Cheesy Pizza Crust

Ingredients

1 cup fresh shredded parmigiano cheese
3 slices provolone cheese
½ cup peperoni, diced
3-4 tablespoons pizza sauce
– optional –
your favorite pizza toppings, diced

Directions

Warm up a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat. Dump in the parmigiano and make sure it covers the bottom of the pan evenly. Add the provolone on top.

 

Spread out the pepperoni or other toppings.

Don’t use big slices, dice everything nice and small. The pieces you cut this into will be much smaller than regular pizza, and you’ll want to have a good distribution of toppings.

When the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn brown on the edges, slip a spatula under and make sure it isn’t sticking. 

Once you’re sure it’s not sticking — you should be able to shake the pan and the cheese will slide around — add just enough sauce to cover almost up to the edge.

Slide the pizza out onto a cutting board and let it rest for a minute or two.

This gives the cheese time to set up a little bit, and the sauce time to warm up. (Starting with room-temperature sauce instead of refrigerated is a good idea.)

Slice the pizza before transferring to a plate to serve.

http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com/2011/07/how-to-make-crustless-pizza/

Fauxtato Skin

Fauxtato Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium Sized Eggplant
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• Grassfed Cheese
• 4 Green Onions
• Bacon 
• 2-3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil, or non-corn /soy based oil of your choice)

Directions:

• Preheat your oven at 350°C
• Slice eggplant into rounds (the thinner the slice the more crispy and the shorter cooking time)
• Rub both sides of the eggplant with oil, and place on to baking sheet
• Sprinkle a small amount of Garlic powder onto top of each eggplant round
• Bake for 15 minutes (may do more or less depending on how thin your rounds are)
• While eggplant is baking, cook bacon until almost crispy and crumble
• Remove eggplant from oven and grate cheese on top of each round
• Sprinkle top of each eggplant with crumbled bacon
• Bake for another 5 minutes, then ENJOY! 

http://bayareastylefile.blogspot.com/2013/09/fauxtato-skin-recipe.html

Brown Sugar Spiced Baked Chicken

Brown Sugar Spiced Baked Chicken

Serves 3-4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper

Pour brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and salt & pepper into a plastic bag. Add chicken breasts and seal. Shake to coat chicken.

Leave chicken in fridge for 1-3 hours (or even overnight) to absorb flavors. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-23 minutes.

http://rachelschultz.com/2013/09/30/brown-sugar-spiced-baked-chicken/

Fried Honey Bananas

Fried Honey Bananas

Serves 1

1 slightly under-ripened banana, sliced
1 tablespoon honey
Cinnamon
Olive oil

Lightly drizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange banana slices in pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, whisk together honey and 1 tablespoon of water. Remove pan from heat and pour honey mixture over banana.

Allow to cool and sprinkle with cinnamon.

http://rachelschultz.com/2013/05/15/fried-honey-bananas/

Baked Cauliflower Poppers

Baked Cauliflower Poppers

What you will need:

• 2 heads of cauliflower
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Wash and clean the cauliflower. Cut off and discard the stem. Cut the cauliflower up into small pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt and pepper. Add the cauliflower pieces and thoroughly coat each piece.
4. Place cauliflower pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for one hour and turn 3 times during cooking until each piece has a nice brown coloring. The browner they are the better.
5. Remove from oven and enjoy!

http://www.delightedmomma.com/2012/01/baked-cauliflower-poppers.html

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken

4 chicken breasts cut in thirds (12 pieces)

Bacon slices

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder

chili powder

brown sugar

Cut each breast into 3 pieces, season all the chicken with the spices, then wrap a bacon slice around each piece, roll in brown sugar and place into an oven proof dish....make sure you have some olive oil in the dish too, like 2 or 3 tablespoons is fine {I skipped this since I grilled them.  I honestly think you could coat your dish with nonstick cooking spray instead to save a few calories}.  

Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is nice and brown and crispy.  Delicious served with mashed potatoes with some of the gravy from the chicken drizzled on top.

http://diaryofarecipeaddict.blogspot.com/2011/07/sweet-spicy-bacon-chicken.html

Asian Ginger Carrot Dressing

I don't know about you guys but I am so excited because this my absolute favorite part of getting a salad at an Asian restaurant!

