Strawberry Salad in a Glass

This juice made sense ... I love salad and to have it at my disposal is really a treat. 

Here's what I did: 

I peeled and juice (using a peeler) 1 Cucumber, 7 Cocktail Tomatoes (they're the ones bigger than the cherry & grape tomatoes. Don't peel those.). I also juiced 7 Fresh Strawberries. Then, I poured the juice mixture into the blender and added 7 Frozen Strawberries. Blend well for 2-3 minutes.

Pour into your favorite Goblet Glass and ENJOY! 

**For those of you who may be allergic to strawberries, you can substitute for some other fruit. Kiwi, peaches, pineapple, you can even add frozen banana, Which ever you'd prefer it's up to you.**

Bottoms UP!

Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms with Shrimp ...

This dish is quick and easy. A heavy meal is not always an option at the end of the day for dinner.


Here's what you need to do ... 

Saute yourself up 5-10 jumbo shrimp ( 5 if you're cooking for yourself. I used the ones that were already deveined, saves time) in a hot pan with 1-2tbls of oil. Add 3-4 largely chopped mushrooms ( I like portabella) to the pan and cook for 1 minute or so. Add about 2c of spinach, 3 if your cooking for two and so on. Since the shrimp are already salty you don't have to add salt, if you do not much is needed for this dish. Lastly,dice up 1 tomato. Add diced tomatoes to the pan and toss everything together. Finally, plate and ENJOY!

Spinach & Mushroom Pasta Alfredo with Pan Seared Salmon ...

Finding new ways to enjoy a good healthy meal may not be as easy for some, as it is for others. Most of us are eating on the run, which tends to become a bit tiresome, let alone expensive. To find your way back into the kitchen has to be an enjoyable experience for you and your family. When you think of the money you'll save by purchasing your food list and having a sit down meal several times a week with your family, it's worth the change. 

Imagine the illuminating conversations that can go on at the dinner table, while enjoying the company of your family. Getting to know them better is key to family understanding and growth. What better way to end your day than to sit down with your family and enjoy something quick, hot and home cooked delicious ...

Take a look at what you can do, 20 minutes and you're eating this fabulous meal ...

Here's what you'll need: 

2 nicely cut pieces of Alaskan Salmon

1 Bell Pepper (color of choice)

6-7 roughly chopped Portabella Mushrooms

1 1/2 handfuls of Fresh Spinach (rinsed)

1/2lb of Angel Hair Pasta Noodles

1/2 can of Coconut Milk

1c Parmesan Shredded Cheese

1 Tomato diced for garnish ...

Instructions:

Heat water according to pasta package, add pasta and cook as directed. While pasta is cooking, season and cook salmon in 2tbls of oil (or less). Make sure you sear it on both sides for 2-3 minutes. Once the salmon is done remove from pan and add in your mushrooms and bell peppers, saute for 2-3 minutes. Add in you spinach and toss until it becomes wilted. Drain pasta and stir in the butter, coconut milk and parmesan cheese. Fold in the spinach, mushrooms and peppers. Let simmer for 2 minutes and slice up your salmon. 

Plate pasta mixture and top with sliced salmon (leave whole if it's just for you and your sweetie), garnish with dices tomatoes and ENJOY! 

Fresh Berry & Endive Lettuce Salad ...

I'm always in the market for new salad ideas. As I was shopping at the produce market, I came across this beautiful head of Endive lettuce. I had to have it in my basket, as I perused around the market. I though of what I wanted to do, and all the things I had that could accompany this lettuce ...

I had already picked up a few pints of fresh raspberries upon entering the market. At first strawberries came to mind, the price was a little to high for me so I didn't get them this round. The raspberries would do just fine with the endive along with a nice raspberry vinaigrette to take the bitterness out of the endive.  

I love having a nice Seasonal salad, especially when I can get an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. I like to go early in the mornings when hardly no one is out shopping. Don't be in such a rush when shopping for foods, sometimes you may overlook the bumps and bruises. Check for firmness, even when you are shopping for fresh berries. You gotta eat them and you don't want to get home with berries you may have to toss. You know if you find them and you see some that may have juice leaking, I don't purchase those. of course you may have one or two bad ones. In a pint of about 20-25 raspberries or blackberries, it does matter when it gets to be 5 that's nearly 1/4 of the pint .... 

