Benihana’s-Style Shrimp and Magic Mustard Sauce

The Benihana’s shrimp appetizer and “Magic Mustard” sauce is one of my favorite parts about going to the popular restaurant…besides the onion volcano! =P I actually ask for a double serving of the mustard sauce because I love to soak everything in it, including my fried rice. I want to be able to enjoy it more often without feeling the guilt, so I decided to experiment and create a lighter, yet still very tasty version of the sauce. After you taste this sauce, you will want make extra and keep it as condiment staple in your fridge!

 -Melanie

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

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Rachael Ray’s Greek Farro Bowls

As usual, I was watching  the Rachael Ray show and she made the most delicious Mediterranean dish-Farro Bowls!  Farro is an “ancient grain” that kind of reminds me of barley. It’s mild in flavor and has a nice bite/chew to it. Farro is a healthy carbohydrate source for people-even if you have kidney disease or diabetes. I buy my farro at Trader Joes. If you love the flavors of Mediterranean dishes, you’ll love this! It has kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, lemon, and garlic just to name a few! Thank you Rachael Ray for this super fabulous dish!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney friendly, diabetes friendly

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4-Ingredient Firecracker Shrimp

Can you tell I’m obsessed with jalapeños lol!? I pinned this recipe from www.baconbuttercheesegarlic.com and can’t get enough of them! It’s a low-carb, yet indulgent way of eating jalapeño poppers and quite easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients and shrimp cooks up in a jiffy. It’s now a favorite delicious bite I like to serve at summer BBQs!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat meal, low carbRead More »

Garlic Lime Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

My hubby and I love shrimp tacos but sometimes we want a low-carb option. I created this recipe so that we can enjoy the rich, fresh flavors of shrimp tacos without the tortilla. They are so yummy! They are also a great recipe for the spring and summer seasons, light yet very tasty, especially with the creamy avocado scooped up with each bite!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendlyRead More »

Spicy Cajun BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

I love the coziness, richness and spice of Southern comfort food. I was inspired by Downtown Disney’s Jazz Kitchen for this recipe. They serve up a mouthwatering BBQ shrimp dish over rich, luscious grits and I was determined to lighten it up so that I could enjoy it more often. I also added some healthy greens in there for extra vitamins. You can serve this up over my cheesy grits recipe or simply eat it with crusty bread for sopping up the sauce!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthyRead More »

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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Shrimp Scampi and Warm Artichoke Arugula Salad

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 »

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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Spanish Paella…Ella…Ella

I absolutely love big one pot meals, especially for the family or a small dinner party! This recipe combines hearty flavors of traditional Spanish Paella, while still keeping it light. If you like Jambalaya, this is very similar, a mix of delicious “land and sea” meats, rice, peppers and spice! I had some amazing Paella at a friend’s going away party a few weeks ago and the wheels started turning in my head. Hope you enjoy!

-Mel

Health tips: Low fat

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp, Arugula Salad with Grilled Lemon Vinaigrette, Oh… and Brown Rice Pilaf

I’ve made so many seafood dinners recently. But I can’t help it…it’s summer! There’s something about the summer and seafood (and wine); they just go together. You can make such light, healthy meals with seafood. And my shrimp salad is the perfect meal for warmer seasons (but please, feel free to make it whenever you’d like). Whether you make this on an indoor or outdoor grill, this meal is totally satisfying. This dinner may look super fancy, but it’s super easy to make. And the shrimp is full of flavor! Cheers to a great, healthy dinner!

-Tammy

Health tips:  Diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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