"Skinny Mexican Taco Lasagna"

This "Skinny Mexican Taco Lasagna" was inspired by a post a friend made on Facebook as I sat scrolling one night..

Immediately upon seeing it the light-bulb went off and I started scribbling out ideas for ingredients and options..

 

I love when a recipe comes about that way, with just the slightest nudge and prodding by my imagination..

I love it even better when it’s successful and delicious, like this fusion of Mexican & Italian inspired cuisine using low fat, low carb, high protein ingredients that still pack so much flavor that you’re kids will never know the difference..

This is one your family is sure to love, so take "Taco Tuesday" to the next level and try this one out for you and your family—because it is, oh so  "Definitely Delish"

 

"Skinny Mexican Taco Lasagna"

Ingredients:
1 pound ground Beef, 90% lean
1 pound ground Turkey, 93% lean
2 (16 oz.) jars Chunky Salsa (homemade or favorite brand choice)
1 (7 oz.) bag 2% Sharp Cheddar, shredded
1 (7 oz.) bag 2% Colby Jack, shredded
1 (7 oz.) bag 2% Mexican Mix Cheese, shredded
2 (14 oz.) cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drained
1/2  teaspoon Onion powder
1 to 2 packages of low sodium Taco seasoning mix (use more or less to taste)
2 packages "Toufayan Bakery" Lavash Flatbread, Whole Grain with Flax (low-carb)
Sea Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
1 (16 oz.) container Low fat Sour Cream
4 to 6 ounces low fat Cream Cheese
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Parsley, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon fresh chopped Cilantro, plus more for garnish
Fresh sliced Jalapeno pepper for garnish

Directions:
1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and take out a 9 x 13 inch baking pan or dish and grease the insides with butter or a non-stick baking spray..
2. Take ground beef and turkey and saute until browned. Season with taco mix blend, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper to taste, until evenly coated.. 
3. Add half a can of fire roasted tomatoes, two teaspoons of chopped parsley and a 1/2 teaspoon of cilantro. Mix together, then set aside till ready to use..
4. Next take the Lavash flatbread wraps and separate or cut them into even strips to fit your pan or baking dish (The Lavash Flatbread I buy comes in 2 serving sheets with a perforation in the center—3 servings fit my pan perfectly but you may need to cut or slice depending on brand), these will make up your "lasagna" noodle substitutes. You should end up with 9 pieces if using my brand otherwise it could range up depending on how you slice the Lavash wraps to make your noodle substitutes..
5. Now, in a bowl, mix together the 2 jars of chunky salsa with 1 1/2 cans of drained fire roasted tomatoes. In another bowl, mix the bags of low fat shredded cheese together in preparation—and finally mix 12 ounces of sour cream and 4 to 6 ounces of low fat cream cheese together until blended smooth..

6. To begin layering, start by ladling out 2/3 of a cup of salsa mix evenly into the bottom of your baking dish (I'll usually give the tray a few shakes back and forth to help spread the salsa). Then cover it with strips of the cut Lavash flax roll ups..
7. Cover the strips of Lavash flax roll ups with about 1/3 of the taco meat mixture, spreading it evenly. Follow that with some of the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. Cover that with a 2/3 of a cup of the salsa and tomatoes, then 1/4 of the total amount of shredded cheese..
8. Repeat with another layer of Lavash bread strips, taco meat, sour cream mixture, salsa and shredded cheese until only salsa and cheese remain..
9. After laying down the last Lavash flatbread strips, cover them with 2/3's of a cup of salsa and the remaining cheese-then garnish with sliced jalapeno and some of the chopped parsley and cilantro..
10. Place into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve with low fat sour cream, avocado slices, torn cilantro leaves and additional salsa or picante sauce, if desired..

Notes:
1. The "Toufayan Bakery" Lavash Flatbread I buy comes in 2 serving sheets with a perforation in the center--3 servings fit my pan perfectly but you may need to cut or slice depending on brand..
2. I use the "Toufayan Bakery" Lavash Plus with Whole Grain & Flax for this dish because of the higher protein and fiber, with low calories. (Each serving is 80 cals, 3 g fat, 13 g carbs, 5 g fiber & 6 g protein) This helps to keep the overall fat and carbs low while raising the fiber and protein a nice amount without affecting the taste..
3. You can add a small can of sauce to the ground beef if you feel its to thick, a 6 to 8 ounce can of plain low sodium sauce is preferable..
4. You can use completely fat free cheese (though that's not my preference) or all ground turkey instead of beef & turkey mixed..
5. You could also use different Flax roll ups or wraps; Damascus Bakery makes a high protein low carb flax wrap that would work great in this dish..

