacon Lasagna Recipe

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Squid and Mussels with Pasta and Garlic Tomato Curry Sauce Recipe

Clams with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Parmesan Dijon Crusted Chicken Recipe

Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Hamburger Cous Cous Salad Recipe

Gluten Free Pasta with Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce




(Alcoholic) Beverages

Pickle Mason Jar Epic Bloody Mary Recipe

Bacon Bloody Mary Recipe

Light Mudslide Recipe

Rebs a Rita (Frozen Margarita) Recipe

Fall Special Cider Drink Recipe



Friday, January 30, 2015

How it Feels to Lose Weight

Today, I looked at myself in the mirror and appreciated what I saw. I didn’t see “the old me” aka me over 55 pounds ago and my poor state of mind. I saw me, who started a new beginning, a strong, beautiful, passionate woman sans fat rolls and clothes to hide who I really am. I don’t feel the need to wear as much makeup anymore either (though I think makeup is an art form to me and I will admit that my acne scars make me self-conscious and not wearing it will make me look tired all the time). I no longer need to hide myself because I have extra pounds on me. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’ve rekindled my passion for martial arts and am quite close to finally earning my black belt in Shotokan. I have truly discovered my passion for cooking. And most of all, I have never been this happy before and will never look back because I love who I am now.

In November 2013, I stepped foot into my friend’s holistic healthcare office (which he owns) and didn’t realize how much that would change my life. I was tired of being overweight for quite some time, but he summoned me into his office because I told him my mental health was severely going further down the toilet. To top it off, right after graduating from college, in August 2013, I was told that I have PCOS (more info here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/definition/con-20028841). After doing some reading on this disorder, I was well aware my hormones had been abnormal for years, but as soon as I found out that this is also triggered by being overweight and raises my chance of developing type 2 diabetes, I knew something had to be done. I did some research on type 2 diabetes and what I’d have to worry about if I ever developed this terrible disease and I was like, “nope, screw this, I’m just going to lose the weight and take care of myself now before something traumatic happens”. I had stopped doing karate in early-mid 2008 and realized how much I loved/missed it and how lovely of shape I was in. I unfortunately had just missed the session and had to wait until January to start again (and I did). I had also been involved in Belegarth (medieval foam swordfighting) as well at the time. I was so ready to do this! I so wanted to lose weight… at least that was my mindset “then”.

A couple of months into seeing my holistic doctor friend and right after starting karate again, I asked him for advice on how to lose weight… as he points to a program called Shape Reclaimed (more info here: http://www.shapereclaimed.com/). Although I am not the best at religiously following “diet plans”, I was pretty spot on for the first few months of this program. I still follow the program and am monitored, but I don’t “follow it to the T anymore”. I will honestly admit this because weightloss programs and losing weight is one of the most difficult things to do… no really, it is. Plus, if the world thinks that everyone follows every diet program super religiously, that’s likely untrue, especially because I’m still losing/maintaining weight and haven’t gained any significant amount of weight back in all of 2014 (excluding weight fluctuation of like 2-3 pounds, which is normal). This is the longest I’ve been able to hold my progress and this is my 4th serious attempt at losing weight… and only genuinely successful one.

The Shape food list is now a permanent guideline for how I construct my personal diet, which for me, is more effective than strictly following a diet plan (ex I have become highly disinterested in eating bread now). I also tend to follow things more loosely because it’s less stressful for me, but that’s just a personal deal. This program ultimately ended up helping me because it taught me how to eat healthier overall, about how my body works and burns fat, and to be more cognizant of looking at nutrition facts and especially ingredient labels. My dear friend educated me on how to maintain overall health through eating and in general, as well as acted as a coach and guiding star for me. Since he is my friend, having your wellness coach be someone you’re comfortable around who genuinely supports you ultimately helped me. The Shape program also fostered an even deeper appreciation and passion for cooking healthy, since there are only certain foods you can eat while on the program. Not only did the Shape program work for me, but it also taught me portion control, which is in my opinion the most integral factor of weight loss and why I gained weight in the first place… through eating way too darn much. I also exercise several days a week, which also helps.

