Four More One Pot Wonder Dinners

I am making an exception to our "Wordless Wednesdays."  I have too many recipes to share with you, and I need to honor someone extra close to my heart...

Yesterday was my son Austin's first birthday!  I am in awe of our little man each and every day as he is growing up and learning so quickly.  Year one has been filled with SO MANY great laughs, hugs, snuggles, and joyful memories.  I am so grateful that God gave us this bright, healthy, spunky little boy.  Happy birthday Austin!

We celebrated with a simple Advanced Plan vanilla cupcake, recipe found in my Kids Birthday Party e-book.  The frosting is whipped avocado with powdered xylitol (for Austin's cupcake I used powdered sugar, because babies cannot digest sugar alcohols).  Sunday is Austin's big 1st birthday party!  I'm excited to show you the little crafts and new recipes I have been working on for his celebration.  It's going to be a fun day, I can't wait!  I'll give you a recap next week! :)


More Quick Meals Using Spice Mixes

I have more yummy and QUICK dinner recipes to share that use the spice mix ingredients from our Spice Mix Party last month.  I'm only sharing my top favorites.  There were some dishes that didn't make the cut, so please try the ones I'm including below and in yesterday's post.  They are winners!  They're now topping my go-to list!

Summer Squash Dressing
ADVANCED PLAN 
Makes 6 Servings

2 cups organic yellow or green zucchini/squash, diced
2 cups crumbled coconut bread
1/2 cup coconut oil or raw butter, melted
2 tsp dried sage
2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup
2 eggs, beaten
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup organic unsweetened almond milk
Sea salt and fresh pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a 2-3 quart casserole dish.  In a large bowl, stir together the squash, coconut bread, coconut oil, sage, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, egg, onion, almond milk, sea salt and black pepper.  Transfer to prepared baking dish.  Bake for 40 minutes, until lightly browned.  Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving.

Ranch Parmesan Chicken
CORE PLAN
Makes 6 Servings

6 free-range skinless chicken breasts (bone-in is okay)
1/2 cup organic sour cream
1/2 cup Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp homemade ranch dressing mix
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup raw Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp season salt (salt-free and MSG-free)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

Wash and dry chicken breasts.  In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix.  Add the chicken breasts and use your hands to coat the chicken in the ranch dressing.  Marinade chicken breasts in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Grease a glass 9x13 inch pan and set aside.  In a separate 9x13 inch pan, combine almond meal, Parmesan cheese, season salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.  Dip marinaded chicken (remove any extra dressing) in the almond crumb mixture, covering both sides evenly.  Place crumb covered chicken in greased glass baking dish.  Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.  Remove foil, and bake for another 15 minutes,  until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F and almond crust is lightly browned.  We serve with steamed broccoli or roasted veggies.  P.S., this recipe also makes great chicken strips!

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
ADVANCED PLAN
Makes 6 Servings

6 chicken breasts (bone-in is okay, you can slice or cube the raw chicken, too)
3 Tbsp homemade Italian dressing mix
8 oz organic cream cheese, room temperature
3 cups cream of mushroom soup
2 Tbsp garlic powder

Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on Low for 4-6 hours.  If sauce is too thick, thin it with a little vegetable broth or almond milk.  We served over spiral brown rice noodles, but I'd like it with zucchini noodles as well.

Beef Stroganoff
ADVANCED PLAN
Makes 4 Servings

1 1/2 lbs 100% grass fed top sirloin steak strips OR ground beef
4 Tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
3 Tbsp homemade dry onion soup mix
2 Tbsp organic tomato paste
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder
2 cups organic sodium-free beef stock
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
Sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

In a skillet, heat the coconut oil over Medium-High heat.  Add the mushrooms and onion.  Saute until slightly softened and browned.  Remove to a plate.  Brown ground beef until no longer pink.  Return onion and mushrooms to pan.  Stir in garlic, dry onion soup mix, and tomato paste.  Reduce heat to Medium.  Sprinkle arrowroot powder over meat mixture and stir to combine until arrowroot is completely mixed in.  Add beef stock and  coconut milk, stirring thoroughly.  Sauce will begin to thicken as it comes to a simmer.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool before spooning onto plates.  We serve over cooked smashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice or roasted spaghetti squash.

Happy Father's Day!: Grilled Hamburger Salad

I've been racking my brain for ideas for a great ML Nutrition Plans approved recipe for Father's Day.  Especially this year, as it's Dave's first official Father's Day.  I wanted to surprise him with an awesome and manly dish.