This salad can be your main meal or served as a side dish to the meat of your choice. The color shout summer and fall! ... Endive is one of those lettuces where a little goes a long way. It's light, which give you room to pile on the extras. I like the use of berries because  it gives you an alternative to the traditional salad extras. Cucumbers can be chosen for many salads, I love to have that extra crunch ...

For this salad I used ... 

7-8 roughly chopped Endive Lettuce Leaves ... 

1/4-1/2 pint of Raspberries ...          1/4-1/2 pint of Blackberries ...         1/2 Cucumber cut or diced up ...   Top with Raspberry Vinaigrette or your choice of salad dressing ....

Please share and ENJOY! ♥

Sliced Pan Seared Chicken Breast on a bed of Warm Tomato Avocado & Brown Rice Salad ...

Do you ever get tired of eating the same ole thing over and over again? I felt that way today. My son at times, get into the spell of cooking. He believes he can make a meal that is healthy and hearty in the same. He does a great job, but he also, likes to eat rice with every meal. I'm not a big rice fan. So when he insisted on cooking dinner for the family, I thought, what can I do with the rice to kick it up a notch ....

Here's what came to mind to go with what he had cooking ...

He started the meal off with Pan Seared Chicken Breast and Brown rice ...

Although I love chicken and rice, I have to have something a little more appetizing for my taste.  Since he began the meal I wanted to finish it off . What better way than to have a nice salad added to complete the meal. I had on hand, some avocados and roma tomatoes. How would that taste mixed in with the rice, I wondered? Being the adventurist that I am ... 

 I diced up 1 roma tomato along with 

 1/2 an avocado (left over from the other day). And mixed in 1c of brown rice. Make sure the rice is still warm so that the avocado will melt a little onto the rice and season to taste ... 

I have to say, the taste was better than I had anticipated. I'm sure you can do this with orzo pasta, quinoa and even make a risotto out of this dish alone. Well, that's next on my list ..  

After plating the salad, I topped it off with sliced chicken breast. The colors were so beautifully blended, I couldn't wait to take a fork full ... What an explosion in my mouth! This meal will continue to be in rotation at my house ... 

Please share and ENJOY! ♥

Extra Fine Green Beans, Baby Carrots, Yellow Peppers & Shrimp over Brown Rice ...

Because of my hectic work schedule, I'm always looking for simple ways to prepare a meal. The least ingredients the better, since I don't always have a lot of time for early preparation. Simplicity can be your best friend at times, even when you have quite a few hungry mouths to feed ...
You can make up a batch of rice and freeze it serving single or double serving sized containers, until you're ready for it. It's makes it easier for those of us that are in a crunch for time. You can either re-heat in the microwave or soak in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.

For this meal I just used some simple ingredients already in the fridge/freezer...
Brown rice, shrimp, baby carrots and yellow bell pepper, tossed up with 2tbls of olive oil.

My granddaughter is not a big meat eater, she loves shrimp and fish more so than any other meats. By making the vegetables the major part of your meal, meat is not always necessary, as many believe.

1/2 bag of frozen green beans 

1/2 bag of shrimp (tails removed)

1 single serving bag of baby carrots

1/2 bell pepper sliced 

2tbls of oil

Heat skillet and add oil. Toss in sliced peppers, green beans and carrots. Cook until carrots are fork tender and add in your shrimp(you can use any meat you like at this point). Give a toss until shrimp are done  2-3min .... 

Yes, I used my granddaughters baby carrots for this meal. Because they were the tiny carrots I wanted and I didn't have to cut up any carrots. It's all about saving time. Even if you don't have children or grandchildren you can still purchase the single servings for yourself. They are great for snacking and to add in your lunches, if you pack lunch for work ... Also you have to make the meals kid friendly. When they see you using their food items, they will be more incline to eat it. My grand daughter was like, "Grandma, are those my carrots  you're using?"  

She enjoys being able to help me shop and see, how the meals come together with what we've purchased. 

<------ "Grandma are those my carrots you're using??" 

