Monday, September 5, 2022
At-Home Healthier Blended Coffee...Featuring Sugar Free Caramel Turtle Mocha Frappe #sugarfreefrappe #fewercarbs #makeitathome #healthycoffeecreations #mochafrappe
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Healthy Eating...Featuring Chopped Shrimp Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette #salads #healthy2022 #gulfshrip #healthyliving
Saturday, August 6, 2022
Healthy Snacks...Video Featuring Creamy Cinna-Maple Peanut Butter Dip #healthy2022 #lessfatandcarbs #healthysnacks #proteinpower
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Perfect for #MeatlessMonday or Brinner...Italian Baked Portobello Eggs #meatless #vegfriendly #breakfastfordinner #brunch #brinner
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Healthy Summer Eats...Featuring Fish Tostadas with Ranch-Feta Slaw #summereats #seafood #lowercarbs #healthy2022
By now, y'all know how much I love cooking with cauliflower sandwich thins and pizza crusts. I'm eating fewer carbs these days -- a key reason for my weight loss of nearly 100 pounds! I use their lower carb sandwich thins and pizza crusts to make everything from pizza...to sandwiches...and more! For example, I use Outer Aisle's lightly spicy Jalapeño sandwich thins as a sub for tortillas to make delicious Fish Tostadas with Ranch-Feta Slaw. This dish has the fish taco flavor you love...with fewer carbs and less fat! My tostadas start with a toasted Outer Aisle jalapeño cauliflower thin spread with a simple avocado mash. Next is layer of spicy pan-seared tilapia. The tostadas are then topped with a crunchy Ranch-feta slaw. Full of fun flavors and textures...without excess calories = a winning scenario!
Sunday, June 26, 2022
Summer Salads...Featuring Weekend Brunch Salad #healthy2022 #healthyanddelish #summereats #saladdays
Monday, June 20, 2022
Summer Grilling...Myron Mixon's Keto-Friendly BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts #ketobbq #chicken #bacon #protein
It's Summer...which means it's time to break out the BBQ grill and get cooking! If you're watching your carb intake, Myron Mixon's BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts -- which feature an easy homemade BBQ sauce/marinade and a simple homemade sugar-free chicken spice rub -- are a great grilling option! Marinated and spice-rubbed chicken breasts are wrapped in bacon before hitting the grill. The end result is chicken breast that's supremely juicy and flavorful...with a perfect smoky flavor. Everyone who tries this dish gives it gave an enthusiastic thumbs up!
Friday, May 27, 2022
Gearing Up for Memorial Day...Featuring Spicy Cheese-Stuffed Shrimp with Andouille Rice Pilaf #memorialdayfood #grilling #shrimp #summerfood
Sunday, May 22, 2022
ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight: Giveaway!! Alton Brown's Good Eats 4...The Final Years #GoodEatsTheFinalYears #abramsdinnerparty #giveaway #sponsored #cookbook
Saturday, May 14, 2022
ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight: Gullah Geechee Home Cooking...Featuring Shrimp Salad #GullahGeecheeHomeCooking #shrimpsalad #summerfood #noovencooking #seafood #shrimp
Saturday, May 7, 2022
ABRAMS Dinner Party...Roasted Tomatillo Salsa from Colu Cooks #homemade #freshsalsa #justaddchips #texmex #ColuCooks
The next cookbook I'm sharing as part of the ABRAMS Publishing Dinner Party blogging group is Colu Cooks -- Easy Fancy Food. Colu Henry has written for both the New York Times and Bon Appetit. From this experience, she's learned that home cooks prefer unfussy recipes that taste great and are easy/quick to make. I totally agree! Colu Cooks features 100+ recipes designed to get home cooks out of their weeknight dinner rut by trying new streamlined dishes. Henry encourages readers to step out of their comfort zone and try new-to-them ingredients and cooking techniques. She does this in a very approachable manner. Even better? Most recipes are ready to eat in about 45 minutes. I'm featuring her simple recipe for Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. I love salsa...but I've never made it from scratch. With Henry's recipe, it was incredibly easy to make fresh tomatillo salsa at home! In about 3o minutes, I had 2 cups of delicious green salsa. I've used this versatile salsa several different ways this week. If you're like me and have never made your own salsa? I promise it's super easy...and very economical. I paid about $3 for the four simple ingredients needed to make this spicy-tangy salsa.
