Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

Three things make Asparagus Stuffed Chicken really awesome: 1) It looks and tastes like an elegant, impressive gourmet meal; 2) It's really quick and easy to make; and 3) It's healthy!



Ingredients:
(4 servings)

• 4 Chicken Breasts (recommend organic)


• 20 Asparagus Spears (with hard ends snapped or cut off)


• 1/4 cup Butter, melted


• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard


• 2 Garlic Cloves, chopped (or 1 Tbsp. minced garlic)


• 1/4 cup Dry White Wine


• 
  


• 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs (crushed crackers also works)


• 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese


• 1/2 tsp. Parsley (dried)

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Flatten chicken to 1/4" thickness.
3) Coat a baking sheet with butter-flavored cooking spray.
4) Combine the butter, Dijon mustard, garlic, and wine in a bowl. Dip the chicken breasts into the mixture and place on baking sheet.
5) Place 5 asparagus spears on each chicken breast. Fold the chicken breast over the asparagus and secure with a toothpick. Turn the chicken seam-side down.
6) Mix the bread crumbs (or crackers), Parmesan cheese, and Parsley.
7) Sprinkle 1/4 of the breadcrumb mixture onto each chicken breast (see photo).



8) Bake for 30 minutes.
9) Remove toothpick and serve with a whole-grain pasta, brown rice, or a green salad.



Pair with a light Sauvignon Blanc or my personal go-to for most chicken or fish entrees--a dry Chardonnay. 

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Turkey Tortellini Soup

SOUP TIME!  Now this is a season-appropriate meal for chilly fall.  This soup has a good amount of vegetables, is lower in sodium than any soup you'll buy in a store (yikes, holy hypertension) and tastes so good.  I made a huge batch of it and we had leftovers whenever we wanted a quick warm cup of soup.

Ingredients:
1 Lb. lean ground turkey breast
3 Tsp. Italian Seasoning (or combine parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder)
2 Cans (sodium-free, or extra low sodium) Tomato Soup (+1 can water)
4 Cups (sodium-free) chicken or vegetable broth
2 Cans Diced Tomatoes (no sodium-added)
1 Cup Diced Carrots
1 Cup  Diced Celery
1 Cup Chopped Green Beans (or cut-leaf spinach)

1 Large Pkg cheese-filled tri-color tortellini (20 ounce package I believe)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Season your thawed turkey breast with the Italian seasoning.  Shape into 3/4"-1" balls and place on lined baking sheet.  Place turkey meatballs in oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned with no pink inside.  Meanwhile...

2. Turn stovetop to medium heat.  Combine broth and tomato soup in a stockpot.
3.  Add in your tomatoes, diced carrots and celery, and chopped green beans.  Cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4.  Add in the tortellini pasta and continue cooking for 5 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
5.  Place cooked turkey meatballs in the stockpot and cook for another 5 minutes.

Serve with a crusty loaf of Italian bread and enjoy!

For freezing, divide soup into two large freezer bags.  Once at room temperature, cool completely in the refrigerator.  Once cold, put soup into a second freezer bag (better safe than sorry with freezer burn) and be sure to label and date the soup (I include the date I made it and the "eat by" date).  Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat, dip the bag into hot water for 5 minutes.  Then, put soup into stockpot.  Cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until hot, stirring occasionally.

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White Chicken Chili

Chili day calls for another version of chili!  This time I'm making it with chicken and white beans, and adding some green chilies, for a yummy White Chicken Chili.  Cuddle up and stay warm with a bowl of this!

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Minced Onion
3 Cloves Garlic, Chopped (or 3 tsp. Minced Garlic)
1 Can (4 oz) Chopped Green Chillies
3 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 tsp. Oregano
1 tsp. Chili Powder
4 Cups Chicken Broth
1 lb. Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped or shredded (I shredded)
2 Cans White Beans (I used Northern, but can use Cannellini or Navy)
1 Cup Monterey Jack (or any White Cheese)

Directions:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan (or stockpot) over medium heat.  Add in onion and stir for a couple minutes. 
2. Add in the garlic, green chillies, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.  Stir another 2 minutes.
3. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken, beans, and cheese.  Turn heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occassionally. 

Enjoy!

For freezing, divide soup into two large freezer bags.  Once at room temperature, cool completely in the refrigerator.  Once cold, put soup into a second freezer bag (better safe than sorry with freezer burn) and be sure to label and date the soup (I include the date I made it and the "eat by" date).  Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat, dip the bag into hot water for 5 minutes.  Then, put soup into stockpot.  Cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until hot, stirring occasionally.