For weeks I was thinking and thinking, jotting down ideas on scratch paper, but nothing had come together in a "That's It!" kind of way.  So, I went to the source.  I asked papa Dave, "What does the best Father's Day food look like to you?"  And I waited, praying he would offer the inspiration for an amazing new recipe.  He thought about it, and finally said, "A burger on the grill."  That was it, all he wanted.  I had one of those duuuuhh moments I usually get at these times and proceeded to flip my mindset away from chicken dishes and stir fries back to the classic, manly summer dish, the hamburger.

I've twisted it up, Healing Cuisine style, to make the Grilled Hamburger Salad!  It's everything but the bun!  Dad can keep it Advanced Plan easily, and still get all the great tastes of his fav summer meal.  Try it for your dad this Father's Day!

I'm serving this salad with a combo of mayo-ketchup dressing.  Mustard is also optional.  I think it would be great with my Homemade Buttermilk Ranch dressing or Healing Cuisine's BBQ Sauce as well.  Feel free to experiment!  Caramelized onions also sound really good atop if you want to stray from the classic red onion.

(By the way, the burger recipe below is my signature recipe for classic burger patties.  They'll turn out perfect every time, guaranteed!  Add in your favorite seasonings, like chili powder or cumin, as you make homemade gourmet burgers at home with different toppings!)

Hamburger Salad
Makes 4 Servings

THE BURGER PATTIES
1 lb free-range 100% grass fed ground beef
1 large egg, beaten
1/3 cup red onion, grated
1/4 cup almond meal
1 Tbsp unsweetened Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

SALAD
4 grilled hamburger patties (above)
3/4 cup red onion, sliced
2-4 dill pickles, sliced (I love the Real Pickles brand)
1 large organic tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 large head organic iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 large head organic romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup raw cheddar cheese, grated (optional)

DRESSING
3/4 cup Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise
3/4 cup Healing Cuisine Ketchup
Squirt of unsweetened organic mustard (optional)
Few drops of Tabasco sauce (optional)

1.)  Prepare the hamburger patties.  In a medium bowl, with your hands, mix ground beef, egg, onion, almond meal, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, sea salt and pepper until just blended.  Be careful not to over mix as it will make tough burgers.  Divide mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 4 inches wide.

2.)  Have Dad to the grilling, after all it is his day!  Preheat grill over High heat and oil with coconut oil.  Lay burgers on grill over High heat (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds).  Close lid.  For medium-well cooked burgers, cook about 7-8 minutes, turning once.  Remove from grill.  Allow patties to rest 10 minutes before cutting into or serving.

3.)  While Dad is grilling, prepare your dressing.  In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and ketchup with a fork.  Stir in the optional mustard and Tabasco.  Chill until ready to serve.

4.)  Plate the salads.  Lay out a bed of mixed lettuce.  Top with the onion, pickles, avocado and tomato.  Place 1 burger patty in the center of each salad.  Sprinkle with cheese (optional) and drizzle with Ketchup-Mayo dressing.  Serve immediately while burgers are warm.  Be sure to serve with a steak knife for easy cutting!

Now that's a Father's Day meal to remember!

Zucchini Pasta Chicken Salad

Get out your julienne spiralizer!  It's time to make a healthy serving of today's recipe!  It gets better day after day as you eat the leftovers from your fridge, so I usually double this recipe.  I use my spiralizer on the thinest noodles setting, but you could make them any thickness that you prefer.

Spiralized Thin Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Pasta Chicken Salad
Makes 4 Servings

2 medium organic zuccchinis
2 medium organic yellow squash
1 organic tomato, diced
1 cup black olives, diced (preservative free)
1 lb free-range chicken, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

DRESSING
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp Bragg's apple cider vinegar
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp organic unsweetened mustard
Sea salt and fresh pepper, to taste

1.)  Using your spiralizer, make noodles out of the zucchinis and yellow squash.  (TIP:  Keep the zucchini and squash cores for soups/stocks or stir fry dishes.)

2.)  In a large sauce pan, bring a few cups of water to boil.  Place steam in bottom of pan and steam the zucchini and squash noodles for about 5 minutes or until tender.  Remove from heat and drain.

3.)  Toss together the noodles, chicken, tomatoes, olives, and parsley.