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
It's Grilling Season...Featuring Surf and Turf Tacos #alfrescodining #grillingandchilling #proteinpower
Saturday, April 23, 2022
New Outer Aisle Broccoli SandwichThins...Featuring Spinach Ricotta-Pesto Veggie Broccoli Thin Pizzas #healthypizzea #vegfriendly #meatlessmonday #lesscarbs #healthypizza
One of my go-to ingredients since starting my healthy lifestyle journey last May is Outer Aisle's Cauliflower Sandwich Thins and Pizza Crusts. Their thins are lower in carbs...with added protein. They're also free of grains and glutens. I use versatile Outer Aisle thins to make healthier versions of favorite foods like pizzas/flatbreads, tostadas, burgers and sandwiches...and even quesadillas. I'm currently down 88 pounds (!!) without feeling a smidge of deprivation or boredom in the process. Outer Aisle recently introduced a new item to their lineup: Broccoli Sandwich Thins. They're a convenient and tasty swap for bread, tortillas, and wraps. Even better? They're made with simple ingredients like fresh broccoli, cage-free eggs, aged parmesan, and nutritional yeast. I like to toast the rounds in my air fryer or oven for the crispiest experience.
I used Outer Aisle Broccoli Thins to make delicious meatless mini pizzas. My Spinach Ricotta-Pesto Broccoli Thin Pizzas feature a creamy base, light mozzarella, and caramelized seasonal veggies. The end result is proof positive that healthy food doesn't mean deprivation OR settling. This is simply the way I eat these days...delicious, healthy food! Here's a tutorial video that shows how to create these veg-friendly pizzas:
Outer Aisle Broccoli Sandwich Thins and single serving Pizza Crusts are available at grocery stores across the U.S. To find Outer Aisle products near you, check out their convenient Find a Store feature -- which is searchable by zip code. Outer Aisle products can also be ordered direct to your front door from their Outer Aisle website.
Disclosure: Outer Aisle provided me with sample products to facilitate recipe development for this feature. As always, all opinions shared are solely my own!
Monday, April 4, 2022
Flashback Tutorial: Creating a Festive...and Tasty...Easter Basket Sweets Centerpiece #tutorial #eastercraft #easterfun #eatersweets
Step 1: Gather Your Easter Décor and Goodies. Having your supplies set up around the table before you start assembling -- same principle as mise en place when cooking -- lets you see exactly what items you have to work with. My Easter tablescape is comprised of treats that range in size from large to small...and tall to nearly flat. This variation provides a nice visual appeal to the final tablescape. You'll notice I started with a floral tablecloth on the table. Because I want everyone's eyes to focus on the festive centerpiece, I switched to a solid tablecloth. I chose pastel pink to match my Easter décor...but any pastel or light green tablecloth will also work.
Step 4: Place a Circle of Green Easter Grass Around the Bottom of the Basket. This grassy area is a perfect way to incorporate bite-sized treats into the tablescape. I added bite-size caramel and chocolate eggs, mini sandwich cookies, small, and treat size candies in Spring/Easter colors. These items looked like colorful Easter eggs hidden in the grass just waiting to be found! Mom has tons of great Easter décor, so I placed a white porcelain bunny at the edge of the grass to guard the candy from sneaky hands.
That's it...simple step-by-step instructions to create a festive and fun Easter tablescape! It provides a gorgeous focal point for your Easter table, and the treats in and around the Easter basket are perfect for family and friends to enjoy as part of dessert. Remember...the key is to have fun, and let your personal creativity shine!
