Thursday, August 11, 2011

benefits of GREEK YOGURT!

greek yogurt is a POWER FOOD!  much thicker than "normal" yogurt, this stuff is loaded with protein and with even more flavor. some brands boast up to 20 grams per serving! fyi: that's a lot (:






 this was my dessert tonight: 1 cup greek yogurt, two teaspoons of honey, a handful of almonds, and a dash of cinnamon!

AND

below i have pasted a wonderful article comparing american and greek yogurt. check it out!
 
So what is Greek yogurt, anyway?


You might have lately found out about a "new" food, Greek Yogurt, and probably wondered what all the stir is about. Is it more beneficial for you? How does it taste? What is so extraordinary about Greek yogurt? Allow us to have a look at this food and compare it to that American counterpart.

Yogurt fundamentals:

This is a common food, a dairy farm product made by bacterial fermentation of milk. Fermentation of the milk sugar (lactose) creates lactic acid, which acts on milk protein to give it its texture and its distinctive tang. It is nutritionally plentiful in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.

Yogurt has got nutritional benefits on the far side those of milk: people who are somewhat lactose-intolerant can savor yogurt without harmful effects, because the milk sugar in the milk precursor is changed to lactic acid by the bacterial culture. The decrease of lactose bypasses the stricken individuals' need to process the milk sugar themselves.

Yogurt, likewise has medical uses, in particular for a variety of gastrointestinal circumstances, and in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. One study indicates that consuming yogurt containing L. acidophilus helps prevent vulvovaginal candidiasis, while the evidence isn't definitive. It's believed to encourage good gum health, perhaps because of the probiotic effect of lactic acids existing in yogurt.

Greek yogurt:

This is a food which has been filtered out in a cloth or paper bag or filter, traditionally made of muslin, to remove the whey, giving a body between that of yogurt and cheese, while preserving yogurt's characteristic sour taste sensation. Like many yogurts, strained yogurt is often times made from milk which has been enriched by boiling off some of the water content, or by adding extra butterfat and powdered milk. "Greek-style" yogurts are similar to Greek strained yogurt, merely made thicker with thickening agents. Or if made the conventional way, are based on domestic (rather than Greek) milk. Greek yogurt's live and active culture content is a good deal higher than that of normal yogurt. However it should be observed that liquid whey contains cystine, and amino acid that hikes up your body's level s of the Cancer-fighting compound glutathione.

What are probiotics and what superb qualities they have?

Yogurt, a nifty food carries probiotics. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing possibly healthful bacteria or yeasts. According to the presently adopted definition by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/WHO, probiotics are: 'Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.'

Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to aid the body's present intestine flora, an ecology of microbes, to re-establish themselves. They are sometimes suggested by physicians, and, more often, through dieticians, after a course of antibiotics, or as part of the treatment for intestine related candidiasis. Claims are made that probiotics fortify the immune system to combat allergies, unrestrained alcohol consumption, stress, exposure to harmful substances, and additional diseases. In these cases, the bacteria that work well with our bodies could diminish in number, an issue which allows damaging competitors to flourish, to the detriment of our health.

which yogurt is better, American or Greek?

Well, when it boils down to a selection between these good foods, both standard American and Greek yogurt are outstanding for you, just in contrasting ways. Greek yogurt is, for the most part, more saturated than American yogurt, so it comprises about double as much protein as American. But they each contain broad amounts of probiotics (although Greek yogurt contains more only because it's so much more concentrated), so actually, you don't have to choose. Consume them both every day and you'll benefit much more if you eat just one of the two. And remember, a wholesome diet alone will not help you maintain your weight and health under control.

Taco Salad

my beautiful veggies are quickly feeling the pain of sitting in my fridge. even when mikey was home, i was the only one who would eat them and it is quite difficult to eat so many on my own! i believe tomorrow will be a salad day for lunch and maybe a veggie tray for a snack. these puppies have got to go! i just hate the idea of wasting -- especially because fresh produce is friggin' expensive. but, that's the backward food industry for you! (: tonight's dinner was taco salad; i figured this would be a great way to use up some of those wonderful phytochemicals!

here we go!

INGREDIENTS:

spring mix salad
ground turkey
stoplight bell peppers
garbanzo beans
shredded cheese
tomato
lemon
olive oil
sour cream
tortilla



1. chop veggies. 


2. oil a pan and add bell peppers and saute, begin browning ground turkey in a separate pan.


3. rinse garbanzo beans and heat according to directions, in a saucepan.


4. when bell peppers are cooked through, drain and add a 1/4 cup of sour cream.


5. assemble your plate and squeeze with lemon!


VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

Caprese Salad

this is my all time without a doubt absolute favorite salad (: it's an amazing italian dish and an excellent appetizer but today i decided to make it a lunch. it's visually appealing and SO QUICK (no cooking involved!) if you like fresh, zingy taste, you'll love this (:

INGREDIENTS:

fresh basil
fresh low-fat mozzarella
tomatoes
olive oil
balsamic vinegar


DIRECTIONS:

1. slice the tomatoes and mozzarella.


2. layer the ingredients one on top of the other in this order: basil, mozzarella, and topped with tomato (:


3. drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar!


how easy was that?!?

VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

hey all (: sorry i didn't post anything yesterday or until just now today, i was escorting my wonderful husband to the airport for him to meet up with his ship, the uss john c. stennis, to begin his seven-month deployment. tonight i was really needing something warm, emotionally or physically, so nothing seemed more appropriate than some homemade chicken noodle soup (: i called sheila (that's my grandma, but i like sheila better) and asked her how to make it and i didn't have any chicken stock or bouillon, but that's what i'm going to write down on here to use instead, it's just much more flavorful and comforting.

INGREDIENTS:

chicken breast
chicken stock or bouillon cubes
carrots
red onion
pasta noodles
garlic
corn
parsley**
basil**
oregano**
sage**
butter

**dried or fresh
DIRECTIONS:

1. boil the chicken breast in chicken stock with about a teaspoon of each herb until fully cooked; add a tablespoon of butter.


2. chop all vegetables.

3. when chicken is completely cooked, remove from stock. once cool, chop.


4. add all chopped veggies to chicken stock, let boil until carrots are soft.


5. after about 5 minutes of boiling, add the pasta, make sure there's enough liquid in the pot to cover the noodles. cook until noodles are al dente and carrots are soft. once finished, add the chicken back in.


 AND NOW, ENJOY! 

best eaten in a pair of comfy sweats with a puppy!



Monday, August 8, 2011

Baked Chicken alla Milanese, Poached Pears with Orange Juice, and Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

YUM! this was dinner tonight and when asking mike what he wanted, he replied excitedly, FRIED CHICKEN AND MAC 'N' CHEESE! i was feeling a bit sassy and decided to make "fake bake" fried chicken, it has nearly half the calories! and he seemed to like it (;

INGREDIENTS:
1 clove(s) garlic 
1 cup(s) parsley leaves 
1/2 cup(s) seasoned breadcrumbs
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper
2  boned chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry 
4 tablespoon(s) olive oil 
2  lemon wedges


DIRECTIONS:
 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Chop the garlic together with the parsley and place in a small bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Moisten this mixture with 2 tablespoons of oil.

 

Lay the boned thighs in a heavy baking pan and coat the top of the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle the chicken with the remaining olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, or until browned.


Serve with lemon wedges (: final picture at the end!

POACHED PEARS WITH ORANGE JUICE

INGREDIENTS:

4 firm ripe pears
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup water
1-2 teaspoons orange zest

DIRECTIONS: 

1. peel pears then cut in halves or quarters and cut out cores.



in a saucepan, heat the sugar, orange juice, and water over medium heat. (of course, i added a splash of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon!!)


add the pears and bring to a simmer. reduce heat to low, cover, and continue simmering for 15 minutes, or until the pears are tender. 


remove the pears and add the orange zest. simmer the syrup for 5 minutes longer, then combine the pears and syrup and chill thoroughly. 
  final picture at the end!
homemade mac 'n' cheese

INGREDIENTS:

elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
a mix of any cheeses you'd like
milk
butter

DIRECTIONS:  

there's not really any directions to this one, just boil the pasta until al dente and the drain. add the cheese, a splash of milk and a tablespoon or so of butter, back into the saucepan with the noodles and heat until it's all melty (:

AND THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR....

**drum roll please**
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 TADA!!! 

VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

 

Cinnamon Apple French Toast

OH. MY. GOD. this stuff was fabulous! i'm just gonna get straight to the good stuff so you guys can start cooking it now!

INGREDIENTS:

4 mcintosh apples, peeled and sliced **
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg**
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp butter
-------------------------------------------
4 slices whole wheat bread
3 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. slice apples super thin and then chop into 1/2 inch chunks, to speed up cooking time.
2. toss together first four ingredients in a large zip-lock baggie, tossing to coat apples.
** i omitted nutmeg and i used one large fiji apple instead.


