Tabletop Concoctions™

Leftover ham and spinach potato pancakes

2012-04-02T17:31:00.003-07:00

Since we don't waste food in our house I've become the leftovers queen, but the issue with leftovers is creativity. Some foods don't seem great the second time around. However, leftover mashed potatoes make a ton of tasty recipes.

Last night, I whipped up some left over potato pancakes. These are not like the common light and fluffy breakfast pancakes. They are rich, filling and super tasty.

Leftover ham and spinach potato pancake ingredients

Boneless ham [also leftover from breakfast] diced
1 to 2 cups of spinach
1 clove garlic chopped
1/4 cup red peppers chopped [optional for color]
leftover mash potatoes
oil

Flour coating ingredients

1 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
Anything you'd like to add for taste

Directions

Ugly, but yummy!

Add a teaspoon of oil to the skillet on med-low to medium heat, and sauté spinach, red peppers and garlic in to sauté just until the spinach is slightly wilted. Set the sauteed items aside in a mixing bowl with the ham, which does not need to be heated.

Add the leftover mashed potatoes to the ingredients. Mix everything and form a round ball.

Cooking your spinach and ham potato pancakes

Roll the potato ball in the flour coating and flatten it. Drizzle several tablespoons of oil in the pan and heat the pancakes. It will take several minutes to heat all the way through, and to brown. Once they are brown serve them with one of your favorite dipping sauces.

The thicker they are the longer it takes to heat through the middle, and they're more difficult to remove from the pan if they are close together. Also, opt for a thinner potato pancake. Hence the reason for my ugly potato pancakes. They were too thick and broke apart when I took them out of the pan.

Another great addition is zucchini and onions to your potato pancakes.

Raspberry honey dip

2012-03-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

Raspberries

This raspberry honey dip is the simplest dip you'll ever make. It's colorful, fresh tasting, and is a great compliment to meals.

Raspberry honey dip ingredients

1 cup raspberries
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup Honey [I prefer 1/4 cup]
Coarsely chopped mint for garnish
Salt [pinch]

In a small mixing bowl, or storage container, add both the honey, salt and raspberries. Use a fork to crush the raspberries, but do not over do it. The raspberries should still be thick, and not like jam. The more honey you use the more soupy the dip will become, as well. Garnish with fresh mint to your preference.

Mint leaves

What to use raspberry honey dip for

I use this dip for sweet potato fries instead of ranch dressing or ketchup. I prefer a thicker consistency to use it as a spread for thick, hearty bread, or a crisp flat bread, also.

It tastes great on crackers such as Melba toast with goat cheese or Brie. These serve as perfect party hors d'oeuvres, too.

Slow cooked apple crisp

2012-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Crock pot apple crisp

The other day I purchased a five pound bag of apples from Safeway and they were awful. I peeled two for the kids, and they were completely bruised. There were two apples in the center of the bag that were beginning to rot.

Being the person that I am, I can not waist food. When I hear people complain and say things like "I'd rather starve than to eat...," it's obvious they have never gone hungry before.

Anyhow, I just can't waste food. Instead of tossing the bag I made slow cooked apple crisp. Besides peeling and slicing the apples; it's super easy.

These ingredients are based on using a 5 lb. bag of apples. This recipe also contains nuts.

Sliced Apple preparation

Crisp ingredients

5 lb. Apples
1 cup water
Cinnamon to taste
Nutmeg to taste
1/4 Raw or brown sugar (I used raw)

Pour 1/2 a cup of water in the crock pot. Layer 1/3 of the sliced apples in the slow cooker. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Repeat the process until all of the apples are in the crock pot. Cook over night on low, or cook it in the morning.

Crisp Preparation

1/2 cup Flour
1 cup Raw or brown sugar
1 1/2 Oatmeal
4 ounces Raisins or dried cherries
3 oz chopped or sliced almonds
1/2 cup of Butter

Crock pot apple crisp with a dollop of ice cream

After the apples are nearly finished or finished cooking make the crisp. Combine all of the crisp ingredients. Mix well and add it to the slow cooked apples. Leave enough to a layer the top with some. Let the apple crisp cook on low for another hour and serve.

