I promise you'll find a recipe at the bottom! So you can scroll down if that's what you're after.
But for those interested in learning more, read on. One thing I pride myself on is being able to fuel my body with delicious, healthy foods. I enjoy finding old and new recipes and discovering ways to make them better for me (and my husband). My meals are not perfect--I didn't go to culinary school, but I think this cooking stuff might be in my blood. My mom is one of the best "healthier" cooks I know, along with my grandma. So I feel like it's my duty to continue on the tradition and jazz up dishes with flavor and BURSTS of color. If any of you have been to our house, you know "color" is everywhere! I also bought a pretty cool camera and think it rocks at taking pictures of food.
Side note: I minored in health at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and have a fascination with food, fitness and health. I also like to eat, but even more, I like to eat foods that are good for me and that I know help build a strong immune system, keeping those viruses/illness at bay and cancer cells far and few between.
Oh, and here's my disclaimer: I'm sure the hardcore "Whole Fooders" and dietitians alike will be down my throat, disagreeing with all my menu choices and options, but I know a few things:
1. There's not a ton of time in my day. I need to be in and out of the grocery store quick and have about 10 - 30 minutes a night to whip something up; a meal I know is good for us, tastes great and is packed with nutrients that will energize us.
2. I'm not rich and can't afford a $200+ grocery bill every few days (I say this because I was behind someone in line at Valley Natural Foods and her bill came to $284 and she had less than half her cart filled.) Hopefully I'll be able to buy more organic foods and hormone-free meats, dairy and eggs; but for now, it's baby steps.
3. I know what I like and what satisfies me...I refuse to go hungry or eat anything sugar-free, fat-free, diet, FAKE, unnatural tasting and/or loaded with whacked out ingredients. I'd rather save room for the good stuff and allow myself to eat anything I desire, but all in good portions. There's a word I've learned: B-A-L-A-N-C-E. But I will admit it: I love my Jack and Coke, and maybe a Dairy Queen Blizzard....or some french fries, but I definitely don't salivate over them anymore because I know how crappy they make me feel.
I'm going to try my best and upload at least one healthy recipe a week, not because I think I'm awesome with my 11 blog followers (ha!), but because I know others are busy and want to eat healthy, but don't know how to get there. I'm always searching for new recipes and thought I'd share what I do when it comes to preparing a meal.
So enjoy! And let me know what you think if you try it and make it yourself.
Spinach-Tomato Pasta Shells (recipe found in Health and from Guy Fieri--the host of three Food Network shows)
Makes 4 Servings
Cook 3/4 pound whole wheat pasta shells (I used normal shells because Karl and I don't like the taste of whole wheat pasta just yet...I know, I know...call me a hypocrite)
Heat 1 TBS butter in large saute pan (I also added olive oil for the good fats!)
Add 1 sliced shallot
And 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Reduce heat and cook until translucent
Add 5 ounce baby spinach
And 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Cover and cook 1 min
And 1/4 cup half-and-half,
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
And 1/2 tsp black pepper
Stir and cook 3 minutes
Add grape tomatoes (cut longways)
Toss in pasta
Garnish with parsley and add additional cheese
(takes all but 15 minutes)
My additions:
I cooked Jennie-O Italian Turkey Sausage (because Karl likes his meat). I sliced up into pieces and added to the mix.
I also added olive oil and basil
I served in bowls and with chocolate Almond Milk to drink. Delicious!
Yum, yum in my tum!! Karl gave it two thumbs up.
But for those interested in learning more, read on. One thing I pride myself on is being able to fuel my body with delicious, healthy foods. I enjoy finding old and new recipes and discovering ways to make them better for me (and my husband). My meals are not perfect--I didn't go to culinary school, but I think this cooking stuff might be in my blood. My mom is one of the best "healthier" cooks I know, along with my grandma. So I feel like it's my duty to continue on the tradition and jazz up dishes with flavor and BURSTS of color. If any of you have been to our house, you know "color" is everywhere! I also bought a pretty cool camera and think it rocks at taking pictures of food.
Side note: I minored in health at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and have a fascination with food, fitness and health. I also like to eat, but even more, I like to eat foods that are good for me and that I know help build a strong immune system, keeping those viruses/illness at bay and cancer cells far and few between.
Oh, and here's my disclaimer: I'm sure the hardcore "Whole Fooders" and dietitians alike will be down my throat, disagreeing with all my menu choices and options, but I know a few things:
1. There's not a ton of time in my day. I need to be in and out of the grocery store quick and have about 10 - 30 minutes a night to whip something up; a meal I know is good for us, tastes great and is packed with nutrients that will energize us.
2. I'm not rich and can't afford a $200+ grocery bill every few days (I say this because I was behind someone in line at Valley Natural Foods and her bill came to $284 and she had less than half her cart filled.) Hopefully I'll be able to buy more organic foods and hormone-free meats, dairy and eggs; but for now, it's baby steps.
3. I know what I like and what satisfies me...I refuse to go hungry or eat anything sugar-free, fat-free, diet, FAKE, unnatural tasting and/or loaded with whacked out ingredients. I'd rather save room for the good stuff and allow myself to eat anything I desire, but all in good portions. There's a word I've learned: B-A-L-A-N-C-E. But I will admit it: I love my Jack and Coke, and maybe a Dairy Queen Blizzard....or some french fries, but I definitely don't salivate over them anymore because I know how crappy they make me feel.
I'm going to try my best and upload at least one healthy recipe a week, not because I think I'm awesome with my 11 blog followers (ha!), but because I know others are busy and want to eat healthy, but don't know how to get there. I'm always searching for new recipes and thought I'd share what I do when it comes to preparing a meal.
So enjoy! And let me know what you think if you try it and make it yourself.
Spinach-Tomato Pasta Shells (recipe found in Health and from Guy Fieri--the host of three Food Network shows)
Makes 4 Servings
Cook 3/4 pound whole wheat pasta shells (I used normal shells because Karl and I don't like the taste of whole wheat pasta just yet...I know, I know...call me a hypocrite)
Heat 1 TBS butter in large saute pan (I also added olive oil for the good fats!)
Add 1 sliced shallot
And 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Reduce heat and cook until translucent
Add 5 ounce baby spinach
And 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Cover and cook 1 min
And 1/4 cup half-and-half,
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
And 1/2 tsp black pepper
Stir and cook 3 minutes
Add grape tomatoes (cut longways)
Toss in pasta
Garnish with parsley and add additional cheese
(takes all but 15 minutes)
My additions:
I cooked Jennie-O Italian Turkey Sausage (because Karl likes his meat). I sliced up into pieces and added to the mix.
I also added olive oil and basil
I served in bowls and with chocolate Almond Milk to drink. Delicious!
Yum, yum in my tum!! Karl gave it two thumbs up.