Simplicity is the key to a happy healthy life. There's not always the need to cook up a large heavy meal, especially when you're hungry in a hurry ... 

If your family is anything like mine, you'll make this meal several times over... 

Please share and ENJOY! ♥

7 LAYER SALAD ...

You ever been the one, who someone, has designate you to be the salad bringer of the event. Not just sometimes, I am always that person among my family! ...

Our family picnic was around the corner, my nice called to see what I was making. Not really sure, I told her I was still thinking on it. She suggested I make the sea food salad ( see what I mean)  she had tasted many times over (I'll have to post that one later), I didn't think so. That's what I'm requested of every event we have, not this time. I had already purchased some spring mix and baby butter lettuce, to myself I thought to make a salad. But I wanted it to be something they had never had before. Not knowing it would grow in to this gorgeous looking salad we have here ....

I called it 7 layers because, I piled up seven layers of fruits and vegetable onto each layer of salad. You Have ... Blackberries, Strawberries, Whole Cherry Tomatoes (cut them in half if you like), Shredded Carrots,  Sweet Baby Bell Peppers, Kiwi and Cucumbers ... To top it, I used bacon crumbles. If you choose to top it, use what ever you like or not at all, to make it vegetarian or vegan friendly ... Salad dressing, your choice of course ... Please don't limit yourselves to what I used as my layers, use what would appeal to your taste in a salad ... 7 Layers at that ... 

This salad could be the main dish, for your event or family dinner. My family enjoyed seeing all the beautiful colors as well as the taste, I'm sure yours will too ... 

Please share and ENJOY! ♥

CHUNKY TUNA SALAD ...

I'm all for making tuna fish the traditional way with, tuna, eggs, relish and mayo. As times change, so does our eating habits and taste. So the other day I found these wonderful Sweet Potato tortilla chips. They were great alone, as I began snacking I thought, I need some tuna fish to go with these.

Still with tuna on my mind, today I decided to follow through. As with everything, I try not to be traditional. Or, as traditional as some may be ...  Starting with my first ingredient, these little beauties are wonderful in any salad that calls for cucumbers. 

Pickling Cumbers

Because I wanted this tuna fish to be extra chunky like salsa. I added all the items I knew would stand up on a tortilla chip. Be inventive, it's your meal and you can have all that you like in it. Don't go crazy, or you'll have a big mess ...

INGREDIENTS:

2 Eggs sliced

1/2 Red Onion diced

1 Pickling Cumber sliced & diced

1/2 Avocado diced

1 Roma Tomato diced

1 can of Albacore Tuna drained

2tbs each of Honey Mustard & Ranch salad dressings (optional)

mix all ingredients well ...

Serve with Tortilla or Bagel chips.
 Or, the chips of your choice ... 

ENJOY ♥

♥♥♥♥

Strawberry & Lemondrop Melon Smoothie ...

What a refreshing way to start, put an end to, or just enjoy your day. None other than to have yourself a delicious smoothie. This Strawberry Lemondrop Melon Smoothie was very light and refreshing. The taste was not over powering, nor did it have a lingering after taste. As I continue on my health journey I'm always looking for exciting and new foods to add to my acquired taste.

As mother and I were shopping at Meijer, I came across a melon LEMONDROP MELON by KANDY that I thought was a cantaloupe. It looked like one, but had a yellowish color to it. They were $2 each, so I grabbed a few and went on my way.

Because I'm always looking for ways to enjoy and blend my fruits and vegetables. What other way can I enjoy this gorgeous melon, other than to slice it up and have at it. Being the smoothie maker that I am, why not mix it with one of my most popular summer fruits? The Strawberry. The summers here in Michigan can be a bit scorching, so we need as many ways to keep hydrated.




Here's what I did to create this smoothie ...

1/2 lemondrop melon cut into chunks

7-10 whole strawberries stems left on

8oz coconut water  of your choice

1 1/2c ice crushed or cubed your choice

Blend well and ENJOY ♥

**please visit Kandy Lemondrop Melons page on facebook to enjoy many more recipes**

LEMONDROP MELON ... by KANDY

The Lemondrop Melon. Just in case you've wondered about this melon, here's a peek inside. You would think it's a cantaloupe because of the similarities in skin, size and color. This melon also looks similar to the honeydew melon on the inside. The taste is sweet and sour, resembling that of a golden delicious apple ...

