Delicious Dishes: Gluten Free Quinoa Crust Pizza

I came across this recipe on The Wholesome Dish for a gluten free quinoa crust/bread. I modified it to my taste and the ingredients I had on hand and it was utterly delicious!

Below is the recipe with my adaptions.

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa (cooked)
3 tsp. olive oil, divided
1 cup water
2 large eggs
1 ½ tsp. garlic salt
½ tsp. dried rosemary
½ tsp. dried basil leaves
½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, add the eggs, 1 tsp. olive oil, garlic salt, rosemary, basil, and baking powder. Whisk until well combined.
Add the cheese to the quinoa. Stir to combine. Add the egg mixture to the quinoa. Stir until well combined.
Spread the quinoa dough into a ¼ inch, even layer on the parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, edges should begin to brown.
Top with the pizza, or garlic bread, toppings and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Let the pizza, or garlic bread, cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

I topped my pizza crust with cheese, yellow tomatoes and more parmesan cheese.  

Delicious Dishes, Microwave Edition: Salt and Pepper Parmesan Popcorn

 

Over the past decade there have been reports about the PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in pre-packaged popcorn bags.  PFOA has been identified by The Environmental Protection Agency as a “likely carcinogen.” In addition, the chemical used to give popcorn its tasty butter flavor, called diacetyl, produces fumes that could be harmful to your respiratory system, but is deemed "safe" by the FDA (yeah right).  Why bother with all those potential side effects when you can make your own microwave popcorn in about the same time it takes to make the pre-packaged stuff?  Besides being a healthier alternative, you are not limited to the flavors available on the shelf.  There are limitless flavoring options when you make it yourself. 

 

 

1.  Pour 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag.  

2.  Fold the bag and place it in the microwave.

3.  Set the microwave for 5 minutes.

4.  Once kernels have begun to pop listen for popping to slow down to one second between pops.

5.  Pour popcorn in a large bowl, Toss with olive oil to lightly coat the majority of the popcorn.

6.  Sprinkle salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to taste.

You may want to toss the popcorn after the first round of seasoning and repeat the process depending on how much flavor you want.

 

 ENTERTAINING TIP:  For your next party, set up a poporn bar with various seasonings for your guests to add to a preportioned bag, box, or bowl, of unseasoned popcorn.

 

 

Sources: http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/respiratory/popcorn-lung.htm

 http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dangers-of-microwave-popcorn.html#ixzz2Pl0r9hnx

 

Delicious Dishes: Coconut Banana Protein Latte

As a coffee addict lover and health and fitness nut enthusiast, I've been on the lookout for a product that combines protein and coffee.  There are a few on the market but they either lack an authentic coffee flavor or are laden with sugar.  What's a girl to do?  Make her own!  The recipe was inspired by my trainer. He often drinks a gross unique combination of raw oats, coffee, protein powder and water, as a snack.  Since I was already looking for a coffee/protein combo, I took his idea and made it more suitable for human consumption (just kidding C, (not really)). 

 

I made my own coconut milk by blending fresh coconut with water, and then straining it, but you can just use store bought coconut milk, no biggie! Add a scoop of Smooth Banana Dymatize Elite protein powder in a blender with eight ounces of cold black coffee and blend until smooth. Pour in a large glass filled with ice. Add coconut milk to desired taste. Shake the coconut milk before pouring it in the glass for a mock foam/crema.  This is a delicious, non-dairy, gluten free, low sugar, low calorie alternative to any ready-made protein coffee drink on the market.  Enjoy!

Delicious Dishes: Asian Marinated Swordfish with Lemon Rice

Need a quick and healthy weeknight meal?  This asian marinated swordfish with zesty citrus-infused rice is just the thing to liven things up.  Serve with a salad or steamed veggie of choice for a completely satisfying dinner.  With a bit of timing, you can prepare the whole meal in about half an hour.  Let's get started!

 

To make the marinade, combine olive oil, teriyaki sauce, minced ginger, diced onion, honey (or maple syrup) and smashed whole garlic cloves in a bowl.  Marinate swordfish for 15 minutes while you cook the rice.

 

 

 The key to getting this meal on the table, in 30 minutes or less, is timing. While your swordfish is marinating, cook the rice.  Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the boiling water you will be cooking the rice in.  Cook rice according to package directions.  Once the rice is done, stir in the lemon zest.

 

 

Remove the fish from the marinade being careful to remove any pieces of onion, ginger or garlic.  Set the marinade aside.  Allow your pan to get smokin' hot before adding the fish. No need to add additional oil because of the residual oil from the marinade.  Sear the fish until you have a browned crust on one side (approximately 3 minutes; the thickness of your fish determines how long it takes to cook).  Flip it over and cook for an additional 3 minutes (be careful not to overcook this fish, it becomes extremely dry when cooked too long). 

