Black Bean Mango Wraps (Tuesday with Tierra)

Well hello everyone!!
So guess what?! I made it to the grocery store and have been making some healthy recipes!!
And..... I have gone down a pant size in my work slacks!! :) :) It can be frustrating because I have not lost much weight (3-4lbs) but yet clothes are fitting better so everyone says i must be losing inches! But how the heck can you lose inches and not weight... it makes no sense to me! The amazing thing is the confidence you gain from working out and just how good it makes you feel!

So the recipe I bring to you today is from mckennagordon.com it is called Black Bean Mango Salsa Wraps.... I have to say eating healthy doesnt mean its gross. Some things i have made i dont love but other things have been fantastic!
well first ill admit mine didnt have mango in it :( we bought some but it was not ripe enough.. i was really sad but we didnt want to go back to the store. (and to be honest we dont know how to tell if mango is ripe)... So here is the recipe....

Black Bean Mango Salsa

Serves 4
299 calories
11g Fat
47g Carbs
7g Protein
8g Fiber

Ingredients

1 avocado
2 limes, juiced (it was wayyy to much lime for me but im wondering if the mango would have been in it if that would have helped)
2 mangos (sadly, didnt have any in mine)
1 can black beans (15 oz)
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (i dont like cilantro)

 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Optional ingredients as sides
whole wheat tortillas

 greek yogurt (to spread inside tortilla before filling)
chicken breast (to go inside wrap with filling)      (we did add chicken in ours! YUM)
salsa (for added flavor – inside the wrap or for dipping)

Directions

Cut avocado into cubes. Add to a medium sized mixing bowl and squeeze limes into bowl. Lightly stir to coat avocados in lime juice to keep them from turning brown. Chop mangoes into cubes and add to avocado bowl. Add black beans and cilantro. Drizzle olive oil over contents of bowl and gently stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (I did all of this a couple hours before eating to make the flavors blend)

Fill whole wheat tortillas with mixture and serve.

 Optionally, before filling tortillas, spread with greek yogurt, tomato salsa, and/or a layer of chicken breast strips.

I made a delicious fruit salad to go with it that you can see in the pics but you will just have to wait till next week to get it!! Or go to Mckennagordon.com 

 MMM i want to go eat one right now!! and doesnt that fruit look delish!? Just wait till you see what the sauce on it is!! A 100% healthy sauce!! :)

Enjoy! 

Tierra

Tuesday With Tierra

Hey Everyone! I know i disappeared forever ago and then Jessica has too. I promise you we have not forgotten about you all!!
My husband and I finally got a PC so now it is much more comfortable for me to use the computer and type then it was on my laptop or cell phone.
Anyway not to disappoint any of you, but I do not have a recipe for this post. I wanted to update you all that we have not just disappeared off the face of the earth and to explain that my posts from here on out (well one can hope) are all going to be healthy recipes.
My husband and parents are on a goal to lose 20lbs by July 1st. They recently built a gym in there basement, so now one must also eat healthier too.
I have already lost about 3-4lbs in 3 weeks. So that is an awesome feeling! I have the ultimate goal of losing 70lbs!!! Wish me luck!!
So I thought I would come post on this blog to let you all know what you should be expected to see from me in the next weeks to come..... (plus kinda adds the pressure knowing people are waiting)

I found this FANTASTIC website called mckennagordon.com and it is all Healthy Recipes that sound amazing! So i have made myself a shopping list and now comes the hard part of getting my butt to the grocery store! (i despise shopping, specially healthy shopping, its expensive!!)
If all goes well and i make it to the store you will all be able to join this journey with me of eating healthy and losing weight.

The recipes I will be making are: Healthy Potato Chips using Sweet Potatoes, Thai Lettuce Wraps using Cauliflower (which im nervous of because im not a fan of cauliflower), Healthy Pasta with a cream sauce, Poppy See Fruit Salad with a Honey Cinnamon Drizzle, Chicken Dijon with a Honey Glaze, Raw Tomato Basil Soup, Black Bean Mango Salsa Wraps, Taco Salad!!! MMmmm my saliva glands are justa pumping!! A few other recipes not from mckennagordon.com will be Coconut Chicken with warm honey mustard vinagrette, Over Night Fridge Berry Oatmeal, Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares!!

Phew I think im going to be busy in the kitchen!!
So bring on the healthy food, working out, calorie counter app on cell phone!!
Im so excited to have you all join the journey with me!!

See you soon!!

Tierra

Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

I almost considered putting "messy" somewhere in the title of this recipe but was a little worried it would scare people away from trying it. ;) They are messy but man are they worth it! These little tacos are deceptively simple and surprisingly delicious. I had tried experimenting with something else and when that didn't really work, I modified it for this recipe instead. So yummy!

