Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

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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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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Healthy Chicken Stock and Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

There’s nothing like comforting, delicious chicken stock…whether it’s in a soup, gravy or rice. It flavors and is the base of so many recipes that we often find ourselves always buying boxes and boxes from the store. This can start getting expensive and the healthy boxes of stock are typically pricier. Making your own stock at home allows you to store or freeze multiple quarts for future use and you can closely control the fat, nutrition and sodium content. And it’s easy, not much chopping or peeling, just waiting for those flavor to develop. =) Here’s my recipe for a healthy and tasty stock, which also includes strong disease-fighting ingredients like ginger and turmeric. You’ll definitely get a better bang with your buck with this recipe!

That’s not all folks! You’ll not only be getting a few quarts of stock from this recipe, but also tender and flavorful slow-cooked meat that you can store for future meals. My Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Wild/Brown Rice Casserole is inspired by my Mama’s Chicken Divan, one of her staples at potlucks growing up. Love it! It’s simple, wholesome and can satisfy the whole family. Try it this week!

-Mel

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

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