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
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
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
Ok I’m totally jumping on this opportunity, since it’s a cooler day today, to start my soup adventure with you! I absolutely love soups, I even eat soup when it’s warm =P. It’s just so comforting and tasty. This recipe is based on one of my all-time favorite soups, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana. The original recipe actually is relatively light, but I adjusted a few ingredients to make it even healthier. Fingers crossed it stays pretty cool this week so you can enjoy this ASAP!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy
Fall is officially here and what better way to jump in then with seasonal vegetables like squash and apples! This recipe was inspired by one of my favorite Food Network stars, Rachael Ray. Tammy and I are constantly inspired by her vibrant personality and deliciously simple recipes. I tried Rachel’s Apple Juice Pork a few years ago and fell in love with it, so easy and so tasty. I love the contrast of tart, yet sweet, apples with pork as well, so added that in with brown sugar and cinnamon. Pork loin is a great lean, white meat alternative to chicken, and it goes especially well with these cozy Fall flavors. Try it this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, low carb
I thought this summer weather would die down and I’d be on to making hearty, warmer dishes like slow-cooker meals, soups and stews. Well, I was wrong. We had a heat-wave once again. I remembered a while back my hubby ate out and said he had an amazing “salad with bread in it” (aka panzanella). When he told me what was in it, my wheels started turning and I immediately thought of this salad. I am a huge fan of making your own salad dressings. They are just better! You can control the amount of sugar and salt. I always have homemade on hand and if I do not, I’m able to whip some up in just a few minutes. So here is what I came up with when my hubby asked me to re-create the dish. Even though I haven’t tasted the restaurant’s version, mine was pretty darn good, if I say so myself. My brother-in-law was over and really enjoyed it as well! So raise your glass to this yummy and filling salad! CHEERS!
-Tammy
Health tips: Heart healthy, kidney friendly
As we close with the last few weeks of summer, I decided to make a healthier version of Caesar salad. My hubby and I recently had our 10 year anniversary. We went out to dinner to a new restaurant and had a delicious Caesar salad. But what made it so special was that it had fried capers and little pieces of prosciutto in the salad! Those two extra ingredients really made the salad unique! As soon as I had it, I knew I had to re-make it into a healthier version by using my favorite go-to salad dressing. It’s made with yogurt! It’s low in calories, fat, sodium, sugar, has no preservatives, and has no artificial colors or flavors. You can find it in the refrigerated section in the produce department. Make your own whole grain croutons, if possible. I highly suggest it! (recipe to follow soon) And for a little extra indulgence, make my Parmesan crisps. So go ahead, have a Caesar salad without the guilt!
-Tammy
Health tips: Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
I love me some Mediterranean flavors, so fresh and so tasty…olives, garlic, vegetables, beans, fish…delish! These ingredients are especially beneficial to anyone with rheumatoid arthritis or high-blood pressure. Scientific research shows that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans have disease-fighting properties. One study involving people with rheumatoid arthritis showed that those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet had significantly less joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, and also lowered blood pressure. Sounds good to me!!! This recipe was inspired by a cod recipe I typically steam over the grill, but because I had no fish in the freezer, chicken was the next best lean meat! I do highly recommend making this with cod, tilapia or halibut though, wonderful!
-Mel
Health tips: Anti inflammatory, low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
Family Apron 