Chipotle zucchini boats

Everyone who tried this recipe absolutely loved it!

Ingredients 

• 1 lb ground turkey 
• 1 lb ground beef 
• onion 
• garlic 
• poblano - diced
• zucchini 
• shredded cheese
• can of diced tomatoes - trader joes fire-roasted with green peppers
• chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped - as many as you want, 2 minimum 
• fresh cilantro, chopped 
• cumin
• oregano 
• smoked paprika 

optional 

• crema 

Directions

1. preheat to 400
2. halve and hollow zucchinis
3. spray with olive oil and bake at 400 for 20 min  
4. meanwhile, sautee the onions and poblano peppers with a little bit of olive oil 
5. once they are reasonably cooked down, add in the garlic - make sure it doesn't burn 
6. add in the ground meats
7. add in the chipotle peppers and diced tomatoes
8. season with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika 
9. fill zucchini boats with ground meat
10. sprinkle on cheese 
11. bake for 10 minutes at 400

Thai Yellow Curry Bowl

Vegetarian or Carnivor - pick your poison.

Ingredients

• Yellow Curry Paste
• Coconut milk or coconut cream, depending on how thick you want it
• Veggies galore. Literally ALL the veggies. Just throw 'em all in your pan. In order from longest to shortest cooking times of course.
• Optional:  Caulifredo Sauce to make even thicker/creamier

Today I used

• Broccoli
• Zucchini noodles
• Carrot shavings -  vegetable peeler
• Snow peas
• Cauliflower

I also wanted to add

• Bean sprouts
• Chicken, beef, or tofu
• Yellow squash
• Fresh basil
• Cilantro

Directions

1. Add a small amount of oil to the pan followed by curry paste
2. Add any aromatics like onions first
3. Add veggies in order from longest to shortest cooking times, sautee for a bit
4. Add coconut milk/creme to reach desired consistency - can be anywhere from a soup or a sauce
5. Add optional cauliflower alfredo sauce
6. Cook down for a while until all veggies are tender and have absorbed flavor. 
7. Take off heat and let sit for at least 20 minutes to impart flavor

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Guilt Free Snackable Pizza

Pseudo Bagel Bites! Great snack for everyone, regardless or not if they want to eat healthy. I brought these to a girls night once and the girls loved it.

This is a great carb free, gluten free, and paleo excuse to snack on pizza. SOLD!

Ingredients

• Zucchini
• Homemade Marinara, or store bought
• Low Fat cheese of choice (Mozerella, Swiss, Parmesean, etc)
• olive oil in misto spray (optional)
• turkey pepperoni, cut into smaller pieces (optional)

Directions

1. Turn broiler on high
2. Slice zucchini into medallions or longer ovals, place on baking sheet lined with foil and broil for a couple minutes. Option two is to quickly saute in skillet on medium heat. (It's not entirely necessary to cook the zucchini medallions, so you can skip this step if you like)
3. Place a dollop of marinara sauce on the zucchini
4. Top with cheese
5. Broil for a few minutes or place in oven at 400 F

Notes:

If you do not have marinara sauce made, or any on hand

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• ground celery seed
• salt and pepper
• little bit of cumin and paprika if you like

Baked "Fried" Rosemary Zucchini

Crunchy, Cheesy, Savory

Those are the three magic words. 

Baked Rosemary Zucchini Fries have always been a hit at my house. My brother, my mom, my dad, my grandparents, and my friends always love when I make these. They take a little bit of time since they are battered.. but it is worth it, my friend.

They are crunchy on the outside and warm, soft zucchini on the inside. This savory recipe will definitely be a repeat, and there will (usually) be no left overs - no matter how many you manage to pump out. I have made too many before and had to control myself a couple times for the sake of my waistline, so that's almost 100% true.

Got cravings? These fries really hit the spot when you're craving something fried or battered. They're oven baked though, so you know the drill. Tastes like it should be bad, but it really isn't anywhere near bad! So that's good, right?! This is where it's at.

Oh and just a head's up.. This recipe uses a specific cracker that I found at Costco called La Panzanella Croccantini Rosemary Artisan Crackers. I use these because each sheet of cracker, yes I do mean a sheet of cracker, is 100 calories. Its thin, its crisp, and its beautifully seasoned. If you need to use something else, don't be afraid, be creative!

