Tasty Tuesday: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

I have been looking for some new basic recipes.  Since being on the Wahl’s Program I am eating more fruits, veggies and meat (organic, grass fed) and I am bored with the basics.  LOL.  With hubby working swing shift, I only cook twice a week so I want to make things I can freeze for him but I can also have for me during the week.  Having things I can add to my salad is a big help.  This recipe makes having lots of meals quick and easy.  I found it on Facebook and can’t remember who shared it but thank you!

Prep:  10 minutes     Cook:  8 hours

 

Ingredients

• 1 (10 pound) boneless turkey breast
• 2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt 
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Directions

1. Place turkey breast into a large slow cooker. Whisk onion soup mix and water in a bowl and pour the mixture over the turkey breast, spreading it out to evenly cover the meat.
2. Stir garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, seasoned salt, basil, and oregano in a bowl until thoroughly combined; sprinkle the seasonings over the turkey breast.
3. Cook on Low until turkey is very tender and the seasonings have flavored the meat, 8 to 9 hours. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read at least 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).

Tip:  Try using a Reynolds® slow cooker liner in your slow cooker for easier cleanup.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 468 calories; 2.6 g fat; 5.5 g carbohydrates; 99.7 g protein; 273 mg cholesterol; 815 mg sodium. Full nutrition

 

 

Lots of leftovers?  Isn’t that the reason we cook in the crockpot when there is only two people?  LOL.  Thirty One’s Lunch Buddy Thermal is a perfect size for the light luncher or the kids.  This roomy, insulated cooler bag is perfectly sized and styled for packing lunch and snacks for you or the kids, with a water-resistant thermal lining, zipper closure, large front pocket and mesh side bottle pocket. Personalize your lunch bag with an embroidered name, monogram or Icon-It design for school, work or travel. Just a heads up too…. this is on the retirement list which means it will be gone at the end of August.  Be sure to grab yours now!

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH BACON

As many of you know, it has been recommended I try several different things in an effort to reduce MS symptoms and deal with my gastro issues.  Hubby came across a book by Terry Wahls, MD who has lots of success with this eating plan in reducing and in some cases getting rid of MS symptoms.  I have talked to several who are on this plan, and it works for them.  I am doing most of it anyway, so I figured I would go all the way.  The only change is that I will add some meat back into my diet, eliminate eggs and sugar while I increase fruits and veggies.  Hopefully, this will help with some of the new MS symptoms cropping up.  Thank you Naomi Wahls and Heather Christo for this yummy recipe.  This is from Wahls Protocol Recipes.

I love potato salad, but mayonnaise is not my friend.  So, this one sounds YUMMY!  The color and crunch from sweet potatoes, celery, and a bit of bacon sounds like the perfect combination. Serve this at your next backyard BBQ and no one will be missing the goopy white old-fashioned potato salad. 

PREP: 15 minutes     COOK TIME: 15 minutes     SERVINGS: 4 TO 6

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE:

• 1 red Fresno chili, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 4 uncured bacon slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery hearts
• 1 cup thinly sliced green onions

Directions:

1. Bring a medium-large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and simmer until just fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and briefly and gently rinse them with cold water. Set aside.
2. To make the mustard vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili, mustard, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, bacon, celery, and green onions and toss with the mustard vinaigrette. Season with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Did you know????  SWEET POTATOES are one of nature’s best sources of vitamin A and a great source of vitamin C. One 8-ounce sweet potato will give you 100 percent of your recommended daily vitamin A. If you consume a little fat with the sweet potatoes (like the olive oil in the recipe here), it helps your body utilize all the vitamin A even more efficiently.

Want to take this YUMMY salad to you to work for lunch or maybe to the next barbeque???   Check out Thirty One’s Thermal Tote….  One of our most popular items, the Thermal Tote is the perfect-sized lunch bag for work, school, play dates, sporting events, golf outings, fishing trips or travel. The thermal lining and zipper closure help keep your food cool or warm, while an exterior pocket is the perfect place to keep your cell phone, wallet or other important small items. Also makes a great gift for your kids’ teachers, tutors and babysitters, or your coworkers, neighbors and friends!

The best part is…. they are on sale this month along with all of the thermal totes for either $10 or $15 with a $35 purchase.  This is a great time to stock up for the school year.  A size for everyone in the household.  Which one will you pick????

