Honey Glazed Carrots

Last week Aldi had a mega-sale on baby carrots (a pound for $.49) and I may have bought 6 pounds. Carrots are my go-to for when I want something crunchy but after the first 3 pounds I was looking for new ways to consume them. I made a small ham for Easter and thought a side of glazed carrots would be great so I scoured the interwebs and I found this amazing little recipe on Cooks.com - not only is it easy but by far the best cooked carrot dish I've eaten!

Calories: 139  |  Protein: 2  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 6

  Serves 4

 

 

You'll need:

 

Salt

1 pound baby carrots

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons honey (I used SF imitation honey)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

 

Then you'll:

 

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and then carrots and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the carrots and add back to pan with butter, honey and lemon juice. Cook until a glaze coats the carrots, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Cake Batter Protein Shake

I found this recipe on Pinterest (original recipe here) and wasn't expecting much when I first saw it but my curiosity was peaked at the use of cottage cheese and sugar-free jello so I gave it a shot.

 

Oh.Em.Gee.

   

 



Calories: 187  |  Protein: 35  |  Carbs: 5   |  Fat: 2

  Serving size: 1 shake

 

 

You'll need:

 

1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

3-5 drops butter or almond extract

1 tbsp. vanilla sugar free instant Jell-O pudding mix

3-5 packets sweetener (I used Splenda)

1/2 cup - 1 cup water (alter for desired consistency)

5-10 ice cubes (also alter for consistency - use less for thinner shake)

 

Optional:

1/2 tsp. xanthan gum (I used guar gum and works just as well)

Sprinkles for topping

 

 

 

Then you'll:

 

Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glass, add sprinkles and serve.

 

 

 

Happy Blending!

 

Southwest Breakfast Burritos

I'm lazy in the mornings. I'll wake up at 9am, walk the dogs and go back to sleep until the very last minute - living less than 10 minutes from work is a plus I tell you. I have time to shower, beautify and go - making breakfast is not happening. It doesn't help that I'm not a fan of cereal or oatmeal for breakfast; too many carbs and no nutritional value. I am however, a big fan of these breakfast burritos. I make them on Sunday and have enough to last me the entire week - simply grab and go - right up my alley!!!

 

 

 



Calories: 181  |  Protein: 10  |  Carbs: 7    |  Fat: 7

Serves: 7  |  Serving size: 1 burrito

 

 

 

You'll need:

 

4 eggs, large (scrambled)

1/4 cup onion, diced

1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup frozen southern style diced potatoes

1 ounce Trader Joe's fat free feta cheese crumbles

1/4 package Trader Joe's Soyrizo

1/4 cup Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar**

7 Mission Carb-Balance Whole Wheat tortillas, small 

 

** any black bean/corn salsa will work

 

 

Then you'll:

 

In a large skillet, heat oil and add onions and frozen potatoes - cook until halfway done. Add Soyrizo, cook until heated and crumbled (potatoes will be orange). Push potato mixture to one side of skillet and add eggs in the other half, cooking thoroughly. Stir together and add salsa, mixing well. Scoop into tortillas, add crumbled feta, roll, and wrap in foil.

 

Happy Cooking!

 

 

Bleu Cheese Chipotle Bacon Burger

One of my favorite places to eat pre-op was Chili's and several years ago they made a Bleu Cheese Chipotle Burger that was to die for. Unfortunately, they stopped making it and I ultimately stopped eating there - even if they brought it back the fat and calories alone would keep me from indulging (1090 calories/71g of fat). I decided to come up with my own version, it doesn't do Chili's justice but it was enough to satisfy my craving, a fraction of the calories and its mighty tasty if I say so myself!

 

Calories: 286  |  Protein: 28  |  Carbs: 3   |  Fat: 18

Serves: 6  |  Serving size: 1 burger patty

 

 

You'll need:

 

1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin (I used 90/10)

1 cup bleu cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup bacon pieces (I used Hormel red label)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 chipotle chile pepper

2 tbsp. coarsely ground peppercorns

 

 

 

 

Then you'll:

 

Combine everything (except peppercorns) in a medium bowl, mix well and form into 6 patties. Spread peppercorns on a plate and press one side of each patty into pepper (I like spice so I did both sides). You can choose your own method of cooking, I used my Calphalon griddle pan on the stove top and cooked until medium-well (160 degrees internally).