My journey started in January 2014. It is now December 2014 and I am down over 55 pounds… and am still down over 55 pounds. So how did I do this?
*Shape Reclaimed (and my holistic doctor friend of course)
*Karate
*Further exercise (ex belegarth, running, extra walking, taking the stairs whenever possible, little things like that)
*Portion control
*Friend support (and falling in love with a darling who is health conscious, enjoys a raw diet, and helps hold me accountable)
*Cooking my own meals instead of eating out
*Heart/motivation
How does losing weight feel?

So for reals how losing weight feel? Well first off, feeling amazing is an understatement. I think a better term is me feeling holistically healthy aka healthy as a whole.

Aesthetically, I feel quite lovely because I enjoyed noticing the positive changes in my mind and body. There were changes in my mind because I knew I was acquiring a healthier mindset about my body image. I wasn't calling myself fat. I like looking in the mirror and confidently knowing I look quite snazzy... and fitting into my clothes. Not only that but I could barely fit into the biggest size, and now I feel and look just fine in the clothes, which made me enjoy shopping again. My family and various others also stopped making fun of me, which they shouldn't have, but it's in the past now. Yay for morale increases! I received plenty of compliments, which I always enjoy. Most of all, I met my boyfriend after I lost all the weight and he said he would have still wanted me for my heart and personality, which makes me blessed to know that men appreciate you for you.  In short, I feel a lot more prettyful.

Physically, I feel more nimble, my endurance is significantly increased, and overall more happy and healthy. Even when I had the extra weight, I still had the capacity to run a couple of miles... very very slowly... and then I would gas out. After losing it, I was able to run my usual 4 mile bike path without stopping and even do it a second time before my legs gave out due to needing further training. I haven't been sick in over a year, and even when I was sick, it was due to mold in my apartment. I feel more bubbly and lively as well. I also don't fear getting diabetes anymore and I know my health (of which I can control) will no longer adversely affect me.

My favorite from all of this process was the motivation to help others become healthy and even console and provide advice through their "I'm so gross" or the several versions of the "I'm going to start now" tirades. I also want to promote positive body image through the lens of someone with an "imperfect" body. Some of the effects of losing weight involve having scars aka stretch marks left behind... the same ones you get when you're pregnant. It hurts, but I want to project a message that you can have scars and be any shape or size and still be beautiful. I have stretch marks and I wish I loved my body more when I had the extra weight especially... because it's my body and I need to own and rock it. I've had several people also ask me for health tips, my recipes, and "how did you do that". One of my main goals and highest pillars in life is to make a difference. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I'm able to help at all or give someone that extra push they needed to get their life back on track... or even when people ask *me* for advice. I feel like I'm fulfilling my purpose when I help people be happy and healthy! But in the end, the size or makeup of your body doesn't define you as a person!

Healthy Game Day Taco Dip

Getting a jump start on my Super Bowl cooking with my el famous taco dip... made with greek yogurt instead of sour cream... here's what I've done to create this (without using a recipe):

1 32 oz container of plain greek yogurt
1 package reduced sodium taco seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp chili powder
3 tbsp minced onions
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 tbsp spicy salsa
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp cumin
2 tsp better than bullion chicken stock
Salt/pepper to taste

Stir everything into the greek yogurt container until the yogurt has no more white spots and enjoy the tastiness :D Healthy food can be and is just as flavor filled as its counterpart!


Sunday, January 11, 2015

Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe

1 can white meat chicken 2 tbsp lite mayo
1 tbsp relish
1 tbsp sun dried tomatoes
1/2 tsp of the following: onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, crushed red pepper, mustard powder, cumin, dill seed
salt/pepper to taste
1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
2 handfulls crushed pretzel thins

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir and enjoy! If you want to put it in a pita or make this hot, go for it! Putting it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes would be fine and melt the cheese!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

My Vegetarian Recipe for Shepherds Pie. Enjoy!

Gravy:

2 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup diced mushrooms
¼ cup chopped white onion
1 tsp minced garlic
2 chopped green onions
1 can veggie broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder
1 tsp soy sauce

Cook over stovetop in a pot on medium heat. Gradually add corn starch (or flour) until desired thickness is reached and don't let the gravy boil

1 pack cous cous -- I wanted to save time and used the 5 minute cous cous box. There are directions on there in which you should follow. Get some flavor with garlic in it!

