Thursday, December 13, 2012

EGGS IN A CUP

I know eggs in a cup doesn't sound appealing to many, but let me tell you... it is DELICIOUS.  I saw a form of this recipe in one of my magazines and thought I would try it last night.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures.  So, today I made them again... for lunch.  Oh my gosh...again delicious.  Now I have 2 different recipes as I switched up todays from last nights.  You can do whatever you like... it is limitless.

So you will need corn tortillas and whatever filling you desire.  Here is what I used:

Last night for dinner I used black beans seasoned with a little Goya and garlic powder smashed a little bit.  Put that on the bottom of the tortilla cup.  Oh before you try to put the corn tortillas in the muffin pan microwave for 20 seconds to make them plyable.  Spray pan with cooking spray. I then topped the beans with one egg, topped the egg with cheddar cheese and baked for 27 minutes at 350 degrees.  Total Yum!!!



These have kale, mushrooms and onion.

Today instead of the beans I sauted 1/4 onion, 1 portabello mushroom chopped and a good handful of kale.



Crack egg right on top then add cheese of your choice or not!
I then cracked the egg, added feta and cheddar cheese and baked the same.  If you like your egg soft bake for around 23 to 24 minutes.  Me...I want that baby cooked hard.


The corn tortilla gets nice and crispy and the inside is moist and yummy.  

Here they are.. hot out of the oven.  I topped them with salsa verde or you can use regular salsa, pico de galo... hot sauce...whatever.  These are great for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

Even the kiddos gave these a thumbs up!!

Blessings,

Trish

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fantastic New Product!!

Ok I am so excited!!  I have found a new product that I love!!  It doesn't happen very often that I really like something so much that I blog about it, but this one I MUST.  I did post a fantastic yogurt that I found a few weeks ago on Facebook called Noosa.  Oh so delicious!  This one... comes in pretty close.

If you are peanut butter lover and dislike all the fat and calories it brings...although it is  healthy fat and calories,  I have the product for you.  I have heard about it in the past but never actually saw it in the store.

Today while aimlessly walking the isles of Kroger, I stumbled upon it.  It is called PB2.  It is powdered peanut butter!!  Ok I am not a fan of powdered ANYTHING! This I was skeptical but I thought I would give it a try with an open mind. After all it only has roasted peanuts, sugar and salt.  I didn't particularly like the sugar but it only has 1 gram of sugar.  I checked my regular peanut butter and that also has 1 gram without and added.

 You put 2 Tbsp of powder in a bowl and mix with 1 Tbsp water.  That's it.  It turns into yummy roasted tasting peanut butter!  Here is the kicker!!!  Regular peanut butter has 200 calories and 16 grams of fat per 2 TBSP..PB2.... 45 calories baby!!!!!  Oh yeah...

Here's what the jar looks like:





The one on the left has cocoa powder in it...double deliciousness!!!!


A jar of this set me back $4.59 cents, but gosh I had to try it.  It was so creamy and good.

Now for the back of my all  natural peanut butter:  Still good but look at the calories and fat -

All natural.  Good choice just a lot of calories and fat.

So, I just want to share some products that I find that I really like!!  This one to me is a winner!!  

Blessings,

Trish

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Breakfast

Just another Manic Monday....Gosh sometimes I feel so down on Monday morning but today it was really really dreary so it was even worse.  Oh well, I snapped myself out of it with a hard workout and followed by a healthy breakfast.  Nothing fancy, just good.

So here is what I had:

1 whole egg plus one egg white, kale, and grape tomatoes

add feta cheese...

Enjoyed with cantelope and beet, carrot, cantelope and pomegranate juice!
I am not a big egg fan, but once in a while for a light breakfast high in protein, this is a great choice and different than my new favorite Scottish oats, with banana and cinnamon, but I will save that for another time.

Remember though, breakfast is really important in getting your metabolism going so please don't skip it!!

Blessings,

Trish

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Another quinoa recipe idea

So, I am really trying to eat more clean foods.  Clean eating is basically eating REAL FOODS.  Nothing special, just real.

So, of course I was craving something sweet and please don't tell me to EAT A PIECE OF FRUIT when you feel like you need something sweet.  When I want something sweet, I want something sweet!!!

So, I checked the web and nothing was exciting me too much.  Of course a huge chocolate melting cake from the cruise would have been perfection, but not an option.

This is what I came up with:  Quinoa apple, cranberry, peach cobbler.

Yum.