Sweet potato fries

2012-01-04T15:51:00.001-08:00

I normally don't eat sweet potatoes in the off season because I don't like them, but I had a few potatoes on hand and didn't want them to go to waste. I decided to make sweet potato fries with them.

Since I normally eat sweet potatoes baked I didn't realize how hard it is to slice them. Unlike white or golden potatoes they are very hard. Use a non-slip cutting board and a really sharp knife to make it easier. Place a damp washcloth under your cutting board if you don't have a non-slip one.

Sliced sweet potatoes with skin

Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients

Sweet potatoes (one large will feed 2 or 3)
Cinnamon
1 cup pancake mix or flour
Salt
Pepper
One egg
1/4 cup milk
Confectioners sugar

Preparation

Add oil to a pan or use a Fry Daddy, and heat on a medium temperature. It should only take a few minutes to heat.

Sweet potato fries

Put the dry ingredients in a plastic or paper bag.

Use the egg and milk to dredge the sliced sweet potatoes. Place the slices into the bag and shake until the potatoes are covered.

Add a sliver into the oil to test the temperature. If it begins to bubble its time to fry. Layer the sweet potatoes in the oil. Fry until golden brown.

Dust lightly with confectioner's sugar.

Heart healthy alternative

You can also bake the sweet potatoes by coating the potatoes with oil and spices. You won't need the egg, milk or pancake mix. Bake it on 450* for about 35 minutes.

The confectioner's sugar is optional.

Peanut butter cookies with Nutella centers

2011-12-31T02:51:00.000-08:00

Peanut butter, sugar and egg

My idea of any great peanut butter cookie is one without flour. There's something about flour and peanut butter together that doesn't sit well with me. Instead, I use three basic ingredients to make delicious peanut butter cookies.

My favorite addition to peanut butter cookies is some sort of chocolate. I often use Hershey's kisses, but I used Nutella for my last batch.

Peanut butter cookie ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar brown or white
1 egg
Nutella

Peanut butter cookie preparation

Peanut butter cookies

Mix the peanut butter, sugar and egg in a bowl. Use a regular tablespoon to roll out golf ball sized peanut butter cookie balls.

Use your fingers to create a hole in the center of the cookie, and place the peanut butter cookie balls on a greased baking sheet. Do not poke a hole all the way through the cookie though.

Going in the oven

Use a teaspoon or butter knife to add Nutella to the centers. Bake the cookies on 375* for eight to 10 minutes; more if you like your cookies crispy.

Heart healthy options

PB2 or natural peanut butter
Splenda, or whatever other sweetener you like
Sugar free chocolate

***I have never made these cookies with Splenda, other sweeteners or PB2. It is an alternative.

Homemade French fries with coarse sea salt

2011-12-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

My entire family loves french fries, but I make them from fresh potatoes instead of buying frozen fries. Here is a simple French fries recipe to share with your family.

Since I "eyeball" everything, and do not use measurements, here are the estimations.

Homemade French fries ingredients

Homemade French fries with coarse sea salt

Potatoes- two fist size potatoes per person
Oil
Coarse sea salt
Other seasonings optional

Kitchen tools needed

High lipped pan, fry daddy or large pot
Large serving dish
Slotted spoon or long handled strainer
Paper towels, napkins or white computer paper (if you're in a quick pinch)
Sharp Knife

Homemade french fries preparation

Cut all the potatoes lengthwise into strips. If you plan to do a lot of potatoes place them into cool water to keep them from browning. I prefer a high-lipped pan for my potatoes. Set the temperature on medium to medium-high. Each stove is different so this may need adjusting. Add 2 inches of oil into the pan, and it should only take a few minutes to heat.

Put a sliver into the oil to test the temperature. If it begins to bubble its time to fry. Layer the potatoes in the oil. The fry time will be 25 to 35 minutes depending on the amount of fries, thickness and stove.

While the fries are cooking layer your serving dish with the paper. When the fries are brown scoop them out half the fries, and add coarse sea salt immediately after they come out of the fryer. Keep a close eye on the french fries once they begin to brown so they don't burn.

Turn Christmas dinner leftovers into breakfast recipes

2011-12-24T20:40:00.001-08:00

Left over corn bread make great mush.

