Summer Squash Medley with Shrimp

I hate cooking during the summer months. My appetite is also diminished when it's so hot out. I love coming up with simple, light summer meals like this one. The little peppers and parsley are from our garden, our tomatoes didn't make it in this heat. I haven't bought jarred dressing in years. It is so simple to quickly throw together a basic dressing and much healthier. You only need a few ingredients. If you keep extra virgin olive oil and red wine or other vinegar as staples in your pantry your set!



You will need:

2 summer squash
1/2 small red onion, sliced
yellow/orange sweet peppers
2 tomatoes, sliced
large handful of baby spinach
small handful fresh parsley, chopped
cooked shrimp, tails removed
1 cup cooked pasta
Lemon, garlic dressing (recipe to follow)


Putting it all together:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain & cool.
Wash all veggies under cool running water. Using a food processor or veggie peeler, slice squash thinly, lengthwise.
Combine all veggies, shrimp and pasta in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing, toss to coat.

Simple lemon, garlic dressing:

In a measuring cup combine juice from 3 lemons, fresh ground black pepper and minced garlic. Whisk as you drizzle in 1/2 cup of EVOO. Store in an airtight container. This will keep in a cool place for a few weeks.

Spaghetti Squash Pesto with Tomatoes

My garden is full of basil and my favorite thing to make with basil in the summer is pesto. My husband called this "squashta" since I usually make this with pasta. Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta is a great lower carb alternative to pasta. I made the squash in the microwave so I wouldn't heat up my kitchen with these 90 degree days we are having here in New York but if you live somewhere cooler, you could also roast it.

Click Here To See The Full Recipe...

Garlic Rubbed Potato Skins with Lox and Chives

This recipe was born when a rep brought fresh Salmon Lox with the usual cream cheese and bagels to an inservice at the hospital last week. I literally squealed in delight! Not only fresh Lox but capers as well! If you have to be to work by 6:30 in the morning, this is the way to celebrate! I was surprised that not everyone shared my love of lox. Not only that, but I was given the wrinkled nose and upturned lips in distaste from my fellow professionals as I piled high my lovely lox and cute little capers upon my bagel. So sad. In all seriousness, in times like these when I ask people if they've ever actually tried shunned food in question, the answer is almost always, "ummm, well no, but....."

So I took the leftover Lox home with me. It's happy here where it's loved and appreciated. And, the bonus is, that I get to share this yummy recipe that I came up with in order to eat up all the lox.

Potato skins have a totally bad rap, nutritionally speaking. Potatoes and are actually super good for you! The skins especially are full of vitamins! Potatoes are low in fat, rich in several micronutrients, especially vitamin C - when eaten with its skin. Potatoes are a moderate source of iron, and its high vitamin C content promotes iron absorption. It is a good source of vitamins B1, B3 and B6 and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, and contains folate, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. Potatoes also contain dietary antioxidants, which may play a part in preventing diseases related to ageing, and dietary fibre, which benefits health.
resource

To keep them on the healthy side, skip the butter, bacon bits and cheese, you won't miss them! To doll up your potato skins, you can use any number of herbs or spices. Try fresh basil, chives, dill, garlic, cayenne pepper, caraway seed, ground peppercorns, tarragon or thyme... did I mention garlic? ;-)

TIME active 30 minutes, cooking 90 minutes

SERVES 4- 6

You will need:

4 russet potatoes

salmon lox

* 1-2 heads garlic, roasted

1 cup mushrooms, diced

1/4 cup chives, chopped

2 tabelspoons fresh parsley, chopped

low-fat sour cream

sea salt

freshly ground pepper

EVOO

Pierce 4 large russet potatoes with a fork.
* To roast garlic, remove skins, cut top off so that a bit of the flesh is exposed. Drizzle with a little EVOO. Cover loosely in foil. Bake potatoes and garlic directly on the oven rack at 350 degrees until tender. Remove garlic after about 20 minutes and potatoes about 1 hour.
Let cool, then cut potatoes in half, lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. Brush both sides with EVOO and season with salt and pepper. Turn oven up to 450F.