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
ABRAMS Dinner Party Spotlight On Salad Freak...Featuring Shrimp Louie Salad #SaladFreakBook #healthy2022 #healthyeating #saladlover
I read Salad Freak cover to cover before selecting Damuck's Shrimp Louie Salad to share with you. It's a perfect meal for Lenten Fridays...and it's also ideal for Summer entertaining. The presentation is colorful and pretty -- and the easy homemade dressing is the perfect accompaniment. Bottom line: this is my kind of recipe!
Monday, March 21, 2022
Healthy Appetizers...Featuring Lower Fat Creamy Cajun Shrimp Dip #healthyappetizers #healthyentertaining #lowfatfood #healthy2022
Spring entertaining season is here...which means lots of fun appetizers. That can often mean excess fat and calories...but it doesn't have to! My Creamy Cajun Shrimp Dip is a perfect example of health AND tasty. This chunky dip features sweet Gulf shrimp, green onions, Cajun seasoning, garlicky hot sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. To shave fat and calories...without sacrificing creamy texture...I use fat-free Greek yogurt and reduced-fat olive oil mayo. This dip takes less than 10 minutes to prep with a food processor. That can be our little secret, though! Get ready for some serious compliments when your guests try this flavorful dip...
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Lightened Up Brunch...Featuring Classic Shirred Eggs with Gruyere and #eggs #healthy2022 #eatsmarter
Friday, March 4, 2022
How to Cook More Healthy at Home #healthy2022 #healthycooking #healthylifestyle #nutrition
Eating healthy is typically much easier to achieve when cooking at home! That's because you control the ingredients and the cooking methods you use to prepare meals. Today, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing some tips to help you eat...and cook...healthier in your home kitchen. This article may contain affiliate links.
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods! Your favorite recipes can easily be tweaked to be healthier. For example, non-stick cookware can be used to reduce the need for cooking oil. Vegetables can be microwaved or steamed to retain their nutrients.
Image - free for commercial use
There are many ways to make your meals healthier, whether you’re on a specific diet to lose weight...or if you simply want to feel better and have more energy. You can also pair a weight loss diet plan with a wegovy injection for effective weight loss. Be sure to limit fats, sugars, and salt. But? Include lots of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy.
(1) Keep Fats to a Minimum
Choose lean meats and reduced-fat dairy products...and limit processed foods. Nuts, seeds, fish, soy, olives, and avocado are all healthier sources of fat -- because they have essential long-chain fatty acids. These fats are accompanied by other good nutrients. If you add fats when you’re cooking, be sure to keep them to a minimum...and stick with monounsaturated oils like olive or canola oil.
(2) Shop for Healthy Food
Choose reduced or low-fat versions of food where you can, including milk, cheese, and salad dressings. Pick leaner cuts of meat and skinless chicken breasts. Further, limit the amount of fast foods you eat...as well as chips, processed meats, pastries, and pies.
(3) Use Low Fat Cooking Methods
Reduce the fat in your cooking with these tips:
Use cooking sprays, or apply a small amount of oil with a pastry brush.
Cook with liquids instead of oil/fats.
Use low-fat yogurt or milk -- instead of cream -- in sauces and soups.
When you brown vegetables, place them in a hot pan and spray with oil, rather than oiling the pain first.
Instead of browning vegetables via pan frying, cook them first in the microwave. Then, crisp them under the grill.
Use pesto, salsa, chutneys, and vinegar instead of sour cream, butter, and creamy sauces.
(4) Retain Nutrients in Foods
Water-soluble vitamins are delicate and can easily be lost during the preparation and cooking of food. To minimize nutrient loss:
Scrub vegetables rather than peeling them...much of the nutrients are found close to the skin.
Microwave or steam vegetables rather than boiling them.
If you do boil your vegetables, use a small amount of water...and don’t overboil them
Include more stir-fry recipes. Stir-fried vegetables are cooked quickly, which retains their crunch and nutrients.
