Zesty Poblano Chicken Patties

Zesty Poblano Chicken Patties Recipe

Although wintertime is still in full swing, I often crave a delicious burger. Many people assume you can only cook burgers outside on a grill in the summertime, but I love the flavor a burger gets when cooked on a searing hot flattop. I came up with this Zesty Poblano Chicken Patties recipe when trying to think of an alternative to the standard beef burger. I wanted a hint of smokiness with a nice tang as well. Charring up a poblano pepper gives a nice smokey flavor to these burgers along with a little ground cumin. Next, we add lime zest and juice for a hint of tanginess. These patties almost reming me of a taco burger and would be great served on a bun or wrapped in a tortilla with a little sour cream or avocado. I hope this recipe will show you that grilling flavor can be achieved year-round!

 

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Zesty Poblano Chicken Patties

Zesty Poblano Chicken Patties

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, very finely chopped or ground chicken breast
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 c Panko breadcrumbs (or traditional breadcrumbs if preferred)
  • 1/4 c red onion, minced
  • 1 poblano pepper, minced
  • 1 tbsp jalapeño, minced
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 handful cilantro,chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Turn oven to broil at 550 degrees. Place poblano pepper in oven on baking sheet. Broil until skin bubbles and is charred, about 15 minutes.
  2. Place poblano pepper in ziplock bag for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove poblano and peel off skin. Finely chop poblano.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chicken and egg with all ingredients except bread crumbs.
  5. Stir in bread crumbs.
  6. Begin heating oil on flat top to medium heat. Form mixture into patties.
  7. Place patties on flat top, gently press down. Cook 5-7 minutes, flip and cook another 5-7 until fully cooked through.
http://freshandfit.org/zesty-poblano-chicken-patties/

 

Zesty Poblano Patties

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

 

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Main

The new year is in full swing; and for most people, so are their new years resolutions. If you are like most people this time of year (and probably last year too), high on your list of priorities is to get into shape. You may also be looking for new healthier recipes to add to your diet. During the work week it can be hard to find a healthy and satisfying lunch. This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is the perfect high protein lunch to keep you from reaching for unhealthy office treats during your work day. The recipe is full of fresh herbs like basil and dill, with heart healthy fats from olive oil and chopped olives. No need for mayo, this recipe has enough flavorful ingredients to satisfy your lunch hour cravings without the added calories. Serve it over bread or mixed greens and you are set for a healthy lunch break!

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Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Yield: 5 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Ingredients

  • 16 oz white albacore tuna packed in water, drained
  • 1/2 c sun dried tomato, julienned
  • 1/3 c green or black olives, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1/4 c green onion, finely chopped
  • 4 large basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 handful dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Stir in olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep refrigerated until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/mediterranean-tuna-salad/

Thai Crunch Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Thai Crunch Bulgar Salad

I always enjoy grains added to my salads, this is especially true in the colder months. Adding exotic and chewy grains create a heartier salad with a more satisfying texture. Today’s recipe is inspired by the fresh flavors of Thai cooking. Raw veggies like cucumber and purple cabbage meld deliciously with the nutty aroma of sesame oil and spicy tang of ginger.
Topped with peanuts and fresh cilantro, this Thai crunch salad is perfect for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. I enjoy this salad cold, but you could eat it hot and have it as a sort of Thai take on fried rice. You can even add a little grilled chicken, beef or salmon to make it a complete entree. Keep this dish in your recipes to start the new year, which is fast approaching, on a super healthy note.

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Thai Crunch Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Thai Crunch Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • 2 c bulgar, uncooked
  • 1 c purple cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1/2 c green onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 c shredded carrots
  • 2/3 c bean sprouts
  • 1 c cucumber, sliced and quartered
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • 1/3 c chopped peanuts, divided
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • FOR DRESSING
  • 1/3 c sesame oil
  • 1/3 c rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Cook bulgar according to package. Refrigerate 2 hours. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Stir in chopped vegetables, half of peanuts and chili flakes.
  3. Mix together dressing ingredients. Pour over bulgar and stir well. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Top with cilantro and remaining chopped peanuts. Refrigerate until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/thai-crunch-salad-with-sesame-ginger-vinaigrette/

Maple Nut Cheesecake

Maple Nut Cheesecake FF

Today’s recipe is the reason we eat healthy all year long and take great care of our bodies – so that we can eat lots and lots of pie during our holiday celebrations. We want to eat healthy and still fit into our jeans come the new year. I can promise you that as long as you are mindful of your eating in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you won’t have to feel guilty indulging when the holidays come around. Like I say again and again, it is balance that is key. You shouldn’t think twice about indulging at holiday parties and get togethers. This is a time for celebration and joy. Like I said, be mindful in the days between and stay on your workout schedule, so that you already have a plan in place by the time January 1st rolls around. Part of a fresh and fit lifestyle is indulging!
Now, back to the pie. Who doesn’t love cheesecake piled with sweet, buttery, maple syrup coated hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans?! This maple nut cheesecake recipe is super easy to whip up and cooks all at once. Chill it for a few hours and it is ready to go. You can even freeze it if you are making it ahead of time. Best of all, this recipe is for 2 pies; so you can save one for holiday parties and one for you!

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Maple Nut Cheesecake

Maple Nut Cheesecake

Ingredients

  • For Cheesecake Layer
  • 2 9 inch Graham cracker crusts
  • 2 packages cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • For Maple Nut Layer
  • 1/2 c maple syrup, at room temperature
  • 1/3 c brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cups unsalted nuts (I used pecans, hazelnuts and almonds)
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. For Cheesecake Layer: Using a hand mixer on low-medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Beat again until well combined and smooth.
  4. Evenly distribute amongst two pie crusts.
  5. For Pecan Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, melted butter, maple syrup.
  6. Add nuts and stir well.
  7. Gently spoon mixture evenly over cheesecake layer.
  8. Fold foil around edges. This helps prevent burning.
  9. Bake in oven for 50 minutes. Allow to completely cool at room temperature for 2 hours. Chill until serving, at least 2 hours.
http://freshandfit.org/maple-nut-cheesecake/

Maple Nut Cheesecake Pin