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Sweet Potato Chutney Over Chops with Stuffed Pumpkin

Fall is here!  My FAVORITE season (leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, football, crisp air, apple-picking, cozy sweaters, need I go on?)  Time for pumpkins and other fall goodies!
I was searching for a yummy and healthy fall dinner recipe and found some on Better Homes and Gardens. I didn't tweak the recipes much.  I suggest first measuring out "all of the ingredients" (pun intended, say it out loud and then read my blog title out loud).  Second, start making the stuffed pumpkins.  Third, while your pumpkins are baking (the 1st time), start on the chops (turn to broil after pumpkins are done the 2nd time).  The timing should work well then!
NOTE:  This recipe took me quite a while to make, so if you want to save time, I would serve the potato stuffing not in the pumpkins (save the time cutting, cleaning, and cooking them), but just in the casserole dish.  However, if you're making a dinner for good presentation, this (using the pumpkins) is it!  I  hope you like them!

Sweet Potato Chutney Chops

Ingredients:
1/3 Cup Finely-Chopped Shallots
1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
4 Pork Loin Chops, about 1" thick
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp. Dried Cranberries
1/2 tsp. Ginger (grated or powder)
1 Sweet Potato, Peeled and Finely-Chopped

Directions:
1.  Turn oven to Broil.
2. Combine shallots and red pepper in small bowl.  Put half aside for now (for chutney).  Rub remaining mixture on both sides of the pork chops.  Place on broiler pan and set aside.
3.  Time for the Chutney:  Combine the other half of the shallot mixture, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cranberries, and ginger in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Stir in chopped sweet potato  and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 10-12 minutes.  Stir occasionally.
4. While chutney is simmering, broil chops, turning once, about 3-5 minutes per side.  Top with chutney and serve with stuffed pumpkin (below) and some green beans.

Stuffed Pumpkins
Ingredients:
4 Miniature Pumpkins
2 Medium Baking Potatoes (remember, organic if you can!), Peeled and Quartered

1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin (ezier and quickier way)
1/2 Tbsp. Organic Butter
1/8 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1/4 Cup Fat-free organic milk (or soy milk)
1/2 Cup Shredded Jarlsberg Cheese

Directions:
1.  Preheat Oven to 325 degrees F.  Begin to bring water to a boil on stovetop in medium saucepan.
2.  Cut off the tops of the pumpkins.  Remove seeds and strings from inside the pumpkins (keep seeds for roasting!).  Place pumpkins, cut-side down on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkins are soft.  Set aside.
3.  While pumpkins are baking, place quartered potatoes into the boiling water and cook for 20-25 minutes or until soft.  Drain potatoes.
4.  Using electric mixer (I love my Kitchenaid!), beat potatoes.  Add in canned pumpkin, butter, and nutmeg to potatoes and continue to mix.  Gradually beat in the milk.  Stir in cheese by hand.  Sprinkle with pepper.
5.  Spoon potato mixture into pumpkin shells.  Put any leftover potato mixture into a small casserole dish.  Place pumpkin shells on baking sheet.  Loosely cover both shells and casserole with foil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes (uncover in last 5 minutes).

Add some steamed green beans. Bon Appetit!

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Parmesan Tilapia with Summer Squash & Zucchini Risotto

Tilapia is one of my favorite fish to eat.  It is low in fat, sodium, calories, and carbohydrates and high in lean protein.  It doesn't have a strong "fishy" taste, is a short-lived sustainable fish (good for environment and our fish population) and because it's short-lived you know it also has low levels of mercury (good for your health).   

Risotto is a delicious Italian rice dish that gets its creamy consistency from the way it's prepared.  The starch from the rice releases during cooking allowing the rice to bind with the other rice and absorb the broth simultaneously.  The result:  creamy yumminess.  Meats and vegetables can be mixed in and it can be a meal by itself, or served as a side dish (as it is here).  There are 3 main rice varieties you can use: Arborio, Vialone Nano, or Carnaroli.  I personally use Arborio (in any grocery store in the rice/grains section).  

Parmesan Tilapia

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated


• 2 tsp. Paprika


• 1 Tbs. Parsley


• 4 Tilapia fillets


• 1 Lemon, quartered (or in eighths)


• Dash Pepper


• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 400o.