I don't have the exacts, because I just wing stuff like this but here you can get the jist of it.


Topping

1/2 C cooked quinoa
1 tsp honey
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix together set aside

4 good organic apples
1/2 pkg frozen peaches NO SUGAR ADDED...just peaches
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
1/4 C brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
splash of water

Mix together.  Put in baking dish square or round
Sprinkle topping on

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Enjoy!!  It totally hit the spot!  Guilt free.



Blessings,

Trish

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

A Winning Dinner in my House!

Finally... a dinner EVERYONE loved.  This does not happen often with 5 of us in the house.  But, tonight I tried a recipe and switched it up a bit and it was a hit!!  The best thing is it is so easy and healthy.

It is an enchilada casserole of sorts.


corn or whole wheat flour tortillas  1 package.
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, green pepper, jalapeno if you like spicy
1 can or package frozen corn kernels.
1 C salsa
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 can refried beans (I used Traders organic)  You can also use black beans
Cheddar cheese.



Here is what I did.

I used corn and whole wheat tortillas... only because I ran out of corn... it works with both or either.

Spray the bottom of a glass or metal pan with spray.  Line the bottom with tortillas.

Cook ground meat with the onion green pepper and spices.  Mix in 1/2 C salsa to the mixture and add corn.

Layer the meat mixture, refried beans, and cheese like a lasagna.  Repeat until you have a tortilla layer on the top.

Top with remaining salsa and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Bake covered for 25 minutes at 375.  Remove cover and bake an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
Hot out of the oven.  YUM.

Serve with a side salad or some brown rice!

This was so easy and good.  You must try it!  I am going to be making this much more often since the response was great.

Blessings,

Trish








Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Easiest meal ever...

Hi guys! It's been a little bit since I have blogged. Sorry. I went on a fabulous cruise last week with my family and our good friends. It was wonderful!

If your wondering, I did eat WAY TOO MUCH...but after all it was a cruise. I did manage to exercise most days and even took a yoga class which was really good!

I didn't weigh myself yet...too scared...but will have to bite that bullet tomorrow morning.

So it is really hard from having food prepared and served to you 24/7 to coming home and actually...cooking.

So last night I threw this together and it was so good.

Turkey sausage and cabbage stew...




Ok

Put 1 large sliced onion, 2 cored and sliced apples and one large head of shredded cabbage in crockpot.

Peel and dice 1 large sweet potato and add 1 pack turkey sausage to crockpot.

Add one can or bottle light beer, some garlic powder and black pepper, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and 2 Tbsp grainy mustard and pour over the top.

Cook 5 hours on high or 7 to 8 hrs on low!



Super easy and perfect for October!!!

Enjoy.

Blessings,

Trish

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

What's happening in my house today...

I have to say it again.  I LOVE THE FALL.  This weather is perfect!  

So, I have been productive...in the kitchen.  The rest of the place is a mess but oh well.  It will get done.

So here is what's happening around the place...

The end of summer tomatoes.
 Which turns into this...

 and ultimately this...


I know this may look totally gross, but this is the most concentrated amazing tomato
that you will have.  You just roast on low for 3 hours!  Then you can eat like this or...
blend and make the most DELICIOUS sauce you can imagine....trust me.
Then there was this...

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake!

The smell of cinnamon is amazing!

I needed to use these.  We buy them from a  lady who gets them fresh from the orchard and sells them
from her home.
They are called Mutzu.  Tart and sweet.

The front porch... loving the pumpkins.

What is it about pumpkins?  

This is what is in my crockpot for dinner.
Creamy Potato Soup and BLT's on
homemade bread!

It's still raising!


So that's what is happening in my house today... how about yours?

Blessings,

Trish

Monday, September 24, 2012

Spaghetti Squash

I am a terrible gardener.  

I totally kill any plants that I come into contact with.  I don't know why.  I just do.  So this summer I was determined to stick with my small garden of butternut and spaghetti squash.  I weeded like crazy and watered and really kept on top of things... until the end of summer when I just gave up and let it go.  

But nevertheless, I still harvested an abundance of squash!

This was only 1/2.. I gave some away and used a bunch too!
The only problem with spaghetti squash, which is what I have the most of, is what to do with it all?

It is great just cooked up with a little butter and brown sugar... or like pasta with marinara sauce.  But there is only so much of that one could eat.  So, I investigated online and found that I could make soup with it.  

So, I modified the recipe I found and made this...