Just a note: for this recipe, I used canned Parmesan cheese. Normally I believe in using only freshly grated Parmesan cheese. While that would work for this recipe, there is something about the canned variety that gives it a nice flavor.



Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Recipe from Cucina di Harwood

2-3 chicken breasts
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes {the sweet onion variety is really yummy!}
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Canned Parmesan cheese
Shredded cheese
Shredded lettuce
Corn tortillas

Directions:
Cook your chicken breasts, using the skillet method, in 2-3 cloves garlic. When cooked through, shred. Add the beans, tomatoes, cumin and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 5 minutes, uncovered. When ready to serve, sprinkle with canned, grated Parmesan cheese, per your preference. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with shredded cheese and lettuce. Fold in half and eat up!

How To: Cook Chicken

A lot of people out there aren't going to need to read this post. If you are one of the people in this world who already has a killer chicken cooking method, please just look through the archives for some other deliciousness or come back tomorrow because I do have a yummy recipe for you then.

Cooking chicken is really a simple thing. However, I have known a lot of people {including myself} who get a little scared with cooking chicken. It is one of those things that you definitely want to be cooked through and in an effort to be sure it's entirely done, it often becomes dry and over-cooked. So I'll share here three methods for cooking chicken that always work for me. Please note that these chicken cooking methods are meant for when you need precooked chicken for a recipe {like the one I'll share tomorrow}. 

The Skillet Method {my personal favorite}:
This is my favorite method because it's fast, it works for me every single time, and it makes the most delicious, moist chicken. Yum! I love it. 
Choose as many chicken breasts {or thighs} as you'll need and that will fit in the skillet you will use. If you use frozen chicken, be sure it is thawed before beginning this method.

You'll need:
Chicken
1 Tbsp oil
1 garlic clove for every chicken breast you are cooking, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Skillet
Lid to fit said skillet

Pour your oil into the pan and let it get hot {have your temperature set to about medium-low}. If you're not sure the oil is hot, add a small bit of garlic. If it begins to sizzle, the oil is hot. If it just sits there, it needs to be heated a little more. Add the garlic and allow it to sizzle and cook for a few moments - just be careful not to let it burn. Add the chicken and cook it for exactly two minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook the other side for exactly two minutes. {I'm not lying here, people - this works! Exactly two minutes.} At this point, add the salt and pepper to your preference. Now put a lid on that chicken, turn on a timer for  6-8 minutes {the length of time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. A thicker breast usually takes closer to 8 minutes. I've also had rather thin fillets finish cooking in 5 minutes, though it has to be pretty thin.} and allow it to cook - no peeking until your timer goes off! When the timer goes off, you can check your chicken to see if it needs more time {I usually just slice open the thickest part of the meat - I'll just be cutting or shredding it anyway so I don't mind if it has a slice through it}. If the juices run clear - as in, they aren't pink at all - your chicken is done. If there is still a little pinkness to the meat or juice, cook it for another minute or two. Voila! Quick, delicious chicken.



Crock Pot Method:
What you'll need:
Chicken
Chicken broth or stock
Seasonings to fit your preference

Place the chicken into your crock pot. Pour chicken broth over the top. It doesn't have to be completely covered in broth but it will need to cover a fair amount of it. Season according to your preference. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.

Boiling Method:
I like this method when I need something a little faster than the crock pot method and I still want to cook a lot of chicken {usually with less effort than the skillet method}. 
What you'll need:
Chicken
Water
Chicken Bouillon
Seasonings to fit your preference

Place the chicken in a large stock pot. Add water until the chicken is covered. Add chicken bouillon according to the measurements on the package. {You could also just use chicken broth or stock or plain water. I like the flavor from the broth or bouillon better than just water.} Add the seasonings according to your preference. Heat the water to medium-high and boil slowly for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Note: my brother-in-law uses the boiling method when he wants to have barbeque grilled chicken. He gets the chicken cooked up by boiling it and then marinates it in barbeque sauce in the refrigerator, often overnight. Then he puts it on the grill and lets it heat up and get some of the grilled flavor. It's so much faster than barbequing raw chicken and you don't have to worry about whether or not it's cooked. And it still tastes really good!

For each of these methods, you can easily cook the chicken up, shred it and place it in the freezer for quick meals.


I hope these methods are helpful for someone. Please let me know if you have any questions.

7Up Biscuits

When I want a fast, yummy bread-like side for a meal, I make these biscuits. They are so light and airy, a perfect combo with just about any meal. I love how yummy and versatile it is. You could leave out the Italian seasoning for some plain, fluffy biscuits. You could also sprinkle with some cinnamon sugar for a sweeter version. Oh, so good!

