Foodie Friday: Clean Eating Chicken Wings

This recipe is clean because I used all natural chicken, baked (not fried) and there are no icky preservatives! I found the on The Gracious Pantry's blog. Click the link for the recipe. I pretty much followed the recipe exactly. Except I left out the onion powder and molasses, only because I didn't have any. I did use Frank's Hot Sauce, but not the buffalo sauce since it has preservatives in it. I used 1/2 cup of honey, because it was pretty spicy. I also used my own spices, a combo of paprika, basil and pepper. They turned out freaking amazing!! I will def be making this again. Simple and delicious!

Foodie Friday: Spanish Noodle Skillet

I tried this recipe for the first time this week. It turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share.
You Will Need:
1 lb of beef (I prefer grass fed)
1 small onion, diced
1-2 bell peppers, chopped
1-2 cups of noodles (I used whole wheat elbow macaroni)
2 cups of tomatoes, pureed in food processor or diced well
1-2 t. of paprika
1 t. basil
1/4 t. oregano
3/4 c  water
*bacon is optional but adds that extra kick (I used 5-6 strips)

To Prepare:
1. Cook pasta according to directions on box.
2. Brown the beef.
3. Cut up veggies and cook bacon while doing steps 1 and 2.
4. When beef is done, drain excess fat. Put back in skillet and add spices, peppers, onions, water and tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 10 min.
5. Add cooked noodles, stir well, cover and simmer for 5-10 more minutes. Top with bacon.
Manja!

Foodie Friday: Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

I love my crock pot. It makes cooking easy. Just toss it in and leave it for a few hours! Here is my recipe for Italian Sausage and Peppers. Use whatever seasonings you prefer.
You Will Need:
1 lb of sausage browned (I like to use nitrate-free turkey sausage)
3 or 4 bell peppers
1 large onion
4 cloves of garlic
one can of diced tomatoes
one small jar tomato paste

To Prepare:
1.Brown the sausage. Chop up your peppers and onions while sausage is cooking.
2.In a greased crock pot, layer onion, peppers, sausage, onion, peppers. I also like to add some baby spinach into the mix.
3.In separate bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste and 1/ 2 cup of water. Top with whatever herbs/seasonings you desire. Stir well and pour over everything in crock pot.
4.Cook on low for 5-6 hrs.
I like to eat the meal with quinoa. The sauce soaks into the quinaa quite nicely. You could also make a sandwich with it or add rice to it. Manja!

Foodie Friday: Coconut-N-Garlic Chicken w/ Broccoli and Asparagus

What's for dinner tonight? Spice up the normal chicken dish with some coconut oil, garlic and paprika. I have been cooking with coconut oil instead of olive oil lately. There are numerous benefits to using coconut oil, but I really just love the taste.
To Make Chicken:
Heat coconut oil over medium heat. I like to saute some onions and garlic in the oil too. Throw chicken in and cook til done. I add broccoli on top the last few minutes of cooking until it turns bright green.

For the asparagus:

In a separate pan, I again sauteed more onions and garlic in the coconut oil over medium heat. Then I add asparagus. Sprinkle paprika on top. Cook til asparagus is tender.

Paprika is a new favorite spice of mine. It has antioxidants and adds that perfect sweet spice to any vegetable. I didn't really measure any ingredients. Just went by taste. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!Manja!

(Oh and excuse the crappy cell phone pics. I need a new camera, bad. )

Foodie Friday: Warm Quinoa Breakfast Cereal

Oh the diversity of quinoa! Betcha didn't think you could eat it for breakfast! This recipe uses cinnamon and agave to transform quinoa into a wonderful, oatmeal like dish. It's delicious!

You will need:

1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of milk (I use almond milk)
1/2 cup of quinoa
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped nuts (I use almonds or sunflower seeds)
2 tsp of agave or honey

To Prepare:

1. Combine milk, water, and quinoa in a small pot. (Add some vanilla if you like.)Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium-low heat and cover. Simmer for 12-15minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
2. Cool quinoa for about 5 minutes. Next add agave and cinnamon, stirring them into the quinoa.
3. Transfer to a bowl and add the chopped nuts and blueberries. Manja!

Foodie Friday:Crock Pot Lasagna

I am taking part in The Feminist Breeder's Family Food Friday, by posting recipes every Friday. I hope to share some healthy and delicious recipes with everyone. This is a favorite of mine because it's really simple. Just layer ingredients in crock pot and you are good to go!
You Will Need:
1 lb. ground beef or turkey or chicken ( I use grass fed, organic)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
16 oz of cottage cheese
1 bag of spinach
Whole wheat lasagna noodles (uncooked)
shredded cheese (whatever kind you prefer)
To Prepare:
1. Spray crock pot with some kind of non-stick coating. I like to use an olive oil spray.
2. Brown your meat and add whatever seasonings you like.
3. Layer in crock pot: noodles (enough to cover) half of the beef, half of the sauce, half of the cottage cheese and however much spinach you want. Add some cheese. Repeat layers again and top with cheese.
4. Set on low and cook for 4 hours.
See how easy? It turns out a little soupy, but delicious!! Manja!