In a small bowl, smash the roasted cloves of garlic with a teaspoon of EVOO. Using a spoon, spread garlic inside potatoes.
Fill potatoes with mushrooms, lox chives and parsley. Bake at 450F for 10 minutes. ( If you prefer, leave the lox chilled until after potato skins are baked, then top them on potatoes.)

lemony peas recipe to follow

Lemony Petite Peas

This is a very easy, light throw together side dish. Perfect for summertime dinner.
My husband who graciously tries whatever I put in front of him, hates peas. Loathes them. So I don't make them often as a stand alone side dish, even though I love them. Anyway, he spooned some onto his plate to my surprise and took a bite and with raised eyebrows proclaimed that they were delicious! Wow!
I think that the chopped parsley and lemon make this more of a zesty little salad rather than "just peas".
We ate this with Salmon Lox potatoe skins and it complimented it perfectly.


You will need:

1 small bag frozen petite peas
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
2 tabelspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Steam peas for 3 minutes. Drain, transfer to small bowl. Toss with parsley,  lemon juice and zest.

Black Bean, Avocado, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A touch of lime and a little cilantro makes this a perfect companion for grilled chicken or steak. Serve this as a side dish or also delicious served as a dip with nachos. My girlfriend made this recently at a party and I couldn't stop eating it. I knew I had to make it here. The cucumbers give this a wonderful fresh summer flavor. If you like this, you may also like my Southwestern Salad made with corn. 

Click Here To See The Full Recipe...

Focaccia Breakfast Rollups

These focaccia wraps were a very nice change from our usual breakfast. Usually we have something pretty simple, a.k.a,. fast for breakfast around here. When I do make something heartier on the weekends it's usually breakfast burritos or something of the like. I actually got this idea from a Starbuck's while Jim and I were out of town a while ago. They had a very simple, egg white, cheese ( i forget which kind) and spinach focaccia roll up. Of course these are much heartier, full of more veggies and of course way less expensive!

I was very happy with the result!

 You can't tell by looking at them, but the focaccia wraps were a very yummy change from tortillas

Ingredients:  (spinach or any of your fav veggies will work!)

Eggs, herbed feta, Leeks, mushrooms, Canadian bacon, asparagus, focaccia wraps,

 EVOO, Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper.

Putting it all together:

In a large non-stick skillet ( not teflon) heat 1 tablespoon EVOO over med-high heat.

Chop the white parts of the leeks and rinse very well in a collander.

 (leeks are roots and hide dirt in their layers)

Cut the ends off the asparagus and discard (about the bottom 1/4). Chop the remaining tops into thirds.

Add chopped bacon and asparagus to saute pan. Cook about 3 minutes.

 Add chopped leeks and chopped mushrooms. Cook 1-2 minutes more.

Meanwhile, whisk desired amount of eggs in a small bowl with 1 tabelspoon water and the feta.

Add eggs to saute pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Using a rubber spatula, slide eggs towards center of pan, working your way around.

 Transfer ingredients to a bowl.

Wipe pan clean with a paper towel. Return to heat. Lower to medium heat and add 1 tabelspoon EVOO.

* I warm my focaccia in microwave for about 10 seconds to make them more pliable.

Fill  wraps with cooked ingredients.

Fold bottom of foccacia up and then sides, making an envelope with an open top.

Gently transfer to pan, folded side down. Cook about 1-2 minutes just to seal the wrap.

* Serve with fresh fruit!

**(always eat something RAW and a MUFA before/with your meals)

I just wanted to show you the folded/sealed side, not pretty I know ;-)

The Dirty Dozen; Which Foods You Really Should Buy Organic

O.K. Listen up! I hear over and over again how people can't afford to buy organic, in fact, neither can I, at least not entirely. So here is a list from one of my favorite sites, The Daily Green,  listing the foods you should absolutely buy organic, or not at all if you really can't afford to. There are safer options listed under each dirty fruit or veggie which contain similar vitamins.