 


 

"GK Skinny Pasta Spaghetti Pie" with "Coconut Flour Crust"

I love trying new things, especially taking a recipe that might be a little on the decadent side or that would send you into carb overload and making it healthier..

One of the things I love and almost rarely ever ate over the past several years was pasta..

Getting older isn't easy, and needing to change up your eating habits can be difficult but luckily for a lot of us there are a few companies who have heard our cry for a healthy pasta alternative that doesn't involve zucchini..

This particular brand is "GK Skinny Pasta"

Gabriella's Kitchen has been making pasta alternatives, gluten free and teff pastas for a while now, but my favorites by far are the high protein low carb pastas they've created..

An that's where this comes in..

This recipe was one I made years ago but it's so filling, and so carb and fat heavy, that I just couldn't bring myself to make it again..

Now taking my new discovery of skinny pasta, and a pie crust I've been experimenting with, I went about making a healthy version of an incredibly scrumptious dinner dish..

Using part skim, low fat, low carb ingredients with a minimum of oil and turkey sausage—I've gone about creating a meal that is anything but bad for you no matter how gluttonous you might feel enjoying it..

 

Full of tons of protein, vegetables and fiber—you'll definitely feel satiated after a piece of this..

So give it a try yourself, and give "GK Skinny Pasta" a try to—I know that you'll find them both "Definitely Delish"

 

"Baked Spaghetti Pie" with GK SkinnyPasta and "Coconut Flour Crust"

Ingredients:
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 zucchini, large dice
1 yellow Squash, large dice
Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1/4 cup red wine
3 cups tomato sauce (plus 2 more cups for serving on the side) 
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2/3 pound GK SkinnyPasta, Spaghetti
1 pound part skim mozzarella, diced
1/2 to 2/3 cup Parmesan, Asiago & Romano cheese, shredded
1/2 cup or more part skim ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon Fresh chopped parsley
Coconut Flour Pie Crust (see recipe below)

Directions:
1. Heat  2 tablespoons cup of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and toss to coat in the oil..
2. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Saute the veggies until it is lightly golden and tender, about 10 minutes. Decrease the heat to medium. Add the garlic and saute until it is tender, about 2 minutes longer..
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl..
4. Add the sausage and wine to the same frying pan. Cook over medium-high heat until the wine evaporates and the sausage is brown, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces, about 8 minutes..
5. Add the sausage, parsley, tomato sauce, and crushed red pepper to the veggie mixture, and toss to combine..
6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the GK Skinny Pasta and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly..
Drain. Toss the spaghetti with the mixture. Cool completely. Add the mozzarella and shredded cheeses and toss to combine..
7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Follow the "Coconut Flour Pie Crust" directions and transfer to a 9 or 10 inch spring-form pan (I used a double recipe and 10 inch spring-form)
8. Spoon the mixture into the prepared bottom crust till full adding spoonfuls of part skim ricotta cheese here and there (more or less to preference)
9. Roll out a 10 inch circle of coconut flour pie crust on parchment paper, brush the exposed edges of the pie crust in the spring-form pan with egg wash and transfer the circle of dough on top sealing it by pressing the edges..
10. Lightly brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle a pinch or two of coarse salt on top—then cut small slots for the inside to vent..
11. Place in middle rack of the oven. Bake until the pastry is golden brown on top, about 30 minutes..
12. Use foil around the edges if they begin to darken to quickly..
13. When done let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan sides and serve with some reserved tomato sauce on the side..

Notes:
1. You can pre-bake the bottom shell of pie crust till just beginning to lightly golden, to avoid the chance of it remaining to soggy, before filling. Just be careful not to overcook..
2. You can also switch up the vegetables if you wish, I added a small amount of eggplant to mine. You can use all yellow or all green squash, all eggplant-it's personal preference really..