These melons are new to our markets here in the Detroit Michigan area. You can find them at Meijer, Sams Club and Westborn Markets. These will be one of the melons, you won't go with out adding to your shopping cart.

You can gather more history on The Lemondrop Melon by visiting KandyLemonDropMelons on facebook ....

So the next time you come across this melon, pick up one or two ... it's a keeper ~.*))

Frozen Banana Cantaloupe & Strawberry Smoothie ...

So, what do you do when you only have, a little of this and a little of that?? Make a delicious smoothie! .. Today I had less than a 1/4 of cantaloupe left after juicing the other day. having the thought of a smoothie on my mind, I wanted to use the rest of this cantaloupe. While rummaging through the freezer, I came across several frozen bananas. Hmmmm?? Bananas and cantaloupe, what else can I gather? Yep, my favorite fruit, strawberries goes well with everything!

Now, I'm all set to make the perfect smoothie for breakfast. The simplest of ingredients can make up the best smoothie for you to enjoy. 

1 1/2 frozen banana

1/4 cantaloupe cut into chunks

7 fresh strawberries

 1c almond milk

Blend all ingredients in blender on high for 2mins and serve. Makes 2 10oz servings ...

This smoothie is great to enjoy for breakfast, lunch or an after dinner treat. Which ever you prefer have fun blending the different fruits ... 

~ENJOY! ♥

 

Fresh Cucumber Juice ....

It amazing how we grow up believing the store bought juices are the best way to get our liquid intake. Over the past year I have been revamping my eating habits. What I choose to drink on a regular basis has been getting an overhaul as well.

Growing up we always had the choice of water, milk or kool-aid with our meals. With the occasional pitcher of fresh tea or lemonade, that was made during the summer holidays. After being gifted a juicer, I thought, what in the world am I going to do with this? Granted it set in the basement for several years. It wasn't until I purchased a raw drink from a middle eastern  restaurant when I decided to pull it out.  Why pay for something I could make myself ...

The mixing and blending of fruits and vegetables can be delicious. As well as a stand alone drink such as cucumber. Not only are cucumbers good for you to eat, they are good to drink also. No it's not like the sugary drink some of us grew up on. It's cool and refreshing.

After  getting the hang of it, and not dreading to wash the juicer out, I enjoyed what I was embarking on. Fresh juice made by  my own  hands, anytime I wanted some. This was amazing to me. Naturally I wanted to explore more juices. Now, my juicer is no longer in the basement tucked away collecting dust. It's on the counter, ready to go at all times ...

6 Cucumbers

Wash and push through juicer

this will yield 1 quart of juice. Chill and ENJOY! .. 

So if you are unfamiliar with juicing, please, do your research and try your hand at it. I think, you will enjoy it just as much as I do ....

Happy Juicing

~ ♥ ~

Watermelon Apple & Strawbery Pump It UP juice ...

just after getting over an upper respiratory infection, I wanted something to give me a little lift. The recipe for this juice came to mind.  I'm such the lover of  fresh strawberries, so, I picked some up at produce market over the weekend. After enjoying a few with my grand daughter I had to have them in a juice or smoothie.

This juice is so smooth, you'll want to add to your regular morning routine. Don't be afraid to purchase a few organic items as you peruse through the fresh fruit and vegetable section of the market.

Sometimes the price for the organic can be a little cheaper than the regular stocked fruits. As you look around, compare prices. You and your family will enjoy the switch ..

Something about the color of red gets me going. It could because red is my favorite color ...

2 Organic Brayburn Apples cored

2 cups of seedless watermelon 

10 large organic Strawberries

push all fruits through the juicer, alternating each fruit for even distribution of the juices ... 

pour in your favorite glass and ENJOY! .. 

Happy Juicing

~ ♥ ~

Blueberry Pomegranate Pomegranate Blueberry Juice Smoothie ...

This smoothie is definitely for the "Blueberry Lover" and yes, I happen to be one.

the Good thing about blueberries is that, you can buy them in bulk and freeze them for the off season.So don't be afraid if you catch a good sale to stock up, just make sure you purchase some good freezing containers.