These foods, mostly produce are listed as The Dirty Dozen. Appropriatley named I think since you are digesting more pesticides and chemicals than you are vitamins and nutrients! Errrrrghhhhh! So frusterating. Watch out also for coffee beans, cow milk and some meats which contain chemicals and antibiotics ( see Magda's blog, Be Nutritious for an excellent article regarding this. Magda also has tons of delicious vegitarian recipes that I can't wait to try!)

Did You Know?
Many of the coffee beans you buy are grown in countries that don't regulate use of chemicals and pesticides. Look for the USDA Organic label to ensure you're not buying beans that have been grown or processed with the use of potentially harmful chemicals.
Go a step or two further, and look for the Fair Trade Certified and Rainforest Alliance (or Bird Friendly) labels to ensure that your purchase supports farmers who are paid fairly and treated well. And look for shade-grown (Rainforest Alliance- or Bird Friendly-certified) varieties for the trifecta; that way you know the coffee is being grown under the canopy of the rainforest, leaving those ancient trees intact, along with the wildlife – particularly songbirds – that call them home.

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods#ixzz0uLr5G9Hd

The Dirty Dozen!
1. Celery


Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the chemicals (64 of them!) that are used on crops. Buy organic celery, or choose alternatives like broccoli, radishes and onions.

photo credit: Nina Shannon / Istock

2. Peaches

Multiple pesticides (as many as 62 of them) are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards.

photo credit: Melanie DeFazio / Istock
* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, tangerines, oranges and grapefruit.



3. Strawberries

If you buy strawberries, especially out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that use less-stringent regulations for pesticide use. 59 pesticides have been detected in residue on strawberries.

* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples.

Photo credit:  Me ;-)

4. Apples

Like peaches, apples are typically grown with the use of poisons to kill a variety of pests, from fungi to insects. Tests have found 42 different pesticides as residue on apples. Scrubbing and peeling doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely, so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Peeling a fruit or vegetable also strips away many of their beneficial nutrients.

*Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, bananas and tangerines.

Apple photo: Gloria Dawson / The Daily Green

5. Blueberries

New on the Dirty Dozen list in 2010, blueberries are treated with as many as 52 pesticides, making them one of the dirtiest berries on the market.

photo credit: Christine Glade / Istock

6. Nectarines

With 33 different types of pesticides found on nectarines, they rank up there with apples and peaches among the dirtiest tree fruit.

* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include, watermelon, papaya and mango.

photo credit: Christoph Hähnel / Istock

7. Bell Peppers

Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're often heavily sprayed with insecticides. (Tests have found 49 different pesticides on sweet bell peppers.)

* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include green peas, broccoli and cabbage.

photo credit: Stockdisc

8. Spinach

New on the list for 2010, spinach can be laced with as many as 48 different pesticides, making it one of the most contaminated green leafy vegetable.

photo credit: Michael Balderas / Istock

9. Kale

Traditionally kale is known as a hardier vegetable that rarely suffers from pests and disease, but it was found to have high amounts of pesticide residue when tested this year.

* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus and broccoli.

photo credit: Suzannah Skelton / Istock

10. Cherries

Even locally grown cherries are not necessarily safe. In fact, in one survey in recent years, cherries grown in the U.S. were found to have three times more pesticide residue then imported cherries. Government testing has found 42 different pesticides on cherries. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include raspberries and cranberries.

Photo credit:  Me ;-)

11. Potatoes

America's popular spud re-appears on the 2010 dirty dozen list, after a year hiatus. America's favorite vegetable can be laced with as many as 37 different pesticides.
* Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include eggplant, cabbage and earthy mushrooms.

photo credit: Joseph Devenney / Getty Images

12. Grapes

Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. (Only imported grapes make the 2010 Dirty Dozen list.) Vineyards can be sprayed with different pesticides during different growth periods of the grape, and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's thin skin. Remember, wine is made from grapes, which testing shows can harbor as many as 34 different pesticides. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and raspberries.

photo credit: Brandon Laufenberg / Istock




 thedailygreen.

* Remember, washing and peeling don't help remove the chemicals as they soak into the produce through the skins or roots! Sorry, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

Natural Cures: Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is one of my absolute favorite natural health & beauty products. I just had to share it with whoever is listning.