Ingredients

• Zucchini, julienne into fries. I sliced mine into 8ths but it is as desired.
• Eggs
    -- or egg whites
• La Panzanella Croccantini Rosemary Artisan Crackers (I get mine at Costco), crushed as fine as desired.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese, chopped
• Garlic, super finely minced with zester
    -- or garlic powder 
• Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
• Onion powder
• Ground Rosemary

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. Combine Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh rosemary, and cracker crumbs together on a plate
3. Combine eggs / egg whites, ground rosemary, garlic, and onion and stir each time before dipping zucchini in
4. Dip zucchini in eggs, then coat in crackers/cheese
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes

Cheesy Vegetable Tian

What is a tian you ask? Glad you did! It's basically the the most impressive easiness to deliciousness ratio ever.  A tian is a mix of vegetables that are roasted in a shallow dish (which is where it get's its name) and is usually severed with melted cheese/au gratin. The dish I mentioned is a cooking pot from France, but obviously, that's not what is important here..

So. My mom was pretty unimpressed with this as I was making it, and then was blown away by w how much she loved it. Sounds simple enough... cheese and vegetables, and well, maybe that's the beauty of it.

It's AMAZING. Eat it now.

Ingredients

• Garlic, finely minced 
• Onion, sliced into medallions with mandolin
• Zucchini, sliced into medallions with mandolin 
• Squash, sliced into medallions with mandolin
• Tomatoes on the vine, sliced into medallions with mandolin
• Parmesan Cheese
• Olive oil
• Ground Rosemary
• Italian seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Lightly pray the inside of a 2.2 Quart / 2 Liter baking dish with the Misto filled with olive oil
3. Randomly layer the vegetables on their side until the dish is full
4. Sprinkle the finely minced garlic all over. Make sure it gets everywhere - in between the slices, around the edges, etc. 
5. One more light spray of olive oil over the veggies
6. Sprinkle the ground rosemary, and Italian seasoning very liberally
7. Cover with Parmesan cheese, use as little as you can to make it as low calorie as possible
8. Season lightly one more time with Italian seasoning
9. Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 30 minutes (a tad less if making for meal prep). 
10. Optional to bake uncovered for another 15 - 20 minutes but not recommended if making meal prep.

Low Carb Garlic Chicken and Pasta

This dish is half quinoa pasta, and half vegetable pasta so it is super low carb and very healthy. I also used quinoa pasta instead of regular pasta but you could also use multigrain/whole wheat pasta.
 

Ingredients

• Zucchini, spiralized 
• Squash, spiralized
• Carrots, julienne
• Quinoa Pasta
• Chicken
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa pasta in boiling water for 6 minutes. Be careful because this kind of pasta overcooks fast
2. Drain cooked pasta and put back in pan. 
3. Add vegetable pasta
4. Add chicken
5. Boom, done!

Turkey and Kale Stuffed Zucchini

This is more cheesy goodness brought to you by the easiest way to cheat cheese ever! Those low calorie cheese wedges - laughing cow or store brand always come in clutch.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini, halved and hollowed out with small spoon or melon baller 
• Ground Turkey
• Kale or Spinach, chopped
• Salt & Pepper
• Laughing Cow

           Options:

• Italian Seasoning
• Pesto
• Poblano
• Cilantro
• Cumin and paprika
• Curry 

Directions

1. Scoop out the flesh of the zucchini. Make sure to keep the integrity of the zucchini boat 
2. Turn the stove top on medium - medium low heat, and warm skillet
3. Chop up the zucchini flesh and cook the turkey in the pan together
4. Add the kale or spinach after the turkey has browned
5. Season liberally
6. Add Laughing Cow and mix
7. Add to Zucchini boats and serve

Note: You can cook the zucchini boat if you do not want it raw. If you are making this for meal prep, it will cook enough in the microwave when warmed.

Chicken and Kale Zucchini Boats

Ingredients

• Zucchini, halved and hollowed
• Chicken
• Kale or spinach, chopped
• Cumin, and/or desired spices
• Laughing Cow Cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Use a small spoon to hollow out zucchinis by removing the fleshy seedy part.
3. Turn stove top on to medium, or medium low, and warm skillet
4. Put Zucchini boats in oven for at least 10 minutes, maximum 20 
5. If chicken is frozen or cold, add chicken to the skillet
6. Warm chicken and kale together, but make sure to add kale/spinach when chicken is almost finished warming through - do not overcook kale/spinach or chicken. Remove pan from heat when needed.
7. Add in laughing cow cheese and melt 
8. 
   

Quinoa Stir Fry

Keep in mind that quinoa has quite a bit of calories, so try to keep the servings on the lighter side. This is definitely a recipe that helps you get rid of all the left over vegetables you have laying around in your fridge. Super handy.
I use a rice cooker for my quinoa. Its way easier than the pan, although my mother would like to differ. For every 1 cup of quinoa, add 2 cups of water.