The holidays make me feel like our Christmas dinner should consist of 25 side dishes, two large meats and an array of buttered breads and desserts even when there are only four of us eating Christmas dinner. In my family's case, I still make a dinner large enough for 12. There are always leftovers, and although they are not wasted, it's overkill. This year I plan to downsize our Christmas dinner so I don't have to spend the entire time in the kitchen, and to use leftovers for a few tasty breakfast recipes. It also means we won't be eating the traditional turkey sandwiches for a month after Christmas.

Read full article: Turn Christmas dinner leftovers into breakfast recipes

Secret ingredient corn bread muffins

2011-12-23T03:59:00.000-08:00

My Jaden loves corn bread muffins. She loves them for breakfast, dinner and as a snack. I love corn bread too, but one of the biggest issues I have with corn bread is that it's dry even when it's not over cooked.

Wikimedia Commons

What's the secret ingredient?

One of the simplest ways have moist corn bread muffins, that stay moist, is to add one secret ingredient. Know what it is? Cream corn. Yes, that's all it takes.

Secret ingredient corn bread muffins

2 boxes Jiffy Corn Bread Mix (follow directions)
1 can cream corn, white or yellow

Add honey and butter

That's the big secret. One can of cream corn will make your corn bread muffins delectably moist and tasty. Add butter and drizzle it with honey for sweet corn bread muffins. This makes six to eight large muffins. You can cut the recipe in half if it is too much for you.

Slow cooked pulled pork tacos

2011-12-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Taco toppings including cucumbers

This is not exactly a new recipe, but the way I used the slow cooked, pulled pork from Sunday. My kids love tacos so we made tacos out of the slow cooked pork.

You'll need:

Slow cooked pork recipe
Taco shells, soft or corn tortillas
Tomatoes
Spinach or lettuce
Black Olives
Cheese, your choice

Condiments you may like:

Finished tacos

Pico de Gallo
Sour Cream
Fresh lime juice
Guacamole
Taco sauce
Salsa
Black bean & corn salsa
Tomatillo salsa
Mango salsa
I could go on forever

Taco preparation

Heat a pan on low to heat the tortillas. They only take a minute to heat so watch them. Place the tortilla's on a microwave safe plate and wrap it with saran wrap if you use a microwave instead. Heat the tortillas for no more than a minute. Once the tortillas are heated add your slow cooked, pulled pork and toppings.

Slow cooked pork roast in Coke-Cola

2011-12-18T03:53:00.000-08:00

Seared pork roast

I recommend everyone purchase a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. It's great to cook all types of foods from meat to side dishes to dessert, and all while you're doing something else besides cooking. I often use my slow cooker for meat and sauces and begin cooking them in the early, early morning, or before going to bed.

The other day I used my slow cooker for a sirloin tip pork roast. It was simple, tasty and great in other dishes. I bought the sirloin tip pork roast at Costco, but this cut isn't always available. If this pork roast isn't available buy a shoulder or some other pork roast.

Slow cooked pork in Coco-Cola ingredients

Pork roast
1 whole red bell pepper coarsely chopped
1 whole onion coarsely chopped (I prefer Vidalias)
1 can Coca-Cola
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder or fresh
Grill Mates seasoning (optional & to taste)
1Tbsp olive oil

Slow cooked pork in Coco-Cola preparation

Seasoned, slow cooked pork roast

Heat a pan on medium to medium high with olive oil. Coat the pork roast in the salt, pepper, garlic and Grill Mates seasoning and sear it for a minute on each side for a good crust. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker.

Heat the chopped onions and red peppers in the pan for a minute to bring out the flavors. Take the peppers and onions out after a minute or two and set it aside. You won't need these again until the pork roast is nearly finished.

Pour the can of Coca-Cola in the pan to pick up the seasonings and flavors of the meat and pour it over the pork roast. The cooking time will depend on the size of the roast and the temperature setting.

Add the onions and peppers to the pork roast fifteen minutes before taking the roast out of the slow cooker. They will finish cooking and soften in the slow cooker, and the pork roast will be very tender and fall apart. It tastes great served just as it is or can be used to create other dishes.