Mashed Potatoes:

½ cup 2% (or almond) milk (add more if needed)
4 skinned potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onions
Salt/Pepper to taste
(optional: 1 cup vegan cheese)

Cook in large pot and initially put the potatoes, olive oil, and almond milk into the pot and turn to a medium heat. Cook until you can mash the potatoes in the pot. Add the spices

Veggies:

¼ cup panko crumbs for topping
1 can green beans
1 cup spinach
1 can corn
¼ cup chopped white onion
¼ cup diced mushrooms
¼ cup chopped green pepper
¼ cup chopped broccoli

Sautee the veggies in a large sized pan with 1 tbsp olive oil. Once the veggies are sauteed, combine with the potatoes, cous cous, and some of the gravy to turn everything into the pie. You can also combine the ingredients into a casserole pan and cook at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy!















Friday, November 28, 2014

Black Bean and Pepper Salsa

Ingredients:

3 Roma Tomatoes
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
½ cup Black Beans
1 tbsp Green Chilis
1 Medium-Sized Jalapeño
1 Medium-Sized Serrano Pepper
½ cup Chopped Mixed Red/Orange/Yellow/Green Peppers (all combined)
½ Chopped Mixed Red/White Onion (all combined)
½ of a Fresh Squeezed Lime
¼ of a Fresh Squeezed Lemon
1 tsp Fresh Cilantro
1 tsp Parsley
¼ tsp Taco Seasoning
Salt/Pepper to Taste

Place into the blender and push “puree” for about 5 seconds or until there aren’t any clumps and enjoy!



Saturday, October 4, 2014

Healthy French Onion Noodle Soup Recipe

1/3 box angel hair pasta
2 tsp Better then Bullion beef flavor
16oz water (I just filled a 2 cup measuring cup all the way to make sure it's not too salty)
5 tbsp minced onions
1/4 cup chopped red onions
1 tsp chopped fresh jalapeño
1 clove chopped garlic (I picked a clove that was a bit bigger because I like garlic a lot)
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup kale
1/4 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp chives
1 tsp parsley
2 tbsp hot sauce (Tabasco or Frank's red hot sauce floats my boat)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp fish sauce (optional)
Cook noodles separately until al dente. Combine all other ingredients into a large pot and cook until liquid starts to boil. Serves about 4. Enjoy!


Sunday, September 21, 2014

Miso Soup Recipe

1/3 cup dashi miso paste (I usually go to an Asian food mart to get this)
4 cups water
3 chopped green onions (or ¼ cup chopped red onion if you run out of green onions or don’t like them)
3 large (the “big squares”) nori sheets (or 2 small packages of nori sheets)
1 cup firm tofu, cut into about ¼ inch cubes and patted to dry with a paper towel
1 tsp soy sauce
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 cup fresh spinach
Salt/pepper to taste

Directions
Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes or until done (right before it starts to boil). Make sure the miso has dissolved and isn’t lumpy. Prep time is about 10 minutes and this soup serves 4-6. Enjoy!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Grilled Pepper and Onion Tuna Salad Recipe

This is what happens when you want a tuna salad for lunch the next day and had leftover kebab veggies from dinner that same night... this awesome random experiment that actually tastes really good!

2 cans tuna with the water drained
2 tbsp light mayo
1 tbsp pesto sauce
1 tbsp relish
3 tbsp minced onion
1 tbsp sun dried tomato
¼ cup grilled red peppers and onions (combined)


Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until there aren’t any chunks of tomatoes, red peppers, or onions. This is served best in a pita (optional) with mixed greens or spinach. Enjoy!