2.  Combine the Parmesan Cheese, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

3.  Place the Tilapia on a foil-lined baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

4.  Brush Oil on the Tilapia (recommend silicone basting brush over bristle brush).


5.  Spoon Cheese mixture on fish. 


6.  Start the Risotto (below) before doing Step 7.


7.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until the fish is opaque or flakes easily with a fork.   Once you place in Oven, immediately go to Step 5 of the Risotto.


8.  Garnish with lemon wedges.

Summer Squash and Zucchini Risotto
Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil


• 1 Medium Zucchini, cut up into small cubes/pieces


• 1 Medium Yellow Summer Squash, cut up into small cubes/pieces


• 1 cup Arborio, Vialone Nano, or Carnaroli rice (again, I use Arborio, but any of the 3 are fine) 3 cups heated sodium free vegetable or chicken broth (I'm a fan of Herb-Ox in Chicken flavor--sodium free is important for heart health)


• 1/4 Lemon (or 1 Tbsp. lemon juice)


• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1.  Heat 1 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add summer squash and zucchini, stirring for 5 minutes.  Place in bowl and set aside.

2.  Heat 1 Tbsp oil in skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add rice; Cook and stir for about 3 minutes.

3.  Pour 1 cup broth in skillet.  Turn heat to medium-low.  Cook and stir until rice has absorbed the broth.  




4.  Go back to Step 7 on Tilapia.


5.   Repeat Step 3, pouring 1 cup of broth at at time, cooking and stirring until the rice absorbs all the liquid   before adding the next cup of broth. 


6.  Remove from heat.  Stir in Summer Squash, Zucchini, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. 

Serve immediately and Enjoy!  
Pair with a light to medium-bodied white wine.  For a healthy dessert, try a plate of fresh pineapple and strawberries.






For choosing other environmentally-safe seafood, download your region-specific seafood pocket guide here.

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BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries

This recipe makes a regular appearance in our household.  Baked chicken and sweet potato fries are really healthy, but let us feel like we're splurging (I mean, we're eating fries!).  You can also use regular potatoes for this recipe, but sweet potatoes are healthier (loaded with Vitamin A--roughly 250% of your daily value, Vitamin C, fiber--more than in oatmeal, complex carbohydrates, and beta-carotene).

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. Chicken Breasts
BBQ Sauce
2 Medium Sweet Potatoes
3 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp. Garlic
1 tsp. Parsley
1 tsp. Basil
1 tsp. Cumin

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Coat Chicken Breasts in BBQ sauce and let sit for a few minutes.
3. Cut rinsed Sweet Potatoes (skin on) in half length-wise and then into slices about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.  Cut those slices in half again.
4.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Spray with cooking spray.  Place the cut potato strips on the baking sheet.

5. Combine Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and cumin in a small bowl.
6. Lightly spray the potato fries with cooking spray (or alternatively, drizzle with olive oil).  Sprinkle Parmesan mix across the fries.
7.  Lightly spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray.  Place BBQ-covered chicken in dish.  Place on top rack in Oven for 25-28 minutes.
8.  After the Chicken has cooked for 5 minutes, place the fries in the oven (bottom rack).   Turn fries once, around 10-12 minutes into baking.  Then bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until somewhat crispy.
9.  Meanwhile, prepare some steamed broccoli.  I am a fan of using the steam-in-the-bag frozen broccoli and have found some great organic ones at Whole Foods (Columbia Rivers brand).
10.  Remove chicken and fries from oven and serve immediately!

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Garlic Sirloin Steak with Corn on the Cob

Corn!  I have a personal love of corn, having grown up in a state where seeing people wear giant foam corn on the cob hats is normal (i.e. Nebraska--Go Cornhuskers, aka 'Skers).  It's the time of year where you can find local sweet corn in your grocery stores. Corn provides you with fiber, folate (heart and reproductive health), Vitamin C, and Vitamin B1 (brain function and memory).

You might be surprised, but you can eat beef healthily.  Yes, it's true.  Just be sure to choose lean cuts, trim extra fat, watch your portions, and eat sparingly (and when buying, choose little marbling and try to buy grass-fed beef).  In fact, some studies show that lean red-meat eaters lose weight more rapidly than non-red-meat eaters and do not increase cholesterol levels and could actually decrease cholesterol.  Additionally, lean red meat offers Zinc, Iron, and Vitamin B12.  This recipe won't utilize the grill (although this recipe would be equally awesome on the grill), but rather the stovetop.  Five simple ingredients, one great meal.

