Roast in Crock Pot- DELICIOUS!!!

3-4 lb rump/arm roast (I just got the Trader Joes Roast it was almost 3lbs)
2 cups Carrots diced small
4-6 White Potatoes diced small
2 Yellow Onions diced small
3 Garlic Cloves chopped
1 green/red bell pepper or 1 Anaheim chile diced small
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

1 1/2 tsp Brown gravy mix
3 TBSP flour
1/4 c. cold water

 Place roast in crock pot, mix the flour, water and brown gravy mix into a thick sauce like paste.  Pour over the meat.  Sprinkle the salt, pepper and garlic over the top of meat and sauce.  Place carrots, potatoes, bell pepper and onion around and on top of meat.

Cook in crock pot over LOW heat for 10 hours.  Once meat is tender about 8 hours, you can shred the meat and stir.  Continue to cook remaining time.

There is NO water or broth in this.  That is OKAY.  The fat from the meat and fluid from the veggies will make this PERFECT!

I served this with a side of cooked squash/zucchini and a blue corn tortilla. To mix it up another day you can add black beans and/or corn. 

Roast with sauce, salt, pepper and garlic over top:

Onions, bell peppers, potatoes and carrots:

Foil baked Salmon

ORIGINAL REICIPE FOUND HERE

What I did:

8 Alaskan wild caught salmon 
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Large can of Muir Glen diced tomatoes
2 yellow onions
2 lemons for juice
Spinach
Organic butter
2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoon dried thyme

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sprinkle salmon with olive oil, salt and pepper. (I put all the salmon in a big bowl and mixed it)
3. In small bowl stir the tomatoes, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper.
4. Place a big handful of spinach on a square of foil large enough to hold your salmon fillet. Place about 2 tablespoons of chopped onion on top of spinach. Next place salmon fillet on top of spinach and onion.
5. Add a small bit of butter to top of fish and then spoon the tomato mixture over the salmon.
6. Fold the sides of the foil over the fish and tomato mixture, covering completely and seal the packets closed.
7. Place the foil packet on a large baking sheet.
8. Bake until salmon is just cooked through. About 25-30 minutes.
9. A large metal spatula works well to transfer salmon to plate. Keep the yummy juices left in the foil and pour over the top of the fish and pasta.
10. While Salmon is cooking make your own pasta (what I did), or cook desired style of pasta. (now this is a healthy meal, so be sure you get a healthy pasta! whole wheat or veggy pasta) Fettuccine style noodles is great with this.  

 

 

NOODLES: 

 

2 cups semolina
1/2 tsp salt (opt) 
2 eggs 
2 TBSP water
2 TBSP olive oil 

Kneed dough WELL until stretchy.  Use your pasta maker to roll out dough and cut into desired noodles. 

They cook in boiling water for 5 min.

PINTO!

Sort, rinse and soak desired amount of pinto beans in a very large pot covered with water 4-5" above beans overnight. 

When you are ready to cook (plan on about 3 hours) Drain water and refill with fresh water 2" above beans.  Cover and bring to boil.  Lover heat to LOW and cook covered 3 hours or until beans are tender.

Add 1 large can green chilies.  (or fresh chilies cut with seeds removed)

Add 1 lb COOKED ground beef seasoned with:
1 tsp garlic salt (3 cloves minced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper 
1 tsp parsley

Serve with cubed cheddar cheese on top
Tortillas or rolls go nicely with this as well. 

Whole Grain Waffles

Feeds 8 people.  Go ahead... make it all.  You can always put them in a freezer bag and pop them in the toaster! 

3 1/2 cups Whole Wheat flour
2 1/2 cup Oats
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup brown sugar (opt)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup flax seed or flax flour
1/2 cup wheat germ 
2 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla.  Add remaining ingredients.  Mix until smooth.  Add more flour/milk if needed. Should be easily spreadable.

