Food & Recipes Archives - Page 11 of 18

FALL in Love: Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Muffins with Pete’s Coffee

3 Comments / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

Whoever said summer is the season of love has got it all wrong. Clearly, fall is where it’s at…especially when it comes to tasty fall food pairings. As you know, I’m a coffee girl. I need my morning cup o’ java to get me through the morning, and I’m totally OK with that.

That’s why when, as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program I’m a part of, Peet’s Coffee send me two bags of their new medium roast coffee blends, my heart melted.

Their two new flavors are Cafe Domingo and Cafe Solano, both medium-roast blends now available in your local grocery store! I decided to experiment with the Cafe Domingo blend, as I couldn’t help but fall in love with the sweet hint of toffee, and incredible crisp finish.

It took just a few sips for a lightbulb to go off in my brain. “Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins would be the perfect pairing,” I thought to myself. And so I whipped out some ingredients and put my thinking cap on.

Alas, these Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Muffins were born.

[makes 15 to 20 muffins]

What Ya Need:

1 can of pumpkin
1/2 c. Almond milk
2 eggs

A Little Fall Love: The Perfect (Homemade) Chai Tea Latte

Leave a Comment / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

[source]

This is a post from the past, but it’s been burried for far too long and I felt today was the perfect crisp day to bring it back. You see it advertised all the time at Starbucks and other snazzy cafes: the infamous Chai Tea Latte. But there’s no need to travel to a cafe and spend money, time and fuss to enjoy the same flavor you can at home!

Drink this alternative, yet just as delicious, beverage after dinner to end your meal with something sweet ‘n’ tasty, or cozy up with this delicious cup o’ tea any time you need to warm up. Alas, the simple recipe for a perfect fall drink…enjoy!

1 c. organic vanilla soy milk or almond milk
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 black tea bag (green tea works too!)

1. Microwave the milk in a microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 minutes.

2. Seep the tea bag in the milk for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

3. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. . . enjoy! (Really it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!)

XoXo,

A Gluten Free Pizza Extravaganza

6 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

To me, there’s nothing so relaxing (and yet oh so gratifying ) as taking the time to create a delicious dinner for yourself. Add a bottle of red wine and some soothing music in the background and call it a party. Last night I had my very own gluten free pizza extravaganza with me, myself and I, and let’s just say it was quite the experience.

I started off my evening with some Ingrid Michaelson on Jango, playing various artists like Snow Patrol, Cold Play, The Beatles and Cat Stevens as well.

[source]

As I prepped the ingredients to make the pizza dough using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix, I opened up a bottle of a California Menage a Trois Red Wine. Although I am embarrassed to admit, this was the very first bottle of wine I ever opened. Let’s just say, I completely attacked the cork. However, I managed to pull through and the wine tasted absolutely fabulous nonetheless.

[next time I’ll leave the corking to my sister or The Boy]

Once the wine started kicking in, I began to prep the ingredients for the pizza pie! I chose to split the dough … Read More!

A Gluten Free Pizza Extravaganza Read More »

Super Clean Chickpea Salad with Tuna

3 Comments / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

So remember how yesterday I was talking about my “clean eating” plan? Well, I’m happy to say that after a day of eating just so, I feel good as new. Thanks to this recipe I created, I was able to have a clean, yet fulfilling lunch yesterday afternoon. It not only satisfied my taste buds, but also left me feeling energized, refreshed and fulfilled.

Alas, the Super Clean Chickpea Salad was born. Hope you enjoy!

[who said clean eating had to be boring?]

What Ya Need

1/2 c. chickpeas, drained
1 c. baby spinach or mixed greens
1/2 medium tomato, diced
1 small can tuna in water, drained & mixed with 1 TB dijon mustard (optional)
1 TB olive oil
pinch of shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
lemon juice to taste
salt & pepper

1. Top salad plate with baby spinach or mixed greens. Add in chickpeas and diced tomatoes.

2. Mix tuna with a fork, and optional dijon mustard and add onto plate.

3. Top with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper. Shake on optional parmesan cheese.

~Serve with a nice big glass of lemon water… Read More!

Super Clean Chickpea Salad with Tuna Read More »

Open Faced Tuna Melt with Dill Havarti & Apple

2 Comments / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

There is nothing like a tuna melt that brings that warm, fuzzy feeling to my soul (and my taste buds). The best part about tuna melts is you really can do so much with them. Gone are the days of bland tuna, mayo & American cheese, as there are now so many endless combos. Tonight I put together what I had left in the fridge to create this killer tuna melt combination. The best part? It contains absolutely NO mayo, yet still tastes just as decadent. Enjoy!

Open Faced Tuna Melt with Dill Havarti & Apple

What Ya Need:

1 can low sodium solid tuna in water, drained
1 slice plain Ezekiel bread
1/2 TB garlic Dijon mustard, or flavored mustard of choice
about 1 oz. dill havarti cheese, sliced
1/2 granny smith apple, sliced thin
1/4 c. cucumber, sliced thin
few shakes of dill, dried

1. Combine tuna with mustard and mix well. Spread onto bread, and top with sliced dill havarti cheese. Toast until cheese is melted, and bread is crispy.

2. Top with apple and cucumber slices, and season with dill to taste.

~Serve with low-sodium tortilla chips and leftover apple slices.

What’s your favorite tuna melt … Read More!

Open Faced Tuna Melt with Dill Havarti & Apple Read More »

Homemade Dinners Taste Better: A Healthy Chicken, Broccoli & Spinach Alfredo for You

11 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

Picture this scenario: You go to a restaurant with high expectations, and immediately order your favorite thing on the menu be it a large spinach salad with feta and chicken or your go-to Chicken Parmesan. Hunger fills your mind, as you fiddle your fork and sip on your water in anticipation for your meal to arrive. Then it comes and, well, it’s just not that good. It’s mediocre at best. There’s either too much sauce, or not enough sauce, or lacking any “zest.” You immediately think to yourself, “I could have made this dish a heck of a lot better myself, and saved a couple bucks too.”