Heart healthy alternatives

Opt for a sirloin tip pork roast over a shoulder or butt if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. Exclude the coke to reduce the sugar content. The roast will still taste good without it.

Spending $50, Saving $200 on Christmas Dinner and Holiday Foods

2011-12-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

Holiday Foods

Each year I go overboard with the food expenses for the holidays. I spend an enormous amount of money for our Christmas dinner and holiday foods, and decided this year I am breaking the habit. I still plan to create a scrumptious meal for my family, but I'm not cooking enough for a buffet, or standing in the kitchen all day. I've decided to stick to a respectable plan with three sides, a bread, one dessert and a main protein dish. This immediately cuts back on the amount of money compared to previous Christmas dinners and holiday foods.

Read full article Spending $50, Saving $200 on Christmas Dinner and Holiday Foods

Almond butter and orange marmalade gooey cookie crisps

2011-12-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Let me say when it comes to cookies I'm very monogamous. I like chocolate chip cookies and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and I don't stray too far from that. On the other hand, I make the simplest peanut butter cookies that will knock your socks off, but today I tried a another version with almond butter and orange marmalade. Yes, orange marmalade!

1 Cup packed brown sugar

During the bodybuilding season I love the combination of oranges and almond butter, but I don't get to indulge in them. Not because of the calories, but because I know I can not stop at a couple of tablespoons of almond butter and one orange. However, I'm in the off season. Hooray for cookies!

Almond butter and orange marmalade gooey cookie crisp recipe

I honestly wasn't sure if I should call it a gooey cookie or a crisp since it's a combination of both. Perhaps it's more of a chew, but who cares!

1 cup almond butter
1 cup brown or white sugar
1/3 cup orange marmalade or more to taste
1 egg

Gooey cookie crisp preparation

All the ingredients in a mixing bowl

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix it well. It will be very gooey, and not like regular cookie batter since there is no flour. Spoon out a tablespoon dollop onto a greased cookie sheet/pan and place it in the oven at 375* for eight minutes. Bake the cookies for another minute or two if you want them to be crispy, but keep a close eye on them. The edges will burn in a flash.

Once out of the oven use a thin metal spatula or an icing spatula to gently raise the almond butter and orange marmalade gooey cookie crisps off the pan. The centers will be slightly gooey and will break apart if you use a thicker, plastic spatula. Use plastic wrap between each layer on the dish, otherwise they will stick together.

Orange marmalade adds to the sweetness

Finished cookies

I never liked peanut butter or almond butter cookies with flour so this is my way of having tasty nut butter cookies. I love the sweetness of the brown sugar and orange marmalade, and enjoy the bites with the orange peel the most. It's a burst of flavor.

Almond butter and orange marmalade gooey cookie crisps are very rich, and great served with hot tea.

Substitute high-calorie foods with low-calorie foods that taste great

2011-12-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

During the bodybuilding competition season, it's hard to find foods that taste great and fit within my nutrition plan. My nutrition plan is stringent, and in the past I gave up certain foods because they were too high in fat or calories. The monotony of the nutrition program made it easy for me to crave foods that were not listed as part of my program.

For this season I tried several food items that were low-calorie and tasted great. I normally don't eat items that are considered diet foods, but I found some items that made my bodybuilding nutrition program easier to follow.

Read full article

Sapporo Ichiban Ramen Noodles

2011-12-06T04:14:00.000-08:00

I grew up on Sapporo Ichiban Ramen noodles, or rom-ee-on, as we pronounce it. This was my mom's version of chicken noodle soup for a cold. My mom would make us a pack of this when were were sick, and would add vegetables and eggs to it.

Since I've been sick for an entire week I felt the urge to have some hot soup. I'm not a fan of many soups, but I do love rom-ee-on. It's got a great broth, cheap and super easy to make. Plus, my kids love it and we can have this as an entire meal with the tasty additions.

Sapporo Ichiban Ramen Noodles with veggies and eggs

1 pack Sapporo Ichiban Ramen Noodles (I prefer original)
1 sm. zucchini
onion slices to taste
carrots
1 or 2 eggs

Ramen with eggs and veggies

Place the pan on the oven and set the temperature on med-high to high. Drop in the eggs and carrots since these take the longest to cook. Break the yolks if you want them to cook all the way through.

