Sweet OR Savory Chicken Salad-Two Ways!

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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Jambalaya

I stumbled onto this jambalaya recipe about 8 years ago. Ellie Krieger originally made it. I modified it a bit. It’s packed full of flavor. But you do not have to feel guilty about eating it. If you are not watching your sodium or fat, by all means use any sausage you’d like. If you do not want it spicy, use kielbasa or a smoked ham. If you want a kick, use andouille. Either way, I suggest you find one that is lower fat and lower sodium. Your body will thank you for it.

 -Tammy

Health tips:  diabetes friendly, low carb*

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Zucchini Lasagna

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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Sweet and Savory Baked BBQ Chicken

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

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

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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Lean-Green Burgers with Avocado Ranch

I have to thank one of my favorite people for this one…Rachael Ray! She made a burger on her show a few weeks ago. I had all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge, so I had to make them for my family.  And who doesn’t love a burger? Especially when you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it! They’re generally healthy already, so I didn’t need to make too many modifications. My kids usually like greens anyway, so I didn’t need to trick them. But what better way to get your kiddos to eat their vegetables?! So go ahead, eat your greens…cause they’re inside the burger!

-Tammy

Health tips:  diabetes-friendly, kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly, low-carb (if you eat it like I did, wrapped in lettuce)

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Shrimp Ceviche

We were invited to a friend’s house for football this past Sunday. I wanted to bring something that didn’t require cooking (it was a HOT day). So I decided to make my refreshing shrimp ceviche. It comes together quite fast and couldn’t’ be simpler to make. But make sure you make it at least 4 hours ahead, or even better, the night before. And when I have my shrimp ceviche, I’m going to want a Michelada to go with it! So make a Michelada with this one my friends! CHEERS!

-Tammy

Health tips:  Heart healthy, kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, low carb

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Pork Loin Chops with Cinnamon Apples and Squash

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

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