4.)  In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.  Pour over the salad and toss to combine.  Enjoy warm or chill for a few hours before serving.

Zucchini Casserole

Still getting used to having fresh organic produce so early in the year.  Living in a warmer climate definitely has its benefits!  This side dish is great with grilled chicken.

Zucchini Casserole
Serves 6

2 tsp coconut oil
2 medium organic green zucchini, sliced into 1/2" pieces
4 organic scallions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
2 medium organic yellow zucchini, sliced into 1/2" pieces
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
5 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
5 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 organic tomato, thinly sliced
2 ounces organic feta cheese, crumbled

1.)  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Heat 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a large skillet over Medium heat. Add green zucchini, half of the scallions, half of the garlic, 1 teaspoon marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.  Saute until zucchini has softened and starts to brown, about 7 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

2.)  Repeat process with yellow zucchini and remaining coconut oil, scallions, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.  Transfer to bowl with cooked green zucchini; let sit until cooled.  Drain and discard any liquid.

3.)  Add dill, parsley, and eggs to zucchini, stirring to combine.  Pour into a 9-inch casserole dish.  Cover with tomato slices.  Sprinkle with feta crumbles.  Bake until set, about 1 hour.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Chickpea Lentil Stew

First of all, if you aren't on the Healing Cuisine facebook page, you might not be aware that I've recently added a deliciously romantic Valentine's Day menu planner to the site!  You can download it here, and I recommend giving yourself a day or two to read thru the menu and get your grocery list compiled.  It's a menu sure to impress your Valentine and set the mood, all while staying on your Maximized Living Nutrition Plan!  :)

I've got another great One Pot Wonder to add to your list!  Even in sunny Orlando, we still appreciate a good stew or casserole now and then.  Check out all the other great One Pot Wonder dishes by selecting the "One Pot Wonder" keyword link under the Labels section at the bottom right of the page.

One Pot Wonder - Chickpea Lentil Stew

Coconut oil
1 onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
3-5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tsp ground cardamom
3 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp allspice
1 cinnamon stick
1 1/2 cups brown lentils, rinsed
5 cups filtered water
1  28ounce jar/can of organic peeled, whole tomatoes
Sea salt to taste
Fresh black pepper to taste
16 ounces cooked organic chickpeas, strained and rinsed
2 cups fresh organic spinach

1.)  Heat coconut oil over Medium in a large stock pot.  Add the onions and carrots and stir well to coat. Cook for about five minutes, stirring often, until softened.

2.)  Lower the heat to Low.  Add the garlic and ground spices and stir well.  When the spices’ aroma begins to bloom (in about 30-60 seconds), remove the pan from heat immediately (to prevent burning).  Cook for 30 seconds to one minute more.

3.)  Add the lentils, canned tomatoes, cinnamon stick, sea salt, black pepper and water to the pot. Mash up the tomatoes and stir everything together well.

4.)  Return pot to burner and bring to a boil.  Once stew is boiling, reduce heat to Low and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until both carrots and lentils are tender.  (At this point, I like to take a few ladle fulls and puree in blender then add back to pot to thicken the broth of the stew.   This step is optional.)

5.)  Add the chickpeas and warm thru.  Remove from heat.  Stir in the fresh spinach leaves to wilt.  Ready to serve.


I like to top with a scoop of organic Greek yogurt, crushed raw cashews, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.  Comfort in a bowl!

Tomato Chicken Skillet

Here is a quick fix dinner that I make in a cast iron skillet and bring from stove top to table to serve.  Greek inspired, you can top with chopped black olives and fresh snipped basil or marjoram.  Eat as is or spoon over cooked quinoa (CORE Plan) or spiralized zucchini/yellow squash (ADVANCED Plan).

Tomato Chicken Skillet
Makes 4 Servings

4 free-range organic chicken breast halves (boneless, skinless)
Sea salt and fresh black pepper (to taste)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 1/2  cups zucchini, sliced (can use frozen)
3/4 cup green pepper, sliced
1 white onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup filtered water
14 oz organic crushed tomatoes (homemade or jarred is best)
1/2 cup organic feta cheese, crumbled

1.) Sprinkle chicken with sea salt and black pepper, to taste.  Heat a large skillet over Medium-High heat.  Add coconut oil and chicken to skillet and cook until cooked completely thru (6-8 minutes per side). Remove chicken from skillet.

2.) Add zucchini, green pepper, onion, garlic, and black pepper to skillet.  Add water and reduce heat to Low/Simmer.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring once.

