Tasty Tuesday: 15-Minute Vegetarian Chili

Today’s recipe is an “old” tried and true Weight Watcher recipe.  I have made it many times AND love it reheated.  It is actually one of hubby’s favorites too.

Prep time: 7 minutes      Cook time:  8 minutes     Serves: 4

7 PointsPlus Value

 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
• 15 oz canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 14 1/2 oz canned stewed tomatoes
• 15 1/4 oz canned yellow corn, drained
• 15 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (Or substitute Pigs Can Fly seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (eliminate if you use ^^ seasoning)
• 1/4 cup(s) dehydrated onion flakes
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 Tbsp low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, onion flakes, and pepper; stir well.
4. Increase heat to high and bring to boil; cook, stirring frequently, until chili is thick and flavors are concentrated, about 5 minutes.
5. Spoon into serving bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Yields about 1 1/4 cups chili and 1 tablespoon cheese per serving.

I LOVE using spice mixes from Wicked Good Spice Mixes Company.  The combination of spices is perfect and I only have to have a few things in the cabinet instead of a zillion bottles of spices only I only once or twice.  Pigs Can Fly is made for all things pork…but not too shabby on chicken or beef! Makes mouth watering chops, lip-smacking ribs and scrumptious roasts!  Ingredients: cumin, hot chili powder, allspice, brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt.  Be sure to add a little at a time so you don’t set your mouth on fire!  LOL.

My all time favorite thermal anymore is the Around the Clock Thermal. I have been using this one lately for my craft/vendor shows.  I can hold LOTS of snacks and bottles of water to last me for the whole day.  It is one of Thirty One’s most versatile totes, the Around The Clock Thermal is great for lunch or snacks anytime, anywhere—work, school, festivals, road trips, pool, beach, golf course, boating or sporting events. The water-resistant thermal lining keeps contents cool and makes cleanup easier. A removable shoulder strap means you can carry it any number of ways, including crossbody for hands-free movement. An interior mesh pocket and exterior front zipper pocket provide separate storage options when needed. Makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, kids, teachers and everyone else on the go!

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Veggie Bake

I’m not sure where I found this YUMMy recipe but it is a great way to clear out the fridge of the leftover veggies BEFORE they go bad.  You will be surprised how good it tastes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes     Cooking Time: 50 minutes     Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• All the leftover veggies in your fridge
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1 large can chopped tomatoes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1-2 large yams, slices into 1/8-inch-thick sheets

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Chop veggies (not yams) and sauté in 2 teaspoons of oil until soft, 5-10 minutes.
3. Add can of tomatoes and chickpeas. Mix well and remove from heat.
4. Slice yams into thin sheets.
5. Lightly oil a casserole dish and layer the bottom with half of the yams.
6. Spoon out vegetable mixture and spread evenly on top of yams.
7. Layer remaining yams on top of vegetables and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
9. Take off the cover and turn up temperature to 450 degrees for 10 minutes to crisp up the top later.

Notes:

• Add your favorite spices, like basil, oregano, fennel, cumin, chili pepper or sea salt when adding tomatoes and chickpeas.
• Try Wicked Good Spice Mixes Tuscan Bistro for a yummy italian mixture.
• Use a mandolin to slice the yams into even slices.

This is a great yummy dish for tailgating or an upcoming holiday gathering.  On Weight Watchers, this is point friendly.  Thirty One offers the perfect way to carry this yummy casserole to the next gathering with the Perfect Party Set. The Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Salad

I have struggled with staying at goal for the last few months.  Just when I wanted to get back on track eating zero point foods, it has been recommended in addition to dairy free and gluten free – I go vegetarian.  BUT before I made the change, I tried this YUMMY recipe.

Give this AWESOME 1 Smartpoint. per 1/2 cup service recipe a chance.  This will make 12 servings!