Ingredients

• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, finely minced
• Broccoli, chopped
• Zucchini, sliced/chopped
• Any other vegetables you have in your house, throw them all in here.
• Quinoa (probably only need 1/2 cup uncooked)
• Olive oil - in moderation woman, control yourself!
• Eggs (optional)
• Nutritional Yeast (optional)
• Curry Powder (optional)

          Optional

• Chicken, if you want to make it an entree instead of a side

Directions

1. Turn stove on medium to medium low, warm up pan
2. Add 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup water plus a tiny bit of olive oil to rice cooker. Set to "quick rice"
3. Spray olive oil with Misto (just enough so garlic doesnt burn and stick), toss in onions and garlic first
4. Shortly after go ahead and toss in broccoli and zucchini. 
5. Eggs which are optional are next
6. Season with whatever you like
7. Add quinoa and a tiny bit more oil if you didn't already use a bunch
8. Boom, stir fry.

Spinach Dip

Satisfying, Cheesy, Savory 

This is a very useful recipe. It can be used as a dip for almost anything and it can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, etc.

Ingredients:

• Spinach, chopped
• Laughing Cow Wedges

          Cauliflower Rice Ingredients

• Cauliflower, finely grated into rice
• Garlic, very finely minced
• Onion, very finely minced

          "Chips"

• Zucchini, sliced into medallions with mandolin
• Squash, sliced into medallions with mandolin
• Artichokes
• Broccoli

Directions:

1. Turn stove top on low for a saute pan
2. Set up a double boiler: a pot of boiling water + a glass or metal bowl that sits on top 
3. Break up cauliflower into florets and blend in Vitamix or food processor until it looks like rice
4. Garlic and onion may be chopped by hand, mandolin, zester, or food processor - dealers choice
5. Combine cauliflower rice, onion, and garlic on stove top for a few minutes
6. Combine spinach, rice, and Laughing Cow cheese in the bowl and stir occasionally until it melts. Note: make sure to adjust the temperature of the boiling water to make sure the water does not over boil into your dip. 

Notes:

You may also want to see:

Chicken and Vegetable Sandwich

Chicken and Vegetable Sandwich

This sandwich is awesome! I made it over and over again.

Ingredients:

• 100 Calorie Sandwich Thins
• 100 Calorie Hummus (1/2 or less)
• Rotisserie Chicken

           Veggie Fries

• Carrots, julienne with mandolin or handheld julienne
• Zucchini, julienne with mandolin or handheld julienne
• Squash, julienne with mandolin or handheld julienne
• Onion, sliced with mandolin
• garlic, finely minced

          Optional

• Spinach Dip as Spread

Directions:

1. Julienne all veggies and saute for a few minutes until softened, but still crunchy
2. Toast Sandwich Thins, use both sides if you want, or use an open faced sandwich for less calories
3. Spread on the hummus, lay on the veggie fries, top with chicken

Pico de Gallo and Zucchini Chips

Spicy, Tangy, Fresh

Heellooooo game day munchies! Hellooo mindless snacking! 

I hate watching sports with people when I am watching what I eat, or having company over at all.. because we all know this means food. Lots of food. The fattier and least healthy the better. I hate having to say, "Oh no thanks, I'm not hungry" because we all know what happens when you tell other people you are watching what you eat. Instead of support, you get the opposite.. 

"You look great! You don't have to watch what you eat"
"Oh please one chip/mozzarella stick/fried you name it wont hurt!"
"Live a little!"

Those of us who watch what we eat know that there are times when we have the strength to have literally just one and run in the opposite direction. Other days, most days, just 1 turns into just 15... just 20... etc and it's a slippery slope from there. 

Its great to have an alternative right there in front of you so you can (more) easily ignore the chip monster rattling around in its securely locked cage. Enter: zucchini medallions. Zucchini is so clutch. I use it in almost everything because it is so versatile. Here, its my chips.


What's so great about this recipe is that you can prepare a typical "game day" or "party" food and have a regular option and a healthy option for the chips! No more feeling left out and looking at everyone with hangry eyes, and people generally pressure you less when they see you enjoying something. Problem solved. Your guests can much on chips and you can grab the zucchini. Honestly, you don't even miss the chips! This is an easy snack to bring to parties too! Bring enough zucchini to bail someone else out of a jam just in case ;) you might save someone else who is trying to watch what they eat.

Its also an amazing snack for munching while watching TV or studying. Satisfies chip cravings and munching cravings. 

Ingredients:

• Zucchini for "chips" , slice to an appropriate thickness with mandolin

          Pico De Gallo Recipe

• Tomatoes on the vine (1 or 2), roughly chopped
• Onion, roughly chopped, or diced with mandolin
• Cilantro, roughly chopped
• Limes, squeezed
• Chile Serrano, roughly chopped, add to taste!
• Garlic (optional), roughly chopped or whole

Directions:

1. Roughly chop tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chilies to food processor
2. Slice zucchini into medallions 
3. Serve!