In case you didn't know, I am in the healthcare profession, more specifically in surgery. I love what I do because I feel like I've helped people at the end of my day. Ironically, I also very passionatly believe in holistic/natural medicine.  While I believe that there are many things that require surgical intervention and sometimes drugs, I hold strongly to the benefits of natural cures.

Today at work I had a "debate" over the health benefits of Epsom salts with an Orthopedic surgeon that I work with. Lets just say that while I believe there are options other than man made drugs to ease sore muscles (lactic acid)  inflamation, pain, headaches etc. etc. Most doctors that I've worked with over the last 13 years do not. We'll leave it at that for now.

My goal is to figure out a way to make the information I have studied about this subject available here in a simple form. If only I were technologically gifted.

For now, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite natural health cures/aids. Epsom Salts.

With the creation of new medicines, treatments, tonics, rubs, sprays, soaks and other aids, many people have lost sight of the fact that before all of the fancier products came along, the old-fashioned products were what did the trick for most people. The newer products might come in fancier packages, have added aromas or come with sparkles and colors, but stripping all of that away, you end up with the underlying ingredient which is the one that works. Some of these main ingredients have been around for many years and in their plain form are all but forgotten by most people, but still work very well. Among these products are Witch Hazel, Isopropyl Alcohol and Epsom Salts. Did you know, for instance, that soaking a splinter in Epsom salts can release the splinter and help the area to heal? Many people know that Epsom salts work to relax tight muscles, and are found in many bath salt products, but Epsom salts actually have dozens of healthful benefits. Epsom salts - magnesium sulfate - are a natural way to treat skin problems, relax the nervous system, and draw toxins from the body.

My favorite brand, Dr. Teal's.  Sooooo relaxing to add to a warm tub at night.

The Lavender and Eucalyptus scents are wonderful! You must try them!

Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits


What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt, named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits as well as many beauty, household and gardening-related uses.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.



What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?

The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Ultra Epsom Salt. Some of the magical benefits of Epsom salt include:



Eases stress and relaxes the body

Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They lower blood pressure, create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.

Relieves pain and muscle cramps  

An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of our Ultra Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.



Helps muscles and nerves function properly

Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as a main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.



Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.



Makes insulin more effective

Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.



Relieves constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician.



Eliminates toxins from the body  ( my favorite use of Epsom Salts)
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.



What are some uses of Epsom salt?

Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily routine can add a whole lot of goodness to your way of life. To experience the numerous heath benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups Ultra Epsom Salt to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterwards. If you have arthritic joints move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.


As a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.




Epsom salt uses: HEALTH

Athlete’s Foot - Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.
Remove splinters - Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus - Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises - Add 2 cups Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease discomfort of Gout - Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2-3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.



Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY

Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.




Epsom salt uses: HOUSEHOLD

Clean bathroom tiles - Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and use as a scrub on bathroom tile.
Prevent slugs - Sprinkle Epsom salt on or near interior entry points to prevent slugs.
As a hand wash - Mix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink for an effective hand wash.



Epsom salt uses: GARDENING

Fertilize your houseplants - Most plants need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur to stay in good health and Epsom salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective. Sprinkle Epsom salt once weekly to help nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.


Keep your lawn green - Magnesium sulfate crystals, when added to the soil, provide vital nutrients that help prevent yellowing leaves and the loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule) in plants. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and sprinkle on your lawn to keep the grass healthy and green.
Insecticide spray - Use Epson salts on your lawn and in your garden to safely and naturally get rid of plant pests.




http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp

Puerto Penasco Ceviche

This is the best ceviche I've ever had. My dad has a house in Las Conchas Mexico that our family loves spending time at. Of course my favorite part is sitting on the beach and eating fresh seafood. My husband and I like to go down to Puerto Penasco to the warf and pick up fresh shrimp and fish to grill while we're there. The little taco stands along the beach serve up some wonderful ceviche, my favorite! They serve theirs with saltine crackers and plenty of ice cold cerveza, Mmmmmmm! I like to use tortilla chips to scoop up my ceviche, probly because I can get more into my mouth at a time!

