Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Hey loves time to eat.

Thursday's Treat...Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry!

Ingredients:
-Broccoli
-firm Tofu
-rice
-salt
-soy sauce
-brown sugar
-onion
-garlic
-olive oil

Cook rice amount to your needs and liking. In a large bowl mix pinch of salt, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2tbsps of water, 3tbsps of brown sugar, 1/4 onion chopped into small pieces, 1 1/2 tbsps of garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves minced depending on your taste mix well and set aside.
Chop up your Broccoli heads into med size pieces or use 1 bag of frozen florets, use 1 pack of firm Tofu cut into 1/4 slices than 1/2 inch cubes. Add to sauce bowl your veggies and tofu and mix well.


In a large skillet add 2 tbsps of olive oil to medium heat when hot add your mix, cover and set for 20 minutes. Uncover, turn and cook for another 10 minutes done. Serve over your rice which could be Brown, Jasmin or regular White which is what I had. The sauce over the rice gives it a lite sweet taste because of the brown sugar which is delish, enjoy!

Always stress free xo,

Mari 

Roasted Potatoes w/ a side Salad

Good morning! August is almost wrapping up still making the most of this beautiful Summer.
Yesterday was my grandmothers 93rd Birth Day and she really had me laughing out loud which is an awesome thing since some days can be a real pain. I bought her some balloons and Carvel mini saucer Ice Cream cakes and sang her Happy Birthday and I got two things back..."who are you and why are you singing?" I answered her and she made a face and said "who told you I am that old?" I told her that her birth certificate told me and she made another face so I said "oh if it's wrong ok then let's eat cake." This was the best mug she gave me she wasn't feeling picture time.

Anyways...over the weekend wanted to catch up on some movies I watched Bad Moms hilarious! Then I watched Bastille Day with Idris Elba, need I say more...No. I wanted to again to keep things lite in the kitchen and made this for an early dinner.

Thursday's Treat...Roasted Potatoes with a side Salad!

Ingredients:
-medium size red potatoes
-olive oil
-salt
-favorite seasoning/herbs
-salt
-1 large avocado
-6 mini sweet peppers
-favorite greens

I washed and cut my red potatoes in 1inch cubes you can use your favorite type mine just happens to be red I find they cook faster. In a large bowl I added 3tbsps olive oil, 1/2tbsp of parsley, 1/2tbsp of garlic n pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt. I mixed them well and set aside. I prepared my baking tray with a spray of Pam. Turned toaster oven on to 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Layed the potatoes out evenly on the tray and off they went. I used 8 potatoes because lil mama was coming over with her friend after work and wanted to leave them some plus I wanted leftovers.

Half way through I mixed them around and 45minutes later I was done.
I grabbed a handful of baby spinach, cut up a few slices of avocado, a few slices of sweet peppers sprinkled some Balsamic V and off to my movies I went. delish! The roasted potatoes had great blend of flavors and a lite crunch on the potatoe skin.

Hope you enjoy this simple share and baby #2 pic to brighten your day. Can you imagine yourself at 93?!

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

Squash Pizza

Good Morning! Enjoying the warm weather so keeping out of the kitchen as much as possible. Had a rainy day recently so stayed in did some web browsing and caught up on some movies. Decided to try this recipe I came across using some new veggies I picked up called Delicata Squash. They fit right in your hand a nice size for this tasty treat.

Thursday's Treat...Squash Pizza!

Ingredients:
-squash (small size)
-olive oil
-pasta sauce
-parm cheese
-mozzarella cheese
-plum tomatoes
-oregano
-garlic salt or powder

As I said I just came across these small Delicata squashes in my grandma's neighborhood and thought sizes were great for some healthy pizza treat. I used 4 small ones cut half length size placed them in a large bowl sprinkled 1tbsp of garlic salt or powder whichever you have handy and 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. I coated the squash thoroughly and set aside. I turned my toaster oven on to 350 degrees for 25 minutes. I used a cotton ball to coat the baking tray with remaining olive oil from the bowl. I laid squash pieces skin side down add sauce, cheeses and tomatoes to your preference. I used 1tbsp for sauce and cheeses and placed tray in toaster oven.

