Breakfast for Dinner! Slow Cooker Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal & Maple Blueberry Breakfast Sausage

Most people when they think of oatmeal picture this:

This is what I remember having and never really liked it,  I would prefer Cream of Wheat. This slow cooker oatmeal was different.  First off it is "Apple Pie" oatmeal,  so that right there is awesome!  Next, the use of steel-cut oats is not only healthy,  but much better tasting then instant oatmeal.
The recipe for the Oatmeal is here:
https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/slow-cooker-apple-pie-steel-cut-oatmeal/
I have never tried Almond Milk before either and while I didn't care for a sip of the milk by itself (in comparison to regular milk), I think it's a great idea with the Oatmeal. Same goes for the coconut oil.

I added some vanilla extract to my oatmeal and then I topped it with real maple syrup.

Then to go with the Oatmeal,  I made these delicious Maple Blueberry Breakfast Sausages from Tastykitchen:
http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2012/09/maple-blueberry-breakfast-sausage/
These were so good, I don't think I would change anything,  maybe just a smidgen less red pepper flakes, cause they were kinda spicy, but the sweet blueberries and Maple syrup play well with the spice. This recipe is definitely making it into my favorite recipes, and it is healthy too. I didn't use any oil, just a tiny bit of Cooking Spray with a non-stick skillet.

Usually when we think Breakfast for dinner it's Bacon with Pancakes or French Toast, but this healthy combination was delightful.

Week 2 - Healthy New Year's Meals 2016

 

It is almost time for our 2nd week of the Month of Healthy Meals for the New Year.

January 2016            "HOT TEA MONTH"

WEEK 2


January 8th 2016 "Seafood" Friday  - Garden Veggie Shrimp
Click Here for the recipe from Better Homes & Gardens

January 9th 2016 "Salad" Saturday  - Roasted Chicken with Italian Wheat Berry Salad
Recipe is here from Family Circle

January 10th 2016 "Soup" Sunday  -  Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato, & Kale Soup
I thought this recipe sounded the best

January 11th 2016  Monday  -  Healthy Baked Cavatelli
Recipe also courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

January 12th 2016 "Crock-pot"Tuesday  -  Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Chili
I'm combining the following 2 recipes to make 1 out of them:
Regular Weight Watchers Recipe 
Slow-cooker Weight Watchers Chili 
I am basically going to use the Slow-Cooker Version, but add the following Ingredients from the original recipe:  Carrots, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Chicken Broth, Apple Cider Vinegar, & Scallions for garnish.

January 13th 2016  Wednesday  - Turkey Cutlets with Barley
Recipe is here (If you can't tell, I love BHG)

January 14th 2016  Thursday  -  Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packs
Recipe is here @ thewholesomedish.com 

 WEEKLY SNACK - Bran Muffins

 
 LUNCH ITEM - Roasted Zucchini Flatbread with Hummus, Arugula, Goat Cheese, & Almonds
Recipe is from the Food Network 

 

Here is the Shopping List to make all of these meals:

Week 2

Produce:

-        Baby Arugula

-        Basil 

-        Carrots

-        Celery

-        Cherry Tomatoes (large)

-        Eggplant (1)

-        Garlic (I prefer Jarred, minced)

-        Kale

-        Lemons (3)

-        Mushrooms (2 @ 8oz. each)

-        Onions (4)

-        Pepper, Green (1)

-        Pepper, Red (4)

-        Pepper, Yellow (1)

-        Scallions

-        Sweet Potatoes (2 large)

-        Yellow Squash (1)

-        Zucchini (3)

Meat:

-        Ground Italian Turkey Sausage (2 @ 12 oz. each)

-        Ground Turkey (1 lb.)

-        Turkey Breast Cutlets (1 1/2 lbs.)

-        Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 lbs.)

Dairy:

-        Butter, Salted (2 TBSP.)

-        Buttermilk

-        Eggs

-        Fresh Mozz. Balls (also called baby bocconcini) (6-8oz.)

-        Goat Cheese Crumbles

-        Parmesan Cheese

-        Reduced Fat Shredded Italian Blend Cheese (4 oz.)

Spices: (You may have most of these)

-        Chili Powder

-        Cumin

-        Fennel Seeds

-        Italian Seasoning

-        Oregano

-        Paprika (Regular)

-        Pepper

-        Red Pepper Flakes

-        Salt (Kosher)

-        Thyme (Fresh if possible)

Dry Goods:

-        Almonds (1/4 cup)

-        Apple Cider Vinegar

-        Baking Soda

-        Balsamic Vinegar

-        Barley (Or you may have some left over from Week 1)

-        Chicken Bullion Cube (1)

-        Couscous (Israeli)

-        Flour

-        Jalapenos, Pickled

-        Mustard (Dijon)

-        Olives (Kalamata)

-        Raisins (1 cup)

-        Raisin Bran (15oz.)

-        Sugar

-        Wheat Berries (1 ½ cups)

-        White Balsamic Vinegar

Can Goods:

-        low-sodium Chicken Broth (11 cups)

-        can red kidney beans (1 – 15 oz.)