4 Servings
Ingredients:

• 16 oz Sirloin Steak


• 1 Tbsp. Garlic, minced


• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder


• 3 Tbsp. Butter (Smart Balance Light, Omega-3 infused)


• 1 tsp. Black Pepper


• 4 Ears of Sweet Corn, Shucked/Silk removed (basically corn only, no husk/hairs)

Directions:
1.  Bring large saucepan filled with water to a gentle boil.

2.  Sprinkle pepper and minced garlic on both side of steaks.
3. In separate skillet, melt 1 Tbsp. butter over medium-high heat.
4. Add ears of corn to water.  Boil 5-10 minutes--the longer, the softer (I do 10 min).
5. Place steaks in heated butter for 4-5 minutes.  Turn once, cooking for 4-5 more minutes.
6. Melt remaining butter in small bowl (microwave for 12 seconds).  Stir in garlic powder.

Serve immediately.  Use a brush (spoon also ok) to put garlic butter on both corn and steak.  I am also choosing to serve a simple green salad tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for another side.  Yuuum.

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Tofu Bok Choy Stir-Fry

First of all, let me say that this is another recipe that looks (ok, maybe not in MY photos) and sounds gourmet and time-consuming, but is really quick, easy, and best-of-all: healthy!  


Bok choy (Chinese cabbage), from the Brassica familiy (including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, etc), is used in a lot of Chinese recipes.  It's great because it's tasty, crispy, and full of nutritional value.  It's rich with antioxidants calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin A.   Tofu, or bean curd, also has Chinese origins.  It doesn't have a lot of flavor by itself, but tastes well in flavorful dishes (like stir-fry).  Tofu is also low in calories.  Additionally, tofu offers plenty of iron, protein, and calcium and is a great alternative to meat.  There are two types of tofu: silken and regular.  Both types come in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm.  Be sure to use regular in firm or extra-firm for stir-fries.


I actually ate the Crispy Tofu at Zengo  in Washington DC a few weeks ago (delicious), which inspired me to come up with a tasty Tofu Stir-fry recipe of my own.  


Ingredients:
1 lb firm or extra-firm regular Tofu

2 Tbsp. Canola Oil
1 Red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 Cloves Garlic, minced (or 
1.5 Tsp. Ginger
1 lb Baby Bok Choy, stalk/stem cut into pieces, large leaves cut in half, small leaves left as is (see photo below)
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. low-sodium Soy sauce
1/2 Tsp.  Crushed Red Pepper
1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds

1 Tbsp. Cilantro


Directions:
1. Drain the tofu and blot with paper towels to dry.  Cut the tofu into pieces, about 1/2" thick and 1" long. 
2.  Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil on medium-high heat in Wok (or large skillet).  Add the tofu and stir-fry until light gold.  Set aside on paper towels.

3.  Add remaining oil to wok.  Toss in Red pepper, stir for 4 minutes.  Add Garlic, Ginger, Baby bok choy stalk/stem pieces.  Stir-fry about 1-2 minutes.  Add the leaves.  Stir fry another 1-2 minutes.
4.  Pour the water into the wok.  Stir until the water evaporates.  Add in the golden tofu, Soy sauce, crushed red pepper and stir for 1-2 minutes.
5.  Remove from heat.  Sprinkle cilantro and sesame seeds on top of dish and serve immediately!


Optional:  Pair with 1/2 cup white sticky rice, brown rice, or Chinese noodles if you'd like more substance.  

Note:  You are correct (if you noticed).  The photos don't include my sprinkling of cilantro and sesame seeds!  Oops--I'm human.  When I make it again, I'll take new photos. 

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Mexi-Turkey Chili

I like to make chili a few times in the fall and winter, and have a few variations I like to do.  This one is one of our favorite versions--I use healthier ground turkey instead of beef and add in some Mexi-flavors with the black beans and corn.  It's filling and delicious and even better, it can be a great weekday meal.  You can brown the turkey the night before, then put everything in the crock pot/slow cooker before you leave the next AM and it'll be ready for you by evening!


Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil (or use cooking spray)
1 Pound Lean Ground Turkey





1/4 Cup minced Onion (or use regular onion)
1 (10.75 ounce) Can Low-Sodium Tomato Soup

1 (14.5 ounce) Can No-Sodium Diced Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) Can Tomato Sauce
1 (15 ounce) Can filled with water
2 (15 ounce) Cans kidney beans, drained (I used one light kidney and one dark kidney can)
1 (15 ounce) Can Black Beans, drained
12 oz Frozen Yellow Corn (I have substituted with white corn before)
2 1/2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
3 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

 

Directions:

1. Heat the oil (or cooking spray) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place turkey and minced onion in the skillet; cook until evenly brown; drain.
2. Coat the inside of a slow cooker/crock pot with cooking spray, and combine the turkey with all of the other ingredients (tomato soup, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce,  water kidney beans, black beans, and corn).  Season with chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper.  Stir well to mix.
3. Cover, and cook 8 hours on Low or 4 hours on High.
4. Serve hot with cheddar cheese or jack-cheddar and crackers or tortilla chips.