Twenty five minutes later look at my tasty treat. I ate them with some mini pretzels and lemon water as I had fun on my Ipad and left the rest for lil mama. Delish, filling and easy peasie. Clean up was just as fast. 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

Grilled Salmon with Roasted Almonds, Cranberries & Avocado

Happy Thursday! 

Everyone getting ready for Valentine's Day? I hope for most its just a day for extra treats and not just the only day you go all out for those you love. Every day is Valentine's Day as far as I am concerned if you really love someone. So to help you out I thought I'd share this nutritious gem that is quick & easy and leaves plenty of time for "other things" lol. You will be full but tummy won't be uncomfortable.

Thursday's Treat...Grilled Salmon w/ Roasted Almonds, Cranberries & Avocado!!!

Ingredients: 

-salmon fillets

-bag of cranberries

-brown sugar

-bag of roasted almonds

-avocados

-salt

-pepper

-your fav seasoning

-cheese (optional)

-green salad

Adjust these measurements to amount of fillets you are making I was feeding four people so I used 8 fillets, 3 tbsps brown sugar, pinch of salt, 11/2 tbsps of Adobo, 1tbsp of pepper and mixed it all up in a medium bowl. The brown sugar becomes like a syrup which I love! I let it sit for about 10 minutes.

I plugged my George Forman handy grill (love this kitchen gadget!!!) warmed it up for 5 minutes it does it automatically then I set it for 6 minutes at 325. I sprayed grill with cooking spray and layed my pieces out. I added another three minutes and turned them over just because but you don't have to they were flaky and tasty at 6 minutes in.

I layed out some greens, then Salmon, handful of cranberries, handful of crushed roasted almonds, 1/2 slice of avocado cubed and handful of cubed mozzarella cheese. I drizzled some balsamic vinaigrette and done!!!

Tasty with some healthy elements and easy clean up. I made this the other night just in time to sit and watch Pretty Little Liars with my lil mama & friends. Hope you enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Broiled Mediterranean Chicken w/ Roasted Cauliflower

I will begin by sharing that I don't think I have ever knowingly eaten Cauliflower. But because I am trying to stay on the healthy veggie train I saw this beautiful head and decided to take it home with me and give it a try.

I goggled and asked friends for suggestions put them all together and came up with this. Nothing like finding something that works and adding your own twist.

Thursday's Treat...Broiled Mediterranean Chicken w/ Roasted Cauliflower!

Ingredients:
-cauliflower
-chicken cutlets
-parm cheese
-olive oil
-lemon juice
-parsley
-garlic cloves
-paprika
-oregano
-salt
-pepper

I enjoy Mediterranean dishes because of all the herbs and spices etc that you get to use. I enjoy taking all my little bottles out and sprinkling a little of this and that lol the small pleasures of life.

I started with washing my chicken then prepped it with 1tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of Olive oil, 1 tbsp of parsley, 1 thin sliced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp of oregano, pinch of salt and pinch of pepper mixed well and set aside. Then I moved on to my Cauliflower first I cut the head down to smaller florets and added 1 1/2 tbsps of Olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, 2 tbsps of Parm cheese and 1 thin sliced garlic clove mixed well in a bowl and then on a baking sheet use piece of aluminum foil spray with pam lay the cauliflower out and place in toaster oven on bake at 450 for about 25 minutes.

Once my Cauliflower was done I set aside in a serving bowl and used same baking sheet to lay out my chicken cutlet pieces, I lowered the temp to 325 switched to broil and put my timer on 20 minutes turning my pieces at 10 minutes in. I served meal with some Avocado slices yummy!!!