My friend Lia made some ceviche  for us a long time ago and it was amazing!  I have played around with the ingredients to come up with what I think is the best ceviche recipe ever. 

A couple of tips I've learned when making ceviche:

1. Blanch your seafood quickly in salted, boiling water.  The citric acid in the limes cooks the fish so you would never know you were eating raw fish in fact, it is not raw. The longer you let the fish marinate, it will start to break down and get mushy, this is why I blanch mine in boiling water, it helps cook it a bit without having to sit in the citrus for to long. Does that make sense? ;-/

2. Even though you don't want to let the fish sit in the lime juice by itself for more than a couple of hours, ceviche tasted great the next day when all the other ingredients have had some time to get to know each other!

You Will Need:

Serves  6-8    TIME  2 hours

2  pieces fresh Mahi Mahi (or other firm white fish)

1  pound seafood mix; scallops, calamari and shrimp  (I get mine at Trader Joe's  )

6 limes, juiced

1 bunch cilantro

3 cups tomato juice cocktail {look for one that does not contain High Fructose Corn Syrup!}

1 medium seedless cucumber

1 medium red onion, diced

1-2 fresh jalepenos, veins removed & diced

3 firm, ripe avacado

2 teaspoons red chili salt

1 tabelspoon sea salt for boiling water

Tortilla chips

Putting it all together:

Boil water in a large stock pot, add sea salt. Chop thawed Mahi Mahi into small bite sized pieces. Add fish and seafood mix to stock pot. You want to blanch the seafood for only 30 seconds, NO MORE.  Drain seafood in collander. Spread fish and seafood mix in a deep baking dish, Cover with lime juice and cover with foil.  Place in refridgerator for about 1-2 hours. The longer you let the fish "cook" in the citric acid, the mushier they will get.   Chop cucumber, avacado and onion into small pieces. Chop cilantro. Remove marinated seafood mix from fridge and combine all ingredients except tortillas. Chill at least 1 hour. Serve chilled with tortilla chips. 

This post is linked to Cookin Canuck ~ Wake up with California Avocado

Creamy Grape Dessert

Warning! This dessert is highly addictive and hard to stop eating! Don't be fooled by the humble ingredients, this is easy to make, very refreshing, and is perfect to bring to a BBQ. Truthfully, the first time I heard of this grape dessert, the ingredients did not appeal to me. But when I tasted it, OMG! This is one of those recipes you'll be making again and again and chances are you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen. Easily doubles for more people.

Click Here To See The Full Recipe...

Mom's Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies GF

My mom has recently developed a gluten intolerance. I am hearing about this alarming intolerance more and more often latley. I've been doing a lot of research and talking to some Doctor friends of mine on why this is.

The reasons vary from genetic disposition to improper diet.  Some people who consume gluten may have dysbiosis — damaged gut flora — from antibiotic use or consuming foods that they cannot digest. Feeding infants grains before they are able to digest them may raise the risk of dysbiosis. It makes the most sense to me that improper diet and especially the over/mis use of antiobiotics would play a role in this scary disease.  Damaged gut flora is on the rise in our society for a number of reasons. Sugar, alcohol, antibiotics, environmental toxins, and other allergens (like the introduction of GMOs into our food supply within the last 15 years) all contribute to imbalanced intestinal flora which can lead to gluten-intolerance.

So what is gluten intolerance?  First, it isn’t a food allergy. It’s a physical condition in your gut. Basically, undigested gluten proteins (found in wheat and other grains) hang out in your intestines and are treated by your body like a foreign invader, irritating your gut and flattening the microvilli along the small intestine wall. Without those microvilli, you have considerably less surface area with which to absorb the nutrients from your food. This leads sufferers to experience symptoms of malabsorption, including chronic fatigue, neurological disorders, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, nausea, skin rashes, depression, and more.