 

 

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Baked Chicken Burrito with Greek Yogurt-Poblano Sauce

Long name, seriously good burrito. I first came across this recipe on Pinterest; the original recipe is here - I've adapted it slightly but you can't go wrong with either version.

 

 

 

 

Calories: 315  |  Protein: 31  |  Carbs: 34   |  Fat: 16

Serves: 8  |  Serving size: 1 burrito with sauce

 

 

For the burritos you'll need:

 

2 tsp canola oil

1 large onion, diced

1 lb ground chicken

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 can reduced sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 chicken broth, fat free reduced sodium

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

1 1/2 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp cayenne

1 tsp brown sugar

Kosher salt

1 cup shredded Mexican Blend 2% Reduced Fat Cheese

8 La Tortilla Factory - Low Carb/High Fiber Whole Wheat Tortillas (large sized)

Cooking spray

For the sauce you'll need:

2 poblano peppers**

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

2/3 cup chicken broth at room temperature

1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (I used Fage)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

**you could always use canned green chilies if you need to save on time or don't want to bother with roasting the poblanos

Then you'll:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. To make the burritos: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and then add the oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Place the ground chicken in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned.  (At this point, drain any excess fat if necessary/desired).  Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 30-60 seconds before adding in the beans. Add the broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, brown sugar and salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon). Reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Place 2 tablespoons of the cheese at the end of each tortilla (depending on size) and then spoon some of the beef and bean mixture over the top. Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla in, and then roll the tortilla up, from the end closest to you, to the top. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet and lightly spray the tops of the burritos with cooking spray.  Bake for about 20 minutes, until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, make the sauce.  Place the poblanos directly over a gas burner. Using tongs, turn occasionally until skin is blackened on all sides. Place in a bowl and top with plastic wrap or a clean towel, until cook enough to handle. (Alternatively, you can roast the peppers under the broiler until all sides are well-charred.)  Peel the peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and dice them.
5. Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat and melt the butter; stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the diced poblano; continue to simmer, whisking frequently, until thickened.  Stir in the Greek yogurt and warm through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Serve the sauce over the baked burritos.

Happy Cooking!

 

Grilled Cheeseburger Wrap

I love a good hamburger but with all the bread and the typically large sizes they come in, they don't love me. I've been searching for tasty alternatives (tasty being the key word) and wasn't having much luck when I stumbled upon this gem. The original recipe can be found here - this knocked my burger craving out of the park. I'm now on Day 3 of leftovers and this girl doesn't do Day 3 leftovers, ok?

 

 

Calories: 329  |  Protein: 32  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 15

Serves: 5  |  Serving size: 1 wrap filled with 1/2 cup beef, 1 slice cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, ketchup, and mustard.

 

 

You'll need -  

 

1 pound ground beef (I used 96/4)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon grated parmesan

1 teaspoon dried onion flakes (I used real onion)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

5 100 calorie wraps (I use Flatout Wraps)

5 slices sharp american cheese (I used low-fat American)

2 roma tomatoes, sliced

1 cup of romaine lettuce (I used iceberg)

Additional ketchup (optional)

Mustard (optional)

 

**You can easily customize this any way you want; I omitted the tomatoes and added bread and butter pickle slices to mine. Just be sure to scale down the other ingredients so your wrap doesn't overflow and break.

 

 

Then you'll -

 

In a medium to large skillet coated with cooking spray cook the beef on medium till almost cooked through but still a little pink (about 7-10 minutes). Break beef up as it cooks.

 

Add Worcestershire, ketchup, grated parmesan, dried onion flakes, salt, and pepper to the beef. Mix together until thoroughly combined.

 

Continue cooking until beef is cooked all the way through and is no longer pink.

 

Turn on indoor grill to 350 or you can also use a grill plan.

 

In the center of  the wrap place a slice of cheese and 1/2 cup of the beef mixture. Add tomato and lettuce. Then if you are using , and I highly recommend you do, add some ketchup and mustard. **I second this recommendation!

 

Roll the wrap and place seam side down on grill. Once there are nice grill marks turn over. Grill for another 2-3 minutes then remove.

 

Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the rest of the wraps.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 



Faux Cookie Dough

A few weeks ago I posted the recipe for Weight Watchers Faux Cheesecake - Im so seriously in love with this stuff that not only do I eat several times a week but Ive also gone wild making different versions of it in my kitchen. I figure since 25,000 (CRAZY!) of you like the original recipe then you'll like my newest creation as well! I've seen a few versions of it on the net but I tweaked it to make it VSG & WW friendly. It had been taste-tested and co-worker approved!