(5) Reduce Your Use of Salt
Salt is a flavor enhancer, but a diet high in salt may contribute to multiple health problems, including high blood pressure. You can reduce dietary salt in a few ways:
Don’t automatically add salt to your food...taste it first.
Add a little olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice close to the end of cooking time or to vegetables. This will enhance flavors in the same way as salt.
Cook with fresh or frozen vegetables, because canned and pickled options are often packed with salt.
Avoid salty processed meats like ham, bacon, and salami.
Choose reduced-salt bread and breakfast cereals. Bread and cereals are actually a key source of salt in the average diet.
Avoid processed foods, which are laden with salts -- flavored instant pasta or noodles, canned or dehydrated soup mixes, chips, and salted nuts.
Margarine and butter also contain a lot of salt, so choose varieties that have no added salt.
Many cheeses are very high in salt. Either limit how much cheese you eat, or choose cheeses that are lower in salt.
Reduce your use of soy sauce, tomato sauce, and other processed sauces, salad dressings, and mayonnaise. These condiments all contain a lot of salt.
(6) Cook with Herbs
Herbs are a great way to add color and flavor to all kinds of meals. This allows you to use fewer ingredients like fat and salt to add taste. Herbs are also rich in phyto-estrogens, which are very good for your health. Herbs can be used in place of salt and oil too. When you use herbs, keep in mind:
Herbs have a delicate flavor, so add them to your dish in the last few minutes to retain their flavor.
Dried herbs have a stronger flavor than fresh. One teaspoon of dried herbs is equivalent to approximately four teaspoons of fresh.
As well the obvious use in meat dishes, you can add herbs to: soups, bread, mustards, salad dressing, vinegar, desserts, and drinks.
Herbs like coriander, ginger, garlic, chili, and lemongrass work brilliantly in stir-fry recipes with a lot of vegetables.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Outer Aisle Cauliflower Thins...Featuring Big Mac Salad Mini Pizzas! #pizzanight #cauliflowerthins #fewercarbs #healthypizza
I made some major dietary and lifestyle changes last May...and I'm currently down 78.6 pounds! These days, I eat fewer/smarter carbs, very little sugar...and I eat only lean proteins. The results have been transformative to my health and weight! However, I refuse to eat tasteless or boring food. I've discovered that healthy food can...and DOES...taste great! Thanks to Outer Aisle cauliflower thins and pizza crusts, I'm able to enjoy my favorite foods like pizza, sandwiches, tostadas...and more...while staying committed to my health goals. Outer Aisle's versatile cauliflower sandwich thins and pizza crusts toast up nicely, and they taste amazing. Today, I'm sharing a video for my latest creation: Big Mac Salad Mini Pizzas! It has all the flavors of the iconic fast food burger...in a healthier way. With food like this pizza? I can enjoy my favorite flavors in a way that fuels my body...and satisfies my taste buds!
Friday, February 11, 2022
Healthy Family Pizza Night...Featuring Outer Aisle Chicken-Turkey Bacon-Ranch Cauliflower Crust Flatbread #lesscarbs #healthypizza #outeraislegourmet #healthyanddelicious
One of the key changes that's contributed to my 80-pound weight loss...and counting (!!)...has been finding healthier ways to enjoy my favorite foods. For me? That means eating fewer carbs and less fat...and including plenty of protein. One of my favorite ingredients in my new healthy lifestyle is Outer Aisle Gourmet's versatile cauliflower sandwich thins and pizza crusts. I use their products to enjoy everything from sandwiches...to tostadas...to quesadillas...and definitely pizza...while supporting my healthy eating goals! Today's focus is on healthy pizza. I used Outer Aisle's single-serve pizza crusts to create my Chicken-Turkey Bacon-Ranch Cauliflower Crust Flatbread. It's creamy, savory...and so satisfying. As this video shows? This flatbread is proof that eating healthy is definitely a delicious proposition!