Month: January 2016

Jambalaya

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

I stumbled onto this jambalaya recipe about 8 years ago. Ellie Krieger originally made it. I modified it a bit. It’s packed full of flavor. But you do not have to feel guilty about eating it. If you are not watching your sodium or fat, by all means use any sausage you’d like. If you do not want it spicy, use kielbasa or a smoked ham. If you want a kick, use andouille. Either way, I suggest you find one that is lower fat and lower sodium. Your body will thank you for it.

 -Tammy

Health tips:  diabetes friendly, low carb*

Read More »

Juicy Lucy Turkey Burger Sliders

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

What better way to enjoy a luscious All-American burger without feeling guilty about it, then with a slider right!? Yes…this recipe uses turkey, but it’s absolutely tasty and super juicy, without all the calories. Plus, portion control is key! And how can you resist that oozing cheese inside. I’ve also included a few of my favorite spreads to further pack on the flavor. Serve these up to your friends and family before football season is over!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly, diabetes friendly and low carb (without the bun)Read More »

Zucchini Lasagna

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Low carb zucchini lasagna? Yes, please! My mother-in-law makes the best traditional lasagna with meat sauce. It’s fabulous! However, she was recently diagnosed with diabetes and cannot have her lasagna as often. I wanted to make a healthier version so when she comes to visit, I can make this for her and she doesn’t have to feel guilty about eating it! I invited my neighbor and her boys over to share this meal with my family. She said “Tammy, you out-did yourself”. They all went back for seconds!

Lasagna is usually not a quick 30 minute meal, although you can always use your favorite jarred pasta sauce to make this recipe move faster. But I highly recommend you make mine. So when you have some time on a Sunday, I suggest you open a bottle of wine, make this lasagna and enjoy the end of your day with this meal.

 -Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kid friendly

Read More »

Garlic Cheese Bombs

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

My weakness=CHEESE. I found this insanely flavorful and super easy recipe on www.damndelicious.net and am in love. It’s also very flexible…you can pretty much stuff anything in crescent roll dough and wow your family and friends. I added fresh basil to mine and paired them with marinara sauce for the perfect bite!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead More »

Shrimp Scampi and Warm Artichoke Arugula Salad

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

Did I mention I love Italian food?! =) Shrimp Scampi is one of those traditional, luxurious dishes that is a favorite among many. But often times, the rich sauce and pasta served alongside, makes you feel guilty after devouring it all. Here’s my fresh take on the favorite with a lighter sauce, served alongside some tasty greens that you can feel good about. You will not miss the flavor of Scampi and I feel like it’s just as comforting with the warm salad. After all, the best part is the shrimp, and they’ll be an even bigger star in this dish! Topped off with some nutty parmesan cheese, you won’t be missing that extra butter and pasta!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly, heart healthyRead More »

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

We asked all of our followers what recipes they would love to see more of in this coming new year. One of the requests was for stuffed bell peppers. Since its winter (and I was thinking comfort food), I decided to make my stuffed bell pepper soup. By using no or low salt ingredients, this recipe is also great for someone who has kidney disease. And if you have diabetes, you can lessen the amount of rice you add to your soup for a lower carb option. So enjoy this guiltless soup! Oh, and if your kiddos love stuffed bell peppers, they will love this soup too!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney friendly*, diabetes friendly, low carb**

Read More »

Slow Cooker White Bean, Chicken & Poblano Chili

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

I was inspired by the wonderful Rachael Ray for this delicious recipe. It’s a nice light change to the traditional tomato-based beef chilis, instead using white beans, chicken and poblano peppers for some kick. I cook it in the slow-cooker so I can set it and forget it, and then enjoy it on a cold night. So simple and comforting!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly, heart healthyRead More »

Avocado Cream Cheese Bagel

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

This is one of mine and my hubby Dane’s go-to, super easy, and satisfying breakfasts! We were inspired by one of his work buds who would always have a slice of this bagel ready for him in the morning. You can enjoy it as breakfast, brunch or a light snack, and even better if you split with a friend. Enjoy it before work or school this week!

 -Mel

Health tips: Kid friendly, low fatRead More »

Baked Chicken Wings-TWO Ways

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

Football season makes me think of all things food! With Super Bowl 50 coming up, I wanted to give you a recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love chicken wings? I am giving you wings-TWO WAYS….buffalo and garlic Parmesan. These wings will score you a touchdown with your football friends; you’ll be invited back! And thank you to my cousins Scott and Julie for the inspiration for this recipe!

Enjoy! And, GO BRONCOS!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  cheat meal, low carb

Read More »