For freezing, divide soup into two large freezer bags.  Once at room temperature, cool completely in the refrigerator.  Once cold, put soup into a second freezer bag (better safe than sorry with freezer burn) and be sure to label and date the soup (I include the date I made it and the "eat by" date).  Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat, dip the bag into hot water for 5 minutes.  Then, put soup into stockpot.  Cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until hot, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Approx 8 servings; 280 calories per serving; 8.7 g of fat (1.9 g sat fat); 42 mg cholesterol; 680 mg sodium; 32.9 g total carbs; 21.1 g protein;
21% Vit A; 43% Vit C; 9% Calcium; 43% Iron; 48% Niacin; 20% Vit B6; 24% Magnesium; 54% Folate

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Turkey-Stuffed Peppers

I love this recipe for so many reasons.  Turkey-stuffed bell peppers are filled with lean protein and vitamin and nutrient-packed veggies.  They're also low in carbs, fat, and calories.  And of course, they're tasty, filling, and look gorgeous.  Be sure to look for low (or no) sodium/salt for your tomato sauce to keep this dish heart-healthy as well.  


A few words on peppers.  They're delicous raw as a snack and add a lot of flavor to prepared dishes.  Peppers are full of vitamins A, C, and K.   They're loaded with antioxidants, lycopene, and fiber.  

Ingredients (4 servings):

1 lb. Lean Ground Turkey 
3 Large Green Peppers (2 with tops, seeds, and core removed, 1 chopped)
3 Large Red Peppers (2 with tops, seeds, and core removed, 1 chopped)

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Medium Garlic Cloves, chopped (or 2 tsp. minced garlic)
1 cup fresh Mushrooms, sliced (or 1 4-oz. can sliced mushrooms)
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
2 tsp. Basil
2 tsp. Oregano  
1 Ripe Red Tomato, diced (or 1 Can Diced Tomatoes, no Salt Added) 
2 small cans (or 1 Large-14-15 oz) low (or no) sodium Tomato Sauce
1/3 cup Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese (I used some of each cheese; Also, I use Fat-Free Mozz, but 1-2% is also healthy with a little more flavor)
Extra Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese (for sprinkling on top)


Directions: 
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  In medium skillet, brown turkey.  Drain and set aside.

3.  Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high.  Add mushrooms, chopped Green and Red Peppers, and garlic.  Saut

Mango Mahi-Mahi

Ok, the weather is getting warmer and I have the perfect "summer" meal.  It involves Mahi Mahi, a fast-growing (see my Parmesan Tilapia recipe for fish info) white fish with excellent nutritional value (low in calories, high in protein, and has the antioxidant selenium, niacin, B6, and potassium), and little-to-no "fishiness" taste.  And let's face it, it's just fun to say--try it--"Mahi Mahi".  However, be aware of mercury levels in all fish (a growing concern every year).  Mahi Mahi is a "moderate" level fish (2nd level from bottom of risk ladder), so eat less than 6 servings per month.   The fish is complemented with vitamin-ladden tropical fruits, such as Mangoes and Pineapple.  So, enough babbling, here's how to make summery Mango Mahi Mahi:

Ingredients (4 Servings):
1 lb. Mahi Mahi fillets
Black Pepper
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil


Salsa:
2 Mangoes--1 diced/cubed, 1 sliced
1 Cup Pineapple, Diced
1 Lime (or 2 Tbsp Lime Juice
2 Tbsp. Chopped Fresh Cilantro (or 2 Tsp. Dried Cilantro)
1/2  tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
1/2  tsp. Black Pepper


4 Servings Brown Rice (would also be good with long-grain rice or risotto--see my Parmesan Tilapia Risotto recipe).

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Or better yet, turn your grill on.
2.  Dice/Cube 1 Mango and the Pineapple. Combine in bowl with Lime Juice, Cilantro, Red Pepper Flakes, and Pepper.  Sit to let the mixture marinate.
3. Spread Olive Oil on Mahi Mahi fillets (with silicone basting brush) and sprinkle lightly with black pepper.
4. Boil water and start making brown rice (I'll admit it; I used instant brown rice).
5. Place fish in oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.  Alternatively (if you have a grill--which I currently do not), grill for 7 minutes on one side and flip fish for another 5 minutes.
6.  Stir 1/3 of the mango salsa in with the rice.  
7.  Spoon 1/4 of the rice mixture onto a plate.  Set Mahi Mahi on the bed of rice.  Spoon some of the Mango salsa on top of the fish.  Place a few slices of mango on the plate.  Wa-La!  Start with a simple green salad to add in some veggies.