I will be adding Cauliflower to my shopping list more often, thanks to my volunteer team at the Far Rockaway pantry for suggesting this wink wink. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

MY own Chinese Takeout Lunch

Hey dolls so I had a few people stop by after my volunteer date over the weekend and I wanted to put something together quickly. I had some great veggies in the fridge I didn't want to go to waste plus I didn't want to be in the kitchen to long I'd rather be eating and yapping so because I love Chinese takeout and that is my go to when I have company sometimes I decided to make my own.

Thursday's Treat... Broccoli, Carrots & Mushrooms served with Noodles!!!

Ingredients:
-broccoli

-mushrooms

-baby carrots 

-garlic cloves

-brown sugar

-soy sauce

-sea salt

-Olive oil

-wok

-noodles

What I loved the most about this dish was most of it was done in one pot/wok lol.

Ok so I took 3 handfuls of medium size broccoli florets, 6 medium mushrooms and 5 baby carrots rinsed and cut to manageable pieces. I cut 4 garlic cloves very thinly sliced and added it to my Wok along with 3 tbsps of water on medium heat and put in my veggies. As it cooked down I then added 3 tbsps of brown sugar, less than 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 1/2 tbsp of Olive oil and mixed it all together. I cooked my noodles as I would normally cook any pasta and when ready added to my wok mixed very well...done!

It was delish, everyone was very happy even the ones who didn't care for veggies too much. Easy cleanup and healthy. I had plenty of time to chat away and read my Shape magazine. Enjoy!

Always stress free xo

Mari

Everything Roasted Shrimps w/ Candied Carrots

Happy Thursday to all my lovelies a bit humid around my way but as long as I wear my hair up in a nice tight bun we good to go. Yesterday was humid as well but I got in a nice walk around the park. My grandma duties have me a bit unsettled so walking and exercising helps, I'll share my latest struggles soon. Before I headed out I made something quick and lite for me and lil mama. I had some carrots I picked up on Sunday I didn't want to go to waste.

Thursday's Treat...Roasted Shrimps w/ Roasted Candied Carrots!

Ingredients:
-shrimps
-carrots
-honey
-olive oil
-lemon pepper

Since I was so involved in wanting to use my carrots I didn't really think ahead of what I would make with it luckily I always have a bag of ready to go Shrimps so I grabbed 2 handfuls of the large shrimps that were frozen and placed them in a bowl with cold water for 10 minutes while I washed and cut up my carrots. I had 5 and cut them in 1/2 then into 2 inch pieces.

In a separate bowl I mixed 2 tbsps olive oil, 4 tbsps of honey and 1 tbsp of lemon pepper all with my carrots till they were coated thoroughly. Trick I like is to use Olive oil first so other ingredients just slide off. Once my shrimps were semi defrosted I changed the cold water again and removed the tails. I usually buy the bag with no tail all clean ready to go but this large bag was on sale so I compromised. Once the tails were removed I drained the water, rinsed again and added 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of lemon pepper.

Turned toaster oven on bake at 450, sprayed baking sheet with Pam and laid the carrot pieces out first let them cook for 20 minutes and the remaining 10 I moved the carrots to the side and added the shrimps. I drizzled some of the remaining sauce from the carrots on the Shrimp just not to be wasteful lol. Delish!

Served mine with some Spinach and a glass of water, lil mama had hers with a mixed Spring salad. Quick and easy clean up and out the door for my walk I went. Enjoy.

Always stress free xo.

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.

Baked Eggplant W/ Cheese and Shrimp

Happy Thursday! I thought I had shared this with you last week my bad. My days are all starting to blend. I wrote this last Tuesday, hope you enjoy :)

Hey loves, so my lil mama will be officially going away for the first time on her very own vacation. No parents all her doing and planning. She is headed to Montreal for a few days. So as a bonding meal to chat and share I decided to make this dish. I am continuing to enjoy this summer as best I can as well so after my meal prep I'll be off on a nice walk. I got home at 5 tonight so was able to invest more time in the kitchen which this meal actually needed. It's about an hour start to finish but I think worth it. If someone has easier way to handle the Eggplant please let me know I prefer 30 minutes or less.
Ok here we go....