Creamy spaghetti squash soup!
I put the squash in the microwave cut in half in baking dish with a little water and cooked for 15 minutes.

I sauted some onion and garlic in a little olive oil.  When soft I added the squash to the pot and vegetable stock and blended with my boat motor..  a handheld stand blender.  You can transfer into a blender.  BE CAREFUL WITH HOT INGREDIENTS.  Season with salt and pepper and that is it!

This is a great vegetarian and even vegan soup.  It is creamy without any cream so it is low calorie and packed with vitamins!

Try something different.  I have been eating spaghetti squash for many years and now I have something new to add to my menu!!  This is simplicity at its best.

Blessings, 

Trish

Thursday, September 20, 2012

My favorite time of year

It's here!  I love it...Fall...the changing leaves, the colors, the morning coffee on the porch in the brisk coolness.  I love the pumpkin muffins, pancakes, soup.  I love the smell of cinnamon anything...
I love that the apples are crisp and fresh... and oh the cobblers and pies.  

There is just something about fall!

Today was one of those days where I took a few minutes to sip coffee on the porch and to add a crisp Mutzu apple to my oatmeal and lots of extra cinnamon.  Bliss!

I also did this...




There is just something about sheets that have been hanging outside on the line on a cool autumn day!

I hardly do it..never in the summer, but in the fall....yes!!

These kind of days are great to put on a sweater and jeans and a scarf and even boots and just enjoy the coolness of the day.

I may even head here later...


If I get a chance

With this...

Yum...Hot Cocoa in my favorite mug!
Blessings, 

Trish


Monday, September 17, 2012

Weekend trip

Well I did it... It has been 18 years since I have, but I did it this past weekend.  What did you do, you ask?

CAMPING!!!

Ok I live in the country, but I am a city girl still at heart.  I can't help it, I grew up in New Jersey...

So, I prefer sleeping in a bed... in a room...inside...

My good pal Leslie and her husband Dave bought a pop up camper this year and have been doing some weekend camping trips and this was their last one of the season.

Dave and Leslie in front of their second home!
Here they are!!

So, they asked us if we wanted to go.  I thought yes I do want to go!  I can rough it!!

So we went... after not being able to find the poles for our tent and having to borrow one from Leslie's mom at the last minute, we made it to the campsite around 10pm after son #1's football game. (of which he played varsity for the first time!!)

Here are some pics of the rest of the weekend!
Our tent.  Notice the very plush air mattress!  Not messing around here.  LOL
Jonah looks so happy... not!









This is where Micah and Brandon slept... on picnic tables... all night.  I don't know how but that is teenagers for ya.







Jonah crashed out on our air mattress.  Found out later he was sick.

                                   Sweety and me having our morning coffee outside our tent.

A deluxe breakfast... Leslie's friend Geneva made the most amazing breakfast.  That is her on the left.  Homemade biscuits, jam, eggs, bacon, sausage, sausage gravy, toast!!  It was delicious.


                                             Sweety doing the breakfast dishes.  I love him!!

Tyler and Elijah having breakfast on the swings.
Jonah and Micah having sleeping bag fight.

CJ having his biscuit.

Jonah and Tyler hanging out.
Getting in my workout and enjoying every minute of the beautiful boat ride!!


Is this not gorgeous?  Pickett State Park.  Enjoyed a boat ride!

So, we had a wonderful time camping.  I am so glad that I decided to go.  Thanks Dave and Leslie for inviting us!!


Friday, September 14, 2012

A quick lunch idea

Sometimes I just don't know what I want for lunch. I spoke last time about the importance of eating breakfast, and by lunch sometimes I just feel well bored. I open my fridge and stare at it and think...I have no idea what I am going to eat. Anyone with me?

So today I had leftovers....which I #1 do not like leftovers and #2 with 4 boys in the house, I usually don't have any leftovers.

But today I did. But it was crunchy tacos last night and today I wanted a little something different. So here is what I made....




It is a burrito made with taco meat, black beans, brown rice, avocado, lettuce and salsa. It was so good, quick to make and of course healthy.

Plus I used some of my favorite Trader Joes products!



These are 2 new products I tried and they are total winners!




And these...so good...

So check your fridge for leftovers and see what you can make for another meal! I even froze the rest of the meat for some weekend nachos!!

Blessings,

Trish

Thursday, September 13, 2012


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Breakfast...

