Wheat Pasta & Sautéed Eggplants

Happy Thursday! 

Getting back into the swing of things in my kitchen and put this together the other night after a long day of errands. I realized I over did it on the sugar this past Summer so now have to get back on my clean eating train and really stick to better choices.

Quick veggies and things that add fiber to your diet is an awesome way to start "cleaning" the pallet as they say.

Thursday's Treat...Wheat Pasta & Sautéed Eggplants!

Ingredients: 

-wheat pasta

-eggplants

-sweet peppers

-scallions

-salt

-Adobo

-garlic powder

-olive oil

In a large bowl take 2 medium eggplants wash and cut into cube size, 5 small sweet peppers chopped to your preference size, 2 medium scallions chopped add pinch of salt, 2tbsps of Adobo, 1 1/2tbsps of garlic powder, 2 tbsps of olive oil coat everything very well set aside. Heat a large skillet on medium adding 1 1/2tbsps of olive oil again and add veggies when skillet is ready. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Ten minutes in cook your pasta as you normally would, it could be any type of wheat pasta I used the spiral shape this time. I used half a bag so I can have left overs. As that cooks turn your veggies if tender done if not cook for another 10 minutes and your down.

Serve over your pasta add some herbs or grated low fat cheese if you wish, Delish!

Now I must be transparent and say that wheat pasta is an acquired taste. It takes some time to adjust to texture it is not like regular pasta but as with anything once you find a recipe that works for you if it helps incorporate healthier choices you can totally do it. If you have a trick you can share I'd love to hear. I am still working on Brown rice...that's a tough one for me.

Enjoy!

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Barbecue Tofu & Spaghetti

Happy Thursday! Still enjoying the Summer days and keeping it simple in my kitchen.
Being that I love just about anything cheese or cheese related I have been researching other options because well anything in abundance is just not good for you. I've settled on Tofu because if cooked properly it takes on just about any flavor or form you want.
I wanted to kick up my pasta dish and I didn't want to use cheese so I found this recipe tweaked it to fit my home and here it is.

Thursday's Treat...Barbecue Tofu & Spaghetti!

Ingredients:
-firm tofu
-pasta
-bbq sauce
-garlic powder or cloves
-onion powder or red onions
-olive oil
-salt

-plum tomatoes

-mushrooms or other veggie

Cook your pasta, I chose Spaghetti, to your liking which for me is 12 minutes. I used 2 packs of firm tofu removed the water and cut into 1 inch squares, took handful of mushrooms and sliced 1/4 inch and set aside. In a large skillet on medium heat I added 2tbsps olive oil, 2tbsps garlic powder, 2tbsps onion powder and a pinch of salt. As it simmered I added the tofu and mushrooms and covered for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes I add BBQ sauce to my liking which was 1 cup and cooked another ten minutes.

Served with additional plum tomatoes as another topping, Delish! Great flavor lite no heavy sauce or oils very tasty and easy clean up. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Shrimps & Roasted Cauliflower

Happy Thursday! Is everyone ready for Mother's Day weekend? I just want a nice quiet day with no responsibilities. I made sure I took care of my grandma's needs last night and this is what I came up with before I headed out.

Thursday's Treat...Shrimps & Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients:
-shrimps
-cauliflower
-fav herbs or seasoning
-sweet peppers
-cucumbers
-olive oil
-salt

Cut your Cauliflower to nice bite sizes in a bowl add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tbsps of your fav herbs or seasoning and a pinch of salt add your add your sweet peppers cubed at this time as well. The amount depends on your preference, mix well coat all your pieces, place them on baking sheet and set aside. I use my toaster oven and turn to bake @425 for 25 minutes.

I always make sure I have a bag of large or medium shrimps already cooked and deveined in my freezer at all times. It comes in handy for any type of meal you want to make in a jam. I pick them up at BJ's when on sale.
This time around I had the medium ones and used 3 handfuls and seasoned with Adobo and Lemon Pepper boiled them for about 10 minutes till nice and pink. I start this when my Cauliflower has 10 minutes left as well so both done at same time.