Add the onions. Once it hits a boil add the ramen noodles, seasoning packet and the zucchini. Cook until the noodles are tender.

Eat it with Kimchi

I like my noodles slightly hard, and take them out a bit sooner. I also eat my ramen with kimchi if I have it on hand. If you like kimchi, but not sure how to make it, buy some from a local Asian store or an Hmart. You can buy the kimchi in a jar, or wait until Sundays when it's prepared fresh for you.

Maangchi makes kimchi

If you want to try a hand at kimchi here's a great video from Maangchi, the Korean cooking goddess.

Mama's iced coffee

2011-12-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

I am very predictable. Every morning I begin my day the exact same way. I get out bed, use the bathroom, brush my teeth, pull my hair back and head to the laundry room. I fold any clothes that need to be folded and start a load in the wash. After, I make my way to the kitchen for my first breakfast snack. This is my light breakfast before I have a real breakfast.

Each morning I have an iced coffee with an apple and a tablespoon of almond butter. I really stink at making good, hot coffee so I use instant for my iced coffee.

My morning coffee at 4:48 a.m.

Iced coffee recipe

Instant coffee (to your desired strength)
2 packs Splenda
Milk
Ice

Add the instant coffee and sweetener to your glass. Pour the milk over it, but leave enough space to add ice. Let the coffee and milk sit for a minute or two so the instant coffee can dissolve. Stir, add ice and stir once again.

It's simple, fresh and crisp.

Heart healthy options

I prefer to use 2% milk even with my lactose intolerance, but when I'm training for a bodybuilding event I use unsweetened and lactose free alternatives, or fat free milk. You may also prefer these options:

Almond milk
Soy milk
Rice milk
Hemp drink
Coconut drink
Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened soy milk
Unsweetened rice milk
Unsweetened coconut drink
Truvia
Stevia

It's all a matter of taste, but I found that most of the alternatives make a good iced coffee. The milk alternatives are also good for for those who are lactose intolerant.

***I've used milk, almond milk, soy milk, and rice milk. The coconut drink is new, and I've never tried the hemp drink.

Leftover turkey salad with fruit

2011-11-26T12:19:00.001-08:00

Although I'm a big meat eater I don't eat much turkey. By the end of Thanksgiving and Christmas I've had all I can stand, but that still leaves me with leftover turkey. There is so much to do with leftover turkey, but one of my favorites is turkey salad with fruit. Leftover turkey makes great turkey salad, and I love to make a good batch for sandwiches and wraps.

Cherries, apples and raisins

I add a couple of items to the salad to make it all my own, and I think that's why people love turkey salad from leftovers. It's simple, tasty and livens up turkey meat with your own special spin.

Leftover turkey salad with fruit recipe

10 oz. Turkey
10 Cherries pitted and quartered
2 oz. raisins
2 to 3 oz. chopped apples
1.5 oz. Applewood Smoked Gouda shredded
3 T Mayo (large helping)
1 oz. fine chopped celery
1 oz. sliced almonds
1 oz fine chopped onions
1/2 T butter
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder to taste
Tarragon to taste

Onion, celery and almond preparation

Ingredients in the mixing bowl

Heat a pan on medium and add butter. Add almonds, onion and celery to the pan and saute until brown. Place in a large mixing bowl to cool.

Turkey and fruit preparation

Chop turkey and apples into small pieces. Pit and quarter the cherries and place the turkey, smoked gouda cheese, apples, cherries and raisins into the mixing bowl with the onions, celery and almonds.

Add mayo, salt, pepper, garlic powder and tarragon and mix. Be careful with the tarragon. Tarragon is very strong and overwhelming if you add too much.

Heart healthy alternatives

Turkey salad on Texas toast with lettuce and tomato

Exclude butter and use a fat free mayo if you prefer, as well as low calorie, low carbohydrate Santa Fe Tortilla instead of bread. Use pears, cranberries and grapes if you don't like the above fruits, or fat free shredded cheese.

Although I saute the onions, almonds and celery it's not necessary. I just prefer the taste better when it's sauteed. I also add the smoked Gouda because it gives the salad such a great smokey flavor and adds to the texture.