Kimono Chicken with Brown Rice

Original Recipe found here: http://lesavoirfairefoodandfun.blogspot.com/2012/03/kimono-chicken.html

8+ Organic, boneless/skinless chicken thighs  (or bone and skin on, up to you)
1 cup of soy sauce
1/2 cup of rice vinegar (I also added 1/2 cup white wine)
4 cloves of garlic crushed and minced
4-6 green onions chopped
5 Tbsp of brown sugar
1/2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
2 tbsp of parsley (fresh chopped if available)
Brown Rice

Directions:  Place your chicken thighs in a deep pan that also has a lid. Over medium heat pour in the soy sauce, and rice vinegar and then add the brown sugar, garlic, 2-3 chopped green onion, parsley and pepper.  Toss the chicken pieces around a little bit so that they are coated with the liquid.  Cover and allow the chicken to cook for about 45 minutes or until they are done.  As this is cooking you will notice that the liquid will start to caramelize nicely on the skin and in the pan.  If you notice that the liquid is cooking much faster than the chicken just lower your heat setting.  Do not cook this any higher than a medium temperature.  It should caramelize and not burn.  When the chicken is done remove, add a little extra chopped scallions and parsley to the top and serve. This recipe makes extra sauce to pour over the rice. 

Stromboli Bread and Whole Wheat Rosemary Ham and Swiss Bread

Original Recipe found here:
http://matthewcalabresi.com/2012/02/04/stromboli-bread/

This took me 1 hour start to finish and fed my family of 8.  I did things a little different to accommodate making a larger loaf for my family as well as changing a couple ingredients. 

In a bowl let sit 5 min:
3/4 cup warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast
1-1/2 tbsp sugar (or honey)

Add:
1 cup whole wheat flour (2 cups ww flour)
2 cups all purpose flour (1 cup white flour)
3 TBSP butter
1/2 cup warm milk
1 tsp salt

Other ingredients you will need:
1 pkg of pepperoni or 10″ stick pepperoni, thinly sliced 
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese (6+ slices Swiss cheese)
2 pkg fresh mushrooms sliced and steamed or 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 egg
1 tsp oregano (rosemary for the Ham and Swiss no Basil)
1 tsp basil

Mix until dough formed and kneed (or use bread maker on dough setting) until dough is NOT sticky to the touch.  You may need to add more flour. You do NOT need to let the dough rise. 

Preheat your oven to 375F.

Place dough on counter and roll into a large triangle.  I used my baking sheet as a guide to how long the rectangle should be plus a little extra for pinching together.  (I still went over and had to put on the sheet diagonal but it fit)

Beat the egg with the oregano and basil.  Brush half of the egg wash on the edges of the bread.

Place a layer of pepperoni down the center of the bread (4-5 slices of pepperoni wide).
Place shredded cheese on top of pepperoni.
Evenly distribute the mushrooms on top of the cheese.

Pinch the sides and ends of the bread together to seal the pepperoni, cheese, and mushrooms inside.
Flip the bread over onto a GREASED baking sheet.  Brush the top with the remaining egg wash.

Bake the bread in the oven for 25 minutes.

 You can also add black olives to this or any other pizza favorite.  But it was fabulous as is.

Whole Wheat, Rosemary, Ham and Swiss with mushrooms

Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

Feeds 8+

2 big bushels of asparagus, cut 2"
4 cups chicken broth
1 pkg of crimini mushrooms (optional)
4 TBSP olive oil
1 red onion chopped
4 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 box Aborio rice
1 cup white wine
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Warm the chicken broth very hot in a saucepan over medium low heat.  In a large saute pan, heat 2 TBSP olive oil over medium-high heat.  Saute onion and garlic.  Add the rice and cook stirring constantly 3-4 minutes.  Add wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed.  Add the broth 1/2 cup at a time.  Stirring occasionally and waiting until it is absorbed before adding more.  Once you add the last 1/2 cup, cover and remove from heat, start heating your asparagus. 

In another pan heat the 2 TBSP olive oil and add cut asparagus.  Saute just until bright green.  4-5 min.

Once broth is completely absorbed in the risotto, add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.  Stir in Parmesan.  

Before Liquid:

  After Liquid is all absorbed:

This is the rice I used

Nutty Eggplant Pasta

When I first tasted this dish, I closed my eyes and pictured myself in the snowy mountains, warm and cozy by a fire in a cabin.  The cinnamon and cocoa add an amazing aroma, adding the walnuts to this delicious combo of seasonings bring it to an Earthy and natural flavor.  The eggplant gives it a slight kick, while the ricotta and romano keeps this dish a mild, yet savory essence.

Begin with boiling water to cook desired pasta style for this dish. 

