Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs give dishes that extra kick to turn a good recipe into an amazing one.

Basil is my favorite herbs and I love buying it at the farmers market.  You can also grow your own to save money and have fresh herbs anytime!  Basil needs plenty of sunshine, about 6-8 hours each day.  Check out this website for tips on how to grow basil, chives, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Recipes with fresh basil to come!

Try or Trash: Detox Diets

Should you do a detox diet to "cleanse" your body?

The answer is NO.  That's why we have our kidneys, liver, large intestine (colon), lungs and lymphatic system.  Our bodies do a great job on their own!  There is insufficient evidence to support needing to use detox diets to release toxins stored in the body.

Lizard Says:  Trash detox diets and eat a healthy diet filled with a variety of fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Easy Enchiladas Recipe

Here is a tasty and easy chicken enchilada recipe.  I love Mexican food and have tried making enchiladas but after all the work rolling them, they fell apart.  That's when I decided to make things much easier!!

Ingredients

• 1 package corn tortillas (12 count)
• 1 Rotisserie chicken or 3 cooked chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• Garlic powder and hot chili powder
• 1 bunch of cilantro, washed and chopped
• 2 jars salsa - I prefer one hot and one medium-flavored
• 1 lime
• 2% cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 and 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray (one pan isn't enough!)
2. Saute onion and green pepper in olive oil and add garlic powder and hot chili powder
3. Place tortillas on bottom of two pans (3 in large pan and 2 in small pan, split one in half to cover bottom)
4. Layer evenly the cooked veggies, chicken and cilantro and top with remaining tortillas to cover all ingredients
5. Mix salsas in bowl and pour over tortillas to cover completely
6. Sprinkle cheese on top and cook for ~15 minutes
7. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top (use a lime squeezer to make it easier)

Liz's Favorites: Lime Squeezer

Are you looking for an easy way to squeeze a lime? Try using a lime squeezer! It's incredibly easy to use and gets every last drop of juice out for you.

1. Roll the lime on the counter (this helps increase the juice)
2. Cut the lime in half
3. Open the lime squeezer and place rind size UP
4. Push the handles together and the juice will come out the bottom

Next post is an Easy Enchiladas recipe where you can use the lime squeezer!

 

Low Fat vs. Regular Graham Crackers

"Low Fat" versions are always healthier, right?  Wrong!  You need to make sure you compare the nutrition labels.  Take a look at Honey Maid Low Fat vs. Regular Honey Graham Crackers below.  The Low Fat actually has more calories, sodium and carbohydrates than the regular version.

Keep in mind graham crackers aren't the healthiest snack as both versions have trans fat (partially hydrogenated oil in ingredient list) and are made with high fructose corn syrup.

Lizard says: While the regular version has some saturated fat, for an occasional treat I buy them.  They taste much better than the low fat version too!

Low Fat

Regular

Quick Breakfast Recipe - Microwave Eggs

Have you ever microwaved eggs?  I know it may sound weird but it saves time and tastes great!  Just remember to spray the bowl with non-stick cooking spray first.

On a nice leisurely weekend morning, I love making breakfast tacos.  However, during the week, I make the quick version below.

Quick Breakfast Tacos

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 chicken sausage, chopped (I use Trader Joe's)
• 1 corn tortilla
• 2 tablespoons salsa
• Optional: Veggies

Directions

1. Spray microwave-safe bowl with non-stick cooking spray and add egg whites, chicken sausage and veggies 
2. Cook in microwave for ~1 1/2 minutes on 80% power or more depending on your microwave
3. Meanwhile, put corn tortilla in toaster oven to make it warm and crispy
4. Add eggs to corn tortilla once they are completely cooked (all white)
5. Add salsa for an extra kick

Enjoy!!  

Grilled Panini Recipe

Is your sandwich boring? Looking to give it a little kick?  I love using a sandwich maker to make a warm and crunchy panini.  Just make your sandwich, brush a little olive oil on the bread and grill it for about 5 minutes.

It's so easy that I always make paninis now!

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of whole wheat bread
• Meat, nitrate free is preferred such as Apple Gate Farms
• Cheese, made with 2% milk
• Lettuce and onion
• Italian seasoning
• Barbecue sauce, highly recommend Stubbs 
• Olive oil and silicone brush

Directions:

1. Assemble sandwich including seasoning and bbq sauce, if desired
2. Brush a small amount of olive oil on both sides of bread using silicone brush
3. Warm sandwich in grill on medium until crispy (about 5 minutes) and enjoy!