Thursday's treat Eggplant w/Cheese and Shrimps!
ingredients:
-Eggplant
-shrimps
-pram cheese
-salt
-pepper
-parsley
-olive oil
-onions
-all purpose flour

Use 1 large Eggplant cut into slices pat down with a paper towel to remove moisture. Some people use salt and papers towels routine I think it's way to much effort involved. I pour 1/3 cup of flour in a bowl, turn heat on medium use a large skillet and add 2 tbsp of Olive oil. I dip my slices in the flour on both sides and when oil is ready I place a few pieces at a time till lightly golden each side about 4 minutes each. This is the part I didn't like because it's time consuming. Eggplants tend to soak up the oil and I ended up having to drizzle more oil several times.

While the Eggplant cooked I turned toaster oven on bake @400. In a separate bowl I mixed 1 cup of baby salad shrimps (you can use what you like), 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/3 cup onions (I prefer red), 1 tbs of Parm cheese. Mixed well and set aside. I sprayed a baking sheet with Pam and removed my Eggplants from skillet.

I placed them on bake sheet, took a spoonful of my Shrimp mix and placed in the center. I baked these for 20 minutes. Once done I set them all on a plate, cut up some Avocados on the side. Can you tell we love these things for real lol.
I served mine with some extra Parm cheese and sprinkled some parsley but you can tweak to your preference.
It wasn't quick but sure was yummy. We chatted, laughed and caught up on our PLL finale lol.
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.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Hey my sweets! Hope you are all doing well this August day wow yes we are already in August.

Things are beginning to slow down for me on my grandma end which is a blessing. I actually was able to cook something in my kitchen this week AND remember to document so I could share with you.

Thursday's Treat! Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

-chicken (I used cutlets & tenders for faster cook time in the kitchen)

-Teriyaki sauce/marinade

-garlic

-sugar

I always do a quick wash per say of lemon juice and cold water on any type of poultry or meat I plan to cook so of course that's what I did first. Then I rinsed one last time with cold water and in a bowl I added 1/3 cup of Teriyaki sauce, 2 tbs of garlic powder and 2 tbs of sugar mixed well and added my chicken pieces. I add the sugar for a kick of sweet but if you don't want that kick you can totally just remove.

I let it sit for about 20 minutes while ran an errand and came back. Normally I just season and move on. Turn toaster oven on, set to bake @425 degrees. Place aluminum foil on bake sheet spray some Pam and place chicken pieces leaving some space between. Bake for 30 minutes, done!

I served mine with Spinach and Sweet Peppers my lil mama ate hers with Avocado and Kale. I loved the coloring the sauce gave it while it baked nice golden brown! I am taking some leftovers to work tom so I will make a wrap. However you want to serve it works well with numerous things.

Quick and easy, nice clean and always the best part healthy option.

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.

Stuffed Chicken Thighs

All day at work yesterday I kept thinking about stuffed foods. I kept picturing biting down on something yummy filled with more yummy stuff. I left some chicken thighs out in the morn thinking I would just make rice with it but when I got home I saw some peppers and cheese and decided to put them all together. 

Thursday's treat! 

Stuffed Chicken Thighs 

Ingredients:

-chicken thighs

-sweet peppers

-shredded cheese

-lemon pepper

-parsley 

-sage

-saźon clasico (any other seasoning that compliments above)

Prep your chicken pieces as you normally would. In a large bowl add 1 tbs lemon pepper, parsley, sage and saźon clasico (or any other complimentary herb/seasoning) blend together mix well. Let it sit for a few minutes while you cut 1 large sweet pepper into slices then halves.