3.)  Stir in crushed tomatoes.  Bring to a boil then cover and lower heat to simmer for 5 minutes.  Add chicken breasts back to skillet and stir to combine.  Remove from heat.  Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve immediately.

Red Lentils With Cabbage

Red Lentils With Cabbage
Makes 4 Servings

1 1/4 cups red split lentils, washed until water is clear and drained well
5 cups filtered water
1 tsp ground turmeric
5 Tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp ground cumin
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and cut into fine slices
3 cups organic cabbage, finely shredded
1 hot green chili pepper, finely sliced
1 tsp sea salt
1 medium organic tomato, chopped
1/2 tsp fresh ginger root, finely grated

1.)  In a stock pot, add the lentils and filtered water and bring to a boil. Remove any scum/foam that collects at the top with a large spoon.  Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, turn heat down to low, and simmer gently for 75 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Watch the water, you may need to add a little extra.

2.)  Lentils should be tender.  When the lentils are cooked thru, add sea salt, the tomato, cumin, turmeric and ginger to the pot.  Stir to combine.  Cover and cook thru another 10 minutes.

3.)  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over Medium heat.  Saute the garlic, onion, cabbage and green chilies for about 10 minutes or until softened and slightly browned.  Remove from heat.

4.)  Add the cabbage mixture and any remaining oil in to the lentils.  Stir to mix and bring to a simmer.  Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.  Ready to serve!

Pumpkin Chili

Hope you will enjoy this chili -- another spin-off of the classic.  The pumpkin gives it an initial sweetness when it hits your tongue, but kick it up with chili, cayenne, cumin and black pepper.  Feel free to throw in a jalapeno or two if you wish.  You may also exchange some of the beans for ground grass-fed beef or free-range turkey.  To make in a slow cooker, dump everything in your pot and cook over Low for 2-3 hours.  Yum.  SO GOOD with a slice of buttered Coconut Flour Bread.


Pumpkin Chili
Makes 4 Servings

2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
1 cup organic red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes (in a jar is best to limit BPA plastic intake)
2 cups pumpkin puree (unsweetened, check the label)
2 cups tomato sauce (in a jar is best to limit BPA plastic intake)
2 cups kidney beans, washed and drained
1 cup black beans, washed and drained
1 cup chickpeas, washed and drained
3 Tbsp chili powder (to taste)
1 Tbsp ground cumin (to taste)
1/4 tsp cayenne (to taste)
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp fresh black pepper

1.) Heat a large saucepan over Medium-High heat.  Add the coconut oil, onion, bell pepper and garlic.  Saute 5 to 7 minutes until tender.

2.)  Add crushed tomatoes, pumpkin, tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, sea salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to Low.  Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.)  This chili cooks up relatively quickly.  At the 30 minute mark it should be well combined and flavorful, slightly thickened.  Ladle into bowls, top with avocado bits, a sprinkle of sea salt, maybe a few pumpkin seeds and serve.

One Pot Wonders: Ratatouille

Another reason I looove One Pot Wonders is the fact that no matter the recipe, it always tastes better the next day!  It's something about leaving it in the fridge to let the flavors combine so perfectly that just gets me.

One Pot Wonders Day 3 is Ratatouille.  I started making and thoroughly enjoying this dish after the Pixar movie hit the screen in 2007.  It's one of my favorite movies.  When Dave and I got rid of cable TV two years ago to save up for opening our chiropractic office, we watched Ratatouille and No Reservations every weekend there for a good 2 months straight.  Love them both!  Rent them if you haven't seen 'em yet.  :)

Ratatouille
Makes 6 Servings

2 Tbsp coconut oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large organic eggplant, unpeeled & diced
1 cup organic button mushrooms, sliced
2 organic green bell peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 medium organic zucchini, halved & sliced
2 cups organic chick peas, rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp dried basil
1/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (CORE) or 1/2 cup vegetable broth (ADVANCED)
3 cups organic crushed tomatoes (glass jarred is best or Eden brand canned)
4 oz raw goat cheese (optional)

1. ) Heat oil in dutch oven over Medium heat.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute, until fragrant.  Add eggplant, mushrooms, green bell peppers, onion, zucchini and basil.  Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2.)  Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and red wine.  Turn heat to Medium-Low and simmer until veggies are cooked through and tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.)  Stir in chick peas.  Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to reduce liquid, stirring occasionally.  Season to taste with sea salt and pepper.  Serve.  ** You can prepare up 2 days ahead of time and refrigerate/freeze.  Thaw completely before baking.**

4.)  Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spread ratatouille in 9-inch round or 8x8" glass casserole dish.  Bake about 20 minutes, until center is heated thru.  Spoon onto plates.  Top with goat cheese (optional).  Serve.