3 white eggplant cut into large pieces
3 purple eggplant (hanzel and gretel)
1 large onion chopped

Spread over bottom of large deep baking dish.  Sprinkle cinnamon and cocoa over the top of veggies.  Drizzle with olive oil. 

Bake 425 about 15 min. 

While roasting do the following:

2 cups raw walnuts (chop large pieces).  Sprinkle over veggies and continue to bake another 10 min. 

In a large bowl mix together:

A handful of fresh italian parsley (chop)
1 cup grated pecorino romano
1 tub of whole milk ricotta cheese

Add this mixture to the cooked pasta.  By now the eggplant mixture should be roasted.  Add eggplant to pasta and cheese. 

Mix and Match Squash with Rice

1 onion chopped
1/4 c. butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup rice
2 tsp salt
2 yellow squash sliced
2 zucchini sliced
2 TBSP Lemon juice
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 TBSP chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups water


You can add chicken as well!!!

In a large high edge skillet cook onion in 2 TBSP butter.  Add the water and chicken broth to skillet then rice and 1 tsp salt.  Bring to boil.  Cover and cook over low heat until liquid is absorbed.  About 25 min.  Add squash and zucchini, bell peppers and remaining 1 tsp salt.  Cook until squash is tender.  About 5 min.  Add remaining butter and lemon juice.  Stir.  Sprinkle with parsley.  Serves 4-6.   

Side note.  The lemon really changes the flavor of this meal.  So be prepared.  The first bite is different but then you'll go... Mmmmmm that was so good! Have NOT tried this with brown rice.  I would use white rice until I have tried it with brown.  I KNOW it's good with white. :D

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli - Crock Pot

8 boneless skinless chicken thigh
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
2+ cups cheddar cheese
3 cloves garlic
3 cups cut broccoli (2 big heads of broccoli)
1 red onion chopped
1 pkg crimini mushrooms (or regular) OPTIONAL
2 cups brown rice (cooked)

Crock Pot on LOW (high for bigger pieces of chicken, but you don't want your broccoli to get too soggy, they cook pretty fast) I'd say you only need to cook on either one for 4 hours max.

~add onion, mushrooms, soups, garlic, and chicken. Salt and pepper top of chicken.

~ Cook for about 2 hours then ADD BROCCOLI. Cook remaining time for chicken to be fully done and broccoli tender.
~Add shredded cheddar cheese once chicken is fully cooked or 30 min before serving.

~Cook rice and put the chicken cheddar broccoli on top. Enjoy :)

Green Bean and Turkey Kielbasa

6+ medium potatoes quartered, I like to use a variety.  Red, white and purple are my favorite

A bunch of fresh green beans

1 turkey kielbasa, sliced

1 white onion roughly chopped

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic


In a large pot, fill halfway with water, and bring to boil.  Add all the ingredients and boil until done!

Egg Salad from "The Peoples Chemist HIT recipies"

Egg Salad

- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 1 tbs organic mayonnaise
- Dash of curry, sea salt and pepper
- 1/2 tbs chopped red onions
- 4 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbs chopped cucumber
Instructions:
1. Mash up your eggs with the mayonnaise to your desired consistency.
2. Add the curry, salt and pepper and mix.
3. Stir in the onions and cucumbers.
4. Gently stir the tomatoes into the mix.
5. Enjoy your egg salad on a bed of lettuce

(2) Alfredo Sauces

#1

Now I know there are way more healthy versions of this, but this is the one I use right now until I get the recipe from a friend of mine.  If "healthy" isn't what you are concerned about then go for this one.


Melt in a pot:


4 TBSP butter
ADD:
4 TBSP Flour
WHISK WELL


ADD:
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp oregano or fresh basil chopped
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)


Now this covers about 3 adults food, I double mine to feed my family of 8.


#2

~Carton of heavy whipping cream
~White wine
~Garlic
~Extra Virgin Olive Oil
~1 cup Finely Grated Parmesan cheese
~salt & pepper

On Med heat in a large skillet add about 2 cloves of garlic, minced and about 2 pinches of salt and pepper with the olive oil until lightly browned. Careful not to burn. Then add the white wine (Add about enough to cover the bottom of the skillet) Quickly add the heavy cream and the cheese, stir occasionally so it doesn't burn.