 

Calories: 198  |  Protein: 18  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 1

Makes 1 serving

 

 

You'll need -

 

1-5.3oz container plain, nonfat Greek Yogurt (I used Oikos)

1 tbsp.  Bell Plantation powdered peanut butter (PB2)

1 tbsp. Sugar Free Jell-O dry mix, vanilla

1 tbsp.  No Calorie Sweeter (I used Nevella & can be adjusted to taste)*

1 tbsp. mini chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

*If you don't like artificial sweeteners you can replace with brown sugar just make sure to recalculate the calories/points

 

 

Then you'll -

 

I find it easiest to mix one dry ingredient into the yogurt at a time, this prevents clumping. Start with the PB2, follow with the Jell-O dry mix, and add the sweetener (again, adjust to taste). Once you have the base completed add and mix the vanilla and lastly repeat with the chocolate chips.

 

 

 

(The picture isn't pretty but you get the idea - I may have gotten carried away and ate my sample and don't have a close-up pretty blog picture for you guys)

 

Happy Cooking!

Weight Watcher's Faux Cheesecake

I got this amazing recipe from my good friend Melissa over at The Daily Mel, her Weight Watcher leader shared it at one of her most recent meetings. I was slightly skeptical at first but willing to try anything to knock out this sweet tooth that has been creeping up on me at night. This stuff not only tastes great, it's filling, its packed with protein, it's easy and its inexpensive to make!

 

Calories: 113  |  Protein: 12  |  Carbs:  15  |  Fat: 1

Makes 4 - 1/2 servings

 

 

You'll need -

 

1 16oz tub of Fage 0% Plain Greek yogurt

1 small (1oz) box of Sugar-Free Jell-O pudding*

Graham Cracker crumbs (1 tbsp per serving)

 

*You can use any flavor Jell-O; the only flavors I can attest to are Cheesecake, Vanilla, Banana, Lemon, White Chocolate (add mini chips!) and those are excellent. I also saved a few bucks by buying a graham cracker pie crust and crumbling it myself - more than enough for this dessert.

 

 

Then you'll -

 

Keeping the yogurt in its original container you will slowly add the dry Jell-O pudding mix a little at a time making sure its well blended before adding more. If you dump all at once you will end up with a gritty texture - plus it's a great arm workout because this stuff gets thick.

 

That's it. Yep, seriously. I portion mine into 1/2 cup serving containers and let sit overnight for the flavors to blend. Add the graham cracker crumbs when you are ready to eat. Easy peasy!

**If you like this version, try the Faux Cookie Dough!

 

 

 

 

Happy cooking!



Hoppin' John

Hoppin' John is a traditional southern dish and is thought to bring good luck year round if eaten on the New Year's Day. The black-eyed peas represent pennies or coins and the jalapeno is supposed to add wealth (green = money), add cornbread and you're tripling your luck (gold = riches). On the day after New Years, Hoppin' John is referred to as Skippin' Jenny and is also good luck - the leftovers show ones frugality, therefor bringing extra prosperity for the upcoming year. We Southerners take our traditions very seriously and this is no exception.

Now this is the version I make every year but there are several out there and frankly I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Ive not only healthified it but also sped up the prep time by using frozen peas instead of the old-fashioned soaking method.

Calories: 140  |  Carbs: 18  |  Protein: 7  |  Fat: 5

Nutritional value based on 8 - 1/2 cup servings

 

 

You'll Need -

 

1 16oz package frozen black-eyed peas

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cups of water

4oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick

4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 fresh jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (seeded if you want less heat)

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, to taste

Salt and pepper, to taste

Louisiana hot sauce, for serving

Brown rice, for serving (calculate extra calories!)

 

 

 

Then You'll -

 

Heat half of the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning once, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

 

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil, onion, garlic, jalapeno and bacon to pan - cook until onions are tender and bacon is no longer raw - about 6 to 8 minutes.

 

Return sausage to the pan, add the peas along with the 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender.

 

Serve over brown rice and pour on the hot sauce!

 

 

Happy Cooking!

Frozen Hot Cocoa

Image property of SleevedInTheCity

Since I was just talking about Starbucks and healthy alternatives to their drinks, I thought I'd go in my archives and share one of my favorites, courtesy of Hungry Girl! Its not only simple to make but its so low in calories that I don't mind indulging in a second on a super hot day!