Not only are blueberries good to eat, they are good for whole body antioxidant support. 1 cup of blueberries per day provides 14% of the daily recommended value of fiber and 1/4 of the recommended value of vitamin C. Aside from being low in calories, blueberries provide many other beneficial health qualities that would be rewarding to your health ..

Great ways to enjoy these delicious blue pearls ... 

1. Toss a hand full on top of your hot/cold cereal for added flavor.
2. add them to your salads
3. mix them in your yogurt or cottage cheese
4. in a bowl all by themselves
5. freeze and add them instead of ice to chill your drinks 

For this smoothie you'll need:

1 1/2c Frozen Blueberries
1c Frozen Yogurt
1c Blueberry Kefir (Lifeway)
1c Tropicana Pomegranate Blueberry Juice

Blend all ingredients until smooth and ENJOY! ♥

Vegetable & Chicken Noodle Soup ...

The hardest time here in Michigan is when we are transitioning from one season to another. Some one forgot to tell the weatherman it was Spring here. This is a nice soup you can have on any given day of the week. My day, just happen to be on a chilly-warm Monday. Any one living in or on the outskirts of Michigan, know all to well what those days are like.

Growing up, chicken and noodle soup was one of my favorites soups that just happen to come out of a can. Yes, Cambell's Soup was our soup of choice. Back then it had tiny bits of carrots in it. The many flavors were, chicken & noodle, chicken & stars or chicken and rice ...  Here's a savory & hearty soup that will help you to get through the chilly time of the day. Fresh and homemade always win over the canned soup in my house. Here's why ...

Prep Time: 2 1/2hrs - 3hrs

1/2 chicken cut into pieces or 3-4 chicken breast

4 boiled eggs 

1/2 green pepper diced
1/2 onion diced

1 16oz  box of chicken stock

1/2 package of egg noodles  

2c of frozen mixed vegetable

Mrs Dash lemon pepper season

Boil chicken, onions and green pepper in chicken stock until chicken falls from the bone or breast are tender, about 2 1/2hrs (you can also cook chicken in a crock pot). In separate pot boil up the eggs and set aside. Remove bones from chicken and cut chicken into bite size pieces, place back into the pot. Add noodles and frozen vegetables to the pot and simmer until the noodles are tender. Chop boiled eggs and mix into the pot. Bowl up and sprinkle on the Mrs Dash Lemon Pepper or the seasonings of your choice and ENJOY! .. 

Asparagus Delight ...

As a kid asparagus was not on my favorite things to eat list. Growing up on junk food, I cringed at the looks of anything healthy. Believe it or not, I still have all my original adult teeth with "NO" cavities. In Health class, we learned the importance of staying healthy. I learned to eat a more balanced diet that included the four basic food groups. After becoming a parent, I didn't want my children to become accustomed to junk foods, so I learned even more about healthy eating.

Which brings us to today. As I begin to age my eating habits has changed dramatically from years ago. I love asparagus, as well as many other vegetables that I would have normally passed over. This drink that I am about to introduce you to, I know you're gonna love. Let me start by showing you the ingredients ...

10 Asparagus (don't forget to remove the woody end)

15 Strawberries

3 Green Pears

push all ingredients through the juicer. Alternating each ingredient. Stir and ENJOY! 

Just because you may not enjoy eating a vegetable or fruit, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a nice drink filled with them. Once you try your hand at juicing you will enjoy the taste and the freshness of juicing. Experiment and have a ball! ....

 

Happy Juicing

~ ♥ ~

Morning Sunrise Juice ...

I love it when I can be an inspiration to someone. It brings joy to my heart and soul. This juice was inspired by my mom. For the past year I have been helping her to become more health conscious. I do have to say it's been a great journey for us both.

Today while speaking to her, she confessed that she had not been using her juicer because she thought it was broken. While enjoying a glass of juice I had made over the weekend, she felt determined to see what the problem was. Noticing that she was not closing the lid tight enough, she was able to make a nice juice for herself today. My mother has reach the glorious age of 85, and she is enjoying the finer things of life and health.