When done I served with some cucumbers on the side and some Balsamic Vinaigrette. Tasty, quick & easy healthy delish! Was off to grandma duties in no time. Enjoy.

Always stress free xo

Mari

Roasted Eggplant

Happy Thursday!

So have any of you taken the 6 hr defensive driving course? OMG!!! I must confess that when I first began to drive I paid $60.00 for the certificate. It was a three year discount I was in heaven. Then when it came time to renew I had no choice but to actually take the online class. I don't remember it being this painful and long. I was falling asleep on my dinner table for the first part the other night. Yes you can stop and go back but there is soooooo much information covered that if you aren't good at retaining info you are in bad shape.

I got 80% on the first part , 100% on the second and this dish came with my third part...I sat for 3 1/2 hours on this part geez. I was not in the mood for cooking so I just whipped this quick treat for myself.

Thursday's Treat...Roasted Eggplant!

Ingredients:

-eggplant

-olive oil

-salt

-pepper

-adobo

-lemon juice

Take 1 large Eggplant slice 1/2 inch pieces circular then 1/4. In a large bowl add 3 tbsps of Olive oil, 1tbsp lemon juice, pinch of salt, 1tsp pepper, 1/2tbsp adobo or your fav seasoning mix together make sure all your pieces are coated thoroughly. I sprayed Pam on my bake tray and laid the pieces out turned toaster oven to 400 for 30 minutes.

Tasty quick and healthy super fast clean up. I started this section at 6pm finished at 9:30pm with a mini break in between. I took over 113 pics as notes and test was just 5 questions!!! I got 100%. I hope to finish tonight and get my discount and put this behind me for another 3 years.

Enjoy, Always stress free xo

Mari

Baked String Potatoes & Carrots with Steamed Brussel Sprouts

Happy Thursday!

I wanted to share this meal with you guys but was so busy prior to making it I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do. I was on grandma duty and just headed straight to the kitchen when I walked in.

Thursday's Treat..,Baked String Potatoes & Carrots with Steamed Brussels Sprouts!

Ingredients:

-medium size potatoes

-carrots

-brussels sprouts

-honey

-lemon pepper

-salt

-herbs & spices

-Pam / olive oil

I washed 6 medium potatoes and used my handy slicer to cut them into strings I took 5 medium carrots and did the same. In a large bowl I added pinch of salt, 3 tbsps of honey, 2 tbsps of my fav Adobo spice you can use what you like, 1/2 tbsp of lemon pepper mixed it up added my potatoes and carrots till coated very well sprayed some Pam on my baking tray and placed my veggies on the tray.I made sure to spread them out evenly. I baked them in regular oven for 30 minutes at 350.

At the last 12 minutes I took my medium pot filled with 2 cups of water added pinch of salt and 1/2 tbsp of seasoning again bought to a boil and added a handful of my sprouts for about 10 minutes till they were tender when poked with fork. I didn't have my regular steaming tool handy but dropping them in the boiled water worked pretty good too. 

I had some left over chicken breasts I chopped up and heated in Microwave cut up half of an Avocado and done....delish, healthy quick and fun. Lil mama also enjoyed it when she walked in from   school. I was happy that even though I had a very long day I didn't cave into eating take out. Enjoy

Always stress free xo

Mari

Broccoli Stir Fry mix & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Happy Thursday!

Frozen veggies and fruits have become a life saver lately. I try to visit farmers markets often to grab "fresh" food but I somehow always end up wasting more than I use. I still haven't mastered how to store food in fridge so it lasts longer. Looking at plenty of how to videos for sure so let's see what happens.

In the meantime like I said frozen has come in very handy and last night when I was tired and wanted nothing to do with the kitchen this is what I put together...