 

Prep time: 10 mins  |  Level: Beginner  |  Servings: 1

Calories per serving: 58

 

One 25-calorie packet diet hot cocoa mix (like Swiss Miss Diet or Nestlé Fat Free)

2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Splenda or Truvia)

1/4 cup light vanilla soymilk (Almond milk works too!)

1 tbsp. sugar-free calorie-free vanilla-flavored syrup (like the kind by Torani)

1 tsp. sugar-free chocolate syrup (like the kind by Hershey's)**

1 cup crushed ice or 5 to 8 ice cubes

2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip

 

 

Place hot cocoa mix and sweetener in a tall mug or glass. Add 1/4 cup hot water and stir to dissolve.

Add soymilk, vanilla-flavored syrup, and chocolate syrup. Mix well. Place in the fridge or freezer for several minutes, until completely chilled. Pour mixture into a blender and add ice. Blend at high speed until uniform. Pour into the tall mug or glass. Finish off with whipped topping.

 

**I personally don't like the sugar free chocolate syrup, it tastes like how I imagine dirty feet would taste so I substituted a few chocolate chips and melted with the water and cocoa mix, it increased the calories some I'm sure but its better than drinking foot water. Just my opinion. Also VSG'ers can add a packet of unflavored protein powder and get a full meal from this, just add the extra calories!**

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Chili's Copycat Chicken Enchilada Soup

This is my favorite soup EVER. If you like Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup then you will LOVE this. You won't find anything closer to it. The original recipe is here but I've obviously modified it to reduce calories and make it more VSG friendly. The calories are based on "regular" people servings and I don't have a picture of it because I ate it all before I remembered to. It's seriously that good.

Image courtesy of Google

Prep time: 15 mins  |  Level: Intermediate  |  Servings: 8

Calories per serving: 155

 

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken tenders

1 tsp vegetable oil

1/2 cup diced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 quart chicken broth, fat free reduced sodium 

1 cup masa harina

3 cups water, divided

1 cup enchilada sauce (I use hot & entire 10 oz can)

1 teaspoon salt (I double this)

1 teaspoon chili powder (I double this)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (I double this)

1 4oz can green chilies (optional)

 

Boil chicken in large pot, drain, set aside. Cook onion and garlic in oil and pour in chicken broth. In a bowl, whisk together masa harina and 2 cups of water until well blended. Pour into pot with remaining 1 cup water, enchilada sauce, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Shred chicken and add it to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, until thickened.

 

If you add cheese or tortilla chips make sure to add in the additional calories. I never add cheese, its awesome with just tortilla chips!

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Spinach Salad with Ham and Egg

I cannot tell you how much I love this salad. The flavors blend perfectly and I'm always sad when my bowl is empty. It's great year round, summer or winter.

 

 

Adapted from: Martha Stewart

Prep time: 25 mins  |  Level: Beginner  |  Servings: 1

Calories per serving: 307

 

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

 

 

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 onion, thinly sliced (more or less depending on preference)

1 tbsp white-wine vinegar

1 tsp stone ground mustard

Coarse salt and ground pepper

2 cups fresh spinach, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces

2 oz ham, 1/4 in thick and cut into small strips

1 hard boiled egg, quartered

 

Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion. Remove from heat and add vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper.In a bowl, combine spinach and ham. Drizzle onion mixture over salad and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with quartered egg (I removed the yolk and crumbled it on top)

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Spicy Chicken Crunchwrap Supreme

Adapted from: SparkPeople

Prep time: 25 mins  |  Level: Beginner  |  Yield: 3 servings

Calories per serving: 380

 

 

3 Mission "Plus" Heart Healthy flour tortillas (burrito size)

3 Mission corn tostada shells

4 boneless skinless chicken tenders

5oz Old El Paso Hot enchilada sauce (1/2 can)

3 tbsp light sour cream

1/3 cup Rosarita fat free refried beans (I used Chile Lime)

1/2 tsp Goya Sazon seasoning (1/2 packet)

Cayenne pepper (to taste)

Shredded lettuce

 

 

Boil chicken tenders until cooked thoroughly. Cool and shred chicken. Transfer to a skillet and add enchilada sauce, Sazon, and cayenne to chicken; mix well. Cover and simmer.

 

Place one of the tortillas in another skillet, on low heat & flip when heated through.

