Raspberry Chipotle Pork

Raspberries. Chipotle. Two of my favorites, and combined, this is the ultimate flavor combo. Tender pork-chops from the crockpot. A must make meal!

2-4 lean pork-chops
1/2 c. raspberry chipotle sauce/marinade
1 package of chipotle seasoning
1 1/2 c. water

Allow to cook in crockpot on low, medium or high settings.

Cajun Quinoa

I was inspired to make this meal from a recipeout of the Better Homes and Garden's Cookbook. I did, however, add more ingrediants to recipe to enhance more flavor. If you choose to make this, make sure you add the hominy, which really makes the meal. This meal was so good that I could easily go for seconds and thirds. So highly nutritious, packed with vegetables, protein and so much flavor. You absolutely must make this meal. Quinoa is fairly new to most households. I was recommended it by my mom who said it was fabulous, and it is!

Cajun Quinoa

1/4-1/2 c. olive oil
1 can of Golden Hominy
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 c. rinsed and drained quinoa
2 c. water
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. shredded carrots
1 tsp. cajun seasoning (if you don't have any cajon seasoning, you can substitute 1/2tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp. red pepper powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. chopped zucchini
1 c. chopped tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1/4 c. chopped scallions



In large sauce pan, saute onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil. Add quinoa, two cups of water, carrots, cajun seasoning and garlic and onion powder. Bring to boil, then add chopped zucchini. Cover and allow to simmer. Once quinoa has absorbed all water, add chicken broth and stir. Cover again and allow to simmer until all veggies are tender. Once tender and quinoa is soft, add hominy, and scallions and tomatoes. Allow to simmer for about 5 more minutes, covered. Enjoy!

Spicy Lentil and Black Beans

Dr. Oz has convinced me to eat my lentils. You can choose to make this meal spicy or not. I made this the other night. If you made the black beans over rice meal, you will be sure to like this. I served this over quinoa and it was great!

Spicy (or not) Lentil and Black Beans

About 2 c. of dried lentils
6 T. olive oil
1 can black beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1/4 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped green peppers
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
1 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. chopped scallions
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt (optional)
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
1/4 tsp. cayenne powder. (optional) I used 90,000 heat units.

Cook lentils as instructed on package. In large saucepan, saute yellow onion, garlic and green pepper. Add lentils once cooked, black beans, tomato, broth and seasonings. Once to a boil, reduce and simmer covered for about 40 min, or until thickened. Right before serving, add cilantro and scallions and allow to simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes. Serve over rice or quinoa for a great, nutritious meal.

Ginger, Garlic And Pork Stir-Fry

This dish was amazingly fantastic and I thought I would share. I invented this myself and was thrilled at how great it turned out. I started by heating about 4 T. olive oil, then added frozen green beans, garlic, and chopped cabbage. I added fresh chopped cilantro, added chicken broth, soy sauce, seasonings and ginger. Voila! Everything created a perfect balance of delicate flavors and textures. The pork chops were cooked on the grill and added the most perfect flavor with all the vegetables and seasonings. This meal was a A+.

Ginger, Garlic and Pork Stir-fry

4 T. olive oil
2 garlic cloves chopped
1 c. cilantro chopped
1/2 of a head of cabbage, chopped
1 carrot, shredded into strips (use a potato peeler)
1 c. frozen green beans
1/2 tsp. ginger powder
1/4 tsp. red pepper powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/8. c. soy sauce
Saute all vegetables except for cilantro. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, seasonings and then add cilantro and meat and stir into stir-fry mixture. Stir and allow to heat for 5 more additional minutes on medium heat. Serve over rice. Top with sesame seeds if you like.

Pork Chops
Add a little soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder and onion powder to taste. Grill and then slice into thin strips for stir-fry.

Lemon Cherry Chill

This drink is awesomely refreshing on a hot summer's day. It is so easy to make. All you need is fresh cherries, lemonade powder mix (or make your own fresh lemonade) and a ice-cubes.

In a blender combine the following:
1 scoop powdered lemonade
6-10 ice-cubes
4 or more large cherries
1/2 c. water or seven up
Blend until mixed and serve chilled.

Awesome Summer Salad

This summer I will be eating lots of salads. In my effort to decrease the amounts of carbs/glutin in my diet, I will be turning to the greens to feel great! This salad has literally everything but the kitchen sink. You don't have to be precise when creating a salad, just use what you have if you need to.

Summer Salad Serves about 4

1 head of rommaine lettuce or mixed greens
4-5 large strawberries, chopped
chopped carrots
sliced cucumber
chopped red onion
1 large avocado, sliced
chopped olives
cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes
soybeans
peas
marinated artichokes (available at Costco)
lemon wedges
Chopped meat of your choice, I added canned salmon, of course. (Got to have the protein, or you make not get as full)
Grated cheese of your choice
(add whatever else you like such as sliced green grapes, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, chopped apples, pecans, etc. Enjoy your salad)!

Classic and Tasty Crockpot Chili

Chili can be eaten anytime during the year, don't you think? I love chili topped with grated cheese and crackers/chips. Simmering in the crockpot, the aromas just captivate your senses.

Crockpot Chili

1 c. black beans (canned or packaged) If packaged, I recommend you soak them for about 24 hours before you place in crockpot.
1 c. red beans or kidney beans ""
1 c. pinto beans ""
1 small 12 oz can of tomato paste
1 package of turkey meat
3 cans of diced tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped onion
1-2 packages of chili powder
2 T. chili sauce (optional)
1/4 c. water

Brown Turkey first, add to everthing else in crockpot and let simmer for about 6-8 hours or heat on either high or low settings in crockpot. Enjoy with cheese, crackers and/or chips.