Thursday's Treat...Broccoli Stir Fry mix & Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Ingredients:

-potatoes

-bag of frozen veggies

-salt

-pepper

-onion powder

-garlic powder

-olive oil

I used 4 large potatoes for 3 people, cut into cubes and placed in a large bowl. Added 1/4tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp onion powder,1/2tsp  garlic powder and 1/2 cup olive oil mixed and let sit for a few while I got toaster oven ready. Great thing about cooking is you get to play around with taste so if you want to add or remove to suit your taste you totally can :)

I sprayed baking tray with Pam turned oven to bake on 425 for 30 minutes and laid the cube potatoes on the baking tray.

Half way through I turned the potatoes a bit just for color on both sides and dropped the veggies in the bowl with remaining seasoning from potatoes. Sometimes time doesn't allow us to thaw things out but I find with frozen veggies its totally fine especially if your steaming or cooking in low water for several minutes in my case 1/2 cup water, pinch of salt medium heat 10 minutes. I checked for flavor and added another pinch of garlic powder but you can adjust seasoning to desired taste. What was left in bowl was fine as well.

Total of 30 minutes I had great delish meal, easy cleanup and healthy. Lil mama was very happy she walked threw the door from school and the food was done. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari 

Everything Baked Bassa fish & Plantains

Hey loves! Happy Thursday I keep hearing about this storm that's coming to NYC I just hope it isn't too bad. Anyways :) been a minute since I posted any treats from my kitchen but todays share is a nice one I came across in my web travels that I tweaked to my liking. No greasy pots, pans or skillets.

Thursday's Treat...Everything Baked Bassa fish and Plantains!!!

Ingredients: serves 2 people

-bassa fish fillets

-green plantains

-olive oil

-lemon juice

-honey

-mustard

-salt

-cheese (optional)

Heat toaster oven at 425 degrees, in a large bowl mix 1tbsp of olive oil, 3tbsps of honey, 2tbsps of mustard, 1tsp of lemon juice mix well set aside and clean your fish fillets then place in mixture making sure you coat both sides thoroughly. Cut pieces of aluminum foil big enough to make a pouch like seal around your fillets, wrap up and put aside. Don't discard left over sauce you can drizzle on top of your fish once done.

Take 2 plantains (was making dinner for 2 so adjust recipe to your serving size) rinse and cut off the ends. Make 2 slits top to bottom on each of the plantains this will make it easier to peel of the skin. Place in microwave on high for about 6 minutes, depending on your microwave. Skin should turn black and center should be semi soft to touch. Remove from microwave be careful it will be very hot!

Peel off skin carefully, place on cutting board or a flat plate and cut pieces a little over an inch slightly slanted so when you flatten them out they don't crumble. I use what in Spanish we call a Tostonera but you can use the bottom of a glass or cup just make sure you cover with wax paper or something that will allow it to slide off or else you will have a mess.

Once you have smashed down your plantains, place them in a lightly oiled baking sheet, I used some olive oil and I sprinkled the plantains with some salt. I baked both dishes at the same time for 20 minutes then each separately for another 10 minutes. The fish should be soft and flaky and plantains a nice golden color all around.

I served with mixed plum tomatoes, baby Spinach and cubes of Mozzarella cheese. You can combine with any variety of salad ideas. Delish, healthy and fun to make. I never had Bassa fish before so it was a nice surprise. Any fillet type fish will do, Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Super lazy Chicken and Pasta

One of the perks of your child getting older is they can fend for themselves when it comes to dinner. Gone are those days when you just have to cook because you don't want them to eat crappy food. Yes sorry guys no matter what the commercials say chain food restaurants is still crappy food for the most part.

I've commented before how my lil mama and I though we live under the same roof sometimes due to our schedules can't sit down to dinner like we use to so we schedule dates. The other day after work though I was super tired, had numerous pictures to edit from a camera date I had gone out to and still wanted to squeeze in a workout and walk in the park. I always take out something each morning to prepare even if for lunch next day and this time it was my go to chicken tenders. I looked in my pantry and saw packet of Pasta sides Chicken flavor and just went with it.

Thursday's Treat...Super lazy Chicken and Pasta!!!

