Tag: superfood

Perfectly Plump Peppers: Roasted Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Peppers!

Pepper Perfection! My favorite pepper creation so far! Try this recipe!
Pepper Perfection! My favorite pepper creation so far! Try this recipe!

Packed with superfood quinoa and vitamins and minerals, these stuffed peppers maximize on taste and are super healthy! The kids love to eat out of the pepper bowl and then eat the pepper! So cute!
Roasted Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:
6 bell peppers, any color!
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
6 basil leaves, chopped
5 Yelo tomatoes

I chose these at the produce market because the package states "youth, energy, life" Yep, they got me at youth!
I chose these at the produce market because the package states “youth, energy, life” Yep, they got me at youth!

Ingredients (cont.)
1 handful of spinach
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa and 2 cups of water on medium heat with a lid. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and cover. Let stand 15 minutes The quinoa will absorb the water.

Quinoa recipe- 1 cup uncooked quinoa and 2 cups water!
Quinoa recipe- 1 cup uncooked quinoa and 2 cups water!

Wash, cut the tops off of the peppers and clean out the seeds and white insides.

Place the hollowed peppers upside down on a Pam coated cookie sheet and roast for 25-30 mins or until peppers are softened and browning.

The peppers will soften but at the same time brown, if that makes sense. Here is the "look ." If you overcook they will turn to mush and be impossible to stuff. Error on less time if you are worried.
The peppers will soften but at the same time brown, if that makes sense. Here is the “look .” If you overcook they will turn to mush and be impossible to stuff. Error on less time if you are worried.

Meanwhile, in a frying pan heat the olive oil low to medium heat and add garlic and onions.

When the onions start to become transparent, add the quinoa and sunflower seeds.

The seeds and quinoa get a nice toasted , nutty taste.
The seeds and quinoa get a nice toasted , nutty taste.

Turn up the heat and toast the quinoa and seeds a bit, while constantly stirring.

Add tomatoes, basil and spinach and mix well.

Mix mozzarella and parmesan together to create a cheese mixture.

Fill the peppers with layers of the quinoa mixture and cheese mixture. Ending with quinoa mixture on top.

Fill them up! Don't be shy!
Fill them up! Don’t be shy!

Bake for another 5-8 minutes.

Toasted roasted perfection! So many beautiful textures and colors!
Toasted roasted perfection! So many beautiful textures and colors!
Always top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese! Enjoy!!
Always top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese! Enjoy!!

Ciao!

 

 

 

 

Gluten Free Super Chocolate Chip Cookies! A Healthy Snack!

Can't get enough!

I am always looking for healthy, delicious, easy snacks for my family! Lots of chia seeds, kale, Greek yogurt, sweet potatoes…Anything that is really healthy and tastes great! We are not into the hold-your-nose-and-drink bitter green juices!!

Throw in the chia when baking anything!! Chia seeds are tasteless and have enormous health benefits!
Throw in the chia when baking anything!! Chia seeds are tasteless and have enormous health benefits!

Here is a great healthy snack recipe! Definitely not a chewy gooey, rich chocolate chip cookie recipe. Kid and mommy approved! Packed with chia seeds, fiber and a bonus, they are gluten free!

 

Just can't get enough!
Just can’t get enough!

 

Super Chocolate Chip Snack Cookies

Recipe makes 24

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups oat flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup chocolate chips
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup Almond milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix all dry ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a mixing bowl.

Add Greek yogurt and mix well.

Add Almond milk little by little and mix thoroughly with each addition until a dough forms.

Make sure the dough is forming but not too sticky or wet! If so, easy fix! Add some more flour a little bit at a time until it gets stiff.
Make sure the dough is forming, but that it is not too sticky or wet! If so, it can easily be fixed! Add some more flour, a little bit at a time, until the dough loses its shine.

Stir in chocolate chips.

Scoop tablespoon-sized scoops onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Space them about 1 inch apart!
Space them about 1-2inches apart!

