Category: dinner

Cheese Ball Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like….there are mini cheese balls stuffed inside these stuffed bell peppers! I know, I know, it’s a good one! Even my son said “Mom, you can’t say this recipe is ‘kid-friendly’, you should say it’s ‘kid-addicting’”. That’s how you know you made a great meal! Even if you already have your own favorite stuffed bell pepper recipe, make my mini cheese balls to stuff inside yours! You will thank me for it! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

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

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Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

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My sisters and I spent Mother’s Day harvesting some fresh strawberries at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine a few weeks ago. What a fun experience…only $6 per person, and you get a tour of the vast property on a hayride truck, and your own container for picking plump, sweet strawberries! I picked up this yummy recipe from their farm store and just had to try it. It’s the perfect salad for this spring!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Pork Loin and Veggie Kebab with Garlic Lemon Marinade

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We had a nice, warm day this spring week. I didn’t feel like cooking inside. And I definitely didn’t feel like eating a gut-busting meal either. With the warmers days ahead, I’ve been into lemons more than usual lately. That, and I’m lucky enough to have friends with lemons. J So I created a recipe that I am quickly becoming obsessed with; garlic lemon…it could be a quick marinade or the perfect vinaigrette! It’s perfect for poultry, pork, veggies, and salads. It’s so refreshing and adds the perfect amount of brightness to many dishes. If anything, make this marinade/ vinaigrette to keep on hand. Enjoy!

 –Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Spicy Cajun BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

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I love the coziness, richness and spice of Southern comfort food. I was inspired by Downtown Disney’s Jazz Kitchen for this recipe. They serve up a mouthwatering BBQ shrimp dish over rich, luscious grits and I was determined to lighten it up so that I could enjoy it more often. I also added some healthy greens in there for extra vitamins. You can serve this up over my cheesy grits recipe or simply eat it with crusty bread for sopping up the sauce!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthyRead More »

Chicken with Cauliflower Alfredo

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I’ve recently heard about cauliflower alfredo sauce. Sounds pretty temping, so I decided  to try and create my own. And it turned out really yummy! Your typical alfredo sauce is made up of mostly butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, which is oh, so delicious. I definitely couldn’t hit the same bells and whistles without adding the cheese, but the rest of it is pretty darn healthy! I decided to make chicken alfredo with it. I made zucchini noodles for myself and the hubby, but used whole wheat fettuccini for the kiddos. So if you are looking for a low-carb option, I say go with the zucchini noodles!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free*, diabetes friendly*

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Quinoa Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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Craving a different kind of salad? I cannot tell you how delicious this salad is.  And if you think you don’t like quinoa…you’re wrong! When you add the flavors of lime, cilantro, and avocado, along with the “poppy” texture from the quinoa, your mouth is going to explode!  If you are going to give quinoa a try, please make this! And the best part is that you can feel great about eating it!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  gluten free, vegetarian, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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Grilled Citrus Herb Halibut with Tomato Butter and Smashed Sweet Potato

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes. I came across the original recipe in Food & Wine magazine and just fell in love. It’s very light already, but I made a few alterations to make it even healthier. The combination of the citrus flavor with the tarragon is just divine, and that tomato butter just takes it over the top…plus it’s pretty easy. You’ll want to marinate for 2 hours so remember to prepare ahead! This bright dish is perfect for the spring and summer seasons!

 -Mel

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

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Portobello Mushroom Pizza w/ Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Kale

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Ok, who doesn’t have pizza as one of their tops favorite foods? It is #1 on my list! But oh how we wish we could have it multiple times a week without feeling guilty! This portobello “crust” allows you to enjoy your favorite pizza toppings…mmmm cheese and meat… without the carbs. These are some of my favorite low-fat toppings, but you can definitely make it your own. It’s also a fun recipe you can make with your kids while giving them a good dose of veggies!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, kid friendly, diabetes friendly

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Chicken Piccata w/ Spaghetti Squash

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The lemony, buttery flavor of chicken piccata is one of my favorite Italian dishes, especially served with delicate angel hair pasta, yum! But unfortunately, we can’t indulge in all those carbs and butter as often as we would like, so I lightened up the dish using a lot less butter, and served it with spaghetti squash instead of pasta. This healthy variation is absolutely satisfying and the spaghetti squash adds a slightly sweet flavor that compliments the other bright flavors really well. Now you won’t have to limit yourself to chicken piccata to only once a year! =P

 -Mel

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

Chicken and Green Chili Burgers with Guacamole

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I went to the Temecula Spice Shop the other day and found GREEN chili powder. I came home and made this super fricken delicious recipe (thank you Rachael Ray)! I doubled the recipe because I new I would want leftovers! So, so, so, so good!

 -Tammy

Health tips: Kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb*

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