Ingredients:

-Knorr pasta sides packet

-pieces of chicken(tenders work best for small portion size)

-lemon pepper seasoning

-honey 

I told you this was super lazy you just handle your chicken as you normally would. I wash/rinse mine out with some lemon juice then cold water and seasoned with 2 tbsps of lemon pepper and 2 tbsps of honey. Let it sit for a few, turned my toaster oven to broil at 325 and prepared my baking sheet with strip of aluminum foil sprayed with some Pam so chicken wouldn't stick. I placed in toaster oven for 20 minutes turning once halfway.

Ten minutes in I prepared the water for the pasta side, 2 cups. You can add margarine or butter but I opted out and left with just the packet flavoring. I let it cook for 10 minutes. Turned off the flame set it aside cut my chicken into smaller pieces so I could sprinkle on my pasta.
Served myself and set a plate aside for lil mama when she got home.
It was tasty, fast and filling. Delish!

I love getting out of the kitchen with enough time to really engage in the things I love. I was able to edit while I ate(I don't always have gadgets on at dinner table but this was solo night me time) then head out to the park. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Pile it on Salad

My loves hello hello! Today was beautiful outside I got a lot done and worked on some me time. I invested a few hours in the park just reading and enjoying the breeze. No grandma issues today so when I got home I was hungry and ready to raid my fridge.

Thursday's Treat Pile it on Salad!!!
Ingredients:
-kale
-yellow tomatoes
-red tomatoes
-sweet peppers
-red onions
-shredded cheese
-cranberries
-sugar
-balsamic vinegar
-Olive oil
-basil
-Smirnoff Ice Peach Bellini (optional)

Serves 2 and leftovers

So the name says it all Pile on
I used 4 Campari red and 4 Campari yellow tomatoes nice thin slices, 3 sweet peppers thin slices as well, less than half an inch of red onion square slices set them aside. I used a large round serving plate and started layering first with my Kale, then my tomatoes, then 2tbps of shredded cheese (which ever you like) I used Italian five cheese, next up the sweet peppers, my onions, 2 more tbsps of cheese and a handful of dried cranberries I love the CVS brand.

I set tray aside and started on the dressing 2 1/2 tbsps of Olive oil, 2 tbsps of Balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of Basil. I mixed it all together in a cup and set aside.

I served myself a nice plate, drizzled my tasty dressing pulled out a nice cold Smirnoff Ice Peach Bellini (I needed it after my viejita visit) and sat down to have my dinner. Lil mama is at work so it's just me, my IPad, my emails and some music. Delish!!!
Healthy and fun, less than 30 minutes easy clean up Enjoy.

Always stress free xo.

Broiled Garlic Chicken

My loves, who's watched Sons of Anarchy? Can I just say that I love that show? That I can totally watch it over again! Yes I'm late but I got here.

illustration by idigitaltimes.com

In early July when my grandma had her spill and I was running around a bit nutty I found comfort in watching this series on Netflix. I watched seven seasons in less than two weeks because on some days I would get in at least four episodes. Yes it may seem a bit much to some but Jax just grabbed my attention and I couldn't let him go!!! SOA!!! great writing, great stories and amazing actors. 

illustration by ew.com

illustration by pinterest.com

(omg that face AND an accent? yes, yes and yes!!!)

Any way...on one of my afternoons of SOA watching I made the following for lunch

Thursday's Treat...Broiled Garlic Chicken!

Ingredients:

-chicken cutlets

-soy sauce

-pepper

-butter

-garlic knots

Preheat toaster oven, lightly spray some PAM on a baking pan and set aside. I added 2 tbs of butter, 2 tbs of Soy sauce, 1/4 tsp of pepper and 3 garlic cloves cut into small pieces into a small bowl and placed in microwave for 30 seconds. I placed my pieces of chicken in bowl and mixed well for several minutes. I then laid pieces out with few garlic chunks on top and placed in toaster oven on broil setting for 20 minutes. Halfway through I drizzled some more of my sauce on chicken just to maintain moist and flipped to the other side.

After 20 minutes I removed and served with Avocado, Plum tomatoes and Spinach. Hit the spot quick and easy and I didn't miss a beat on my show!!!