Other optional additions:  Replace the chickpeas with shredded chicken or turkey.  Add in a handful of chopped olives before baking.

Gluten Free Lasagna

Wow, happy September everyone!  Where did the summer go?!  This is my last recipe from Dave's going away party -- Gluten Free Lasagna!  Hope you have enjoyed my menu.  Thank you for your ideas on future party recipes, I'll surely be trying some of your entries at our next one!

Coming up next post will be a sweet recipe for Vanilla Bean Coconut Ice Cream.  Yuummm I can't wait to share it with you!

Gluten FREE Lasagna
Makes 8 Servings (I made 3 9x13" dishes for the party, everyone took small chunks)

THE SAUCE
4-6 cloves garlic, minced (to taste)
1/4 c coconut oil
1-2 Tbsp anchovy paste (optional, but flavors the sauce nicely)
4 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
2 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
Fresh black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes
Pinch of stevia at the end
2  28oz cans Muir Glen organic crushed tomatoes
A splash or three of organic red wine (optional)

EVERYTHING ELSE
2 c fresh organic spinach, rinsed and chopped
4 c finely chopped organic vegetables (whatever you've got! this is a great way to use up zucchini and yellow squash from the garden!  egg plant, bell pepper, and onion are also great additions.)
1 1/2 lbs grass fed, hormone free ground beef or ground turkey
Tinkyada brown rice lasagna noodles  (on the Advanced Nutrition Plan?  Skip the noodles and substitute with more spinach leaves!  Layer raw leaves in just like you would the noodles.)
1 free range egg, beaten
15 oz organic, full fat ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
2 c raw mozzarella (I make my own, recipe to come one of these days...)
1/4 c raw Parmesan cheese, grated

1.)  THE SAUCE     Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan.  Add garlic and cook for about a minute.  Add anchovy paste, parsley, basil, and oregano.  Cook about 4-5 minutes or until the anchovy paste is thoroughly combined with the other spices.  Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red wine.  Simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Taste the sauce and adjust as needed (sea salt/pepper).

2.)  EVERYTHING ELSE   Prepare the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer while you prepare the rest of the dish.  Cook the noodles according to the package directions.

3.)  In a large skillet, brown the ground beef/turkey until cooked thru.  In a second skillet, saute the chopped veggies in a Tbsp of coconut oil until softened.

4.)  Once tomato sauce is ready, add cooked meat, veggies and chopped spinach to it.   Mix the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg in a small bowl until well combined.

5.)  ASSEMBLY     Grease a 9x13" glass baking dish with coconut oil (primarily the sides and corners).  Spread 1/3 of the sauce mixture in the bottom of the pan.   Top with 4 noodles.   Spread 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles; spread with 1/3 of the sauce mixture.  Sprinkle with 2/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese.  Repeat with 4 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, 1/3 of the sauce mixture and 2/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese.  Top with remaining noodles and sauce mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

6.)  Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F.  Uncover and bake about 15 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly.  Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Healing Cuisine Chili

This chili was a great addition to the party spread.  There were many complements on it, and I loved having this super-easy-to-prepare dish that filled people up!  Let's face it, good grass fed meat is expensive.   Lessen the cost by throwing in beans for protein and using less meat.

Healing Cuisine Chili
Serves 6  (Multiplied by 8 for the party.  *TIP* Use a super large ceramic crock pot or electric roaster and simmer for 6-8 hours.)

1 1/2 lbs organic grass fed ground beef or turkey
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1/2 c onion, chopped
1/2 c celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1/2 c green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c red bell pepper, chopped
16 oz black beans, rinsed (I also use kidney beans sometimes)
16 oz organic crushed tomatoes (from a glass jar is best)
16 oz organic salsa (you pick your heat preference, I use Medium)
1 Tbsp Bragg apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp chili powder (more/less to taste)
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 tsp sea salt
A few cracks of black pepper

1.)  Heat large skillet over Medium heat.  Add ground meat and heat until cooked thru (no pink), stirring often to break up large chunks.  Drain meat and transfer to large sauce pan and set aside (no heat for now).