(2) Amazing Fruit Dips

#1

2 TBSP real lemon juice
3 8oz yogurt (cherry, vanilla, cherry vanilla is best if you can find it)
1 large pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (or cheesecake)
8oz whipped topping (whip up yourself, much healthier) Whipping cream and sugar to desired sweetness

Mix all together


#2

2-3 blocks Philadelphia cream cheese (generic's are gross)
1 small lemon juiced
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar
1 jar march mallow creme
homemade whipped cream equivalent to a small container of cool whip

combine all together and enjoy!!

Easy Spanish Rice - with BROWN rice

This is the yummiest rice ever!!! Even better as left overs! Serves 6-8 adults.

2 cups uncooked rice (I used Trader Joes Brown Rice Medley and it was FABULOUS!!!)
1 chopped onion
4 TBSP olive oil
5 cups water
2 cloves garlic
1 8oz can tomato sauce (or small can of tomato paste)
1 chopped green bell pepper (or 1/2 cup freeze fried bell pepper mix)
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 lb. ground beef COOKED
cheddar cheese (of course this is a Basham recipe ;P)

Cook rice and onion in oil in a large high-side skillet over medium heat about 3 minutes.  Stirring occasionally until rice is golden brown.

Stir in remaining ingredients (NOT the cheddar cheese) Heat to boiling, reduce heat and cover.  Simmer for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally until rice is tender! That's all she wrote folks! Serve and top with cheddar cheese!!!

Cheesy Egg Bake

 

16 eggs
2-3 cans chilies
2 pounds shredded cheese (Mexican blend is amazing, or cheddar)
1 can evaporated milk

1 tsp melted butter
2 TBSP flour

Mix eggs, chilies, cheese and evaporated milk.
Melt butter in a 11x14" dish.
Tilt to coat bottom of dish.Sprinkle with flour.
Pour in egg mixture.
Bake 350 for 1 hour.

Additional fixings:  diced tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, bacon, ham, sausage, fresh baby spinach,  Parmesan cheese.  Serve with fruit on the side and some good for you toast :D

Feeds 8+ people

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/6 tsp salt
3 TBSP Cocoa
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional)

Combine all above  ingredients in tall pot.  Bring to a boil on MEDIUM HIGH heat, stirring.  Once boiling turn down heat to MEDIUM LOW (#3) and continue to boil for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add:
3 cups quick oats
1 cup coconut (optional, if not using coconut add another 1 cup oats)

Stir well... add:
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix.

Drop onto wax paper and allow to set.  I like to use the small or medium scoop from Pampered Chef.

Garden Bake

2 zucchini diced
2 yellow squash diced
1 onion chopped (I love red onions)
1 pkg mushrooms cut in half
3 small tomatoes diced
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 eggs
3 cups milk
2 1/2 cups Bisquick
3/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400

Grease a large 11x14 dish and add chopped squash/zucchini, onion, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese.

In a separate bowl combine eggs, milk, Bisquick, pepper and salt.  Blend for 15 seconds.  Pour over top of veggies.

Bake for 45 min or golden on top AND knife inserted in center comes out clean.  (this is like a quiche so if there is a little sticky on the knife it is ok, you just don't want it runny) Cool about 5 minutes before serving.  Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top.

This is fabulous as leftovers too!! (if there is any ;P)

Pork Chops Marsala with Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus ~ HIT Recipe from The Peoples Chemist

Recipe from The Peoples Chemist

(I found everything on this list at Trader Joes)

6 to 8 organic boneless pork loin chops
Salt
Pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
3 garlic gloves minced
Olive Oil
REAL butter
1 package sliced cremini mushrooms (came in a sealed package)
1/2 white onion, chopped (could use a shallot too if preferred)
One bunch of asparagus
3 large sweet potatoes and 1 large yam
4 slices Prosciutto (meat section... yes, I didn't have a clue what this was, I thought it was cheese)
1/2 organic chicken broth
1/3 cup Marsala wine


Directions:
1.Sprinkle salt and pepper on pork chops.
2.Peel and cut potatoes into 2 inch chunks. Boil accordingly to make mashed potatoes.
3.Heat large skillet with about 2 tsp olive oil and brown chops evenly on both sides with center slightly pink. About six minutes turning over once. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4.Heat about 1 tsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add onions, mushrooms and thyme. Cook until mushrooms are brown and onions are soft. About 5 minutes.
5.While onion and mushroom mix is cooking add chopped Prosciutto and butter to a separate skillet. Cook about 2 minutes and add asparagus and garlic. Cook to your own preference.
6.Add broth and wine to mushroom mix and simmer on low about 5 minutes.
7.Drain potatoes and mash with 1 tbs butter, a bit of heavy whipping cream ( or milk) and salt.
8.Pour sauce over pork chops and serve with asparagus and sweet potato mix.