"Low Carb High Protein Coconut Flour Pie Crust"

Ingredients:
2 eggs plus 2 egg whites
2-3 teaspoons peanut or canola oil
1 teaspoon butter extract
1/4 tsp fine Himalayan pink salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coconut flour (Bob's Red Mill or preferred brand)
1/4 cup Vital Wheat Gluten (24g protein per serving)
1/2 cup light butter, softened & added in spoonfuls (or cubes)

Options:
1 tsp vanilla extract (only for dessert pies)
3 teaspoons Truvia (for dessert pies)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Whisk the eggs, oil & butter (vanilla extract & Truvia added here for a dessert pie recipe) into a stand mixer..
3. In another bowl whisk the remaining ingredients together until combined..
4. Pour the dry and wet mixture into a mixer and combine on low speed..
5. Add the cubed light butter. Process until it looks like crumbles..
6. Squeeze the crumbles together with your hands until you form a ball of dough..
7. Roll out the needed dough between two pieces of parchment paper and flip over into pie plate or spring-form pan (will want to break, just use your hands to fill and form the dough inside)
8. Using a fork randomly make holes into the bottom of the crust using the tines..
9. Loosely ring the top edges of your dough with aluminum foil if you're going to do additional baking after filling..
10. Pre-Bake the crust 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden..
11. Once cooled out of the oven, add your filling. Or if you're doing additional baking, fill and add your additional layer of pie crust on top before baking again..

Notes:
1. For Gluten Free version you can try switching out the Vital Wheat gluten for unflavored brown rice protein..

2. You can also increase the sweetness of the crust by adding additional Truvia (or your preferred sugar substitute), Vanilla extract or other flavors depending on what you plan to fill the crust with. (Sweet or Savory works great with this crust)

"Roasted Butternut Squash Soup"

This soup recipe is a little time consuming just because of the cutting and pre-roasting of the squash, but once that's done it definitely speeds up..

The roasting concentrates the flavor and gives the squash this amazing taste that's well worth the wait..

I find this one of the toughest soups to photograph as there is little variation in color or texture unless you garnish it just right—still just tends to look orange but she's got it where it counts, and that's in taste..

This is one of my Baby's favorite soups that I make here at home; sweet, savory, cinnamon spicy and oh so good..

Definitely worth making at home, especially now that Summer is coming to close and Fall is fast approaching us.. 

(Just looks so pretty as a starter before thanksgiving or any dinner during those fall months)

Though in this house, regardless of the time of year, this soup is a guaranteed to be a hit..

Try it out for yourself and your family; I think you'll find that it is, without a doubt, "Definitely Delish"

"Roasted Butternut Squash Soup"

Ingredients:
4 pounds Butternut Squash Cubes
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 Green Apple
1/2 Sweet Vidalia Onion
8 fresh Sage leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Sugar in the raw (turbinado sugar)
2 1/2 cups low sodium Chicken broth(see notes)
1 cup Apple Cider
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon each of Allspice and Nutmeg
1/3 cup Heavy Cream
Garnish-see Note below

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees and arrange rack in middle..
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and fill with cut squash. Then melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over top the squash pieces and then sprinkle with sugar..
3. Season with sea salt and pepper, then roast till knife tender-about 50 minutes to 1 hour approximately..
4. Meanwhile; peel, core and cut the apple into a medium dice. Follow by cutting the onion half into a medium dice as well. Then melt the remaining butter on medium heat in a deep pot, or dutch oven, large enough to hold several quarts of soup..
5. Add the apple, onion, and sage to the pot and season with salt and pepper-then cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. About 7 minutes..
6. Remove the pan from heat and set aside till squash is don in the oven..
7. When the squash is done, add it to the pot with the sauteed apples and onions; then add the broth, cider, cinnamon, spices and water to the pot. Bring it to a boil over medium high heat..
8. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust heat if necessary..
9. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream; now with an immersion blender, puree the soup inside of the pot. (You could also use a regular blender and puree in batches but I find the immersion blender saves on time and clean up)
10. Taste and season with salt, pepper or cinnamon as needed to achieve the desired taste..