2.)  In same skillet, heat coconut oil over Medium heat.  Add veggies and saute until translucent and aromatic.  Transfer to large sauce pan with the meat and heat over Medium-High heat.

3.)  Add beans, salsa, cider vinegar and spices to pot, stir well to combine.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat to Low. Simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.   Serve with a spoonful of organic plain Greek yogurt or Fage (optional).

Healing Cuisine BBQ Meatballs

Healing Cuisine BBQ Meatballs
Makes About 8 Servings  (I multiplied this recipe by 8, there weren't quite enough meatballs for everyone, for 100ppl)

2 pounds grass fed ground beef
1 free range organic egg
1 yellow onion, minced
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch sea salt
A few cracks of fresh pepper
1/3 cup finely ground almonds (optional)
2 1/2 cup Healing Cuisine Barbecue Sauce

1.  In a large bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, garlic, optional almonds, salt and pepper.  Mix together with your fingers. Shape into balls of uniform size (I usually do bite size for parties so easier to eat).

2. In a large skillet, heat a Tablespoon or two of coconut oil over Medium heat.  Add half of meatballs to pan (don't overcrowd!!) and brown on all sides.  Transport meatballs to a 6 quart pot over Medium-Low heat.  In skillet, brown remaining meatballs and transfer to 6 quart pot.

3.)  Pour Healing Cuisine Barbecue Sauce over top and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked thru.

SLOW COOKER OPTION:  Disclaimer: Be sure you are using a Ceramic or Stainless Steel slow cooker -- other "standard" slow cookers are coated with "non-stick" chemicals that are pumped into your food as the dish heats up and simmers.  In a slow cooker combine the Healing Cuisine Barbecue Sauce with the raw meatballs and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.  Can't get any easier!!

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad
Makes 4 servings (I multiplied this recipe 10 times for the party)

2 organic English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 organic red onion, thinly sliced
1 large organic tomato, halved and sliced (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh chopped dill
3 Tbsp Healing Cuisine Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

In a medium bowl, toss together the cucumbers, red onion, dill and tomato.  Gently stir in the mayo, vinegar, salt and pepper until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving or overnight.

Healing Cuisine's Homemade Ketchup

Use organic ingredients to make this home made ketchup with no sodium, no sugar, and no chemicals.  Perfect for the Maximized Living Nutrition Plans!

Healing Cuisine's Homemade Ketchup
Makes 4 Cups

4 pounds organic tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp Bragg apple cider vinegar

1. Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple juice, and cayenne pepper in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil.  Tie off the bay leaf, cloves, celery seed and peppercorns in cheesecloth.  Add to the pot and continue to boil, stirring often until the mixture has reduced by half.

2. Remove the spice bag and stir in the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.  Continue to boil for 10 more minutes, then remove from the heat.  Pour into a glass container(s) and cool (puree in food processor if desired).  Cover with a lid and refrigerate until using.  Use or freeze within 1-2 weeks. 

We just made this and we divided it into two glass containers.  One for the fridge, one for the freezer.  We'll grab the frozen ketchup as needed and will have plenty for months and months!  This recipe makes about 4 cups of ketchup.

Gluten FREE Chicken Chili Wraps

Gluten FREE Chicken Chili Wraps

Makes 4 Servings

1 can organic refried black beans (Garden of Eden uses BPA-Free cans)

2 free-range raw chicken breasts, sliced

1 red onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

1 green pepper, sliced

3 garlic cloves, diced

1 c organic/homemade salsa

1 Tbsp chili powder

2 tsp cumin

1 avocado, sliced

4 whole lettuce leaves, rinsed

1.)  In a small saucepan, add the refried black beans, chili powder and cumin and heat over Low, stirring occasionally.

2.)  Meanwhile, in a skillet over Medium heat, add 2 tsp coconut oil to coat pan.  Add chicken strips and cook until white.  Add peppers, garlic and onion and saute about 4 minutes until softened.  Stir in salsa and simmer a few minutes until salsa liquid is reduced.

3.)  To serve, place lettuce leaves in plates.  Layer the bean mixture, chicken/pepper mixture, and avocado slices to make a delicious, gluten-free way to enjoy these wraps.  Add extra salsa for an added kick!