Asian Ginger Carrot Dressing

Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1 tbsp minced celery
• 3 tbsp peanut oil (or sesame oil)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 1/2 tsp raw sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

Place all the ingredient in the blender and process until smooth. Refrigerate a few hours before using to let the flavors deepen. This gets better the longer it sits.

Serve on your favorite salad greens and enjoy!
Makes 3/4 cup.

Zucchini Tots

Zucchini Tots 

Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:
1 cup zucchini, grated
1 large egg
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°.  Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel.  Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fill each muffin section to the top, pushing down on the filling with your spoon so it's nice and compacted so they don't fall apart when you take them out of the tin.

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden.

Use a plastic knife or rubber spatula around the edges of each tot to remove them from the muffin tin. Enjoy!!

Easy Crust-less Spinach and Feta Pie

Easy Crust-less Spinach and Feta Pie

Skinnytaste.com 

Ingredients:

• 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup (2.5 oz) reduced fat crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp grated Asiago cheese (or Parmesan, Romano)
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour (Bob's Red Mill)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cup fat free milk
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper to taste
• cooking spray (I used my misto)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly spray a pie dish with cooking spray or your misto.
Mix spinach, scallions, dill, parsley, feta cheese, and in the pie dish.

Sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and blend well. Pour into pie dish.

Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until knife comes out clean from the center. Let it stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1-1/4 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 16 wooden skewers

Directions:

In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.

Combine the raw chicken with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 30 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Beginning and ending with chicken, thread chicken and tomatoes onto 8 pairs of parallel skewers to make 8 kebabs total.

Heat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Turkey Pastelón (Sweet Plantain Lasagna)

Turkey Pastelón (Sweet Plantain Lasagna)

Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:
For the Turkey Picadillo:

• 1.25 lb 93% lean ground turkey
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• 4 oz (1/2 can) tomato sauce
•  kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp alcaparrado (capers or green olives would work too)

For the Pastelon:

• cooking spray (I used my mister)
• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 large egg whites, beaten
• 2 tbsp fat free milk
• 1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 
  

Directions:

Brown the ground turkey on medium heat in large sauté pan and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces.

Add the chopped onions, garlic, pepper, tomato and cilantro and continue cooking on a low heat. Add alcaparrado (or olives and capers) and about 2 tbsp of the brine (this adds great flavor) cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and more salt if needed. Add tomato sauce and 1/4 cup of water and mix well. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered about 15 minutes.

Preheat to oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 9 baking dish with oil.

Heat a large non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. When hot spray with oil to lightly coat the bottom. Cook plantains for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden; set aside.

Assemble by layering the plantains, then the cooked turkey picadillo, then about 1/4 cup of cheese and repeat. You want to finish with a layer of plantains. Beat the egg and egg whites with 2 tbsp of milk and pour over the pastelón to help bind everything, letting it sit for a minute or two to soak in.

Top off with the remaining cheese. Cover tight with foil and bake in the oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until completely heated through. Cut into 9 equal pieces and serve.

Heirloom Tomato Salsa

 

Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salsa
Makes 2 cup

Ingredients
3 ripe heirloom tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
1/4 red onion, minced small
2 cloves garlic, minced small
a pinch of salt, or more to taste
juice from 1 lime

Method
Prepare all the ingredients and combine in a bowl. Let sit for 1/2 hour or so for all the flavors to meld together.

Notes 
Use caution when handling fresh peppers. Jalapenos are pretty mild so I usually handle it with bare hands with no issue - at least that has been my experience. I am careful not to touch my nose or eyes for a few hours. If you use more than 1 jalapeno or a spicier pepper like Serrano or Fresno, use caution. Avoid touching them directly or use some non latex gloves.

http://knittybaker.blogspot.com/2013/09/heirloom-tomatoes-and-fresh-salsa.html

Carrot Ribbon Fettucine

 

Love taking veggies and making them into something that is familiar and characteristically unhealthy!

http://frozenfreshjuice.tumblr.com/post/53527916478/carrot-ribbon-fettuccine-recipe-photo-recipe

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

 

What a cute treat!

Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt 

Add 1 tbsp nut butter, 1 tbsp sweetener, 1 tbsp mini chips, and 1/4 tsp vanilla to Greek yogurt.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Skinnytaste.com 

Ingredients: 

• 4 slices large zucchini 1/4" thick (or 1 medium zucchini cut on diagnal)
• olive oil spray
• salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp quick marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded part skim mozzarella

Directions: 

Cut zucchini about 1/4 inch thick. Spray both side lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil or grill the zucchini for about 2 minute on each side. Top with sauce and cheese and broil for an additional minute or two. (Careful not to burn cheese)

Modified slightly from Green Light Bites.