Bake for 12 mins.turning cookie sheet at 6 mins. for even baking.

Bake until golden! Approx. 12 mins!
Bake until golden! Approx. 12 mins!

Enjoy!
Ciao!

My First Experiment With Sriracha…Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Quinoa Salad!

After hearing the latest Sriracha headlines, “Residents of Irwindale (Sounds totally like Arrendale from Frozen – although opposite problem -is the Southern California city where it is made-Go USA!!) Say The Air Is Too Spicy and Are Fighting to Close Sriracha Plant,” to “America’s Most Popular Condiment” and “Sriracha Shortage Imminent,” I was dying to buy some and try it!!

Photo from 4/23/14 courtesy of Washington Times! Air so spicy your eyes water and itch! I need to try this!
Photo from 4/23/14 courtesy of Washington Times! Air so spicy your eyes water and itch! I need to try this!

I love sweet and spicy together! The most flavorful taste combo!
So here it is, the family says the best meal I have ever made.

Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 1/2 to 3 inches thick
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup Sriracha sauce

Directions:

Mix 1/2 of the honey and half of the Sriracha in a bowl.

It's one part honey one part Sriracha. Hard to say how much I used! Mix more if needed!
It’s one part honey one part Sriracha. Hard to say how much I used! Mix more if needed!

Remove chicken from package and place in a container with an airtight lid.
Brush or spoon to coat raw chicken and marinate.

I didn't drench the chicken with the sauce...it is pretty strong stuff!
I didn’t drench the chicken with the sauce…it is pretty strong stuff!

Refrigerate to marinate 1-9 hours ( I did mine at 8am and pulled it out at 4:30 to grill.)

Heat grill on medium high heat to 350 degrees.
Cook chicken on one side for 12-15 minutes.
Coat with another mixture of honey sriracha.
Flip and cook another 8-10 minutes.
Coat with remaining sauce.

I love a little char when I grill. Medium/High heat keeps the chicken moist and you still get  the char! The gauge on the grill read 350-370 degrees.
I love a little char when I grill. Medium/High heat keeps the chicken moist and you still get the char! The gauge on the grill read 350-370 degrees.

Pineapple Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa uncooked
1 1/2 cup water
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
Baby greens salad
Pint of grape tomatoes
2 tbsp. red pepper flakes

Directions:
Cook quinoa in a saucepan.
Add water bring to a boil.
Simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed.

1 cup uncooked quinoa and 1 1/2 cup water- always!
1 cup uncooked quinoa and 1 1/2 cup water- always!

Meanwhile, add lettuce to a serving bowl.
Layer it with tomatoes, quinoa and pineapple.
Sprinkle on red pepper flakes.

No dressing needed! But I'm sure a honey sesame would be awesome! Next time!
No dressing needed! But I’m sure a honey sesame would be awesome! Next time!

Serve together or make your own sides! I think corn on the cob was the only thing missing tonight!

The perfect spring or summer meal!! We loved it! I hope you will, too!!
The perfect spring or summer meal!! We loved it! I hope you will, too!!

Enjoy!
Ciao!

Super Chips! Garlic Parmesan Baked Kale Chips!

Healthy. Superfood! Delicious. Superfood! Bonus, Kid friendly! Superfood!
Kale chips can be a healthy snack or a side dish served with paninis for lunch! Whether dressed up or dressed down, kale chips can be accessorized with salt, garlic salt, freshly grated cheeses, hot pepper, hot sauce, taco seasoning…their styling possibilities are endless!! Experiment!

Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Separate kale leaves from thick stems.

I buy bunches of curly kale! Wash well!
I buy bunches of curly kale! Wash well!

Rinse and dry well.

Rip kale into chip size.

I have found that the kale chips bake the best on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet!
I have found that the kale chips bake the best on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet!

Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Brush or spray with olive oil.

Use any flavors you like! Sea salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc!
Use any flavors you like! Sea salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc!

