Author: Mel and Tammy

Grilled Greek Chicken & Cucumber Noodle Salad

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

I’ve been wanting to post a greek-marinated chicken recipe and while exploring for inspiration, found another tasty alternative to traditional green leaves and zucchini noodles…cucumber noodles! And how perfect is that with a greek-inspired dish right!? This recipe is so flavorful, yet so light and summery. The light saltiness of the Kalamata olives and feta cheese really compliment the bright herby and lemony flavors of the chicken and dressing. Being a huge cucumber fan (He just snacks on it whole, like a giant carrot), my husband said he prefers this over any other type of salad!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low fat, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly, low carb

Read More »

Asian Chicken Drumsticks with Green Beans

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

It’s so funny where dinner might take you! I was inspired by Clinton Kelly’s Korean BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! I decided to create my own Asian-style green beans to go with it! Then, of course, my daughter asked for rice…and so…dinner was created. I cannot say it’s the most “kidney-friendly” (because of the amount of sodium), but it can be diabetes-friendly (minus the rice). 🙂 So cheers to all who decide to make this meal. It’s fricken delicious!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kid-friendly, diabetes-friendly

Read More »

Curried Chicken Salad

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

It’s definitely hot out there so I’ve been trying to find some no-cook recipes to avoid any heat from the stove and oven. Thank you to our friend Gaby as well for your no-cook ideas question. It’s really inspired us to go on the hunt for creative and quick ways to whip up delicious meals without that added heat. I love the exotic flavor of curry, especially on chicken, and wanted to find a way to enjoy it as a summer treat. Ina Garten’s curried chicken salad recipe is fabulous! The use of the chutney really brings it to a whole new level and there is great texture with the celery and cashews. I lowered the fat by using light mayo and non-fat greek yogurt and also lowered the salt. This is a must try!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low fat, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly and low carb (if eaten on wheat or without bread)

Read More »

Cheesy Spam Quesadillas

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

Tonight was going to be red-meat night. We were originally going to cook up some steaks. But then my daughter Kayla said she wanted to make quesadillas instead. And me being super tired because it’s the first week of school, I said yes please! Kayla is a salty-pork-eaten girl! She loves salami, bacon, SPAM…you get the picture! She asked “Mom, can I put Spam on my quesadilla?” I told her “TRY IT!” And so she did! And now I’m sure she is going to make these as often as I let her. It’s not the healthiest of meals, but it take few ingredients, it cooks up quick, and we all loved them!

 -Tammy & Kayla

Health tips: kid-friendly, cheat meal

Read More »

Rosemary Lemon Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Mel and Tammy4 Comments

This recipe was inspired by a delicious grilled scallops and red pepper recipe I always loved by Paula Deen. But instead of roasting and wrapping red pepper around the scallops, I wanted to create a luscious, yet light and bright sauce. I saw a similar shrimp with red pepper aioli recipe that used egg yolks but wanted to cut down on the fat so I used non-fat green yogurt instead and replaced the shrimp with scallops. Scallops are not only luxurious, but actually have less cholesterol than shrimp, promote a healthy heart and are high in omega 3s! Plus, I can’t get enough of rosemary and lemon, so this recipe just sung to me. If you want to present an elegant, yet very easy and quick dish, this is the one!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly

Read More »

Rachael Ray’s Greek Farro Bowls

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

As usual, I was watching  the Rachael Ray show and she made the most delicious Mediterranean dish-Farro Bowls!  Farro is an “ancient grain” that kind of reminds me of barley. It’s mild in flavor and has a nice bite/chew to it. Farro is a healthy carbohydrate source for people-even if you have kidney disease or diabetes. I buy my farro at Trader Joes. If you love the flavors of Mediterranean dishes, you’ll love this! It has kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, lemon, and garlic just to name a few! Thank you Rachael Ray for this super fabulous dish!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney friendly, diabetes friendly

Read More »

3-Ingredient Mango Banana Sorbet

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

This recipe is a must try for this hot summer! Tammy and I came across it during a Two-Week Clean Eating Challenge and just fell in love. Thank you buzzfeed.com for the inspiration! It only takes a few ingredients and is completely refreshing and satisfying. This mango banana version is just an example of one sorbet you can create. You can customize it to your liking, using other fruits and even additional ingredients like peanut butter and Nutella! Using bananas as the base of your sorbet is great though because it adds that creaminess to your sorbet. Experiment in your kitchen with this method, you can’t go wrong…just remember two words, freeze and blend!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Dairy free, heart healthy, low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly

Read More »

Filipino “Melon” Chilled Cantaloupe Drink

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

It’s been very hot here in southern CA so all I’ve been craving are salads, fruits and cold drinks! This recipe is a favorite of mine and a traditional drink served in the Philippines during their hot humid days. It’s super simple to make and very refreshing. The hint of sugar is very mild so it definitely quenches your thirst. Plus, you get a little treat of cantaloupe meat at the very end. Whip this drink up for your family and friends at your next get together!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy, low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly

Read More »

Chicken Cordon Bleu Burger

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

I was watching  the Rachael Ray show the other day. Every month she creates a “Burger of the Month” recipe for her magazine. Rachael asked a friend of hers what her favorite meal was growing up. Her friend told her that she liked when her mom made pepper steak. So Rachael created a pepper steak burger. You can check out that recipe here. But this made me think; what was one of my favorites growing up? I loved when my mom made chicken Cordon Bleu in the slow cooker. And so, the inspiration was created!  Thank you mom for your delicious take on Chicken Cordon Bleu! And I’ve turned it into a burger! I even give you a choice of two different condiments to add: a creamy, garlicky mustard sauce, or a creamy honey mustard (inspired by Rachael Ray). Now everyone else can enjoy it too!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney friendly, diabetes friendly*, kid-friendly

Read More »

Kenan Family’s Italian Chicken & Spinach Pasta Salad

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

My good friend Stacey had the girls over the other week to catch up and enjoy dinner together. She whipped us up a light, delicious salad that her mom always makes her. I fell in love with it and asked her if I could share it with you fine folks. This is super quick to make and is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Salads don’t typically fill me up enough but this one is wholesome and very satisfying!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Heart healthy; low carb, diabetes friendly and anti-inflammatory (if pasta removed or wheat used); low fat

Read More »