Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken with Stuffing and Green Beans

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

One of the people who has really brought me comfort and continues to inspire me during this time of quarantine is Rachael Ray. She’s been posting videos of herself along with her husband John, her dog Izaboo, and recipes! Well, I got a wild hair up my you-know-what and decided to make a super amateur video that I posted on Facebook. I found a recipe I wanted to revamp….almost like a Thanksgiving casserole (and I am truly “thankful” for this gift of time with my family). It was super simple, super easy, and I had all the ingredients on hand! It came out great, but I forgot to spray my slow cooker first and I didn’t have an liners left….ooops! I also browned by chicken breast really quickly because “color equals flavor”. It would not have tasted as good if I didn’t brown the chicken first! But by all means, you can absolutely throw everything into the crockpot! I can’t see what you’re doing, so no worries! But the meal brought me comfort in all this rainy weather too! I’m going to share it with you all. Stay healthy!

-Tammy

Health Tips: you can make this “kidney friendlier” by omitting all salt and buying a lower sodium stuffing mix.

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Keep you Healthy, Make-ahead, Breakfast Smoothie

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

In the midst of all the Corona virus chaos, I feel so blessed with the gift of time. I feel so fortunate to be able to work with my own kids at home and have more time to cook and blog. And I know now, more than ever, is a time to stay as healthy as possible. I decided to meal prep my breakfast smoothies. I prepped 5 at a time, one for each weekday morning. I put the majority of the ingredients in a 1 quart container and into the freezer. If you don’t have containers, just use quart size freezer bags. In the morning, I throw the contents of the container into my blender and add greek yogurt and almond milk…and maybe a tiny squirt of agave if I want a touch of sweetness. I take my time drinking it because I love the flavor so much. The oats keep me filled until my lunch. Please feel free to modify this recipe to what you have in your pantry, fidge, and freezer.

Stay safe, healthy, and for cryin’ out loud….stay home. ❤

 -Tammy

Health tips: low fat, covid-19 approved 🤗

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Baked Asparagus & Cheese Frittata

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

In these tough times, we all have a lot of free time at home and it’s a challenge trying to cook healthy while also searching for the ingredients you need at the store. If you’re lucky enough to find eggs (by the way, highly recommend Instacart, this is the only way I was able to snag eggs), try this low-carb recipe I found through Eating Well. I was pleasantly satisfied, soooooo tasty. And it can be enjoyed any time of day. The fluffy ricotta mixed with the eggs and veggie mixture makes for a luxurious texture and flavor!

Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/251622/baked-asparagus-cheese-frittata/

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, Keto, low fat, diabetes friendly

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Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken

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This is one of my favorite chicken recipes, it’s so easy, flavorful and low cost! And you can whip it together in no time after a long day at work or school. You’ll love the balance of soft heat, tartness and richness of the salsa verde and cheese. I love to serve it alongside a salad, or sautéd or roasted veggies.

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, Keto, low fat, diabetes friendly

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Reuben Salad

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This is the perfect salad for you Reuben sandwich fans out there! Thank you again for your 30-minute meals Rachael Ray! We all know rye bread is bomb but you won’t miss it in this recipe. The Russian dressing is so flavorful with the meat and cheese, my mouth is watering just talking about it. We replaced the sour cream with Greek yogurt and it still tastes luscious. It’s enjoyable as a side dish and substantial enough as a main meal!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, Keto, low fat

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Deviled Chicken Francese

Mel and Tammy1 Comment

It’s 2020 and time for some healthy eating after feasting during the holidays! Tammy and I agreed that this year our goal is to focus on recipes that aren’t only healthy and delicious, but quick and easy too.

Last weekend, we spent some time catching up on our favorite chef Rachael Ray, and her new 30 minute meals. It’s been a crazy year and we’ve been dying to cook together in her new kitchen. It was tough to choose as her recipes all made us drool, but we picked three lighter recipes we could prep and make ahead of time. The first was this Deviled Chicken Francese. Sounds fancy but it was easy!

The deviled part of the chicken recipe really caught our eye, especially with mustard and Calabrian chili’s involved. We used reduced-fat milk, unsalted butter, low-sodium broth, and skipped the bread to lighten it up. We just had it for dinner last night. It was so satisfying and tasty!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, low fat

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Southern-Style Cauliflower “Potato” Salad

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This is one of my favorite healthy “imposter” style sides, you can hardly tell Mr. Potato Head ditched the party! Instead of using potatoes loaded with carbs, this recipe uses nutritiously delicious cauliflower. Because cauliflower has a similar starchy consistency to potatoes, it’s taken over the past few years whether it’s through pizza crust, mashed potatoes, rice or sides like this! Plus it has an amazing taste and is a great canvas for other flavors. Serve this up at your next BBQ or gathering!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low carb, Keto

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Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

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This has to be one of my (and the hubby’s) favorite types of lettuce wraps just for the simple fact that it tastes like the taco we all know and love, without the added carbs! We could probably eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and not feel gross afterwards. It’s so easy to put together and can be customized how you like, or with whatever is left in the fridge. Try it this Taco Tuesday!

 -Melanie

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

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Arroz Caldo

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Brrrrr it’s cold in here…I said there must be some Winter in the atmosphere! Umm finally right!??? I love this magical season and all the coziness that comes with it… Christmas lights, fireplace, blankets, hot cocoa and SOUPS, my favorite. Arroz Caldo is a porridge traditionally made around Christmas time in the Filipino culture. It’s simple, satisfying and oh so delish. Sort of like a melding of chicken soup and risotto. Typically it’s enjoyed for breakfast but it’s so yummy you can have it any time of the day. And also perfect when you have the bug. =( Snuggle up with a bowl of Arroz Caldo this Winter!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low fat

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Roasted Edamame with Garlic Chips

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I am definitely a grazer when it comes to getting through the day, especially when I’m stressed from work! Because of this, I try my very best to fill my fridge and pantry with healthy snacks. It’s tough when I have that Hot Cheeto Fries craving though ahhh (which by the way aren’t super bad since you can have over 20 pieces a serving lol)…but back to healthiness haha…This is another favorite from Bobby Flay’s Fit cookbook. Edamame is delicious steamed/boiled with just a sprinkling of salt but this is a uniquely easy take on it, love it!

 -Melanie

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

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