Some of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance are:

• Frequent constipation and or diarreah

• Frequent bloating

• Unintended weight loss

• Failure to grow (in children)

• Anemia

• Unexplained fatigue

• Frequent headaches

• Bone or joint pain

• Itchy skin lesions

• Tooth enamel defects

• Mouth ulcers

So, the point of my rambling, however informative and extremely interesting, is that I am trying to cut way back on gluten. I think that it is important to do much research about how to safely eliminate gluten from your diet. Gluten free diets can be high in starch and fat as these are common substitutions. Whole grains are a very important part of a healthy diet and should still be eaten in other forms.

Here is my mom's recipe for GF (gluten free) Breakfast Cookies.  They were really super yummy! That's another downfall to GF diets, it's difficult  (for me anyway) to find and especially make good tasting foods.

You will need:

1/3 c peanut oil  

1/3 c applesauce 

1 c. raw sugar

2 eggs, beaten

3 T. molasses

1/2 c. milk
1 c. non-gluten flour mix (Bob's Red Mill) 

1 c. coconut flour
1/2 cup coconut flakes

3/4 tsp. baking soda 

1 tsp. sea salt

2 c. oats ( I use Coach's Oats; healthier than quick oats)

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. nuts
1/2 t cinnamon

1/4 t nutmeg
1/8 t cloves
1/8 t ginger
 optional  unsweetened coconut flakes for sprinkling on top

Putting it all together:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Have ready a greased cookie sheet.
Blend oil, applesauce, sugar, eggs, molasses and milk. Add flours, spices, baking soda and salt and mix well.

Stir in oats, raisins, and nuts.

Grease a 9x13" pan and spread cookie mixture on top (you may have to wet your fingertips to spread it out.)
Sprinkle coconut flakes on top. 

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until done.

Cool on rack. Cut into squares.

Makes 4 dozen cookies.



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Asian Glazed Drumsticks

These Asian inspired drumsticks are finger lickin' good! It's hard to believe they are low in points (my husband kept asking me if they were WW friendly as he cleaned the bones!) The glaze would also be great with thighs or wings. I served this with steamed vegetables to make this a complete low fat meal and drizzled the remaining glaze over the vegetables. Also would be wonderful over rice. Thighs would also work great in this recipe, but chicken breast would get too tough. If you must, remove chicken breast after 15 minutes, then allow the sauce to reduce down.

Have you tried Sriracha hot sauce (the one with the rooster on the bottle)? This stuff is very addicting!! I think it may one day be as popular as ketchup! This spicy Thai chili sauce is available in many stores including Walmart these days, but if they don't sell it near you, you can buy it online.

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"Skinny Pancakes"

This was one of my favorite breakfasts in the whole world when I was little. My dad made these for us for a special treat. Today, I make these occasionally through out the year and also as a Christmas morning tradition. I think most people call these crepes, but I like to stick with tradition and so we call these skinny pancakes.  We fill them with either scrambled eggs or just chunky, cinnamon applesauce, roll them up and top them with fresh, pureed strawberries and dust with powdered sugar.
 It doesn't get much better than this when your a kid!

You will need: 

3 eggs
1 1/4 c milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup flour

Putting it all together: 

Whisk together and pour a very thin layer of batter into a hot, buttered non-stick skillet. Roll pan to completley cover the bottom of the pan with batter. Cook till golden brown (about 2 minutes) and flip over to cook other side, about 1 more minute.

Fruit Kabobs

A perfect, healthy, summer dessert. Bring these to your next BBQ it really can't get easier than this! Your kids can even help make them, the presentation is adorable!! Use your favorite summer fruit and either serve them as-is, with a fruit dip or with melted chocolate - fondue style. Points will vary depending on the amount of fruit you place on each stick or what kind of fruit you use, but each kabob is usually about one point.

A simple dip I like to make for fruit is mixing low fat sour cream with brown sugar like I did for my Skinny strawberries romanoff. Also great with fat free Greek Yogurt.

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Edamame Hummus

Edamame is more commonly known as a soybean. In Asia, soybeans have been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein. The pods are lightly boiled in salted water, and then the seeds are squeezed directly from the pods into the mouth with the fingers. Using soybeans instead of chickpeas to make this hummus I guess you can say is Asian-Middle Eastern fusion. Serve this as a dip or for lunch with crudites for a low carb meal.

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