Sweet and Savory Baked BBQ Chicken

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If you enjoy sweet and savory flavors, then this is the recipe for you. It reminds me of the flavors of a bbq sauce; sweet, smoky and full of flavor.

I’ve been spending a lot of money on food this holiday season (which I love), but I needed an inexpensive meal to make. And since chicken was on sale this week, I picked some up. Thighs and drum sticks on sale for .89 a pound! Can’t beat that! This recipe is cheap and cheerful, super simple to make, and smells super delicious while it’s cookin’ up in the oven! I added some smoked paprika to this dish, but the next time I make, I’m going to cook the chicken in my smoker. I only wish I would have thought of this one myself! Enjoy!

Thank you Mrs. Happy Homemaker for the inspiration! 

-Tammy

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Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Prosciutto

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I love how diverse chicken can be…it’s a blank slate for so many amazing flavors and is a healthy, lean meat. One of my favorite Italian dishes is Chicken Marsala! The flavor is kicked up in this recipe with the addition of Prosciutto and fresh tarragon. Try it this week!

-Mel

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

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Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken Salad

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I had a gut-busting great time with my family. Our day was filled with delicious food, good company, karaoke, and of course, lots of wine! And now that I have gained a few pounds; I wanted something a little lighter this week. I decided to make macadamia nut crusted chicken salad. Holy heck-a-roo, was it good! I could not scarf it down fast enough. I decided to make the chicken two ways (baked and fried); if you want it healthy or healthier, it’s up to you! Both were delicious. And the honey mustard dressing was oh, so yummy! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly

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Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

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Thanksgiving leftovers have to be one of my favorite things about the holiday, especially when I’m lucky enough to snag some turkey! As you know, I love soups and this is in my top 3 along with Zuppa Toscana. I was inspired by Panera’s version of this soup, but you don’t have to feel guilty with this recipe. If you want to reduce cooking time, remember to soak wild rice before cooking about 2-8 hours. It’s staying pretty cool out, so sit back by the fire and have a bowl of this yummy goodness this week!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy,

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3-Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Mel and Tammy7 Comments

Ok, so this past Thanksgiving I made a lot of sweet potato casserole…and had a lot of sweet potato left. I thought…hm what to do? What about Norman! That’s my precious Basset Hound. Why can’t he indulge as well right? This recipe is so easy and your furry friend will love you for it!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, diabetic friendly, dog friendly, anti-inflammatory

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Pumpkin Bread

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

I’m on Thanksgiving break and wanted something that I didn’t have to feel guilty about eating. I know that for the rest of the week, my family and I will pretty much be indulging! And since many of you know, I am obsessed with pumpkin; I wanted to create a healthier version of pumpkin bread. My recipe does not contain a lot of fat and has less sugar. I replaced a lot of the fat with unsweetened apple sauce and Greek yogurt (this gives it the moisture). My recipe contains some brown sugar, but some of the sweetness also comes from the apple sauce and a touch of organic honey. It’s also made with organic whole wheat flour. Feel free to add a glaze if you wish. I love this bread with just a dab of butter…it is bread after all, not cake (wink, wink). My family really enjoyed these fall flavors and says it tastes even better since Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Health Tips: kidney-friendly, kid-friendly, lower fat

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Streusel Crunch

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I can’t believe the holidays are already here, and Thanksgiving just around the corner! It is definitely the time to indulge, but I actually think that there are many opportunities to share tasty dishes while also keeping it wholesome and healthy, especially with the season’s produce. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of many, and they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Why not kick it up some and be a little bad since this glorious vegetable is so good!? Even if you’re not a big fan of sweet potatoes, this will change your mind! Share this dish with your family and friends this week!

-Mel

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

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Quick-Four Ingredient Chicken

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

My family and I had a lot to do this evening. I needed something I can make quickly. So, thank you Rachael Ray for coming up with such quick and easy meals. This one was done in less than 30 minutes! This dinner was not only quick, but it looked fancy-shmancy (Rachael calls this type of dinner, a “fancy fake-out”). I will use this recipe to entertain with in the future. And with the holidays coming up, you might want to keep this recipe around. It’s simple, yet elegant.

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Lasagna Rollups with Italian Turkey Sausage and Veggie Ragu

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

I was inspired by the Pioneer Woman for this recipe while watching her freezer meal episode and thought, what a clever idea, especially with how busy it is during the holidays. This recipe is so much fun and so practical at the same time because you’ll be able to enjoy, while also storing extra for later at the same time! I don’t have kids, but I think they would have a ball rolling these up with you! I added Italian turkey sausage for some extra substance and flavor, but you can also definitely keep it vegetarian.

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly

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Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

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Pumpkin, pumpkin, “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways….” Yes, I’m obsessed with pumpkin! And it’s pumpkin season! If you are a pumpkin junkie like me, then you will “fall” for this pumpkin oatmeal recipe, inspired by Lisa Lillien (aka Hungry Girl). It’s filling, super healthy, and oh, so delectable!

Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, *diabetes-friendly, kid-friendly

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