Notes:
1. You can leave it slightly chunky if you prefer it that way. Also, you can garnish it with toasted pumpkin seeds, apple slices, dollops of goat cheese (I prefer honeyed goat cheese for this) or a few dashes of cinnamon - or even a mix of all of these..
2. Substitute the chicken broth with a light vegetable stock, Coconut cream (or cream substitute) for the heavy cream and use your preferred butter substitute (margarine, oil, etc) for butter to make this a Vegan or Vegetarian friendly dish..

"Cabbage Roll Soup"

I love good old fashioned comfort food, the kind that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside..

A soup, a stew, a pasta; you know, something truly hearty and filling that takes you back to good ol'days of growing up and coming home to Mom cooking in the kitchen..

So after a little thought; and a lot of rummaging thru the pantry and fridge, what I ended up creating was this wonderfully fulfilling and delightfully tasteful "Cabbage Roll Soup"

I find it so tricky photographing a soup or stew like this, everything tends to mush together; but to paraphrase someone from a long long time ago..

"She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts" 

And that's flavor..

Loved it, truly—with each and every mouthful exposing a new hint of taste; from the smoky sweet Paprika, fresh chopped Herbs and mix of delicious Cabbages all the way to the scrumptious blend of wild & brown rices with quinoa, and lean ground beef & pork browned to perfection..

Simmered all of that delectable goodness with some beef broth, vegetable juice and fire roasted diced tomatoes until finally finished—and then, when I didn't think my hunger could hold out any longer, it was time to dig in..

Yum, yum and yum is all I can really say; me and my Baby enjoyed it immensely and she feels that this is one that is definitely destined for the cookbook, for sure..

So perfectly filling and oh so—
"Definitely Delish"

"Cabbage Roll Soup"

Ingredients:
1 cup of pearl onions (you can use thawed frozen, though I prefer fresh white and gold)
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 pound lean ground beef (if you want meatier, add extra beef and pork—1/4 pound of each)
1/2 pound lean ground pork
3/4 cup uncooked mix of quinoa, brown & long grain rice
1/2 cup or more of carrot bites(nibler) sliced or chopped
1/2 medium head savoy cabbage, chopped (core removed)
1/2 medium sized Cabbage (red, regular or other preferred), chopped (core removed)
3 tablespoons flour
2 (14 oz) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1½ cups V8 or other vegetable juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. In a large pot, brown pork and beef. Drain any fat..
2. Stir in Garlic, cooking for one minute; then add carrots and pearl onions, stirring for 3 minutes..
3. Stir in chopped cabbage and let cook until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).
4. Sprinkle flour into cabbage mixture and cook an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add all remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and reduced heat to medium low..
6. Cover and simmer on low until rice is fully cooked (about 25-30 minutes)
7. Remove bay leaf, add additional Salt and Pepper to taste and serve garnished with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley..

Notes:
1. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency once rice is cooked..
2. If you enjoy spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of cayenne...
3. You can sub in a chopped onion for the pearl onions, as well as adding sliced scallions etc... Feel free to experiment..
4. Serve it with some nice crusty bread
(A French boule, sesame Semolina Italian, or Sourdough-all my favorites), warmed in the oven with butter on the side..

"Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust Pizza"

 I'm always seeing all of these wonderful healthy crust pizzas, that people share, all of the time..

Makes me so hungry for something I generally don't eat anymore, but do so definitely love..

So taking a little inspiration from those who have posted before me, I decided to go all in and create a couple of "healthy" pizzas of my very own..

This first one is made up of a deliciously flavorful crust of Roasted Cauliflower, Coconut flour, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, and some spices..

It was actually much easier to do then expected and using parchment paper to help move it on and off the Pizza stone, during cooking, made all the difference in the world..

So, literally, after 10 minutes of baking it was time to take it out and slide my other crust into the oven and decide what I should top this one with..

I made sure to have more than a few options available for me, and my Baby, and then left it up to her to decide..

 

After looking over everything, she went with the fresh mozzarella and basil..

So slathering the top with pizza sauce, placing some medallions of mozz' and scattering a couple of pinches of fresh cut basil—it was time to go back on the stone in the oven to finish cooking..

