Category: dinner

One Crockpot=Two Meals: Tortilla Soup and Enchilada Suiza

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

I’m really excited about this blog post! I cannot wait for you all to try it and hear your feedback! I know it’s hard for some of us to make time to cook. So this is an easy way to kill two birds with one stone! Make a Crockpot full of chicken and use it for two dinners, maybe even three. One Crockpot of chicken will make my modified version of Rachael Ray’s Chicken Enchilada Suiza Casserole and my Chicken Tortilla Soup. And if you want to throw an extra chicken thigh or two into the slow-cooker, you’ll have enough for a third dinner…maybe tacos or panini’s.  Just add the chicken to the Crockpot before you leave for work. When you come home, your chicken will be done and you can make two or three healthy meals! You’re welcome!

 -Tammy

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

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Easy Slow-Cooked Filipino Chicken Adobo

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I am so excited to share our first Filipino dish on our blog! I’m a first generation Filipino-American and have been learning to cook traditional Filipino recipes from my parents and grandparents ever since I was little. Chicken adobo is the Philippines’ national dish and is so easy and flavorful. Adobo is stewed chicken in vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, onions and garlic. It had a very distinctive savory, yet tart, flavor…so satisfying! When you throw everything in the crockpot, it’s even less stressful and you can’t go wrong with super slow-cooked meat. We hope you enjoy this sometime soon!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb and diabetes friendly Read More »

Sweet OR Savory Chicken Salad-Two Ways!

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Our followers ask, and we answer! You would love a chicken salad recipe you say? Well here is my take on two of my favorites! Chicken salad two ways- sweet and savory! Try my chicken salad with apples, celery, and grapes OR my buffalo chicken salad! Both are a delicious, healthy lunch or snack! Make it for a party, make it for your lunch, or take it to go!

 -Tammy

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

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Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Eggplant and Zucchini with Basil Vinaigrette

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I absolutely love Giada DeLaurentis’ new way of cooking…she does an amazing job at balancing those comforting Italian flavors with a clean, delicate and healthy touch. I found this light chicken parmesan recipe from her new cookbook Happy Cooking and it’s now a favorite of mine. The addition of fresh herbs in this recipe really makes it stand out. I modified a bit to lighten up some areas more. I paired it with roasted veggies that you often find in Italian cooking, tossed in a wonderfully bright basil vinaigrette.

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, anti inflammatoryRead More »

Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Why, oh why are carnitas sooooo delicious?!?! Is it the meat itself? Is it the tortillas you put them in? The fixin’s? Or a combination of it all? For whatever the reason(s), I love to make a slow cooker version of this yummy pork. It’s inexpensive to make and can feed a ton of people. In fact, if you have a nice little crowd over, you might want to think about making my carnitas for super bowl. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney friendly, diabetes friendly

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Juicy Lucy Turkey Burger Sliders

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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

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Shrimp Scampi and Warm Artichoke Arugula Salad

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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**

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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 »