To drink, a white wine is great, but a Mango-Pineapple Daiquiri is also a nice complement!  Recipe to come on that one.  Ahh.  

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Greek Pasta Salad

I'm always looking for healthy and yummy recipes that are good for work/school week lunches.  It's an added bonus if these meals don't have to be heated, since I have limited portable glassware and heating meals in plastics is a no-no.  So, this recipe fits the bill--heart-healthy Mediterranean foods (olive oil, vinegar, feta, peppers, olives)--and it requires no re-heating.  Plus, we have a fall BBQ at a friend's house this weekend and this will make a nice side dish for the burgers.  Thus, eat this salad as a side dish or as a meal!

Ingredients:
1 Box Whole-Wheat Penne Pasta (or Fusilli, or Falafel, or whatever your heart desires)

1 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
1 Green Bell Pepper, Diced
2 Cans Sliced Olives
1 Can or Jar Artichokes
1/2 Cup Crumbled Reduced-Fat Feta Cheese
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
3-4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar)
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped (or 2 tsp. Minced Garlic)
1 tsp. Sea Salt
1 tsp. Pepper

Directions:
1.  Cook pasta according to package directions.  Rinse with water and drain.
2.  Combine the diced peppers, olives, artichokes, feta, and pasta in a bowl.
3.  Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt & pepper. Pour over pasta/veggie mixture.   Stir well or lightly toss to coat.  Serve immediately or chilled.

Enjoy!

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Chocolate Caramels

With Valentine’s Day approaching, homemade candies make a great treat and a great gift!  Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they make a thoughtful and attractive gift with some cute boxes and tissue paper.  Everyone we've given them to has loved them.  

In this recipe, I made milk chocolate caramels (although you could use dark chocolate if you prefer).

You'll need to stop by a cake/candy/baking store to pick up a caramel candy mold, chocolate pieces, and a giant hunk of caramel.  I went to Cakes Plus in Laurel, Maryland, but any cake/candy/baking store will do.

If you like this recipe and want to try making more homemade candies, you can also check out my Peanut Butter Cups and Cream-Filled Chocolate Truffles recipes.

Ingredients: 

• Milk Chocolate Pieces


• Hunk of Caramel

Directions: 

1. Fill a medium skillet 1/3 full of hot water and simmer on stove top.  Fill a coffee cup with chocolate pieces and stir occasionally until melted (in the photo, I have white, dark, and milk chocolate in cups, as I was making all three types of candy at once).
2.  While chocolate is melting, break caramel apart into small pieces (roughly roll into balls) that will fit easily inside the candy mold (they need to fit easily into the mold, because you'll also need room for the chocolate).  

3.  Spoon a small amount of chocolate into a candy mold and be sure to cover the sides, so no part of the mold is without chocolate (I just use the spoon for this and it works fine, but you can also use candy brushes if you so choose).  This may take some practice, to be sure you use as little chocolate as possible, while still covering all of the candy mold.  If you use too much chocolate, your candy will be hard to bite in to and you won't have adequate room for the caramel.
4.  Place the candy mold flat in your refrigerator for 3-5 minutes, or until chocolate is set.

5.  Take the caramel pieces and place into each individual candy mold.  Lightly press down on the caramel to fill the square space (not too hard or you'll crack the chocolate).  Top with more chocolate to completely cover and fill the mold.  Lightly tap the entire candy mold on the counter when done, to remove any air bubbles.
6.  Place the candy mold back in the refrigerator for 5-7 minutes, or until completely set.  Remove from refrigerator, flip candy mold upside down on counter top and tap out each pieces. Remove any excess chocolate from the pieces.

And now you have delicious, homemade chocolate caramels to enjoy or give as gifts!

Enjoy!

As a reminder, you can also view my Cream-Filled Chocolate Truffle recipe or Peanut Butter Cup recipe for more homemade candies to make along with the caramels!

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