A handful of minutes later it was done and all ready to be devoured, added just a smidgen of shaved Parmesan for good measure and began cutting into this one to give it a try..

Yum, it was so good and the crust was so tasty—it even held together just enough to be picked up just like a regular slice of pizza..

So very good and so very healthy with all of those natural ingredients with the gluten free, low carb crust..

So going to make this again because it was so—"Definitely Delish"

 

 

"Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust Pizza"

Ingredients:
1 small to medium sized head of roasted cauliflower - should yield 2 to 3 cups once processed
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried basil (crush it even more between your fingers)
1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried oregano (crush it even more between you fingers)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh Garlic
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 2% mozzarella cheese
1 egg
2-3 tablespoons coconut flour
Toppings:
Pizza sauce-homemade or store bought
Cheese fresh or pre shredded mozzarella
Toppings, whatever you enjoy.....

Directions:
1. Place a pizza stone in the oven, or baking sheet if you don't have a pizza stone. Preheat oven to 450 degrees..
2. On a cutting board, place a large piece of parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking oil..
3. Wash and throughly dry a small head of cauliflower..
4. Cut off the florets, you don't need much stem. Place in baking dish and drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle a touch of salt..
5. Place in oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. Remove, and when cool enough to touch, place into food processor..
6. Pulse in your food processor for about 30 seconds, until you get powdery snow like cauliflower. You should have about 2 cups of cauliflower..
7. Scoop out cauliflower and place into a dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze. You want to squeeze out as much water as possible. This will ensure you get a nice chewy pizza like crust instead of a crumbly mess.. 
8. Dump cauliflower into a bowl. Now add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried basil (crush up the leaves even more between your fingers before adding), 1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried oregano (crush up the leaves even more between your fingers before adding), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt), minced fresh garlic and a dash of red pepper if you want..
9. I also added 2-3 tablespoons of coconut flour at this time. Now add your egg and mix away. Hands tend to work best, I'll wear those throw away gloves sometimes so as to be able too have clean hands again when needed..

10. Once mixed together, use your hands to form the dough into a crust on your oiled parchment paper. Pat it down throughly, you want it nice and tightly formed together. Don't make it too thick or thin either. (I used the outer ring of a spring-form pan to ensure a nice circular crust..
11. Using a cutting board slide the parchment paper onto your hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8 - 11 minutes, until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven... (Just eye the crust the last few minutes to ensure you don't under or over cook it)
12. Add however much sauce, cheese, and toppings you want. I'm not gonna give you measurements for this. You should know how you like your pizza - this is your personal taste that matters..
13. Slide parchment with topped pizza back in the hot oven and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden....
14. Test your patience and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Probably closer to two. Then using a pizza cutter and a spatula serve up your delicious gluten-free cauliflower crust pizza!

Notes:
1. It makes a big difference oiling the parchment paper before forming the crust on it and using a pizza stone in the oven..
2. You'll want to have the oven pre-heated well ahead to allow the stone to be heated completely..
3. An average size head of cauliflower is fine, you don't want to have much more then 2 cups of processed cauliflower after roasting..
4. Can use un-roasted cauliflower as well— just rinse, remove florets, process into snow and microwave for 4 minutes on a plate before squeezing liquid out with cheese cloth..

"Gluten Free Quinoa Coconut Flour Crust Pizza"

Who doesn't love pizza, I know I do—and when I get to craving, especially now that I'm older, I try my hardest to figure out ways to enjoy it without regretting it almost immediately..

This is one of them, and one of my favorite fit and healthy alternatives to the oh so tasty pizza crust—and I think you'll find that you enjoy it to..

Deciding, though, that I missed pizza was only the first hurdle and then after seeing so many of those cauliflower, and other, crusts floating around out there —well I just had to give it a try myself..

So after messing around with a recipe or two, I decided to try a completely different take on the pizza crust myself..

 

So after a quick mixing together of all the various ingredients; I dumped it all out onto oiled parchment paper, and using the ring of the spring form pan, formed it into a circular shape..

Into the oven, for a few minutes, on the paper till just golden brown and then time to slather with sauce and cover with toppings..

