Can't Win 'Em All!

We all know that I am not the baker. I don't even really care for making sweet dishes. I do, however, pride myself on being able to cook and come up with different tastes and flavor profiles. Imagine my disappointment in my cooking skills, when I decided to whip up a quick batch of beer battered onion rings and they turned into a large chunk of deep fried batter with hints of onion pieces.  I can't even say what went wrong.  Maybe the oil wasn't hot enough, maybe the batter was too thick, perhaps the onions were cut too thin. Regardless of the reasons, these did not turn out! Just goes to show that you can't win 'em all!!!

Better luck next time! Cheers folks!

IEADTT

The Taste of Local Freshness

Our local pharmacy also has a local farmers market inside. Everything from farm fresh eggs to the largest locally grown eggplant you've ever seen! While out shopping the other day I stopped in to pick up some green tomatoes for my favorite Spring/Summer appetizer or side item, fried green tomatoes. The young lady was so helpful and offered up an idea that I would have never thought of.  Brussels Sprout coleslaw. GENIUS! I picked up a bag of the freshly picked baby cabbages and came home to give it a try.  I used about 10-12 of the large spheres, trimmed the bottoms and placed them in a food processor fitted with the shredder blade. I then added radishes for heat and some carrots as well as green onion.  Mixed up a basic batch of coleslaw dressing with mayo, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, salt and pepper. This was so tasty and so fresh and much lighter than the store bought or something that you'd get at a restaurant. This has a shelf life of 48 hours if you use store bought mayo, and 24 hours if you make your own mayo! 

Give this a try! I served it up with some fried green tomatoes and had a patty melt! Delish!!!

IEADTT!!!!

Keep it Up!

The healthy eating endeavor is going strong! I have been finding great new ways to eat our favorite foods without breaking the calorie bank.  Some tried and true swaps and tips from healthful eating past have also found their way to the table. The primary goal is to, KEEP IT UP!

Being a lover of fast food, and McDonald's in particular I wanted to do a rework of a popular breakfast item. Realizing of course that some frozen breakfast companies as well as MickyD's themselves have lightened up the famous egg McMuffin.  I wanted to come up with something that contained less sodium, calories and preservatives than the quick fix of a microwaveable breakfast sandwich or a swing by the local drive thru.  Born, the "Craig McMuffin" at only 152 calories with all of the deliciousness of our morning favorite.

- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 slice of extra lean deli ham(98-99% fat free and 100 calories for 5-6 slices)
- 1/2 slice of American cheese cut in half
- 1/4 of a piece whole wheat or grain pita pocket or flatbread with pocket (100 calories for entire)

In a small bowl beat the egg with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a small skillet with cooking spray to medium heat and prepare egg until cooked through about 3 minutes per side, flipping once during cooking.  While egg is being prepared heat the slice of ham slightly in a toaster oven or just 20-30 seconds in microwave. Cut the pita or flatbread pocket to 1/4 of the whole round (I use an empty can or a biscuit cutter to make a perfect circle) Heat the pita in toaster oven or oven until just slightly crisp (this is optional. If you prefer to not heat the bread then have at it). Cut the half slice of cheese in half again making two pieces. Remove egg and fold like an omelette, then cut to size of bread and ham.(Again here I use the can or biscuit cutter).
Build your sandwich:
Bread
cheese
ham
egg 
cheese
bread
"The Craig McMuffin"

Remember this only comes in at 152 calories and you can rest assured the sodium count is far less than any frozen meal you'll find out there. You can also make this with egg whites only which will reduce the calories by 54 making it only 98 calories. 

Enjoy

Spicy Chicken Pocket with Creamy Cucumber Sauce

I made this up today for lunch and couldn't be more pleased.  So tasty and coming in at less than 240 calories. You can't go wrong!

-2 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast seasoned generously with Cajun seasoning and pepper with salt to taste.
- Handful of mixed baby greens (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Creamy Cucumber Dressing (Your favorite brand) Tzatziki can also be used.
- 1/2 of a whole grain, high fiber pita or flatbread (I use Amrour) and love the flavor.

Sautee the chicken using cooking spray until cooked through.
Cut chicken into bite sized strips or chunks that will fit comfortably in the pocket
Heat the pocket until desired warmth or crispness, making sure to open prior to heating.
Stuff the pocket with baby greens, then chicken.
Finally top with sauce and enjoy.

This is a perfect and simple lunch and comes in at 239-242 calories with 5-6 grams of dietary fiber. I love it!

I hope you enjoy!

A Little More Health Conscious

Summer is just a few weeks away.  We all know that we're looking for ways to slim down for bathing suit season. I am avidly working on ways to bring some delicious and healthy meals to the table.  I'm currently flipping through an array of light cooking magazines and books to stay true to a promise that I made earlier in the blog.  I'm taking the recipes that are sitting there on just black and white pages with no pictures and I am going to give the low down on the dish.  I will also include a picture of EVERY one! We all know we eat with our eyes first.

I have already kick started my healthier routine.  This morning's breakfast consisted of, an egg white omelette, extra thin wheat toast and green tea with clover honey and cinnamon.  I opted for the honey and cinnamon for the tea and the toast because of all of the health benefits that come along with these two ingredients. Not to mention it adds a sweetness and warmth without adding processed sugars.

Let's do this!

Fire It Up

It's that time of year again.  Time to fire up the grill and enjoy the springtime weather and outdoor cooking.  Not to mention that most foods prepared on the grill are so much better for you. As with anything though, you can make it bad if you try.  Last night was the first time to use the grill this season.  Burgers, Cheddarwurst, and corn on the cob.  Throw in a batch of hand cut fries and we were in business.  Tonight I opted for a two meat combo.  BBQ ribs and BBQ Jerk chicken accompanied by Asiago potatoes and steamed broccoli.  All prepared on the grill and grill burner.  The only time I spent in the kitchen was to put the food on the plates.  You simply cannot beat that!

My favorite BBQ sauce is, Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Vidalia Onion flavor.  The Jerk marinade that I use is Patti LaBelle's Jerk Marinade.  I then top the Jerk chicken with a light glaze of the BBQ sauce to finish it up.

So go on and fire it up!  Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year.  Food and fun!

IEADTT

Spicy Chicken Croquettes

The recipe from last night's test kitchen as promised.

SPICY CHICKEN CROQUETTES

- 1/2 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts poached and very finely chopped.
- 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped chives
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons Canola oil

  In a medium mixing bowl combine first 10 ingredients together until well mixed. Form in to six patties, cover and chill for 30 minutes to allow to firm up. This makes them easier to work with and helps hold their shape. Heat oil in large skillet to medium/high heat. Until soft ripples form in the oil and it coats the bottom evenly. Use the Panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle each croquette with a small amount on each side. Be sure to gently press the Panko into the croquette so that it adheres and doesn't fall off.  
Add each croquette to the heated oil and fry on each side for 3-3 1/2 minutes until heated through and golden brown.  
Serve with a sauce of your choice.  I use a Spicy Honey BBQ Ranch (Recipe follows)

SPICY HONEY BBQ RANCH

I have to be honest.  This is not a recipe! This is more of a mixture. It is very good with this dish as well as homemade potato chips.

-1/2 cup Peppercorn Ranch dressing
-1/4 cup Hot n Spicy Honey BBQ sauce
-Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and enjoy

I hope you enjoy!

IEADTT

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