Nothing says comfort food more than meatloaf! However, just hearing the words comfort food makes me think of gut-busting food. But not this meal. I’ve lightened it up by making mini meatloaves rather than one giant one. And I nestled them in zucchini noodles and tomato sauce, rather than regular noodles. Protein and veggies makes this a healthy meal! Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-friendly, low carb, kidney-friendly, kid-friendly
This is one of my favorite Rachael Ray recipes, and great for a family dinner! The sauce is so creamy yet so fresh, with very very soft heat from the poblano peppers. I adjusted it to use lower fat ingredients to be able to enjoy it more often. I especially love the melted cheese on top. As long as you serve alongside some roasted veggies, it’s completely fine =)!
-Melanie
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, low carb
Fall is finally here woohooo! I am beyond excited for cozy soups, stews and casseroles. I’ve been researching for a delicious sausage recipe in honor of Oktoberfest, and came across this excellent soup on www.oliviascuisine.com. It’s a bit cooler in Southern Cali this week so I jumped on the opportunity! I just adjusted a bit by adding in kale for some extra vitamins and crumbled in the crispy bacon at the end. My family absolutely loved it…so tasty and hearty, yet still light. Enjoy this on a nice cozy night this Fall!
-Melanie
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly. anti-inflammatory, low carb
Who doesn’t love a one-pan dish? Easy clean up! I found this recipe a few years back in my Rachael ray magazine. It’s super easy, healthy, and delicious! My kiddos always enjoy this meal too! You can make it kidney friendly by “leaching*” your potatoes to take out some of the potassium! If you want a quick, week-night meal, then please try this! Thank you Rachael Ray! As always, you are my inspiration! Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney-friendly, kid-friendly
Tuna…center-cut ahi tuna…on sale again at Sprout’s! $5.99 a pound! This is when I make this salad (and my tuna tartare). Wish I can take credit for this one. Thank you Willow Arlen for this delicious meal! Growing up, I thought I hated tuna. But, oh, how I’ve changed my mind! There’s not much else to say, except that it’s delicious and I think ya’ll should try it! We all could probably use a little more tuna in our lives! 😉 Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-friendly, low carb
The Benihana’s shrimp appetizer and “Magic Mustard” sauce is one of my favorite parts about going to the popular restaurant…besides the onion volcano! =P I actually ask for a double serving of the mustard sauce because I love to soak everything in it, including my fried rice. I want to be able to enjoy it more often without feeling the guilt, so I decided to experiment and create a lighter, yet still very tasty version of the sauce. After you taste this sauce, you will want make extra and keep it as condiment staple in your fridge!
-Melanie
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, low carb
Tuna salad-stuffed tomatoes were one of my favorite meals growing up. It was one of the few healthy meals I actually got really excited about when I saw it on my plate! This is my take on tuna salad…which is pretty similar to the ingredients I absolutely love in egg salad. The strong, yet bright flavors of Dijon, dill, lemon and capers really make this pop! And what’s great is you can keep this low-carb if you stuff it in a tomato like my mom did, or you can eat it on some wheat bread or crackers. Either way, you will love it!
-Melanie
Health tips: Low carb and diabetes friendly without crackers or bread, low fat, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory
Hot summer days equals light, healthy meals! The hubby wanted buffalo wings, and I wanted something lighter, but something that would hit the same bells and whistles! When I told him I’d be making my buffalo chicken salad, he was very happy. He LOVES this salad! You can always buy your own blue cheese dressing, but I like to make my own dressings from scratch because you can control the quality and quantity of ingredients. My husband does NOT like blue cheese dressing; the moldy cheese, it freaks him out! However, he does love feta cheese. So I make his “blue cheese” dressing into a “feta cheese” dressing. I still prefer blue cheese, so I divide the base mix into 2 bowls-one for me with blue cheese, and one for him with feta cheese. Feel free to make your own! Or you can always go out a buy a bottle. They have great yogurt-based dressing in the produce section. Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb
If you want to serve up an elegant, yet quick and easy appetizer for a get together, this is your recipe! It would also be perfect alongside some meat. I saw various versions of this recipe around Pinterest and finally decided to make it my own. It seriously only takes about 15 minutes to whip this up and will not disappoint. The creaminess of the Laughing Cow cheese and thin crispy saltiness of the prosciutto will satisfy your taste buds without the guilt!
-Melanie
Health tips: Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly
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
Family Apron 