7Up Biscuits
Recipe from Your Homebased Mom
Yield: 9-10 good sized biscuits
Takes: 10 -15 minutes, plus baking time


2 C Bisquick
1/2 C sour cream
1/2 C 7-up
1/4 C melted butter
Italian Seasoning

Directions:
Add sour cream into Bisquick and mix together; add 7 Up.  The dough will be very soft. Sprinkle additional Bisquick onto the counter and pour dough onto it. Gently knead a little additional Bisquick into the dough and then pat the dough out to desired thickness (about 1 inch)  Use the bottom of a glass or a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place melted butter into 9 x 9 pan.  Dip each biscuit in the butter and then turn over and place into the pan {the dipped part should now be on top so it is topped wit butter as well as sitting in it}. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake in a 450 oven until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

I used to think I didn't like Brussels Sprouts. I'm really not a big fan of steamed vegetables. Some people hear that and think I'm nuts. And maybe I am. But I can't help it. I just can't love it. And since that was the only way I had ever been introduced to Brussels sprouts, I didn't think I liked them. However, this recipe is just another example to me of how vegetables can become so tasty if you just prepare them a different way. {I first learned that with asparagus.} We got some Brussels sprouts in our bountiful basket a couple weeks ago and since we really do want to try everything I decided to look up other ways to eat it besides steaming it. And holy moly am I glad I did! I liked these so much, I made them two nights in a row {for those of you who know how much I hate having the same thing two days in a row, you know this is a big deal}. My mouth is watering as I look at all these pictures. I think I need to go make some more.

First, it's a nice, bright green.

Then we'll add some sugar for sweetness.

It begins to add some more golden color.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Recipe from Eat, Live, Run!
serves 2-4 as a side-dish
Time: 20 minutes

12-14 large brussels sprouts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Shake of kosher salt
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup almond slivers, toasted

Directions:
Slice each Brussels sprout very thin until you have a mound of Brussels sprout ribbons. I also made sure to chop up the center part of the sprout really well. It doesn't create "ribbons" like all the leaves of the sprouts and I didn't want huge chunks. So just chop it up, too. Heat the olive oil over medium high in a large skillet and saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the Brussels sprouts and continue sauteing for another 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender. Add the sea salt and brown sugar and toss together. Finish by adding the toasted nuts.

Don't forget the delicious nuts.

Eat up! So yummy!

Strawberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

This is the best stuffed French toast I've ever had. I'm rarely a fan because the toast is just soggy and mushy - so not good. But this stuff was good. It was tender inside {without being mushy}, had a nice crunch from baking and the caramel-y crunchy stuff on the bottom? Delicious! We made this for one of our mornings watching General Conference last October. It may just become a conference tradition.



Strawberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Recipe from Jamie Cooks It Up!
Time: 20 minutes prep + overnight refrigeration then 60-90 minutes baking
Yield: 10 servings

1 loaf french bread
1/2 C melted butter
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C corn syrup

8  oz cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 C sugar
1/2 C strawberry jam

8 eggs
1 C milk
cinnamon

Fresh Strawberries
Powdered sugar
1. Combine the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup.
2. Slice up your bread. You want the pieces to be about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Pour the butter/brown sugar mixture in the bottom of the pan.
4. Smooth it all out, so it covers the bottom entirely.
5. Lay your slices of bread on top of the buttery brown sugar. I had to cut some of my slices in half, still turned out great! You can have them touch each other, just not overlap.
6. In a separate bowl combine the cream cheese, egg, sugar and strawberry jam. Beat with hand held beaters (or in your stand mixer) until nice and smooth. Pour it right over the top of the bread.
7. Layer more bread over the top of the cream cheese filling.
8. In another bowl (ok, this takes a lot of bowls!) combine the 8 eggs and 1 C of milk. Whisk them around until well combined. Pour over the top of the bread.
9. Sprinkle the top of the bread with some cinnamon.
10. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
11. Bake in the morning at 350. Depending on how quickly your oven cooks, and how cold you keep your fridge you will need to bake it for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. It needs to soak up all of the egg and milk juice, and have time to caramelize along the bottom. Take the foil off for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
12. Serve with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar. You can also use frozen strawberries. This is the middle of the winter after all! Just be sure they have had a chance to thaw.
Enjoy!

Spinach and Sausage Egg Strata

This strata may just knock your socks off! Okay, maybe it won't. It's not that powerful. But it is yummy! We made this for a family potluck a couple months ago and everyone really liked it. There is a little bit of preparation time, but the nice thing is you can prepare it when you have the time, pop it into the fridge and then bake it when you're ready to cook dinner. Or you could make it a day ahead and have it for breakfast. You won't be sorry!