3. cook apple mixture: two tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 15-20 minutes or until apples are tender**

**i kept adding splashes of water to make sure the cinnamon, etc. wouldn't burn. it took about 30 minutes to fully soften. also, i added a splash of vanilla and about a teaspoon of honey, too which tasted great!


man, i wish there was smell-o-blog because this was the most amazing smelling thing ever!

START THE FRENCH TOAST!

1. in shallow bowl, wisk eggs, cinnamon, and milk. 

2. spoon finished apple mixture onto one side of bread and place the other slice on top of it, making a sandwich.


3. dip one side of the sandwich in the egg mixture and let soak 2-3 minutes, flip and do the same on the other side. (don't let egg mix get on inside of sandwich or else it won't cook).


4. melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet (or spray with cooking spray) over medium heat. fry 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.


and your finished product should look something like...


THIS! 

this recipe was a bit time consuming with the apples so start early or you may have brunch instead of breakfast haha (: try serving it up with some whipped cream. the apples were so ooey-gooey that no syrup was necessary. SO TASTY!
VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Mixed Berry Crumble (for a tasty dessert!)

topping
  1. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/4 cups plain granola
  3. 1/2 cup sugar
  4. 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes 

filling

  1. 3/4 cup sugar
  2. finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  3. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  5. 1 pound blackberries
  6. 3/4 pound blueberries
  7. 3/4 pound raspberries
  8. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  1. MAKE THE TOPPING Preheat the oven to 400°. in a food processor, combine the flour with the granola and sugar and pulse until coarsely ground. add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles fine meal. 

  1. MAKE THE FILLING in a large bowl, toss the sugar with the lemon zest, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. add the blackberries, blueberries and raspberries and toss well.

BAKE: carefully spread the berries in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish and dot with the butter. spoon the crumble topping over the berries and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is browned. let the crumble cool slightly and maybe serve with some yummy vanilla ice cream or whipping cream!


    i halved the recipe for just me and mike and it was GREAT! we loved it! if you want to be a goodie good, try sweetening with steevia or some other alternate sugar substitute (:

     (i forgot to take a final picture of it outside of the oven, SORRY! haha!)

    VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Mozzarella, Garlic, and Basil. Served with Buttery Mashed Potatoes.

    i LOVE cooking with chicken breasts, the variations are almost endless! this time i went for a slightly italian angle to it all.

    vary the amount of garlic to your own taste,  BUT i can say that i don't expect to see any vampires for the rest of my life after eating my version (; bahahahaha

    INGREDIENTS:
    potatoes
    butter
    milk (or cream)
    fresh basil leaves, a couple of handfuls
    garlic, roughly chopped - to taste
    olive oil (as good quality as you can get)
    salt**
    pepper

    chicken
    chicken breast

    mozzarella, sliced
    bacon**
    dried oregano
    salt**
    pepper 

    ** i didn't use salt and it came out great (: also, i used turkey bacon, which is less fatty than pork bacon. 

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees; start boiling the potatoes.

    2. chop garlic, basil, and mozzarella.


    3. slice the chicken lengthways, but not all the way through. open the chicken breast and stuff with mozzarella, basil, and garlic.


    4. fold the chicken together and wrap it with the bacon. top the bacon with some **more seasoning and spices.**


    5. pop it onto a roasting pan in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes, or until cooked. when potatoes are soft, blend with hand mixer and add a couple tablespoons of butter.


    this chicken turned out soooo well! but i do have to admit that pork bacon would probably blend much more nicely with the chicken!

    VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!



      

    Southwest Omelettes

    omelettes are seriously a breakfast powerhouse and they're so versatile! they're a great way to start the day, especially for cramming some awesome phytochemicals (fruits and veggies) into one meal! unfortunately, my hubby hated his but he sucked it up and ate about half out it, said it needed salt. haha! (:

    ok, so here goes! i don't use any measurements when making omelettes, i just sort of throw stuff in.


    INGREDIENTS:
    three eggs**
    ham or deli chicken or turkey, etc...
    stoplight bell peppers
    purple onion
    spinach
    roma tomatoes
    shredded cheese of your choice

    ** i use two egg whites and one full egg -- all of the nutrients lay inside the yolk so it is imperative to utilize it!


    DIRECTIONS:

    1. preheat broiler (yes, you read that right, the broiler), and finely chop the veggies and meat.


    2. wisk eggs whites and yolk and add a splash of low-fat or skim milk.



    3. place the eggs in a pan, sprayed with cooking spray, on medium heat.

    4. wait until the bottom of the eggs are firm and add veggies, meat, or cheese on the omelette.

     

    5. once the eggs have firmed up, throw it under the broiler for about 2-4 minutes until completely firm.