I decided to go with one of my favorite pizza styles, the "Hawaiian Pizza"—fresh cut pineapple, sliced prosciutto, shredded and fresh mozzarella with a few torn fresh basil leaves..

Back in for five or so minutes more, until the cheese has melted and then it's almost time to dig in..

Just let it sit for a minute or two; sprinkle it with shaved Parmesan if desired and some extra basil, a little salt & pepper or red pepper flakes—if that's suits your tastes..

Now time to jump in and start eating; cut up a few slices for me and my Baby—then devoured this terrifically tasty treat..

So very good and healthier for you as well..

Will be playing around more with this one in the future, from toppings to sauce—you should too..

"Definitely Delish" and definitely a dish to make again and again..


"Quinoa and Coconut Flour Pizza Crust"

Ingredients:
Crust:
1/2 cup Quinoa Flakes
1/4 cup +2 tablespoons Coconut Flour
3 Eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons of Water
2/3 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2/3 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp dried Oregano and Basil, crushed between fingers
2 cloves fresh Garlic, minced
2 heaping tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded 2% Mozzarella

For Toppings:
Pizza sauce, homemade or store bought
Shredded or fresh Mozzarella, or mix
2-3 fresh torn Basil leaves
Any other toppings you enjoy (I did prosciutto and pineapple with fresh basil)

Directions:
1. Place a pizza stone in the oven, or baking sheet if you don't have a pizza stone. Preheat oven to 450 degrees..
2. On a cutting board, place a large piece of parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking oil..
3. Dump quinoa flakes and coconut flour into a bowl. Now add Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 2/3 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (crush up the leaves even more between your fingers before adding), 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (crush up the leaves even more between your fingers before adding), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt), minced fresh garlic, baking soda, baking powder and a dash of red pepper if you want..
4. Now add your egg and mix away. Hands tend to work best, I'll wear those throw away gloves sometimes so as to be able too have clean hands again when needed..

5. Once mixed together, use your hands to form the dough into a crust on your oiled parchment paper. Pat it down thoroughly, you want it nice and tightly formed together. Don't make it too thick or thin either. (I used the outer ring of a spring-form pan to ensure a nice circular crust)
6. Using a cutting board slide the parchment paper onto your hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven... (Just eye the crust the last few minutes to ensure you don't under or over cook it)
7. Add however much sauce, cheese, and toppings you want. I'm not gonna give you measurements for this. You should know how you like your pizza - this is your personal taste that matters.!
8. Slide parchment with topped pizza back in the hot oven and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden..
9. Test your patience and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Probably closer to two. Then using a pizza cutter and a spatula serve up your delicious gluten-free quinoa coconut flour crust pizza!

Notes:
1. It makes a big difference oiling the parchment paper before forming the crust on it and using a pizza stone in the oven..

2. You'll want to have the oven pre-heated well ahead to allow the stone to be heated completely..

"Skinny Orange Chicken"

I love finding fun ways to create low calorie healthier alternatives to some of my favorite dishes..

 

Through experience, and experimentation, I've gotten pretty good at it with some recipes—such as this incredibly tasty "Skinny Orange Chicken"

 

Using "Tamari" lite Japanese soy sauce, natural coconut oil spray and my favorite brown sugar substitute by Truvia—I'm able to create these wonderful skinny dishes that are amazingly flavorful and with near none of the regret..

For this one, this time, I used a mix of quinoa and low glycemic rice—but I'm just as likely to serve it with roasted riced cauliflower or Shirataki rice by "Miracle Noodle" to cut the carb calories even more..

The depth of citrus orange taste along with spicy tang of red pepper and ginger gives this dish a wonderfully sweet and zesty taste that's sure to please the people in your home..

Add in the fact that you can't tell the difference between this and the high calorie, high sodium version, for me anyway, and this is a win-win as far as I'm concerned..