To the face-up side; add 1/3 of chicken mixture making sure to leave a 2' border of the tortilla clear. Add lettuce on top of chicken. Spread 1 1/2 tbsp of beans* on one side of tostada shell. One the same side, add 1 tbsp of sour cream on top of the beans.

 

 

 

 

Gently wrap the tortilla around the tostada until it makes a secure pocket. Flip the assembled tortilla and brown the folded side to secure it together.

 

Repeat this for all servings. One tortilla "crunchwrap" per serving.

*Refried beans are best heated before spreading, makes spreading easier.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

 

Growing up in San Antonio, Mexican food was a staple at the dinner table. There's never a wrong time for enchiladas with a side of frijoles y arroz! Jeeves (my sleeve) is pretty picky about what he likes and doesn't like these days. Pretty much anything tomato based is out, garlic and chili powder too. Which as you know are the main ingredients in ANYTHING south of the border; so I've had to get crafty while still being sleeve-friendly too. 

 



Calories: 209  |  Carbs: 16  |  Protein: 14  | Fat: 8

 

Makes 12 individual servings/1 enchilada each

 

 

You'll Need -

 

3 chicken breasts (I use Tyson Frozen Ready To Cook)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cups Reduced Fat Mexican Style Shredded Cheese

1 can Fat Free/Reduced Sodium chicken broth

8 oz Light Sour Cream (don't use Fat Free!)

4 oz can green chilies, diced

1 can green enchilada sauce (you can use red if you prefer)

1/4 cup butter or margarine (80% or higher)

1/4 cup flour

12 yellow corn tortillas

 

 

 Then You'll -

 

Cook chicken thoroughly and shred once cooled. I boil the chicken as its the most healthy way. In a boil mix shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups cheese, onion, and enchilada sauce.

 

**I do NOT cook my tortillas in grease, roll them dry and you'll save a ton of calories. If you need the tortillas more pliable, heat them in the microwave for a few seconds**

 

Divide chicken mixture evenly between tortillas and lay seam side down in 9x13 baking dish (spray with cooking spray)

 

Melt margarine in a small pan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring back to a boil, stirring frequently.

 

Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chilies; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.

 

Top with remaining cheese and bake at 400F for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.

 

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Angry Orchard Hard Cider Review

I was recently contacted by Angry Orchard and offered the opportunity to try their product line. All my friends rave about this stuff so I was excited to give it a try. Unfortunately around the same time I received the sample I started having issues with my gallbladder and the doctor restricted me from all alcohol. Rather than let it go to waste, I let a co-worker and self proclaimed "tasty beverage connoisseur" have the honor of guinea pig and product reviewer.

Image courtesy of Angry Orchard

Angry Orchard just happens to be made by the fine folks at Boston Beer Company (the makers of Samuel Adams) and are naturally gluten free to boot! Their cider apples are specifically grown for cider-making and hand-selected for every batch. Cider apples are traditionally tart and bittersweet, often being described as "angry" - hence the name.  They vary in between 5% and 5.5% ABV and each bottle is around 200 calories.

As previously stated, I passed my 6 pack sampler onto my co-worker Steve and after a week of taste testing this is his (full, complete, and unedited) review:

Recently I was asked to try a few bottles of beer by a co-worker. I didn’t know whether I should be happy or slightly offended. I’m not an alcoholic but I am a beer enthusiast (I guess that’s what they call it now a days). Either way I enthusiastically agreed to be the taste tester and Angry Orchard Hard Cider is the flavor of the day!

            Angry Orchard has a rich history in Europe and in the United States. In Colonial times hard cider was the flavor of choice.  Like most beers, the process to make the different flavors of the hard cider is very complex, however, each flavor includes one very simple ingredient- Apples. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for apples.  When I was a kid anything with apples in it was pretty much the best thing ever. Apple juice, apple pie (McDonalds), apples and peanut butter; thus, Angry Orchard’s use of the apple is pretty genius.  In the 6 pack I received there were 3 different flavors to experience; Crisp Apple, Traditional Dry, and Apple Ginger. Each of these flavors offer a significantly different taste that would complement any beer enthusiast’s palette or introduce non beer drinkers to a great alternative to keep the party going.

