Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie

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Add the freshness of real ingredients to your next smoothie. This Mint Chocolate Protein Smoothie incorporates real cacao and fresh mint for a flavor reminiscent of childhood ice cream shops. There are a few big differences between this smoothie and the ice cream it was inspired by. This recipe offers big nutrition and flavor for far less calories and fat than ice cream, not to mention there are no additives or mystery ingredients. So enjoy this cool and refreshing treat as the weather starts to heat up!

1c Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 c Water
1/2 a ripe Banana
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp Cacao Nibs
1 bunch Fresh Mint
1 scoop of your favorite Protein Powder
3-4 Ice Cubes

Blend until smooth

Crock-pot Thai Curry with Quinoa

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Thai Curry may be one of my favorite dishes of all time. It’s spicy and creamy with just the right amount of tang. This is the first recipe I’ve made that has come close to anything I’ve tasted in a restaurant.
Full of antioxidants, high in healthy fat and protein. Best of all you can put all the ingredients in the crock-pot and go about your day. Enjoy!

3 cups chicken stock
2 cans coconut milk
3 Tbsp red curry paste
2 Tbsp fish sauce
1 chicken breast
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced ginger
2 celery stalks chopped
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 diced bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup cooked Quinoa
Juice of 1 whole lime
Cilantro for garnish

Turn crock-pot on high. Add all ingredients except peas, kale, lime juice and cilantro. Cook for 2.5 hours. When chicken is cooked through, shred and return to crock-pot. Add peas and kale. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add lime juice and stir. Serve over quinoa. Garnish with cilantro.

Cauliflower “Risotto” with Chicken

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I am a big fan of turning comfort foods into healthy recipes. I am always amazed and delighted when the healthy version turns out to be just as good as the unhealthy version. This recipe for Cauliflower “Risotto” with Chicken is one of them! The cauliflower replaces the  rice that is called for in traditional risotto dishes,  making this a great low carb dish.

. 1 head of cauliflower, steamed. Mash with potato masher or run through food processor.
. 1 chicken breast boiled in chicken stock, water, and 1 Tbsp garlic.
. 1/3 Red onion diced
. 3/4 cup green beans chopped
. 2 Tbsp Kerry Gold Butter or olive oil
. 1 Tbsp minced garlic
. 1/2 cup chicken broth
. 1/2 cup heavy cream
. 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste.

Once chicken is cooked and tender, pull/shred into pieces and set aside.

. Sauté onion and green beans in butter until beans are tender and onion is soft.

. Add garlic and allow to cook a minute longer.

. Add cauliflower and chicken. Stir to incorporate.

. Stir in cream and chicken broth.

. Add cheese and stir.

salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Italian Harvest Soup

This rustic Italian Harvest Soup recipe is inspired by the Olive Garden’s “Zuppa Toscana.” I know, not exactly where you go for healthy eating.  My version of the soup adds a little zip with the addition of red wine vinegar (I always thought the olive gardens version was missing a tangy component) and a few extra ingredients. I also used grass-fed beef instead of pork sausage. It is a wonderful weekend recipe to keep you warm on the coldest day. Let me know how you like it!

ZUPPA

 

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Grass-fed Beef

1 Quart  Organic Chicken Stock

1 Cup Organic Heavy Cream

1 C Vegetable Stock

1/2 C Red Wine Vinegar

2 C Chopped Kale

1/2 a medium White Onion, diced

1/2 a Red Onion, diced

2 Celery Stalks, chopped

6-8 Golden Baby Potatoes, sliced thin

 

Herbs

2 Tbsp Dried Oregano

2 Tbsp Fennel Seed

2 Tbsp Dried Basil

1 Tbsp Black Pepper

2 Tbsp Minced Garlic

1 Tbsp Sea Salt

ING

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring vegetable broth, chicken broth and heavy cream to a boil.

Add Sliced Potatoes to broth mixture.

In a separate pan, begin to brown ground beef.  When halfway cooked, season with all herbs except sea salt and add onions and celery. (no extra oil necessary)

Once onions and celery begin to tenderize and the beef is browned, add to potato and broth mixture.

Reduce to simmer. Simmer 20 minutes.

Add kale, red wine vinegar and sea salt.

Cook 5 minutes.

Makes around 10 servings

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Enjoy!