Enjoy, 

Always stress free xo.

Salmon and Steamed Veggies w/ a Glaze and Herbs

Hey lovelies today I want to share something I made a few days ago in a matter of 30 minutes while I paused a new find on Netflix. I must say I am really leaning towards cancelling my cable for good. I mean I am finding so many other ways to catch the shows I actually watch and it hasn't been through my cable.
The new show I found that has me on a marathon?...DareDevil!!! Yes I said it, not the movie version with Ben Affleck though I enjoyed that one too, this is a new series on Netflix. It's awesome very dark and it sucks you in and it has Rosario Dawson and Vincent D'Onofrio just to name a few. If you haven't seen it go give it a try.

Anyway I am so into my marathon that when I got up to make this I totally left my phone in living room so I only took pic of finished product, please give me a pass this time xo.

Thursday's Treat...Salmon and Steamed Veggies w/ a Glaze and Herbs!

Ingredients:

-salmon

-broccoli medley bag

-thyme

-rosemary

-olive oil

-salt

-pepper

-honey

-mustard 

-garlic powder

-parm cheese

This was super easy and fast. I took half a bag of Broccoli Medley mix I bought at Western beef and placed in medium pot added 1 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of Olive oil mix and put flame on low, covered for about 7/10 minutes.
In another bowl I mixed 1/2 tsp of the following...thyme, rosemary, pepper, garlic powder and salt. I added 1 tbsp of honey and 1 of mustard. I mixed it all together till well blended then dipped my Salmon fillets till fully covered.

I broiled the Salmon in toaster oven for about 10 minutes, I love the outside to get nice color and crispy like coating from the honey. I used aluminum foil to catch any droppings and easy clean up.

My last sprinkled treat was a bit of Parm cheese over the veggies...done.
Yummy, easy peasy, healthy and fun, enjoy!!!

Always stress free xo.

Broiled Salmon and Tomatoes with Kale Salad

Wow already in the middle of July. I can't believe it, I almost feel short changed on Summer being its been a little odd here in NYC. Today though the sun is out and I am off so I plan to make the most of my day. As I type away I hear the birds chirping outside so I think I will join them for a walk.

BTW...grandma update is she's coming along nicely, still a bit sore of course the rib fracture will take some time to heal as I said she's 91 but she is moving about a bit quicker and her spirits are high and the soft food diet we have her own seems to be helping her strength and efforts in breathing and chewing. My feisty viejita is back!

Anyway, Summer is truly my favorite time of year and I really want to get away from the kitchen but I still want to eat healthy, save money and bring homemade lunch to my office every now and again. I'm really liking this broil button on my toaster oven I can whip anything up in such a short time. I saw this dish in an article I read, added my own twist and made it the other night just before my volunteer date with my kids.

Thursday's Treat...Broiled Salmon and Tomatoes with Kale Salad

Ingredients:
-Salmon
-tomatoes
-kale
-olive oil
-salt
-pepper
-paprika
-thyme
-scallions
-garlic cloves

Serves 4

Season the Salmon fillets(4) with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp of salt, paprika, pepper and thyme mix well. Let sit for a few minutes. On the side cut up 2 strips of scallions and 2 garlic cloves.
Cut 2 large tomatoes in 4 or 2 plum tomatoes in half depends on who likes tomatoes. In my case only 2 of the 4 that were eating were broiled Tomatoes fans.

Sprinkle a small amount of olive oil in a baking sheet place your Salmon pieces and Tomatoes halves sprinkle the scallions and garlic evenly and broil for 10 minutes, done.

I served this dish with Kale salad drizzled in balsamic vinegar. Total of 15 minutes another 10 for clean up. Delish, healthy and quick.

Enjoy!
Always stress free xo.

Salmon and Corn with Tomatoes Grill Fest

It's my favorite time of year and I'm using 

my favorite kitchen tool my George Foreman Evolve Grill.

Thursday's treat, Salmon & Sweet Corn with Tomatoes Grill Fest!