                                  

Monday, June 16, 2014

Maron's Healthy Black Bean Salsa Recipe

1 roma tomato
1 tbsp minced garlic (or 3 cloves)
7 jalapeño slices
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped yellow pepper
1/2 can washed black beans
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lime juice
2 tsp green taco sauce
1 tsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp taco seasoning
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tbsp fresh cilantro
Salt/Pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a blender and push "puree" for a couple seconds until done. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Recipe for Enhanced Ramen 2: Asian Cole Slaw

My mom's friend would always make this type of thing for gatherings and whatnot and I decided to create my own version of this awesomeness, which is listed below:

Cole Slaw Ingredients:
1 package ramen (chicken or oriental flavor, your choice)
1 package cole slaw mix
1 cup broccoli
1 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup snap peas
1 cup chopped mixed red/orange/yellow peppers
3 chopped green onions
1/4 tsp ramen flavoring packet

Asian Dressing Recipe:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp ginger (powder or from a squeeze tube works)
1/4 tsp cilantro paste (or 3 tbsp fresh cilantro)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Chili Garlic Sauce
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt/pepper to taste

Combine cole slaw ingredients into a large salad bowl. Pour dressing into the bowl as needed. Toss and enjoy! Note that this makes at least 6 servings!


Thursday, May 29, 2014

Quick and Healthy Garlicy French Onion Dip Recipe

1/3 package french onion soup mix
1/2 tsp freeze dried chives
1/2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning
1 5.3 ounce tub plain greek yogurt


Stir all ingredients in the greek yogurt tub and enjoy! Best served with veggies or Triscuit crackers




Sunday, April 27, 2014

Healthy Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Veggies:
3/4 cup sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced red (or white) onion
3/4 cup spinach
1 tbsp olive oil to cook the veggies
1/2 tsp garlic/herb seasoning
salt/pepper to taste

Place ingredients in a pan with garlic/herb seasoning, the salt and pepper, and olive oil and sauté vegetables for about 5 minutes or until ready (they will be a little softer than they're supposed to, but do not let them get mushy; spinach will also be wilted)

Sauce:
1 tbsp pesto sauce
3 cloves garlic
1 can tomato paste
2 cans tomato sauce
1/4 cup chopped yellow pepper
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
2 tbsp chopped white onions
salt/pepper to taste

Place ingredients in a blender and push "puree" until the sauce looks ready and isn't clumpy

Base:
7 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut in half
1 (15-ounce) carton cottage cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tsp parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Combine cottage cheese and sauce. Fill the bottom part of an 8 inch square baking pan (or dish) with noodles, put veggies on top, the sauce/cottage cheese mix, and then mozzarella cheese. Continue to add layers until you run out of ingredients, but make sure that there are noodles on the very top. Put a little bit of the sauce/cottage cheese mix on top and then sprinkle 10 shakes of parmesan cheese on top.

Place finished lasagna in the oven for 30minutes covered. Uncover and then bake for 20 more minutes. Let stand for at least 10 minutes. Times may vary slightly, so make sure to consistently check on your lasagna!

Enjoy :)


Saturday, April 12, 2014

Maron's Tasty Salsa Recipe

Put the following ingredients into a giant mixing bowl. Makes enough for a party! Reduce the recipe and/or omit ingredients as needed because I made it very open ended. This is how I made it though. Enjoy!


6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 seeded and minced jalapenos, plus 2 roasted, skinned and chopped jalapenos (or just 4 seeded and minced jalepenos, your choice)
1 red bell pepper, fine dice
1 green bell pepper, fine dice
1/4 red onion, fine chopped
1/4 white onion, fine chopped
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup black beans
2 dry ancho chiles, seeded, cut into short strips and snipped into pieces (optional)
1/4 cup bloody mary mix (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lime, juiced (10 squirts of lime juice works too)
5 squirts lemon juice
5 tbsp cilantro
Chili powder, tabasco sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, to taste
Fresh scallions, freeze dried chives, or parsley, to taste (optional)



Sunday, March 30, 2014

Healthy Tuna Tomato Garlic Spinach Artichoke Sauce Recipe

Add the following ingredients into a very large bowl:

1 can artichoke hearts (chopped and strained) - put 3 hearts off to the side before chopping them
1 cup light mayo or plain nonfat greek yogurt (your choice)
1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
1 can tuna (strained)
10 shakes red pepper flakes
10 shakes freeze dried chives
10 shakes onion powder

Add the following ingredients into a blender or magic bullet:

2 tsp garlic
1 tsp sun dried tomatoes
1/4 cup liquid red peppers
3 of the artichokes from the can

Blend for 10 seconds or until it looks ready. Combine the blended ingredients into the very large bowl containing the above ingredients

Garnish with parmesan cheese! Serve on top of your favorite pasta or as a dip! Enjoy!