 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup purple grapes, halved
• 2 TBS chives, scallions or green onions, minced
• 5 ribs celery, washed and chopped
• 1 TSP garlic powder
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain, non fat Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Cook the chicken breasts until done. You can pan fry with non stick cooking spray or bake in the oven.
2. Shred the chicken or chop using a knife. Place in medium sized mixing bowl.
3. Wash and cut the grapes in half. Place in bowl.
4. Wash and mince chives. Place in bowl.
5. Wash and chop celery. Place in bowl.
6. Add garlic powder to bowl.
7. Add light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to bowl.
8. Add a dash or two of this seasoning if you’d like some more flavor.
9. Mix well and chill for an hour before serving.

Since this makes 12 servings, why not take some for lunch using your Thirty One Around the Clock Thermal..  It is one of the most versatile totes.  Great for lunch or snacks anytime, anywhere—work, school, festivals, road trips, pool, beach, golf course, boating or sporting events. The water-resistant thermal lining keeps contents cool and makes cleanup easier. A removable shoulder strap means you can carry it any number of ways, including crossbody for hands-free movement. An interior mesh pocket and exterior front zipper pocket provide separate storage options when needed. Makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, kids, teachers and everyone else on the go!

If you try this yummy recipe, let us know what you think.  Have a recipe you want to share?  Send me an email – if I use it, I will send you some happy mail.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Wicked Good Spices Vegetarian Chili

Today’s recipe is from my friend Rachel at Wicked Good Spice Mixes Co.  I was introduced to their amazing products at the Brick Farmer’s Market about two years ago.  Their spot was a must every week.  From flavored vinegar to organic olive oil to spice mixes.  The best part is they have a multitude of uses for some of their products.  Who would have ever thought of using flavored vinegar in seltzer water for a refreshing drink?

I made this YUMMY recipe this week.   I will admit, I had a brain fog MS day and despite having the directions in front of me I forgot the spaghetti squash, and the tomato paste BUT the end result was still delicious!

 Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash; sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash (peeled & diced)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 1 each of diced orange, yellow, and red bell pepper
• 2 whole heads of garlic, diced
• 4 tablespoons of wicked good wild canyon pepper blend/ or pigs can fly blend (add more spice if you like more heat)
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 24oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 8oz can of tomato paste
• 1/3 cup of olive oil

Directions:

1. Place olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat
2. Add onions and garlic.  Saute
3. Add bell peppers, sweet potato and squash. Sauté until soft
4. Add wicked good spices wild canyon pepper blend or pigs can fly. Mix thoroughly
5. Add corn, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste
6. Stir to blend
7. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes or until squash is fork tender

A Wicked Good Idea is Born

The main reason the company was started was to show people how easy, healthy and fun it can be to make a delicious meal at home!  Rachel always thought the hardest thing about cooking is how much of this spice and how much of that spice you should add.  So go ahead and throw all of those spices you use infrequently and start using our spice blends! They are fresh and economical!  Our blends are perfectly formulated to use for just about everything you like to cook.

The farmer’s market may be closed until the end of May BUT you can get these awesome products at the following locations:

Berry Fresh Farms, 151 Brick Blvd, Brick NJ 08723  (732)477-0606

Cream Ridge Winery, 145 Route 539 (PO Box 98), Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 (609) 259-9797

Dearborn Farm Market, 2170 Rt 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733  (732)264-0256

From The Garden, 353 Fairfield Road, Freehold NJ 07728 (732)866-1745

Cedar Post Farm and Garden Center, 147 NJ Route 70,  Lakehurst,NJ 08753 (732)270-8833

Delicious Orchards, 320 Route 34, Colts Neck, NJ  (732) 462-1989

New Egypt Marketplace, 53 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533 (609) 458-7900

The Lusty Lobster, 88 Bay Ave. Highlands, NJ 07732 (732) 291-1548

Twin Ponds, Rt 9 Howell, NJ 07731

Lovelandtown Grocery and Provisions, 219 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant,NJ 08742  (732)903-6855

Princes Farm Market , 1123 Mountain Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092

(908)358-3311

Have a great recipe you want to share?  We would love to feature YOU!  If you try this, let us know what you think…

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!