Ingredients:
-salmon
-can of sweet corn
-plum tomatoes
-pepper
-basil
-salt
-olive oil
-balsamic vinegar

For apartment living this gadget is an awesome tool. One of my fondest memories of nicer times with my family was watching my mom preparing foods to cook in that metal grill everyone dragged out of their apartment closets in the summertime. The joy in her face, she loved to grill all sorts of stuff. Think of her and those yummy meals bought me to this. 

Mix 1/4 tsp of pepper and 1/4 tsp of salt in a bowl add drained can of corn. Spray Pam on grill plates heat for 5 minutes. Spread corn evenly on plate increase time to 15 minutes at 300 degrees.

While that's on the grill take 1/2 pint of plum tomatoes, wash and cut in halves. In a bowl mix 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tbsp of basil. Add the tomatoes.

Season your Salmon fillets with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/4 tsp salt mix place pieces on grill at 300 degrees for 12 minutes.

Place cooked Salmon on a dish spoon the corn and tomatoes on top serve with a green salad on the side I choose Kale delish! 

Happy eats enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Penne w/ my so called easy Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Happy Thursday lovelies! Hope everyone is well sure some of us are in the process of end of the school year events. I took the day off today to run some errands and rest my head, been dealing with some grandma stuff that's got me a bit unsettled. I want to cook early so I can just clean up and do nothing later on so I opened my fridge and cabinets took a mental picture and this came out...

Thursday's Treat

Penne w/ my so called easy Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

-penne pasta

-cream cheese

-sweet peppers

-Italian flavor Parmesan cheese

-plum tomatoes

-milk 

I have tried a variety of ways to make Alfredo sauce but they always have something I don't like or that I don't use or that I know will be bad for my skin. We are what we eat even if we want to ignore that fact. So I decided to stick to stick to two things for cream effect and one thing for seasoned flavor.

I used half a box of Penne so we can have leftovers, cut 1 plum Tomatoes into cubes, 1/2 cup of yellow & 1/2 cup of orange sweet peppers. You can adjust measure to amount of servings you will have or crunch taste you desire. Cook pasta to desired tenderness, drain water put back on the flame. Add 3 tablespoons of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of milk (not pictured) sorry got distracted, mix well if not creamy enough for you add another tablespoon of cream cheese. Add the tomatoes and peppers, mix some more turn off flame and done.

Serve and sprinkle some Italian flavored Parmesan cheese Enjoy!

Feel free to sprinkle regular Parm cheese if you wish I just had this sample size and wanted to try it. Cooking is about trail and error and lots of fun so don't forget that. I'm done, kitchens cleaned up as well. I'll serve myself shortly and relax.

Always stress free xo.

Chicken Quesadilla

Hey loves, are we getting ready for the kids to be done with school? Are they already home? I'm sure we have plenty on our plates as to what to do with the kiddies for the summer. I'm going to try to help by sharing with you another quick treat. 

Thursday's Treat...Chicken Quesadilla 

Ingredients:

-chicken cutlet or tenders

-mustard

-honey (raw if possible)

-lemon pepper

-wheat wraps

-sweet peppers

-tomatoes

-sour cream

-mozzarella cheese shredded (not pictured)

I used 2 tbsp of raw honey, 2 tbsp of mustard and 1 tbsp of lemon pepper mixed in a bowl then added my chicken (4) pieces (cutlet size) covered and let sit for about 10 minutes. I then cut my chicken into cube size pieces and placed on baking sheet sprayed with a little Spam and actually broiled for 10 minutes in my toaster oven, turning midway.

I chopped up 2 plum tomatoes and 1/2 of a sweet pepper, cube sizes, set aside. Once my chicken pieces were cooked I removed from toaster oven to cool lightly and changed setting to toast and placed my wraps in for a few minutes. I then removed them, spread a tbsp of sour cream on each wrap layered the chicken, cheese, tomatoes and peppers folded and placed them back in toaster long enough to be lightly crisp.

I cut the wraps into 3 triangles each and placed on a plate, everyone could grab their own. These measurements served 3 people. I would double slightly to taste if serving more. Nice glass of cold Green Tea and I was done.