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day

 

Tasty Tuesday: WW Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Thank you  “Skinny Diet Recipes” for today’s post.  This awesome website is chock full of recipes for those who are Keto eating, just watching calories or on Weight Watchers (the new WW).  Be sure to check them out.  I’m trying to get back to staying on track with my points so this has been a huge help.

READY IN:  23 mins     SERVES: 12

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter  , melted
• 1 (11 ounce) package refrigerated breadstick dough
• ¹⁄₄ cup low-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ cup confectioners sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in small bowl, set aside.
3. Separate breadsticks into 12 strips. Sprinkle tops with brown sugar mixture and roll each one into a spiral, pressing to seal the ends. Arrange in baking pan 1 inch apart. Bake until lightly golden, about 15-18 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes.
4. To prepare frosting, combine confectioners sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla in a small bowl, adding a few drops of water if needed to make a smooth, spreadable glaze. Drizzle over the tops of the warm rolls and let stand a few minutes to set. Serve warm.

I’m looking for gluten free dough so if anyone has any suggestions on how to make this gluten free friendly, I would I would love to hear them!!!

Want to take your muffins with you to work or out and about with the kids?  Check out Thirty One’s Thermal Tote….  One of our most popular items, the Thermal Tote is the perfect-sized lunch bag for work, school, play dates, sporting events, golf outings, fishing trips or travel. The thermal lining and zipper closure help keep your food cool or warm, while an exterior pocket is the perfect place to keep your cell phone, wallet or other important small items. Also makes a great gift for your kids’ teachers, tutors and babysitters, or your coworkers, neighbors and friends!

The best part is…. they are on sale this month along with all of the thermal totes for 50% off with a $35 purchase.  This is a great time to stock up for the school year.  A size for everyone in the household.  Which one will you pick????

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Tasty Tuesday: Vegetarian Quinoa Bowl

This YUMMY vegetarian dinner is packed full of Mexican flavors.  Quick and easy with lots of leftovers to have on a salad the next day OR to heat up.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves:   4

Quinoa Skillet

• 2 Tablespoons avocado or olive oil
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped, 2 cups
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced into 1/2″ pieces, 1 1/2 cups
• 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2″ pieces, 2 cups
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 Teaspoons chili powder
• 1 – 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 14.5 ounce can fire roasted chopped tomatoes in sauce
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 1/2 Teaspoon sea salt, or to taste (this will vary on type of stock used)

Pico de Gallo

• 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onion, reserved from above
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 Teaspoon minced jalapeno
• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 Teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients for the quinoa skillet dish before starting to cook, and set aside 1/4 cup of the diced onion for the Pico de Gallo.
2. Preheat a large skillet (13″-15″) over medium high heat. When the pan is hot but not smoking, add the oil along with the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté stirring often until the veggies have softened but are still crisp tender, about 5 minutes.
3. When the veggies have softened, add the cumin and chili powder to the skillet, and stir to mix in. Then add the black beans, quinoa, fire roasted tomatoes, and vegetables stock. Stir to combine and cover the skillet with a lid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook stirring occasionally until all the liquid has absorbed, and the quinoa is fluffy, 20-25 minutes.
4. While the quinoa is cooking, mix together the ingredients for the Pico de Gallo. Season to taste with salt, and set aside to let the flavors blend.
5. Stir together all the ingredients for the Avocado Lime Cabbage Slaw, then set it aside until the serving time.
6. When the quinoa is done, add the corn and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt, and serve immediately with Pico de Gallo.

What to do with the leftovers????  Pack them up for lunch the next day in one of Thirty One’s AMAZING thermal lunch totes.   Sending  the  kids  off with  a healthy  lunch?  Try  the  Lunch Break  Buddy  Thermal. This roomy, insulated cooler bag is perfectly sized and styled for packing lunch and snacks for you or the kids, with a water-resistant thermal lining, zipper closure, large front pocket and mesh side bottle pocket. Personalize your lunch bag with an embroidered name, monogram or Icon-It design for school, work or travel.

Did I mention it is on the Retirement list?  What does that mean?  It will be gone after February 28th….. grab one while you can.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Healthy Lunch Box Ideas

I know it is WAY too early to think about “healthy school lunches”, right?  BUT these are also some great ideas to use for trips to the beach or the park or even those outdoor activities this summer.