She was so happy to figure out the problem and make this wonderful juice. After telling me all that she had put in i had to make one up for me to enjoy ~.*)) ..

Here's a list of things you'll need to get this juice going ...

 

  1 Cucumber

3-4 Celery Stalks

3 Apples

6 Carrots

1 Plum 

push all ingredients through juice, stir and ENJOY! ...

ENJOY the Juice of Juicing! ... ~.~)

 

 

Pink Lady, Pacific Rose Apple & Carrot Juice ...

Not always being so quick to grab a soda pop, it's refreshing to make your own juices with out all the additives. I can remember my grandmother having an apple press machine that would make applesauce as well as juice. We use to play with it as kids and I had gotten my hand stuck in it. My grand mother lit in to us too. She had one of those trees that she'd get switches off of . That day wasn't a good one for me ...

Today we are presented with modern technology of a juicer. If you don't own one, I suggest you make that investment.  Yes they are nice to have, especially if you are trying to become healthier. Trust me the investment pays off. Have you seen the prices on some of those juices?? Over time, the price of store bought will have paid for your juice several times over. That's just my opinion.

Wash and clean your fruit very well. For the apples I like to core them before adding to the juicer. I have an apple slicer and corer (all-in-one). It makes for easier handling of the apples. Snip the ends off the carrots and toss 'em down. There is no need to remove the skin ...

To make this juice you'll need: 

2 Pink Lady Apples - washed and cored
2 Pacific Rose Apples - washed and cored
4lg Carrots - washed with ends removed
1nub of Ginger - skinned

Push all ingredients threw the juicer making sure you alternate the apples and carrots with juicing the ginger last. Stir and pour into your favorite glass/goblet. 

Juicing is a good way to introduce your children to vegetables and help them to get their daily amounts. It's easier for some to drink their vegetables than to eat them ...  

                

Happy Juicing

~ ♥ ~

Homemade Deep Dish Beef Pot Pie ...

I'm sure many of you remember the first time you were serves an banquet frozen pot pie for lunch or dinner. I wasn't really fond of the beef pie because i didn't like the way the brown gravy looked. Those pies were a staple in out house, mom would have 6 or more in the over at a time ...

Once I became a parent, I purchase almost the same food items as my mother did for my children. They loved the frozen entrees  that seemed to accumulate in the freezer. These were meals that quickly became an after school snack while waiting on dinner to be prepared. As I began to explore my own cooking habits, I realized I was a good cook, and everything tasted better freshly prepared.

A pot pie can be put together in a matter of hours. You are basically adding all the things you'd like on to you plate, mixed up into pie form. If you are a steak and potatoes kind of person, you would add you best cut of steak, potatoes a variety of other vegetables along with a good tasting pie crust and off you go.

 Don't think for a minute you can't pull this off. It's a simple as making a cobbler. There are many shortcuts to this dish I'm pretty sure you will find one that's best for you. The most important thing to remember is, you want your meat to be as tender as possible.  You can do this by either cooking you meat in a crock pot or by baking you meat in the oven on a low setting for several hours. The tender the meat the better the pie.

Of course the same way you put this beef pie together you can do this for chicken as well. Or any meat your family like. I'm not too sure about fish, that's something we'd explore later.

Here's what was done to accomplish this delicious pie!

2 chuck steaks

fresh pie crust, or 1 ready made pie crust or 1 sheet of puff pastry 

3 or 4 med-lg potatoes diced into fork size pieces

3-4 lg carrots diced into fork size pieces

1 onion diced

1 stalk of broccoli cut up

2 bay leaves

2tbls of flour or cornstarch make a roux with 1 1/2c water

1pk of beef bullion or 2 bullion cubs

your choice seasonings for the steak

Season stakes and place into a deep casserole dish. Shake on the packet of bullion, add the bay leaves and diced onion, bake @350 for 1 hour. After an hour of cooking, remove steaks for oven and cut into fork size pieces(you can also cut the steaks up before baking to save on time). Add potatoes, carrots and broccoli and bake until the veggies are fork tender. Mix up your roux with the flour or cornstarch and water, pour over the pie mixture and top with your crust and continue baking until the crust is golden brown ... Plate and serve with a nice side salad. 

~ ENJOY!