-        can diced tomatoes, no-salt added (1 – 14.5oz.)

-        can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)

-        can tomato sauce, no-salt added (8oz.)

-        can tomato paste (2 TBSP.)

Oils:

-        Olive Oil

-        Vegetable Oil

Pasta:

-        Cavatelli (Whole Wheat if possible) (8oz.)

Bread:

-        Whole-grain pita (2 round pocketless)

Other:

-        Hummus

Seafood:

-        Shrimp (1 lb.), fresh or frozen

Alcohol:

      -     Dry Sherry

          Follow along with me as I make each recipe throughout the month.  Stay Healthy!

Turkey Meatloaf

Tonight I tried a new recipe for a healthy take on meatloaf.  Usually I like to use the "meatloaf mixture" of ground meat, slather it in tomato paste,  then cover it with bacon. But since we are trying to be healthy this month, I decided to try out a new recipe from Family Circle :
http://www.familycircle.com/recipe/turkey/turkey-meat-loaf/
I have made turkey meatloaf before, and it turned out ok, but this time it was actually really good!

I liked the carrots in the recipe,  but next time I might try grating the carrots instead of chopping.
Also, I like to use a slice of white bread soaked in milk in my meatballs,  but I have never soaked breadcrumbs in milk before.  It was defiantly interesting and reminded me of my own recipe.
Also I was excited to try a new spice - Garam Masala, which I have never used before.  Read more about the spice here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garam_masala It reminded me of Chinese 5 spice a little,  but not as overpowering.  I was thinking about cutting the amount in half, but ultimately decided not to, although I did end up cutting the entire recipe in half.
I didn't serve mine with mango chutney, but I could see how it would go. Also instead of Basmati rice I like to use Jasmine and baked at 375 (instead of 350).

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This soup was very good for a quick meal. It was healthy yet satisfying.   It was probably the easiest and quickest chicken soups I have made. I really liked the addition of lemon juice.
The recipe is here:
http://damndelicious.net/2014/04/25/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup/?m
   I think what could have made it even better would be to use shredded chicken, as opposed to boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs.

Rotisserie chicken would be great to keep the recipe fast and easy.

The mirepoix (celery, carrots, and onion) and combo of spices (bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary) are classic and essential in chicken soup.

I  used 6 cups of low-sodium Chicken broth. I did not use 5 cups + 1 cup of water, cause why bother with water, I don't get it.  You want the chicken broth as flavorful as it can be.
I also used whole wheat orzo, which honestly didn't taste any different then regular orzo in the soup. It was great!

Tuna Salad with Celery Seed Dressing

I made a quick and easy Tuna Salad for dinner tonight. 

Here is my recipe:

Tuna Salad w/ Celery Seed Dressing

2 cans solid white albacore tuna fish in water, drained

1 stalk celery, very finely chopped

3 TBSP. mayo (light or olive oil)

Freshly ground pepper

1 head iceberg lettuce

1 pt. cherry tomatoes

½ red pepper, sliced thin

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. paprika

1 tsp. celery seed

½ tsp. dry mustard

¼ cup lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

3 TBSP. honey

½ cup red wine vinegar

2 TBSP. grated (or finely minced) onion

Make Dressing:

In a food processor, combine sugar, salt, paprika, celery seed, dry mustard, lemon juice, honey, red wine vinegar, and minced onion.  Blend to combine.  Add Olive Oil thru feed while machine is still running.   Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Make Tuna:

Drain cans to remove water.  Finely chop the celery.  Combine Tuna, Celery, Mayo, and Fresh Ground Pepper.   Chill in Refrigerator until ready to serve.

Make Salad:

Prepare Lettuce, add cherry tomatoes & peppers.  Top w/ Tuna & Salad Dressing.

  

Salmon Health Bowl

Real Simple put out a Salmon Health Bowl that really looked quite beautiful.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/quick-meal-ideas/bowl-fennel-salmon-chard
The recipe calls for:
Roasted Salmon,  barley,  smoked paprika fennel,  swiss chard, chickpeas , basil, and scallions.
My salmon came out roasted perfectly.  I seasoned it with salt and pepper,  sprinkled scallions over the fish and squeezed lemon juice over top.  Then I baked it for 20 minutes at 425.

Overall I would say the recipe turned out ok. I liked the barley,  although it didn't have very much flavor, and the chickpeas were a good choice.  I didn't really care for the Swiss chard in this recipe and I don't really like the smoked paprika.

 I added a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor and some fresh parsley.

I would make this again,  but very differently next time. I would switch out the paprika fennel with roasted red onions cooked well. Also baby spinach seems a better choice then swiss chard. Also wheat berries would be a nice touch, and a vinaigrette would help bring all the flavors together.

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

This is a delicious snack recipe that is both healthy and tasty.
http://www.thecreativebite.com/cranberry-almond-energy-bites/
They were very easy to make, and I was excited to use the Chia seeds in this recipe.  And overall keeper.