Spinach and Sausage Egg Strata
Recipe from Rachael Ray
Yield: 6-8 servings

1 box chopped frozen spinach
3/4 pound breakfast sausage

1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Nutmeg to taste
1/2 pound stake white or French bread, cubed {about 7-8 cups}
12 eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:
Defrost the spinach in the microwave and then wring out any excess liquid.
In a skillet, brown and crumble the sausage, drain, then remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Return the skillet to heat and add the onion and garlic {it shouldn't stick because your pan will still be greasy from the sausage, but if it does stick, add a little butter}. Cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add the spinach and season with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg. Turn off the heat and combine with the sausage crumbles.
Arrange half the bread cubes into a 5 quart casserole dish.
Whisk the eggs with the milk, Dijon mustard and some salt and pepper.
Scatter half of the sausage-spinach mixture over the bread, top with half the shredded cheese, pour over half the eggs; repeat for another layer. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Bring the strata to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with the rack in the center of the oven.
Set the casserole on a baking sheet and bake uncovered for about 1 hour. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Malibu Chicken Sandwiches

These sandwiches are so incredibly tasty! Oh boy, we really like them. When we had them this last time I asked myself why I don't cook them more often? It's really pretty easy and they are so yummy! If you're not sure you want to go to the trouble of making these, I'll solve the dilemma for you. The answer is yes, you do. :D

I'll share what I do, which is just a little different from the original recipe. This might drive some people crazy but I'm not going to give a lot of exact measurements. The reason is because this recipe is easily adaptable for however ever many chicken sandwiches you want to make. {If you need exact measurements, please check out the original recipe.}

Malibu Chicken Sandwiches
Recipe from Favorite Family Recipes

Chicken breasts {however many you need to feed your clan}
Egg whites {you'll need about one egg white for every two chicken breasts}
Milk {you need 1/2 Tbsp. milk for every egg white}
Italian bread crumbs {you could use unseasoned but Italian is sooooo tasty!}
Ham slices {you need the same number of slices as you have chicken breasts}
Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices {you'll want twice the number of slices as you have chicken breasts}
Equal parts light mayo, mustard and honey - I used 2 Tbsp of each for four sandwiches {if a sweet sauce is just too weird to you, you could leave out the honey - but I'm telling you that you'll be missing something heavenly if you do}

salt and pepper to taste
Rolls, toasted if desired {equal to the number of sandwiches you'll be making}
Lettuce leaves

Avocado slices, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line a baking dish {the size will depend on how many chicken breasts you are making} with tin foil and then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, whisk together egg whites and milk. Dip each chicken breast in the mixture, then press into the bread crumbs. Heat a little oil in a fry pan and fry each chicken breast just for about 15 seconds on each side.
Place the chicken into your foil lined pan and bake chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. 

Remove the chicken from the oven and place one cheese slice on each piece, cover with ham, then top with another cheese slice. Place back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven. 

While the cheese is melting on the chicken breasts, mix together mayo, mustard, honey and salt and pepper. Just use portions that taste good to you. I did equal amounts of each. {Here's a little tip: use the same measuring device for the mayo, mustard and honey. For example, I used a tablespoon. I used the spoon to just dish out the mayo, then squirted the mustard into it and tapped the spoon on my bowl a few times to get as much of the mustard off as possible. Then I squeezed out some honey onto the same spoon and since it was still coated with a little bit of mustard the honey slid right off. Perfect.} Slice open each roll and spread a little of that delicious mixture on each side of the bread. Add chicken, lettuce and avocado. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Note: leftovers aren't as good as the day you make these. They still taste okay but certainly aren't as good.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This soup is really, really delicious. It actually tastes so similar to chicken pot pie {just in soup form}. And I since I really love me some chicken pot pie, I really love this soup.


It's perfect for the cold winter weather we've been having.



Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Recipe from Cooking During Stolen Moments

1 tsp oil
1 onion, diced
3-4 carrots, diced
3-4 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken stock or broth
2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups diced chicken
1/2 tsp dried dill or fresh dill, optional
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups milk
Pie crust

Heat oil in a large stockpot. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic, season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Stir in chicken stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer as long as desired, but at least 5 minutes.
Add potatoes and bring soup back to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently until potatoes are tender. {If using fresh dill, add a few sprigs in with the potatoes and then remove when the potatoes are done.} Stir in chicken.
In a separate pot, melt butter or margarine. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened. {You want to create a roux. Go to this link to learn more about creating a roux.} Slowly stir into soup, bring to a boil and simmer until soup is thickened to desired consistency. Stir in optional dill and season again with salt and pepper to taste.

While the soup simmers, roll out pie crust and cut it out into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, just until lightly browned.
To serve, place shapes of pie crust in each bowl and add soup; top with more pie crust shapes. Enjoy!

As you can see, I was too lazy to cut my pie crust into fun shapes. I just baked it up and broke it into pieces.