Spanish Shrimp

j and I are on a quest to eat healthier, yet we won't sacrifice flavor in the process (or I just end up completely unsatisfied and wanting a vat of ice cream). I recently subscribed to Cooking Light magazine and I'm loving all the deliciousness so far! We tried this one last night, and it's a keeper - sooooo good and so easy!

Recipe here

We ate it over rice with corn on the side - enjoy!

summer pasta salad

2 cups of your favorite pasta
1 cucumber diced
1 green pepper diced
1 tomato diced
1 bottle of Italian dressing

Cook, drain, and rinse pasta as directed.

In a large bowl mix together the pasta, cucumber, pepper, and tomato. Pour dressing over salad.

Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Stir before serving.

The great thing about this recipe is you can add whatever vegetables you like! Enjoy!

good ol' chili

I learned how to make this from my mom. There's really not an exact recipe, but it comes out delicious every time! I usually dump in whatever I have on hand and leave out what I don't.

You'll need:
ground beef - 1-2 lbs (ground turkey works too)
1 big (28oz?) can diced tomatoes
1 (14oz?) can tomato sauce
3-8 tablespoons chili powder, in the bottle
2-4 teaspoons ground cumin
beans -  I usually do at least one can of chili beans and one can of kidney beans, but I've been known to add great northern or even a can of pork 'n beans from time to time.

Optional - add one item or add it all:
1 (10.5oz) can Rotel
1 small can diced green chilies
1 cup salsa

To make it:
1) Brown the ground beef
2) Dump everything except the spices in a pot or crock pot, mix together.
3) Start with the smallest amount of spices and mix those in.
4) Allow the chili to cook for a bit - once it's hot, taste test and add more chili powder if you want more heat. Add more cumin to taste.
5) Simmer on the stove for up to an hour or in crock pot on low all afternoon. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes!

** you may add more tomato sauce or water if you like a thinner consistency

Serve with shredded cheese and cinnamon rolls! :)

Healthy Tzatziki Sauce

This yogurt-cucumber-garlic dip is great for dipping vegetables, pita wedges, or served with a variety of greek foods (gyro anyone?).  This is a healthy version.  Well...it's healthy-ish. Makes 1 serving.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. plain fat-free yogurt
• 1/4 c. diced cucumber
• 1 chopped scallion
• 1 minced small garlic clove
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh mint
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh dill
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper
• squirt of lemon

Mix all ingredients well. Tastes best if chilled overnight.