I am making this tonight so if you are looking at this today stay tuned for my pictures!

Homemade Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Making pasta at home is EASY!  Make sure you have a small pasta machine to roll and cut your dough and you'll have meals in no time!

3 eggs room temperature
1 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
2 cups whole wheat flour
(1/2 cup water) on the side if needed to form soft dough

Mound flour on a work surface or bowl.  Make a deep well and drop eggs into the well.  Add salt if you are using it.  Using a fork, beat egg mixture together.  Slowly add in flour and a circular motion until all flour has been incorporated.  If the dough is too thick or dry, add the water a little at a time until dough forms a soft and firm ball.

Kneed until smooth and elastic.  About 5-10 min.  Divide the dough into 4 parts and place in plastic bag to sit for 20 min.

Using 1 ball, flatten with your hands on a flour surface.  Feed through the widest roller setting on your pasta machine.  (0-1)  Flour dough and feed through a setting of 2 or 3.  Depending on how thick you want your noodles.  I like 3.  Flour dough well before feeding through the cutter.

Either lay pasta out in groups to dry or hang on a pasta dryer rack.  You can place in freezer bags to store or keep out on the rack and cook later that night!

Boil 4-5 min. in a large pot of water with about 1 TBSP Olive Oil.  It's not dehydrated so it doesn't take as long to cook.  Be careful not to overcook! 

To spruce up your spaghetti sauce you can dice up 3 tomatoes and add some fresh basil, garlic powder and chopped onion along with some meatballs if you'd like!

Makes enough spaghetti for a family of 8! 

Top with some fresh Parmesan or grated cheddar cheese!

THAT'S IT!!!

Chicken Thighs with Black Beans and Sweet Potato - Slow Cooker - Crock Pot

After this meal I am 150% IN LOVE with Chicken Thighs!

Here is what I did today, the ORIGINAL recipe, that I WILL try once I get all the ingredients, will be AFTER the first recipe I post.  Today I used what I had but my inspiration was from the second recipe.

12 chicken thighs (I got skinless and boneless organic)
3-4 tomatoes diced
3/4 tsp Allspice
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
3 cans black beans (I used 1 can white beans 2 cans black because that's what I had)
6-8 sweet potatoes cut into large cubes
salt and pepper

(optional additions: carrots and mushrooms)

In a 7 quart slow cooker/crock pot add sweet potatoes and beans .  Poor chicken broth over beans.  Place chicken on top of beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  In a small bowl add tomatoes, onions, allspice and garlic then stir.  Pour over chicken and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.

HEAVEN! I tell you, the Allspice made this meal savory! I questioned it at first but man oh man! Delicious!!!

Fat Burning Recipe #4: Slow-Cooker Latin Chicken with Black Beans and Sweet Potatoes  http://thepeopleschemist.com/fat-burning-recipe-4-slow-cooker-latin-chicken-with-black-beans-and-sweet-potatoes/

Ingredients
3 pound(s) bone-in skin on chicken thighs
2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon(s) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon(s) ground allspice
1 cup(s) chicken broth
1/2 cup(s) salsa
3 clove(s) (large) garlic, crushed with press
2 can(s) (15 to 19 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 pound(s) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (yams are good too, or mix them up)
1 jarred roasted red pepper, cut into strips (1 cup)
1/3 cup(s) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Lime wedges
Directions
1. Sprinkle chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add chicken thighs and cook until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate. Remove skillet from heat.
2. In same skillet, combine smoked paprika, allspice, chicken broth, salsa, garlic, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin.
3. In 6-quart crock pot, combine beans and sweet potatoes. Place chicken on top of potato mixture in slow cooker; pour broth mixture over chicken. Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours. Check it periodically as sometimes it finishes a bit quicker.
4. With tongs or slotted spoon, remove chicken pieces to large platter. Gently stir roasted red pepper strips into potato mixture. Spoon mixture over chicken. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Wow! The flavor all those spices give to this dish! If you are looking for something more subtle go with my first recipe, if you want a BANG then make this one!!!!