 

 

Because of the honey in the marinade, your fish will develop a very dark crust during cooking...it's not burned, that's "flavah"!  After removing the fish from the pan, add vegetable stock to the marinade and bring it to a boil.  Stir the additional lemon juice into your rice. To serve, Add rice to a platter or bowl.  Place fish on top, and pour the strained pan sauce over it. Garnish with chopped green onion.  Enjoy!

 

Asian Marinade

 

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1/2 cup olive oil

4 whole garlic cloves, smashed

1inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced

1/2 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)

salt and pepper to taste

 

Whisk the ingredients together and adjust salt and pepper to your taste before adding the raw fish.  After marinating the fish, save the marinade to boil, with 1/4 cup of vegetable broth, for at least one minute.  Strain to remove the marinaded vegetable pieces.

 

Lemon Rice

 

Add the juice of half a lemon to the water you intend to cook your rice in.  Cook the rice according to package directions.  Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and the juice of 1/2 a lemon to cooked rice

 

 

 

 

Delicious Dishes: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

 

I've never liked brussel sprouts.  I've had them many times, but never really enjoyed them.  Well that all changed when I roasted fresh brussel sprouts. These were some of the most delicious veggies that I've ever eaten! 

 

  

This is too simple to call a recipe, just make sure you rinse the sprouts well, dry them off and then cut them in half lengthwise.   

 

  

Once you've dried the brussels sprouts, toss in oil, salt and pepper and place in a 400 degree oven for 35-40 minutes.

 

  

The roasting brings out the natural sweetness and gives the veggies an awesomely crispy texture.  Enjoy!

Delicious Dishes: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Many of us want to lighten up after holiday indulgences.  This salad is perfect for those who may be resolving to eat healthier, without sacrificing flavor.  This is a great starter or side dish; I've even been known to mix in some tuna and eat it as a main dish.  Let's get started!

 

Cut cucumber lengthwise, scoop out seeds, cut into strips, then dice.

 

 

 

Core and cut tomatoes into strips, then dice.

 

 

Combine diced cucumber, tomato, and feta.

 

 

For the dressing, whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, until it's mixed well (that's called an emulsion).  Mix the dressing into the cucumber, tomato, and feta.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy!

   

 

Cucumber Tomato Salad

 

1 large cucumber, cored and diced

1 large or 3 small tomatoes, cored and diced

5 oz feta cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup coconut vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar can be used)

salt

pepper

 

Add diced cucumber and tomato to a bowl.  Mix in feta cheese.  Combine salt, pepper, olive oil and vinegar.  Pour over and mix with vegetables and cheese.  Makes 2-4 servings.

  

Delicious Dishes: Kale Chips

 

 

I bought a couple of bunches of organic kale that had this recipe on the back.  These are a healthy alternative to chips, they're easy to make, and so delicious.  Let's get started!

 

Wash, drain, and dry the kale then tear into medium sized pieces.

 

 

Sprinkle dried kale with olive oil and salt (or whatever spices you prefer)

 

Spread kale on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 7 minutes or until kale is crispy.

 

 

Voila...that's it!  Enjoy!

 

 

Delicious Dishes: Shrimp and Cheese Grits

 

This classic southern dish is one of my favorite comfort foods.  Cheesy, creamy grits, and spicy, crispy shrimp are a match made in culinary heaven.  This dish can be served for breakfast or dinner so no matter what time of day you're reading this, let's get this mouth party started!

 

First, the spice mix for the shrimp.  In a bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika (smoked is best), cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.  Put your clean, deveined shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the shrimp and seasoning and then give that shrimp a tasty little massage.  Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes.

 

 

Saute shrimp in a little more olive oil (1-2 tablespoons) until they are opaque and have a browned and crispy coating.  Set aside.

 

 

 

Prepare grits according to package directions to make a cup of cooked grits.  For extra flavor, replace water with chicken broth or stock. 

 

 

 

 Once your grits are done, remove them from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar or havarti cheese (or both), a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a tablespoon of hot sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

 

 

Place your grits in a bowl and top with the shrimp.  Rough chop the green onions and sprinkle over the shrimp and grits.  ENJOY!

 

 

 

 

Spice Mix  (Makes about 2 tablespoons)

 

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

 

Shrimp and Cheese Grits

 

1 pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined

2 tbsp spice mix

1 cup grits (cooked according to package directions)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar and/or havarti cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 green onions

3 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

 

Combine spice mix, shrimp and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a bowl, mix well and let sit for 15-20 minutes.  Saute shrimp in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until browned.  Set aside. 

 

Prepare grits according to package directions and remove from heat.  Stir in 1/2 cup of cheese, garlic powder, and hot sauce.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Chop green onions.  Place grits in bottom of bowl top with cooked shrimp and sprinkle with green onions.  Makes 2 servings.

  

My Fave 5: Healthy Snacks

These are my favorite healthy snacks because they're quick and easy to prepare, and have a good balance of proteins and carbohydrates, which keeps you feeling full longer!

1. Apple & peanut butter

2. Salsa & tuna

3. Greek yogurt & pomegranate

4. Pear & sharp cheddar cheese

5. Romaine lettuce & turkey breast