Shake on freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garlic salt.

Bake for 10 minutes or until chips are brown around the edges.
(There is a fine line between crispy and crumbling. You might need to experiment!
10 minutes seems to be perfect!

image

Enjoy!
Ciao!

Weekend Wonderful! Superfood Chia Blueberry Muffin Recipe!!

Happy Saturday! Spring cleaning today anyone? Start your day including superfood chia in your breakfast and have more energy to accomplish your Saturday To Do list!

Chia Blueberry Muffins!
Chia Blueberry Muffins!

One step closer in our quest for health and youth…Try chia!

Chia is tasteless! Add to any  baked goods!
Chia is tasteless! Add to any baked goods!

Superfood Chia Blueberry Muffins

Makes 24ish

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1-1/4 cup flour
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup blueberries

Add fresh rinsed blueberries!! Not a blueberry fan? Add chopped strawberries, raspberries, oranges...anything you like!
Add fresh rinsed blueberries!! Not a blueberry fan? Add chopped strawberries, raspberries, oranges…anything you like!

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350!
Spray muffin pan with nonstick spray
Cream butter and sugar with mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time beating well.
In a mixing bowl, fold together flour, chia seeds and baking powder.
In another bowl add yogurt, vanilla.
Add each to creamed butter sugar mixture.
Fold in blueberries.
Fill muffin tins 2/3 full with batter.

Muffins are an easy way to pack high nutrition into a portion controlled size! I use a muffin pan for twice baked mashed potatoes, even servings of meatloaf when I entertain!
Muffins are an easy way to pack high nutrition into a portion controlled size! I use a muffin pan for twice baked mashed potatoes, even servings of meatloaf when I entertain!

Bake. 20-25 mins until muffins are lightly browned.
Let cool. Enjoy!

My house smells amazing!!! Enjoy!
My house smells amazing!!! Enjoy!

 

 

Ciao!

Ch Ch Ch Chia!!! Remember When Chia Pets Were All The Rage? Check Out The Hottest New Superfood… Chia Seeds!

This Native American seed can be sprinkled on anything! Or make it into a gel and add to soup, salad dressing, smoothies or protein shakes!
This Native American seed can be sprinkled on anything! Or make it into a gel and add to soup, salad dressing, smoothies or protein shakes!

Chia seeds are a weight loss dream! One ounce of chia seeds contains 11g of dietary fiber! High in phosphorus, protein and omega 3 fatty oils, they help you feel full!

Need more stamina and energy? When eaten, chia seeds slow the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar giving us more strength and endurance!

Chia can be added to anything! It is a healthy lifestyle choice and I started today by incorporating chia into our breakfast routine!

I sprinkled 3 tbsp chia seed on Greek yogurt with some fresh raspberries!!
I sprinkled 3 tbsp chia seed on Greek yogurt with some fresh raspberries!!

 

Even though the seeds are tasteless…if you don’t want a gritty feel, make a gel and add it to any liquid!

Chia Gel:

Add 1/3 cup of chia seeds to 2 cups of water in an an airtight container. Shake vigorously for 90 seconds. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks!

In a PreventDisease.com article “Are Chia Seeds the Perfect Superfood?” Some benefits of chia are:

Lose weight without starving
Balance blood sugar
Add Omega-3 oil to your diet
Nutrition
Feel more energized
Bake with less fat
Add age-defying antioxidants
Cut food cravings
And many more!!

Hair and skin products containing chia are popping up everyday!! This really is a superfood for the mind, body and soul!

Buy some seeds!
Where can you buy chia seeds? Whole Foods for sure!
I found mine at Pennsylvania Macaroni in Pittsburgh’s Strip District! www.pennmac.com
Another step toward our quest for youth!! Count me in!

Ciao!

 

I did my research!
Sources:

Mychiaseeds.com
PreventDisease.com
Dr.Oz.com
Living-foods.com
nytimes.com