    7. remove from broiler and slide omelet gently in-half on a plate. serve with a slice of whole wheat toast and a piece of turkey bacon!


    VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

    Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken

    i've been typing so much today and my fingers are so sore so i'm just going to go right ahead and copy and paste this one (; the pictures are mine though so i'm not COMPLETELY cheating (:

    Ingredients

    • 1 (5 to 6-pound) roasting chicken
    • kosher or sea salt
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 large bunch fresh thyme
    • 4 lemons
    • 3 heads garlic, cut in 1/2 crosswise
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • 1/2 pound sliced bacon 
    • 2-3 mixed variety of potatoes
    • four carrots cut in two in pieces

    Directions

    1. preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    2.remove the chicken giblets. rinse the chicken inside and out. remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers and pat the outside dry. 
    3. place the chicken in a large roasting pan. liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken.
    4. stuff the cavity with the thyme, reserving enough thyme to garnish the chicken dish, 1 lemon, halved, and two halves of the garlic. 
    5. brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper.
    6. cut two of the lemons in quarters and chop the potatoes in one-inch pieces and scatter the lemons, potatoes, carrots and remaining garlic around the chicken. lay the bacon slices over the chicken to cover. 


    7. roast the chicken for 1 hour. remove the bacon slices from the top of the chicken and set aside.  8.continue roasting the chicken for an additional 1/2 hour, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. 
     

    your finished result should look something like...

    THIS!
      this is a great dish for entertaining! and don't worry, the carrots and lemons are in there somewhere (:


    VIOLA AND HAPPY EATING!

    Balsamic Marinade Chicken and Spinach, Tomato, and Fresh Mozzerella Pasta Salad with Balasmic Dressing

    this is the tastiest meal ever and honestly, so stinking easy to make... it's a good meal to make when your hosting a get-together, having family or friends over, or just for yourself etc... for a bigger crowd, try adding a starch like baked sweet potatoes or mashed yukon gold and red potatoes (:

    the chicken recipe came from eating well magazine --

    DIRECTIONS: 

    wisk 1/4 cup each of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, two minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon italian seasoning, one teaspoon salt**, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

    ** i eliminated the salt and it tasted just fine (:

    1. start with: boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 to 1&1/4 pounds for four servings.
    2. place chicken in a shallow baking dish or one-gallon sealable plastic bag. add the marinade and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to twelve hours. (the longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor!) remove from the marinade and pat dry before grilling or broiling.
    3. to grill: preheat grill to medium-high & oil the grill rack. grill the chicken, turning once, 4-8 minutes per side.
    4. to broil: position a rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. place chicken on pan and broil, watching carefully and turning at least once, 10-15 minutes total (:

    one breast yields: 169 calories; 7 g of fat; 250 mg sodium (:


    the pasta recipe is from cooking light: 5 ingredient, 15 minute recipes and it was my FAVORITE part of the meal and it was great for lunch the next day!

    INGREDIENTS: 

    2 1/2 multigrain rotini pasta (such as barilla plus)
    2 cups grape tomatoes
    olive oil
    balsamic vinegar
    baby spinach
    4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. cook pasta according to directions on package, omitting salt. rinse with cold water, drain.
    2. while pasta cooks, prepare dressing by mixing 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil and tomatoes in separate bowl.
    3. add pasta and spinach; toss well and top with CHEESE!

    yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)


    calories 450**; fat 15.9g (sat 5.1g, mono 6.6 g, poly 3.3 g); protein 19.9g; fiber 8g; chol 22mg; iron 5.5mg; sodium 262mg; calc 259mg.

    ** i know this seems like a LOT but don't worry, it's for the whole pasta, not just one serving (:

    VIOLA! AND HAPPY EATING (:

    Homemade Applesauce

    THIS IS THE TASTIEST APPLESAUCE I'VE EVER EATEN! 
    i had three really big apples that i was starting to think would go bad if i didn't do something with them soon so i decided to make myself a yummy dessert and it turned out amazingly well!


    INGREDIENTS:
    2 large fiji apples, cored and sliced
    2 tsp cinnamon (more of less, to taste)
    1 tsp honey (more or less, to taste)
    1 tsp vanilla (more or less, to taste)

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. core and slice apples


    2. simmer (or if you're impatient like me, boil) the cored and sliced apples until soft and tender.


    3. strain the apples and give 'em a QUICK rinse in cool (not cold) water.


    4. throw the apples in a food processor and give 'em a whirl!


    5. add cinnamon, vanilla, and honey to food processor and blend a tad bit more.


     6. store in a plastic bowl and cool in the fridge, once cool, ENJOY!



    HAPPY EATING!