This turkey salad recipe only takes 15 to 20 minutes to prepare.

Sautéed asparagus, onions and peppers

2011-11-26T06:18:00.000-08:00

Sautéed asparagus, onions and peppers is a favorite side dish, and it's great with starchy foods like rice, pasta and potatoes. It's simple, colorful and tasty and a good dish for any meal, or the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, also.

Sautéed asparagus onions and peppers recipe

1 bunch asparagus, usually a pounds worth
1/2 onion, your color choice
1/2 red bell pepper
Salt
Pepper
1 to 2 cloves garlic
up to 1 T olive oil (you really don't need a lot)

Simple, colorful and tasty

Tough asparagus stalks

When it comes to asparagus I prefer it pencil thin. I snap off the bottom of the stalks which are tough. I do not throw the tough stalks away. Instead, I save them in a Ziploc freezer bag in case I need them for something else later.

How to sauté asparagus, onions and peppers

Slice the asparagus in half, but at an angle. It's much more attractive than a blunt/straight cut.

Rinse the asparagus well. Place it aside. While you slice the onion and red pepper preheat your pan on medium. Add olive oil to the pan. Once it's hot add the onion to the pan. Then add the peppers and asparagus. Add the garlic last. Garlic burns very easily and tastes bitter when it burns.

It will only take a few minutes to cook. Once the asparagus is a bright green the veggies are done.

Asparagus tip:

Snap off the tough ends and place the asparagus in a bowl of ice water if it looks a little wilted. It will bring them back to life.

Related Material:

Low Glycemic Fruits and Veggies with Healthy Benefits

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T01:49:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving! I'm not sure what you're thankful for, but I have hundreds of reasons to be thankful. To begin, my mom and dad are here, and my kids and husband are safe in bed. That alone is a blessing.

Male Turkey Wikimedia Commons

By the way, if you can take a moment out of your day to feed one extra person, please do. Or, if you need a hot meal don't be afraid to ask. Someone out there will have an open heart.

Toaster pancakes: What to do with leftover pancakes

2011-11-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

Pancakes are a favorite at my house, and I make them five mornings a week. They don't take long to make, and can be bought in every type from whole wheat to gluten free. I used to make them from scratch, but found that the boxed versions work just as well.

Pancake stack

Since I love to break cooking rules I rarely follow the instructions, and make way to many pancakes. For years, I would reheat the leftover pancakes in the microwave and they were so soggy and gross. Over time, I realized the toaster was perfect and stopped using the microwave.

Toaster pancakes

Pop your leftover pancakes in a toaster and they will reheat evenly, and add a nice crusty/crunchy texture. It's no different than a toaster waffle. Once out of the toaster add these toppings for flavor.

Syrup & butter
Preserves
Quick berry fresh pancake syrup (recipe)

Heart healthy toppings

Sugar free jelly and Reddi-wip
Walden Farms sugar free caramel and/or syrup
Reddi-wip and fresh fruit compote
Fresh fruit compote
Almond butter & sugar free jelly
Reddi-wip, bananas and sugar free syrup

You can see I love Reddi-wip, but this list could go on forever. I prefer the almond butter and preserves, but any of these are great to liven up leftover pancakes. Plus, you're not wasting food.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich: High protein, low calorie and low fat

2011-11-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

100 calories per tortilla

Whether you're in need of a tasty treat, or a fast meal, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are super simple to make. Although wholesome, they can be very high in calories depending on the ingredients used.

I don't eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too often, but have found a low-calorie, low fat and high protein version that is tasty and heart healthy.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe

1 Santa Fe Tortilla
2 T Pb2 with 1 T water mixed together
2 T Sugar free raspberry preserves (your preference)

I buy Santa Fe Tortillas at my local Costco. There are twenty to a pack, and are freezable. According the package the tortillas are 100% whole grain, with no Trans fat and has seven grams of fiber. Deducting the fiber from the carbohydrates leaves this tortilla with a total of six net carbohydrates per serving. These are the same wraps created for the South Beach Diet, as well.

There's even a chocolate version

Pb2 is a powdered peanut butter that uses two tablespoons of Pb2 with one tablespoon of water, and makes a serving that contains 1.5 grams of fat. This is extremely low compared to the average 16 grams in regular peanut butter. It only contains 45 calories per serving.