Tasty, filling, healthy and guilt free—this is another dish that's sure to help you fulfill your desire for a healthier you; and it is, most assuredly, oh so "Definitely Delish"

"Skinny Orange Chicken"

Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless, skinless Chicken Breast
1 cup fresh Orange Juice (low sugar, no pulp, pulp-up to personal taste)
2 tablespoons fresh Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Sushi Vinegar (rice wine vinegar)
2 tablespoons Tamari lite soy sauce
4 tablespoons of Truvia Brown Sugar Blend (equal to 1/3 cup of brown sugar)
2 cloves of Garlic, minced
1 tsp. Ginger
1 Orange, zested (aprox. 1 tablespoon or more)
1/4 tsp. crushed Red Pepper
1/2 c. Water
1 1/2 tablespoons Corn Starch (according to desired thickness)
3 Green Onions, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian Parsley
Sea Salt and fresh ground Black Pepper (for sprinkling on chicken before browning)
3 to 4 cups cooked Rice, Quinoa, blend or low carb alternative..

Directions:
1. Rinse off and pat dry chicken; slice into smaller pieces and season with salt & pepper, then set aside till ready. (Begin cooking your rice or substitute at this time)
2. Pre-heat your skillet, wok or deep sided saute pan on medium high heat. Spray the inside with coconut oil spray and add chicken pieces, browning until lightly golden on all sides—about 10 minutes..
3. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. It will not be finished cooking yet..
4. Lower heat to medium and add the sauce ingredients by combining the orange juice, lemon juice, sushi vinegar, Tamari soy sauce, Truvia brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, orange zest, and crushed red pepper flakes..

5. Cook, stirring regularly, over medium heat until very slightly thickened and bubbly—about 5 minutes..
6. Add the chicken pieces back to the pan with juices and mix together to coat and then covering to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes more—adjusting cooking temperature if necessary..
7. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine water and corn starch and stir until corn starch is dissolved..
8. Add corn starch mixture to skillet and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until sauce is thickens completely—about 2 minutes..
9. When ready to serve spoon chicken over your rice, quinoa or substitute and garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, additional orange zest, and red pepper flakes as desired..

Eat Hot and Enjoy!!

 

"Protein Packed Belgian Waffles"

Every once and awhile I get to wanting something I just don't eat anymore—usually..

When this happens; sometimes, just sometimes, I'll get creative and try to figure on how in creation I can achieve this without regretting almost immediately indulging in a treat of this kind..

 

Of course when I say this kind; what I'm referring too, as you can see from the photos, is nothing short of a stack of protein packed "Belgian Waffles" with "Gelato" and "Whipped Cream"

Today I was successful (though that's not always the case when trying a new technique) by using a mix of protein powder, flapjacked pancake mix, egg & egg whites, stevia, coconut oil, vanilla & almond extracts, cinnamon and almond milk..

An with a little wrangling, and a very short amount of time, I was able to create perfectly fluffy and delicious waffles..

Topped with a little low fat, no churn chocolate protein gelato made with cool whip and finished with whipped coconut cream—this delectably tasty dish was just full of protein, with none of the heavy carb regrets..

Definitely happy with this for a little "Breakfast for Dinner" after hitting the gym; because it was,
most assuredly, oh so "Definitely Delish"


"Protein Packed Waffles"

Ingredients:
2 scoops of Protein Powder (I use Quest Baking Protein-Unflavored)
1/4 cup FlapJacked Protein Pancake Mix (Any protein pancake mix, or gluten free substitute can be used)
2 Eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon fine Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
1 teaspoon Sweetener (stevia, truvia, splenda, etc)
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil, liquified
Natural Cooking Spray
See Notes for Options & Additions

Directions:
1. Pre-heat waffle maker on medium high temperature. (Temperature and time may need adjustment due to differences in waffle makers)
2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a deep bowl with whisk adding any additional dry ingredients such as cinnamon..
3. Add cool liquid coconut oil (if heated to melt or another oil substitute), eggs, Almond milk, vanilla & Almond extracts..
4. Whisk ingredients together adding additional tablespoons of Almond milk if necessary and the batter was too dry. Let sit for a minute..
5. Using a spatula, gently fold any optional ingredients such as mini chocolate chips, blueberries or diced banana if so desired..

6. Spray the inside of your waffle maker with natural oil sprays (I use Pompeian brand natural grapeseed or coconut oils with no propellants)
7. Pour 1/4 to a 1/2 cup (depending on size) of batter out onto your waffle maker and close lid..
8. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and check. (Some waffle makers are cooler on top like mine, so halfway through I'll flip my waffle with help of a small rubber spatula) Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, till done..
9. Repeat with remaining batter till all waffles are finished..
10. Top with your choice of toppings or additions and enjoy..