Homemade Guacamole

Did you know that making your own, fresh guacamole could be so easy and so worth it?  Homemade guac has a much more intense flavor than the store bought variety -- and it's cheaper if you make it yourself, too!  Guacamole is a great condiment in place of ranch dressing, chip dips, or sometimes even ketchup or mustard!  Sometimes we even like to mix it with hummus while we enjoy our fresh veggies.  :) 

Homemade Guacamole

2 avocados
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 organic tomato, diced
Sea salt to taste
Chili powder to taste
Cumin to taste

Optional ingredients to taste:
1/3 cup green or red onion, diced
2-3 radishes, diced
4 stems of cilantro, chopped
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Cut avocados in half (long way), take out pits.  Spoon out avocados into a large bowl and mash with a fork to desired consistency.  Add lime juice, finely minced garlic and all other diced vegetables.  Add seasonings to taste.  Mix together and put the seeds in the bowl to prevent the avocados from turning brown.  Refrigerate and serve with a favorite vegetable (bell peppers, cucumbers, celery).

Beef Short Ribs in Chipotle and Green Chili Sauce

I adapted this recipe from one I found on Epicurious.  We had some short ribs sitting in the freezer from the quarter grass-fed cow we purchased in the fall.  This was the perfect way to enjoy them!

Market Tip: Pick well-trimmed ribs with a thick solid portion of meat on the bone, as little fat as possible.

Makes 4 servings

2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp fresh black pepper
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
4 meaty beef short ribs
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 1/2 c chopped onion
6 large garlic cloves, minced
14 oz organic chicken broth (homemade is best, or else the organic no salt added variety)
1 cc drained organic diced tomatoes (either a glass jar or BPA-Free can)
1/4 c fresh lime juice
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped canned chipotle chilies*
3 large fresh Anaheim (California) chilies, stemmed, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rings
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

1.)  Mix first 5 ingredients in bowl; sprinkle all over short ribs.  Place ribs on plate; cover and chill 1 hour or up to 1 day.

2.)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Heat oil in large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat.  Add half of ribs and brown on all sides, about 9 minutes; transfer to plate.  Repeat with remaining ribs. It is important to not overcrowd the pan when doing this, or the ribs will not brown properly and fat juices will escape.

3.)Remove all ribs from the pot and reduce heat to medium.  Add onion and garlic to same pot; cover and cook until onion is soft, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

4.)Add broth and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.  Add tomatoes, lime juice, and chipotle chilies.  Return ribs to pot, meaty side down, in single layer.  Bring to boil; cover and cook in oven until ribs are just tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

5.)  Remove pot from oven.  Place over medium heat and simmer uncovered until sauce coats spoon and ribs are very tender, about 25 minutes.  Season sauce with salt and pepper. 

6.)  Bring ribs to simmer over medium heat; add chili rings. Simmer until chilies soften, about 10 minutes. Transfer ribs and sauce to large serving platter or plate individually.  Sprinkle with cilantro; garnish with lime wedges.

*Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce, sometimes called adobo, are available in the ethnic foods isle or by the taco/Mexican foods.

Quick Marinara Sauce

Here is a tasty, super quick marinara sauce!  No need to have it cook on the stove top all day.  This recipe tastes great in minutes -- even make it without heating at all for a raw topping to your zucchini "spaghetti noodles"!

2-4 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 c sundried tomatoes
1/2 tsp liquid stevia
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper (more if you're up for it)
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
1 Tbsp ground oregano

Blend all ingredients except for olive oil in food processor or blender until chunky.  Add to saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until heated thru.  Remove from heat and add olive oil - mix well.  Pour over cooked rice noodles, whole wheat noodles or spiraled green zucchini for a great gluten-free alternative.

Zucchini Creole

We had a huge tub of sliced zucchini in the freezer since this past fall.  We stocked up at the farmers markets and grocery store sales.  I finally decided to use some of it, and this is a great way and QUICK!  I call it Zucchini Creole.  We'll also be trying a zucchini soup sometime soon to use up the rest.   Serves 8

1 1/2 to 2 pounds sliced zucchini
8  ounces sliced mushrooms
1  large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1  clove garlic, minced
2  teaspoons dried leaf basil, crumbled
1  tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon spoonable Stevia
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2  medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1.) Combine zucchini, mushrooms, green pepper, garlic, basil, coconut oil, sea salt, pepper, Stevia, and Worcestershire sauce in a large skillet; cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.

2.) Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes more, or until tender.  Serve immediately.