            The Crisp apple flavor literally tastes like Apple Cider fresh from grandma’s own home brew. I’ve had my fair share of flavored beers ranging from pumpkin to strawberry but usually there’s a bit of a hoppy flavor. Angry Orchard’s Crisp Apple is very smooth with no hops flavor at all. This would be the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t drink beer. You get the entire apple cider flavor with no kick from hops flavor.  The reason why there’s no hops flavor is because the master brewers at Angry Orchard don’t use hops. They let the flavors ferment over time and let the flavors infuse into themselves. It’s pure genius.

            The next flavor in the pack is called Traditional Dry. The Traditional Dry flavor is reminiscent of Old English brews. This flavor boasts a whopping 10 apple concoction infused with cinnamon and spices that gives it a spicy kick. This flavor is perfect for your Holiday dinner party.  It’s dry on flavor not as much juice as the Crisp Apple or Apple Ginger flavors but that’s ok a bite of a good steak or even a pork lion or roast would compliment this flavor just right.

            The last flavor is called Apple Ginger. This flavor is for the wine enthusiasts that love wine flavors such as Moscato or traditional white wines. There’s a slightly tart after taste due to the added ginger spice.  This flavor still goes down smooth. It’s a good middle of the road flavor in comparison to the Crisp Apple and Traditional Dry. It’s sweet like the Crisp Apple but has the spiciness and uses less apple juices to make of the flavor. As a matter of fact, this brew includes some aged wine included in its brewing process. It’s a very complex flavor and the only thing I have to say is that you have to try it for yourself.

I guess I like being a taste tester especially when it comes to flavorful beers. Angry Orchard offers great flavors for your self-proclaimed beer enthusiasts (like me) or the casual beer drinker who likes smooth sweet flavors. Even if you’ve never tasted beer in your life Angry Orchard would be the perfect place to start.  You get a sweet flavors and spices with a kick! No hops and no carbonation like other hard drinks on the market.

 

 

Image courtesy of Angry Orchard



Now the one thing Steve didn't mention was how great these guys mix with other spirits to create unique and tasty cocktails. You can find the entire list here.

 To learn more about Angry Orchard,

visit the orchard at: www.AngryOrchard.com

on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AngryOrchard

and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AngryOrchard.

 

Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. Must be over 21 to indulge.

 

**Review disclaimer - I was given a free 6 pack sampler to try and give an honest opinion about. I was not compensated in any way. The review was not altered in form to show favor towards the product**



 

Mexican Chili

I love chili, its seriously one of my favorite go-to winter foods. Unfortunately ever since the surgery I haven't been able to tolerate anything tomato based or with chili powder. Boo, right? Ive been living chililess until I came across this recipe on Crockpot365 and after playing around and tweaking it some, I have come up with my version of Mexican chili! This stuff is seriously good people. Seriously. Good.

 

 

 

                            Makes 10 - 1/2 cup servings

Calories: 111  |  Carbs: 20  |  Protein: 8  | Fat: 1

 

My ingredients vary from the original recipe and this is exactly how I made it =)

 

1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 can diced green chilies
1 can Swanson vegetable broth
1 can Rosarita no-fat refried beans
1 can Bush's reduced sodium black beans, drained

4oz extra lean ground turkey meat
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon paprika (I used regular, not smoked)
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
salt and pepper, to taste (I used seasoned salt with the turkey meat)

 

 

Spray a large, non-stick pot with cooking spray, and sauté the onion until it begins to brown. Add the turkey meat, garlic, and green chilies and cook until meat is no longer pink. Add all the remaining ingredients and cook until flavors blend, 20-30 minutes.

 

Top with cheese if preferred or serve with chips.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

 

Oregano Chicken

Image owned by SleevedintheCity

This is the first recipe Ive tried from my new cookbook Betty Crocker: The 300 Calorie Cookbook. Not only was it easy to make, it tastes great and held well for leftovers the next day (Id go as far to say it tasted better too).

 

Prep time: 20 mins  |  Level: Intermediate  |  Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 180

 

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 lb)

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (low-fat/part skim)

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

 

Heat oven to 400ºF. Spray 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. Remove fat from chicken. In shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, cheese, oregano, garlic salt and pepper. Spread mustard on all sides of chicken. Coat chicken with bread crumb mixture*. Place in pan. Bake uncovered about 25 minutes or until juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.

 

*I didn't dip the chicken into the bread crumb mixture due to the mustard, instead I coated both sides by sprinkling the mixture onto the chicken itself. Less mess and works just as good.

 

 

Happy Cooking!