Although you can choose any type of jelly I prefer Smucker's Sugar Free Raspberry Preserves. For two tablespoons it's only 20 calories, and darn good.

Instructions:

Place the Pb2 concoction and jelly in the center of the tortilla. Push it out towards the edges, and fold the tortilla in half. Or, place it under the broiler (open face) for a few minutes for a hot peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Be careful when folding it in half. The peanut butter and jelly can ooze and burn you. Eat it whole or use a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges.

Great on oatmeal

Calories

100 Santa Fe Tortilla
20 Smucker's Sugar Free Preserves (2 servings)
45 Pb2

The total calories for one peanut butter and jelly tortilla sandwich are 165 calories with 13 grams of protein. Add a glass of skim milk to this sandwich for a well rounded breakfast, or snack.

Note: Please click the item links if you have any other nutritional questions about the products.

Simple low calorie teriyaki marinade

2011-11-16T01:43:00.001-08:00

I'm a sucker for all things teriyaki, and could drink a bottle of Mr. Yoshida's sauce like nothing, but during the competition season it's not a possibility. The amount of sugar in the sauce certainly doesn't fit into my nutrition program. However, I found a way to get a great tasting teriyake marinade that's extremely simple to make.

Preparing chicken

Simple low calorie teriyake marinade with chicken

3 lb. chicken breasts
1/2 cup Kikkoman soy sauce
2 packs Splenda
5 cloves garlic chopped
1/4-1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
ginger (optional)
sesame seeds for garnish
3 T sesame oil (not needed for grilling)

Heart healthy substitutions

Pam cooking spray
Truvia sweetener
Stevia sweetener
Low sodium soy sauce

Simple low calorie Teriyake marinade preparation

Pan seared chicken in teriyake marinade

I cook in very large portions for my bodybuilding program and for my family, but this teriyake marinade is adjustable for smaller portions. You can see, I used it for three pounds of chicken.

In a large mixing bowl add chopped green onions, soy sauce, garlic and Splenda. Add ginger if you are using that, also. Stir it well. Add chicken. Let it sit for an hour or two. Overnight is better, or freeze your chicken in the teriyake marinade for the future.

Pan seared or grilled

Grill the chicken or pan sear it. There's no need to use the sesame oil if you plan to cook it on the grill. In the bodybuilding off season I use one table spoon at a time to cook one pound of chicken; then repeat the cooking process. Tonight I used Pam cooking spray. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken.

*If you use Splenda, green onions, soy sauce and garlic in those quantities the calories total 106. I used www.Fitday.com to get these numbers.

Please follow this blog or share this link if you like it! ;)

Quick berry fresh pancake syrup

2011-11-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Pancakes are great for any morning, but I enjoy making them for weekend breakfasts the most. There's nothing going on since the kids aren't rushing to school, and we can sit down to enjoy breakfast together.

Every now and again we like a change from traditional maple pancake syrup, and will add fresh berries to it. It's so easy and gives the syrup a distinct flavor. It's also a good way to use up berries that are close to their shelf life.

I love to use strawberries

Fresh Berries

Choose from blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries or any other berry that suits your fancy.

Quick, berry fresh syrup ingredients

1 cup maple syrup
1/2 to 1 cup course chopped berries (depends on desired thickness)

Place both in a large microwave safe measuring cup. A large measuring cup with lid is the best choice to save any leftover syrup. Cook the syrup for about a minute, but keep an eye on it. Your microwave cooking time may be different. It will bubble, and is very hot so be careful. The syrup will cook down the berries, and make a tasty syrup for your breakfast.

Substitute with Walden Farms syrup

You can also use Walden Farms calorie free pancake syrup as a substitution. The consistency of the syrup is different so change the ingredient ratios accordingly.

Save the leftover berry syrup for your leftover toaster pancakes or french toast.

Thanksgiving Day Plans

2011-11-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving will be here soon and my family can't wait. We always look forward to the Thanksgiving festivities, and the big turkey dinner. I usually make our favorite foods that I don't make too often, but this year, there are some different foods weadded to the list.