Sound familiar?

I’m sure it does.

Don’t get me wrong. I adore wining and dining, when it’s done right. I’ll never attempt to make my own sushi, because I could never compete with the hole-in-the-wall place down the street from me that makes it perfectly every single time. And there’s nothing like a superb Italian restaurant, or eating at a 5-star seafood joint. There’s a time and a place for everything.

However, sometimes it’s nice – and much more practical – to just do it yourself, the way you want it.

In fact, … Read More!

Homemade Dinners Taste Better: A Healthy Chicken, Broccoli & Spinach Alfredo for You Read More »

Tuesday Talk: It’s All About the Condiments & Accessorizing Your Food the Healthy Way

4 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

They say it’s all about the accessories when it comes to making (or breaking) an outfit. The perfect pair of heels can instantly dress up the jeans & a tee look, and the right necklace can can make a plain old outfit go from “blah” to bangin’ in seconds.

Well ladies, the power of accessorizing goes much farther than your closet. In fact, the same rules apply to our everyday meals and that my friends is taking advantage of CONDIMENTS. I 100% believe that condiments can make a bland meal go from zero to five stars in a second, that is if you pick the right ones. The best part? The opportunities and combinations are endless!

Today I played around with this Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce I picked up from Trader Joe’s. I thought, “Ah-hah, the perfect way to dress up a plain old turkey sandwich.” And that it did. The mustard was delectable, at only 10 calories per teaspoon. With no sugar, fatty mayo or other added crap, this light ‘n’ zesty sauce makes for the perfect sandwich accessory.

Since I have been going carb-crazy lately, I decided to make Turkey Lettuce Wraps instead with:

2 large Romaine

Hump Day Lesson of the Day: Spruce Up Your Water for Summer!

5 Comments / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

Good afternoon ladies ‘n’ gents, and Happy Hump Day. I’m having one of those “happy days,” where I just simply can’t stop smiling. Most of that has to do with the fact that I’m going to the Red Sox game this evening with The Boy and his fam. Can you believe this will only be my second Sox game? And to think, I’ve lived in Boston for two years. I should be ashamed of myself.

Anyway, time for my weekly Hump Day Lesson. This week’s topic? The perfect, refreshing summery drink.

Stuck with leftover grapefruit from breakfast, and a lemon wedge sitting in your fridge untouched? Make the most of your leftover citrus fruits and make fruit-infused water. It’s pure. It’s natural. It’s calorie free. And it’s the perfect refresher on a 90-degree day. Enjoy!

What Ya Need:

-Pitcher filled with cold water

-1/2 large lemon, juiced

-1/2 large grapefruit, juiced

-5 mint leaves

~Simply squeeze the lemon & grapefruit juice into the pitcher with the water. Add fresh mint leaves for extra flavor & decoration. Chill & serve in pretty cups with umbrella straws!

Feel free to have fun with this recipe & make up your own combos. It’s … Read More!

Hump Day Lesson of the Day: Spruce Up Your Water for Summer! Read More »

Wholesome Vegetable Risotto with Sage & Parmesan

9 Comments / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

Yesterday, while perusing the aisles of my favorite place on Earth (Trader Joe’s), I was this close to purchasing yet another bag of their Asparagus Risotto that I love so much. Then I thought, why not attempt to make my own risotto? It’s something I’ve never done before, and I was definitely up for a cooking challenge. So I did what any girl standing in the middle of a grocery aisle would do: I Googled “homemade risotto recipes.” It took only a few minutes to find this recipe for “Sage Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella & Prosciutto” from Cooking Light.

With a little brainstorming and tweaking, I came up with my own risotto recipe that incorporates more veggies & ingredients that I love to cook with. I must say: my first risotto challenge was a success. I think I just may have created heaven. Hope you enjoy!

Vegetable Risotto with Sage & Parmesan*

*modified from this recipe in Cooking Light, makes about 4 servings

-about 1 container low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

-1 TB Smart Balance butter

-handful scallions, chopped

-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

-1 1/4 c. Arborio rice

-½ c. dry white wine for cooking (I … Read More!

Wholesome Vegetable Risotto with Sage & Parmesan Read More »

The Perfect Healthy Summer Meal: Baked Chicken Strips with Smashed Potatoes

Leave a Comment / Food & Recipes / Rachel @Healthy Chicks

Could that coconut chicken get any crispier? And to think – it’s BAKED!

Remember how I mentioned my new recipe book Gourmet Nutrition: The Cookbook for the Fit Food Lover the other day on my blog? Well, I’m happy to say I successfully prepared one of the recipes for dinner the other night. I chose to make the Baked Chicken Strips prepared with my own simple Smashed Red Bliss & Sweet Potatoes. The chicken strips were absolutely delicious, and the coconut added a joyous crispy, sweet treat to the end. I topped off the dinner with a mixed green Italian salad and a bottle of wine, of course!

Want to re-create this here summer meal for your family? See how I did it below:

Baked Chicken Strips*

*modified & quadrupled the recipe (p.114) from Gourmet Nutrition as I was serving 4 to 6 people

-2 packages boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins (the recipe called for whole chicken breasts cut into strips but this was easier)

-few pinches salt & pepper

-few pinches Paprika

-2 large eggs mixed with 4 TB water

-1 c. cornflake crumbs (The recipe called for whole wheat breadcrumbs, but I used corn due to my … Read More!

The Perfect Healthy Summer Meal: Baked Chicken Strips with Smashed Potatoes Read More »