Breakfast.
 You either love it, hate it, or like me can just take it or leave it.  It is totally not my favorite meal of the day and most of the time quite frankly, I can just do without it.  I never really cared for eating in the morning.  Now the husband?  He LOVES breakfast.  It is his favorite.  The works of eggs, bacon or ham, home fries, toast, juice....my stomach just cringes when I think of it. Oh well too each his own I suppose.
  Sometimes it is just too hectic getting the kids ready for school and then heading out for my day.  Sometimes I just don't feel hungry in the morning.
Well studies show that people who eat a good healthy and yes even larger breakfast on average are slimmer than those who don't.  Sounds weird huh?  Well I thought so too but upon reading many articles on it, it is consistent and true.
Breakfast is just what is says... Break the Fast.  You are fasting all night when you sleep.  Sometimes if I don't eat anything after dinner (which by the way is almost impossible for me.. I'll save that for another post)  then I am fasting for 12 to 14 hours....
So, by morning our bodies need nutrients to get us going again.  If we don't eat our metabolism will stay sluggish and we will burn less calories.  Sorry, a cup of java just won't do it.  (i tried)
Eating a healthy breakfast also will keep you from being absolutely famished by lunchtime when we then tend to OVEReat.
What do I mean by a healthy breakfast?  Well don't ditch that cup of joe.  Enjoy 1 or 2 cups with your meal, just don't overdo the sugar and cream.
Here are some great options.
Oatmeal with banana and walnuts.
Oatmeal with apples and cinnamon.
Eggs on a whole grain english muffin.
Eggs with whole grain toast.
Greek yogurt with fruit.
1 C of whole grain cereal (not fruit loops please)




Here is what I am having this morning. Steel cut crockpot oats with banana, applesauce, and blackberries. Yum.
Make your own smoothie!  This is great for on the go
My son makes one almost every morning.
Milk
Ice
Peanut Butter or almond butter
1 banana (frozen if you have)
1 Tsp Cocoa powder if you want it to be decadent without tons of extra calories.
Protein powder if you wish. (He plays football so yeah he uses it)
Blend well and enjoy!  This one is great.
Another one that I made for son #2 today
1 C milk
1 banana
1/2 C frozen berries
ice
1 tsp honey (of course he needed some sweetness, I don't add it for mine)
Blend and enjoy.  You can also add greek yogurt if you have some on hand.
These breakfasts are super healthy and will get your metabolism revved.  It also with fuel your body with the proper nutrients to keep you going throughout your morning and you won't be starving at lunchtime.
Todays tip:  Don't skip breakfast!!  It truly is the most important meal of the day.
Blessings,
Trish

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

It's a little early...

It's a little early, still summer in fact but I couldn't resist it. I got a big butternut squash this morning in my CSA box and thought...it's too soon...it's still summer.
But the soup won out....one of my favorites.

Creamy, healthy butternut squash bisque. Yum.



I couldn't resist making it. It is so easy and there are many variations, but mine was simple....

Onion
Butternut squash baked for 20 minutes in the microwave, scoop out the soft squash and add to the onion.
Organic chicken broth
Salt, pepper, nutmeg, honey
And finished off with a slight dab of real butter..I know right?
I didn't give measurements because I didn't use any.

Blend all of this up either in a blenderor boat motor...food processor...whatever you have on hand.

Enjoy this cup of yummyness and feel great about it because it is so healthful.

(on a random note..notice the grapes to the right of the bowl? I picked those from my grapevine minutes before I shot this. How cool is that?)

Blessings,

Trish

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Summer Zucchini Bread

It has been a wonderful summer....loaded with fresh veggies. I have a small garden plus bounty from a friends garden and a CSA that I joined this year. (see previous post on CSAs)

So I always have lots of zucchini on hand. I love zucchini because it is so versatile. You can do so much with it. Today I decided on zucchini bread. This is one of those healthy desserts, breads, breakfasts that everyone in the family loves.




I made 2 with nuts and 1 without to satisfy both tastes in the family.

It is so easy and delicious!! Try this with your abundance of zucchini!

3 C white whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp asking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs and 1 egg white
1/2 C oil...I used safflower
1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
1/2 C honey
1t vanilla
3 C grated zucchini
3/4 nuts of your choice...optional

Preheat oven to 325
Blend dry ingredients.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and add eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla.
Do not over mix.
Fold in grated zucchini and chopped nuts if using.

Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes for smaller pans.
50 minutes for large pans




Enjoy!! Oh you can freeze these as well!

Blessings,

Trish