The kids want a combination of foods that I wouldn't normally pair together like BBQ and tacos. It's all good though. This Thanksgiving is going to be feast for my kids, husband and parents.

Thanksgiving dinner

First time for this brand

Chunk's Turkey
Jaden's Pork BBQ
Tacos
Homemade mashed potatoes and gravy
Homemade macaroni and cheese
Green bean casserole
Corn bread
Sauteed green beans
Mixed vegetables
Sauteed asparagus, peppers and onions
Stuffed mushrooms
Asian salad
Dad's homemade dressing
Cranberry sauce
Mom's deviled eggs
I'm forgetting something....

Desserts

Lisa's baked sugar cookie dumplings
Writer Amy Brantley's Twinkie Tiramisu
Homemade Apple pie (maybe)
German chocolate muffins
Cheese cake (with an interesting twist)
Chocolate chips cookies (maybe)
Vanilla ice cream

Food for everyone

This is a lot of food, but my husband still eats like a powerlifter so the leftovers make great meals and alternative recipes. I will take a plate of Thanksgiving dinner to the nearest gas station for the clerk, as well. What can I say? That's the way I roll.

Some canned and prepackaged foods have been bought for the Thanksgiving holiday, already. I even bought a package of Golden Farms French Fried Onions, but I'm not sure if I'll use them. My mom always says her face feels greasy after eating the French fried onions so I may do a homemade version. Yummy!

Pillsbury Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel recipe

2011-11-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Pillsbury Bread sticks.

If you like cinnamon-sugar pretzels; you'll love this simple recipe that gives Auntie Anne a run for the money. I don’t make this often, but it’s a delicious treat for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday with family. Add a glass of cold milk for the finishing touch.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Serves 6

· 1 can Pillsbury bread sticks

· 1 cup Confectioner's sugar/ powdered sugar

· to taste Cinnamon

Peanut Butter & Ganache Dip

· 1/4 cup Chocolate chips (white, milk or dark)

· 1/4 cup Cream

· 2 T Peanut butter

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Coating preparation

Prepare your powdered sugar coating first. Place the powdered sugar in a large container and add cinnamon. This should be added to your liking. It can be excluded, also.2

Pillsbury Bread stick preparation

Add an inch or 1.5 inches of oil to a high lipped pan and let it heat on Med to Med-high. Once the oil is hot open the can of Pillsbury bread sticks and pull them apart. Twist the bread sticks and lay them into the hot oil. The bread sticks will only take a minute or two to fry per side.

Peanut Butter Ganache Dip preparation

Peanut Butter Ganache

Use a sauce pan set on Lo or Med-Lo. Pour the chocolate chips in the pan and let them melt slowly. While melting pour cream in slowly, and add the peanut butter into the melting concoction. The peanut butter will begin to smooth out, and create a rich peanut butter ganache dipping sauce for your pretzels. Watch it closely so it does not burn.

Coating Pillsbury cinnamon sugar pretzels

Soon as the pretzels are golden brown remove them from the oil, and place them in the powdered sugar and cinnamon container. Put the lid on the container and shake it until your pretzels are covered. Repeat this process with all of the pretzels. Once finished, place them on a nice serving dish.

Tips

LIsa's Pillsbury Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Open the Pillsbury bread sticks after the oil is hot. This ensures the bread sticks are still cold. They are very difficult to pull apart when warm.
If the bread sticks are warm and stretch too much, twist the loose ends together.3
Fry the bread sticks in two batches.
Use 1/2 of the sugar coating for the first batch, and the other 1/2 for the second batch.
The bread sticks will cook quickly so have your spatula or slotted spoon handy.

Five Wine Colors for Home Décor

2011-11-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

Home décor creates a personalized living space that is outgoing, bright and even sterile. What happens when your home décor needs new looks, or needs to be refreshed? Do you start over, or add décor that brightens the look of the room? There are several alternatives to buying all new furniture such as wine colored home goods.

Wikimedia Commons

Wine colors are vibrant, and also in warm neutral shades. Wine colors found in nature have a full spectrum of shades from pale yellow to deep brown. These palettes add dimension to rooms, and are found in home décor pieces from pillows to paints.

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