Cauliflower Crust

This looks amazing! I cannot wait to make it. 

Cauliflower crust

As some of you have been asking for the cauliflower crust recipe, I decided to write it down; I hope this helps.

1) These are the ingredients I used: cauliflower, eggs, carrots and parsley. Of course you can skip the carrots or the parsley or even add other things.
2) Shred the cauliflower, watch out for your fingers, it might hurt a little.
3) Shred your carrots and add them.
4) Cut the parsley to tiny pieces, add eggs, salt and pepper.
5) Mix everything well!
6) Get your pan and heat up some oil – I used olive oil.
7) Fill the mixture inside of the pan, disperse it a little and put the top back on the pan.
8) Wait about 8 minutes. As long as your cauliflower crust roasts, you can make a nice cup of tea and cut all other ingredients that you want to put on top of your crust, be creative, everything is possible and absolutely delicious!

9) Flip your crust -  It might be difficult and about to break – try to use a plate to flip it. Once you’ve managed this, let it roast on the other side for some more minutes.

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Gingered Soba Noodles with Watermelon Radish, Broccoli & Cabbage

Gingered Soba Noodles with Watermelon Radish, Broccoli & CabbageIngredients:

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil

• 3 Tbsp. sesame oil

• 3 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

• 3 Tbsp. agave nectar

• 2 Tbsp. Sriracha

• 1/3 cup tamari

• 2 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 2 watermelon radishes, halved & thinly sliced

• 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets & steamed

• 1 small purple cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch scallions, sliced

• 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup mint, roughly chopped

• 12 oz. soba noodles

• Gomashio for garnish

Preparation:

1. Cook soba noodles according to manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes, shock in ice water & set aside. Shred cabbage, slice radishes, chop scallions & herbs.

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, agave, sriracha, tamari, garlic & ginger in a large bowl. Mix well. Add cooled noodles, vegetables, & herbs & toss until well coated. Garnish with more herbs & gomashio.

http://vegenista.com/post/51561431980/gingered-soba-noodles-with-watermelon-radish

Protein Mocha “Frappuccino”

Protein Mocha “Frappuccino”

• 1 Scoop coffee or chocolate flavored protein powder
• 1 packet instant coffee grounds
• 1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk (you could also use coffee) 
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened baking cocoa (optional)
• 1 cup ice 

Blend and enjoy! =)

http://muffintop-less.tumblr.com/post/20006016176/protein-mocha-frappuccino-1-scoop-coffee-or

Beating Belly Bloat

Treadmill Tips

Love this! I heard about this years ago on a talk show so I am so excited to have seen this!

• Holding onto the treadmill creates a “fake walk” or “fake run” situation. Depending on how you’re distributing your weight onto your hands, you may actually be creating a lighter body load onto your legs. Since your legs hold some of the largest muscles in your body (and, you know, help you walk) cheating them from a good workout is only cheating yourself. 
• Your arms and shoulders sway in an unnatural fashion to accommodate the new movement, causing unwanted strain. Many chronic treadmill-holder-oners complain of shoulder pain. 
• You’re cheating your lower back muscles, which typically engage to stabilize your core and keep you upright. 
• You ruin posture. This is especially true of tall people, or people with short arms. Your body isn’t angled the way it is in the real world, and often you must hunch, lean, or otherwise screw up your posture to compensate.
• Holding on reinforces improper spinal alignment. Your foot cannot extend fully so you take smaller step lengths. This can cause repetitive stress injuries in your hips.
• You burn fewer calories (about 20% fewer) by essentially under exerting yourself. We already know the machines suck at counting your calories for you, now you’re making it think you’re engaging multiple muscle groups when really you’re cheating.
• If working at an incline you’re creating an even more unnatural posture. imagine you’re hiking, or running up a hill…do you unnaturally lean back and hold your arms out in front of you? No. If the incline is at 10% and you’re holding on while leaning back, your body is now at a 10% incline. 
• You’re cheating your body of balance. The world has many uneven surfaces we often walk on without handlebars in front of you to hold onto.
• Holding on at fast speeds can raise blood pressure due to the grip plus the speed.

http://www.barbellsandbeakers.com/