I never thought of Belinda as a fussy eater, she just knew what she wanted and it was one battle I did not want to fight.  So for lunch was usually carrots and dip or peanut butter and no jelly.  She wanted nothing to do with anything “green” but she did like “finger foods” for lunch so baby carrots were always good.

I’m sure some of you have a problem getting your kids to eat healthy.  Although I think it is a little easier these days.  Thanks to Thirty One for these yummy ideas!  We’ve searched far and wide to bring you the most delicious snacks you can easily swap out to boost your kids’ nutrition. (And they’re all perfect to pack in our colorful and hard-working insulated lunch bags!)

Swap out PB&J for a PB&B

We all remember pulling a pale, squashed PBJ out of our lunch bags as kids… with that dark purple splotch of jelly seeping through the soggy white bread. (Bleh.)  I loved it BUT Belinda didn’t do jelly.  Why not give your kids a healthy sammie worth celebrating? A peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat or put it in a wrap.  It is packed with 17 g of protein, 7 g of fiber, complex carbs and healthy unsaturated fats. This combo can help kids feel full and energized throughout the afternoon.  Slicing up half a medium banana instead of spreading on two tablespoons of jam adds potassium and cuts out 10 g of sugar! You can even layer in sliced strawberries for a touch of sweetness and a big dose of vitamin C.

Swap out juice boxes for a reusable water bottle

Single-serving drink boxes are convenient and fun, but many also contain artificial color, flavoring and preservatives. Even 100% fruit juices can contain up to 20 g of sugar per pouch!  Instead, try infusing a pitcher of water with citrus slices, torn fresh herbs or muddled berries at home. Combine together herbs and fruits (like strawberry-basil or blueberry-mint) for a refreshing change of pace. Leave your pitcher to infuse overnight in the fridge and pour into a leak-proof water bottle.

Our roomy new Lunch Buddy Thermals feature an elastic-topped mesh side pocket that’s perfect for toting the kids’ water bottles to school and back each day. (And the fun prints are irresistible!)

Swap out applesauce for apple slices

Packing a large, sliced apple instead of a cup of applesauce can double your kids’ fiber intake (5.4 g vs 2.7 g), boost their vitamin C (10.3 mg vs 2.7 mg) and provide them with the beneficial antioxidants contained in the skin of the apple.  Kids love to eat raw apples plain as a healthful snack, or dip slices in a delicious nut or seed butter for added protein and a salty kick. If you want to keep the convenience factor, toss in a whole apple or nab a segmented slicer tool to make quick work of lunch prep.  If you do decide to sometimes opt for applesauce, look for healthier varieties made without added sugar or artificial preservatives. Or make your own unsweetened applesauce, and be sure to leave the skins on!

Swap out chips for nearly anything else

Do your kids crave something salty to go with their meals? (Us too!) Steer clear of the fat, sodium and calorie bombs that are potato chips, which have been scientifically linked to weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.   Instead, why not offer your kids one of these tasty (and nutritious) treats?

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Deli turkey-wrapped cucumber slices
• Nuts (Be sure to check your school’s allergen policy first)
• Edamame, boiled or shelled and roasted
• Air-popped popcorn (It’s a whole grain!)
• Cheese cubes
• Whole wheat pretzels
• Celery sticks with nut or seed butter and raisins, or with cream cheese and dried cranberries
• Swap out pudding cups for Greek yogurt
• Kids love spooning up creamy treats at lunchtime. But when you’re packing their lunch bags, think Greek: While the calorie count and amount of calcium are essentially the same, a serving of Greek yogurt can provide as much as 20 times the protein of an individual pudding cup.

Stick to plain Greek yogurt for the least sugar, and add sliced berries or a little honey for sweetness. If the kids want the flavored kind, choose one with sugar near the end of the ingredient list: The first three ingredients should be milk, live and active cultures and fruit.

Keep their yogurt – and the rest of their healthy food swap-outs – cool until lunchtime in a classic Thermal Tote personalized with your child’s name and favorite embroidered Icon-It design. Your kids will be eating healthy and noshing in style!

 

What is your kids’ favorite lunch?  Share it with us…. Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!