Quick Tip- Low Calorie Cocktails

So nobody wants to drink 100's of calories! I like the "Diet Ocean spray Cranberry". It has only 5 calories! Add Vodka, Cranberry, and a slice of lime! Yum!
And if you want to switch it up a little add a splash of OJ. :)



Zuppa Tuscana- Crock-pot Style

This is so good! My kids even like the kale in it! Gives it a little bit of a peppery taste :)



Tri tip

I make this one very similar to the pork chop marinade but with a few changes that make it tasty!



Red Enchiladas

I make these a couple different ways. Most of the time I make my own sauce, it's quick and it makes enough to do two pans. So, I freeze the extra for next time. Makes it super cheap too, But for times when I don't have the extra 10 minutes I use canned enchilada sauce. As for the chicken I put it in the crock pot with one can or 11/2 cups enchilada sauce. Cook on low for 4-6hrs. Shred.

Before...

I like to line up the olives on top so I know where to cut ;)

 



Pasta Salad

Over the years I have been asked many times for this recipe. Hope you like it! Tip- double the recipe if you're making it for a party :)

Quick Tip- Turkey burger

The trick with turkey burger is the seasoning. Turkey needs a little extra. Also, I like the Zacky 15% fat, it has a little more flavor but for a 4oz. serving it has 84 calories from fat vs. 153 for ground beef. I also like to buy it in bulk. I put it into quart size freezer bags and it holds about a pound and a half.



Easy Chicken Tacos

Throw 4-5 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts into your crock-pot. Pour 1 can green enchilada sauce over and cook on low 4-6 hrs. Shred. Serve in tacos.
We will bake our tortillas, recipe is under Quick tip low calorie taco shells and serve with tomatillo salsa!



Tomatillo Salsa

We like it spicy! If you like it mild add less chiles :)

Steak with Sauted Mushrooms

I used the pork chop marinade for the steak. I usually only change it by using parsely instead of basil when using beef and top it with sauteed mushrooms! Yum!



Red skinned mashed potatoes



Meatloaf w/ Red skinned mashed potatoes

I like to use turkey burger because it leaves virtually no grease in the bottom of the pan for the meatloaf to sit in. I also like to saute the veggies! Yum! ;)

Try making meatloaf minis by separating your meatloaf into a muffin pan! Kids like them because there is more crispy crust!



Easy Chicken Cesar Salad

This one is so easy that I don't even think it needs a "recipe".

4-6 chicken tenderloins or 3 chicken breasts

lettuce-chopped

6 sliced turkey bacon

shredded Parmesan cheese

croutons

grape tomatoes

Cesar dressing

I like to grill the chicken but if I don't have time to start up the grill its just as good in the pan. Cook your turkey bacon first. Then cook your chicken in the same pan. Season with garlic salt (1t), pepper (1t), Basil(1t), and garlic (1t). Cook 5 minutes each side or longer depending on the thickness of your chicken.

Cut lettuce and bacon, mix with cheese, croutons, tomatoes and dressing! Serve. Yum!

 

Taco Salad

I like to keep the meat & beans separate from the salad mixture. It keeps the lettuce crisp and the meat and beans warm until you serve it. :)

 

Taco Soup

Thanks Julie! This is one of our favs too! Super easy! The only change we made is we add "chili cheese" fritos to the top ;) and we add 2T chili powder because we like it a little spicier! Yum!





Fish Tacos

These I do two different ways...You can use your favorite fish sticks, add cabbage cheese and sauce or you can use grilled tilapia. Here is the recipe for the sauce and also the tilapia marinade! Both are quick and easy! Enjoy!

Fish Taco Sauce

1/2 cup milk

3-4T tapatio

2T lemon juice

2T mayo

2T sour cream

Mix together and drizzle over fish!



Ceviche

This is so good! Thanks Clara for sharing! :)

40 calories per cup



Spinach Meatballs

This one takes about 10 minutes prep time & 40 minutes bake time but.... TOTALLY worth a few extra minutes! Enjoy!

283 calories for 3 large meatballs



Quick Tip- Low Calorie Taco Shells

I like fried taco shells but I don't like all the added calories and fat! So...here's a quick tip! Get a wet paper towel, wrap up the tortillas, and put them in the microwave for about a minute or until they are soft. Then spray with cooking spray, fold in half , and bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes each side. Remember to leave the spray side facing up :)

80 calories per shell

Crock Pot Carnitas

Super easy! We like to make tacos with the shredded meat. Enjoy! If you want to add a little more spice add a can of Rotel instead of diced tomatoes! Also, check what pork is on sale, sirloin roasts will work perfect for this too!

215 for 2 tacos with cheese and salsa!



Pumpkin Fall Dip

So good with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, and apples! Great way to get in the mood for Fall and lots of Fall recipes to come!

45 calories per serving about 4T



Quick Tip- Peanut butter Snacks

This one is super easy! Heat your peanut butter in the micro-wave for about 30 seconds. It melts into a gooey dip! The kids like to dip apples in it. A fast, easy, and healthy afternoon snack! :)



One minute Chili

Ok this one takes 1 minute! We use a lean beef roast but I have tried it with pork as well. They are both good! Just remember to use a lean meat :) And just like chile verde you can put the meat in frozen!

200 calories for 2 cups with cheese

Cilantro Ginger Tilapia

This one is from Pinterest. I tweaked a few things to make it a little faster and easier. Definitely quick and delicious. We served it with rice pilaf and mini egg rolls. Enjoy!

110 calories per tilapia fillet





Salisbury Steak

 

I don't know if I should call it "steak" because I make it with turkey but it's pretty darn good!

367 calories salisbury steak

135 calories green beans



Quick Tip- Tostadas

You can use refied beans but I buy the pack of beans at Sam's. I make them the same way as "Spicy Beans" but I drain the little bit of juice on the top of the pinto beans can and I take the peppers out. I add 2T of milk and 1/2 cup cheese (makes them creamy) and then I smash them, right in the pot. Top with some cheese and salsa! Quick and easy. We usually make these for the kids on date night :)

235 calories