Quick and easy light meal and fast clean up in the kitchen. I love Quesadillas because there are so many varieties as far as fillers and no way you can go wrong with it.

Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

No Trouble Paella

Hey! Hope you guys are ready for my shortcut in the kitchen today. I love Paella but it's always such a task to make because it requires several ingredients and some time in the kitchen. I remember my mom use to make it on special occasions. I am all about quick and easy, not cutting corners on quality or taste but definitely not about investing too much time in the kitchen.

While at BJ's a few weeks back I purchased this Seafood Medley bag and today it will be the star attraction.

Thursday's Treat...

No Trouble Paella

Ingredients:

-seafood medley bag (or any variety pack) 

-rice

-Adobo seasoning

-Saźon Goya (orange packets)

Now this is going to be No Trouble because this medley bag has Shrimps, Calamari, Mussels and Scallops. If this combo doesn't work for you then get a bag that does. I say bag because this will keep things easy. No need to shop for several things when they are already packed together. There are different types of Paella this is just seafood and rice...no trouble.

I emptied half bag of medley into a bowl seasoned with 2 packets of my Saźon Goya and 1tsp of Adobo. Depending on your taste buds adjust the quantity. I mixed and set aside, in medium pot I added 1 large cooking spoon of Olive oil and pinch of salt when hot I added my seafood and cooked low for about 10 minutes. While that went on I washed 2 cups of rice and set aside.

After 10 minutes I added 2 1/2 cups of water to my seafood, let it boil and added my rice. When water almost gone I lowered heat, mixed and covered for 20 minutes. Uncovered, mixed again cooked for another 10 minutes and done. 

You have a great seafood dish with very little hassle. Serve with salad on the side if you wish

Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Roasted Shrimp w/ Tomatoe and Spinach Penne

Good Morning lovelies have crazy busy day today but love it. I didn't want to miss sharing this with you so I wrote it last night, enjoy.

Hey guys hope your week is going well thus far, I just came in from a great walk in the park by my house, missed my walks for sure.  I took some wonderful pictures of the new flowers they planted this year. Such vibrant colors and different types I will share them shortly once I edit and watermark.

You can imagine I don't want to invest to much time in the kitchen after that so I am whipping something up that will only take me around thirty minutes.

Thursday's Treat!
Roasted Shrimp w/ Tomatoes and Spinach Penne pasta

Ingredients:
-shrimps
-pasta
-olive oil
-black pepper
-crushed pepper
-salt
-lemon juice

Before I left for my walk I left 2 handfuls of medium shrimps already cooked and cleaned in a bowl with cold water to defrost/thaw out. When I came back they were ready to go.
In a bowl I mixed 1/4 black pepper, 1/4 crushed pepper, 1/4 salt, 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. I added the shrimps tossed together a few times and set aside.

I took medium pot added water, some salt and a little olive oil and set on medium heat. I added half a bag of my pasta mixed it all up and began to cook that for about 10 minutes. I set my toaster oven to bake at 425 for 10 minutes as well and placed my shrimps in a cooking pan already sprayed ready to go. I saved a little of the mixture to drizzle on my pasta after if I choose to.
Remember my pasta is already Tomatoes and Spinach so it doesn't need to much extras.

Once my shrimps were nice and pink and my pasta al dente, I drained the pasta served in a plate topped with my shrimps. I tossed the pasta with remaining mixture before I served. I added a few slices of Gouda cheese I had from my last deli visit just for fun.

Done easy quick and fun.
Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Teriyaki Tilapia w/ Herbs

Hey loves I originally wrote this post last week but I'm sharing it today hope you enjoy xo! Off to Arts and Crafts volunteer night.

Today is an amazing day! Everyday is amazing but today I'm super excited because as I'm making dinner I'm listening to Claire Zammit leader of the Feminine Power courses.
I signed up for this week long online seminar and it's been so empowering, informative, uplifting and connecting.