Spray Pam or drizzle a little olive oil on a baking tray and set your oven / toaster oven to baking setting at 350 degrees.
Place your chicken pieces on the tray and with a culinary scissor or small sharp knife cut slits on thicker part of meat deep enough to stuff. Group your pepper pieces into 4, stuff into slots add 1 tbs of shredded cheese on top. I used a Mexican blend bag from Western Beef but you can use your fav cheese of course. I then used toothpicks to close slit so stuffing didn't spill out as it cooked.

I cooked these thighs for about 35 minutes when juices ran clear and meat temp hit 165 degrees. It wasn't very quick and easy in and out the kitchen but it was healthy and filling. I served ours with some Spinach Spring salad but next time I want to try mashed potatoes! Total time with clean up was about an hour.

If more than 4 pieces please double the recipe and enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Chicken Thighs stewed in Teriyaki & Brown Sugar

March is just around the corner and I am so happy about that. Totally over this Winter. Between looking for parking, trying not to slip, wearing the same winter boots for past month and not being able to really go and hang out outside I am counting the days till Spring for sure.

I have a few things I am currently working on that require a huge bulk of my time so surely I don't want to invest to much time in my kitchen.

Last night I decided I would make something quick with Chicken Thighs. So this morning just before I left to work I took a pack out and left it to thaw out.

Thursday's treat!

Chicken Thighs stewed in Teriyaki & Brown Sugar 

ingredients:

-chicken thighs /no fat

-teriyaki sauce

-brown sugar

-small potatoes (optional)

-green salad (optional)

Wash and then season chicken pieces to your taste. I prefer the extra kick of sweetness so I sprinkle a little extra. Make sure you have mixed into a sauce consistency not watery!
Place a medium pot on stove to heat at medium setting then add 2 tablespoons of oil, I use olive oil or canola and 1 tablespoon of brown or regular sugar till it begins to caramelize.
When that begins to happen I carefully add the chicken pieces, pour about a cup of water and cover.

Lower flame slightly, making sure water isn't boiling to quickly this is what helps meat cook thoroughly and makes it tender.
Watching that water doesn't totally cook down, check after about 20 minutes, flip chicken pieces to other side add a bit more water if needed and cover again.
The water isn't suppose to be soupy, the idea is to stew and create a sauce.

After 30 minutes check with a fork for tenderness and thorough cooking of your meat.
If you are satisfied, turn off stove set aside. If you aren't add a little more water, flip pieces again and cover for a few more minutes.

I baked some small potatoes and cut up some lettuce on the side but you can have this with rice or even pasta.

Total time for me was around 45 minutes just because you want to make sure the meat is cooked properly and the water with the meat juices turns into a sauce consistency.
Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.

Grilled Tilapia with Sweet Peppers Salad

Hey everyone so I am officially head over heels for my George Foreman Evolve Grill.

I got it over the holidays as a treat for myself and as a replacement of the last one that I used till it died on me.

This is one of those kitchen must have gadgets for sure and if you want to go the healthy eating route go grab one of these! No this is not a paid endorsement, I purchased this with my own money but I love this gadget so much I just wanted to share.

Anyway every chance I get to use it I am on it. Over the weekend I bought a bag of Tilapia fillets and separated them in sandwich bags to make several meals during the month.

The night before last I decided to make a few pieces grilled so yesterday morning before work I left a bag out.

Thursday's treat!

Grilled Tilapia with Sweet Peppers Salad

ingredients:

-tilapia fillets

-mixed green salad

-sweet peppers

-shredded cheese

-vinegar

-olive oil

-adobo all purpose seasoning

-avocado

Wash and season the fillets. Let them sit in seasoning for several minutes.
Spray grill with Pam or other grill spray if none available use a cotton ball and coat with olive oil lightly.
Place fillet pieces on grill set for 8 minutes at 375, close your lid.
Scoop desired amount of your mix salad into a bowl, cut several pieces of sweet peppers and avocado set aside.
When fillets are done serve your salad, drizzle your oil and vinegar place your fish over salad.
Sprinkle your shredded cheese...done!
Another in and out the kitchen in less than 30 minutes and clean up was a flash.
Enjoy!

Always stress free xo.