Options:
1. Mix and match add ins such as more vanilla extract and blueberries, banana extract and diced banana, mini chocolate chips, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice—use your imagination..
2. When I'm looking for extra protein on gym day I will substitute out some Almond milk for additional egg whites (or carton egg beaters) I'll add the 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of carton egg beater eggs (or more) and then add Almond milk till a nice batter like consistency is reached..
3. Toppings can include butter (or substitute, I use Olio light spread) pure maple syrup (or low sugar substitute), homemade whipped cream, fat free gelato (I make a fat free, naturally sweetened protein gelato) or a scoop of "Halo Top" Protein ice cream (which I love, yum)—fresh fruit, preserves or a variety of other options can be added, it's all about personal tastes..

"Herb and Cheese Frittata with Vegetables"

"Herb & Cheese Frittata with Veggies"

It's been a little bit of a skillet meal kick that I've been on recently, but who doesn't love the ease and variety of simple one pan dishes such as these—now let's get down to business..

Last night I decided to make me and my Baby some "Brinner"

You know, a little "Breakfast for Dinner"

What I ended up throwing together was a wonderfully yummy "Frittata"

Had to do a bit of scrounging, the cupboards were a little more bare then usual..

"Asparagus Cheese & Herb Frittata"

 

First I wanted to have some cheese to add, but lacking any beyond some Parmesan, I ended up having to make my own from scratch..

A little heavy cream, milk and lemon juice later and I had my homemade "Ricotta" draining thru some cloth..

Next I prepped some garlic, shallots, grated Parmesan, fresh herbs and grape tomatoes; along with some leftover steamed broccoli I had..

"Zucchini, Squash & Ricotta Cheese Frittata"

A little sautéing later; followed by pouring in the eggs and egg whites, then it was time to add a few dollops of fresh cheese and the seeded an halved tomatoes..

Under the broiler it went; and a few minutes later we had this wonderfully tasty and beautifully golden "Herb and Cheese Frittata" with vegetables...

I sprinkled on a pinch of pink salt and black pepper and then it was all ready to serve..

So very good with just the right amount of each ingredient and with nothing overpowering anything else..

"Definitely Delish" and definitely a dish to be had for dinner, for breakfast, or for both...


"Herb and Cheese Frittata with Vegetables"

"Herb & Cheese Frittata with Tomato"

Ingredients:
8 Eggs (Or a mix of Eggs and Egg Whites-more egg or whites may be needed depending on pan size)
Fresh Herbs—Rosemary, Thyme, etc...
Tablespoon Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
Homemade or Store bought Ricotta Cheese (Goat Cheese, Feta, Fontina, etc)
Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt
Fresh ground Black Pepper
Grape Tomatoes, halved and seeded (Other Vegetables can be used)
Broccoli or Asparagus or other Vegetable

"Zucchini, Squash & Ricotta Cheese Frittata"

 

Directions:
1. Mix eggs (plus egg whites if cutting down on whole eggs) with whisk in bowl with pinch of pink salt...
2. Turn broiler on to 500 degrees..
3. Heat Oven Proof Pan on stove on just below medium heat. (I like using an oven proof oval pan)
4. Add Coconut Oil and Sauté Vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper till tender. (You can add some herbs at this point if desired)

"Herb & Cheese Frittata with Tomato"

 

5. Pour Eggs over top the veggies and cook on medium low, till eggs begin to set—will vary depending on size of pan, depth and whether eggs are at room temperature, check with spatula if needed. (You want them to be at least halfway cooked through or more but be careful not to burn the bottom, adjust temp if needed)
6. Add Tomatoes, a few dollops of Cheese and some of the fresh Herbs...
7. Transfer pan under broiler on middle wrack of oven; cook till nice and golden with eggs being completely set. (Careful not to burn by checking often)

 

Notes:
There are so many options and changes available that it is not even worth listing them. Suffice it to say, pick a mix of cheeses, herbs, seasonings, vegetables and go with it—experimentation and imagination is all you need for a delicious meal the entire family will love, whether its for Brinner or Dinner...