It has shown me the wonderful power we all have if we unite, work together, support one another. Please look up Feminine-Power , emergingwomen.com for more info.....

Ok so because I wanted to invest most of my time listening and not cooking I decided to make the following and it was under 30 minutes.

Thursday's Treat!
Teriyaki Tilapia w/ Herbs
Ingredients:
-Tilapia fish
-teriyaki sauce
-crushed red peppers
-lime juice
-parsley

I mixed 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, 1/4 parsley flakes, 1tsp of crushed peppers and 1tbs of lime juice in a medium bowl. I added several pieces of Tilapia fillets all depends on how many you are serving. I coated the fish and set aside for a few minutes.
I turned toaster oven to broil setting at 350 degrees, placed bake tray with fish and set timer for 10 minutes.
After timer went off we were done. This time I had a few choices to serve with. I had leftover white rice, I had wheat wraps and some salad. I let my daughter pick what she wanted I choose to make a wrap.

Delish! Healthy and fun. Off to focus on my seminar.
Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Berenjenas Guisadas con Queso / Stewed Eggplants w/ Mozzarella cheese

Good Evening dolls! Posting a little late had project at the office that delayed my leaving so I got a late start on some things. I'm sure everyone is getting ready for Easter by the way!

Today as always I didn't want to invest too much time in my kitchen. Have a few things going on and a friend dropped by to share some news so was distracted on that lol.

Ok, Thursday's treat!

Ingredients:

-Eggplant
-cooking oil

-onion

-garlic

-oregano

-tomato sauce / paste

-mozzarella cheese

Peel and cut 2 Eggplants into cubes.

In a large skillet with medium heat add one large spoonful of cooking oil let simmer add cubes and drizzle another spoonful of cooking oil. Cook on med heat till tender. It's about ten minutes then you add half an onion cut into small pieces and 3 garlic heads cut small pieces also.

Notice how the eggplant when cooked shrinks? That's why always best to use at least one more eggplant even if small if you want left overs. 

Add half a can of tomato paste and a small amount of water to break it down if you have sauce then your fine add half a can of sauce. 

I let it cook another few minutes. 

I noticed it didn't have much flavor so I added 1 tablespoon of Adobo, then I was happy. I served on plate then added a few slices of Mozzarella cheese it will melt a little with heat of food. 

I ate it with some Spinach and Tomatoes on the side no dressing. I wanted to enjoy the flavor of the Eggplants. 

Quick and easy 30 minutes or so I'm ready to sit, eat and finish talking with my friend. Then quick clean up and check my inboxes. 

Enjoy!

Always stress free xo. 

Spaghetti w/ Lemon Basil Shrimp

Today I really want to get out of the kitchen quickly. Have tons to get done and I want everything cleaned up by 8. Pretty Little Liars is on tonight (smiles and wide eyes)

This will be a one pot meal less than 30 minutes start to finish. I'm trying to incorporate some sort of herb and green in every meal to stay on my healthy side. Here we go Thursday's Treat! 

Spaghetti w/ Lemon Basil Shrimp

Ingredients:
Pasta
Shrimps cleaned and ready to go
Spinach

2 tablespoons basil

2 tablespoons olive oil 

3 tablespoons lemon juice 

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of garlic powder (not pictured)

Boil water about quart and a half add about fistful of spaghetti a little more if you want left overs or serving is more than two. Cook for about 8 minutes. 

Add shrimps already peeled etc...depending on your serving judge the size and cook for another 4 minutes or shrimps turn a nice pink. 

Drain and place in large mixing bowl. Add Basil, Olive Oil, lemon juice and salt and garlic powder.

On your plates pour about 1/2 cup of Spinach top with Spaghetti mix...Done

You can use any pasta you like today I chose Angel hair because it was at my reach. 

You can also sprinkle some Parm cheese if you wish. enjoy

Off to pll
*The craziest episode yet I loved it!!!

This is a bonus treat! I wanted to show you guys how my propagating of my Black Rose has turned out! From one rose I now have numerous and still growing for background story click here i-am-obsessed-with-succulent-plants

Always stress free xo.