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!

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

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!

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!