Meatloaf Muffins

Hey! Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend, some celebrated Easter hope you had a nice time.
Easter holds a dear place in my heart for another reason and that is my lil mama was born on an Easter Sunday 20 years ago this year. So I bought her a little treat, no more stuffed bunnies she said...boo. And what's with this weather?! NYC feels like January still geez.

Anyway, today I want to share something I made not to long ago but never posted. I saw another version of this and thought hey why not share mine, so here we go.

Thursday's treat... Meatloaf Muffins!!!

Ingredients: 12 servings 

-ground meat

-eggs

-cheese

-roasted garlic herb

-bread crumbs 

-muffin cups

Grab a bowl and mix 1 egg, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp of roasted garlic herb then add and mix very well your 1 1/2 lb ground meat. I used chicken because I rarely eat beef. When your done, scoop your meat and place in greased muffin cups filling just about half way. I used paper ones but you can use any you like. I just prefer to serve and toss. I cut up 1 inch of Mozzarella cheese length then divided in 2 the cut those to make 12 pieces total. I placed 1 piece in center of each muffin. 

I baked at 375 in my toaster oven (love this thing!!!) for 20 minutes or when meat juices ran clear. I also did toothpick test poked center to check if comes out smooth, all good. I served with Kale and Sweet peppers salad!! done. 

Very easy, quick cleanup and healthy once again. You can substitute any herb any cheese (as long as it sort of melts) and any type ground meat. The better choice you make the healthier it will be 

Enjoy!!!

Always stress free xo.

Sauteed Cucumber w/ Tomatoes & Avocado Veggetti

Thursday's Treat!!!

On this special Thursday the day of my Birth I would like to say Happy Birth Day to me and say thank you to the powers that be for bringing me to this present moment full of such peace and gratefulness.

I am blessed to share this day with you all and I want to say thank you for your support in my dream.

You may say what is Veggetti? Well only the cutest tool to help us eat healthier. Just to be clear, I am not a paid spokes person, the company who made this did not contact me, I just saw, liked and bought.

I am a gadget girl! I love kitchen gadgets! I saw this in a commercial and was hooked. I didn't order it online Walgreens carries this.

So what it does is take Cucumbers, Carrots, Zucchini and Squash and turn it into Spaghetti!!!

Healthy pasta, hot or cold.

I bought this last week decided to use it on Saturday night.

Ingredients:

-Veggetti

-cucumbers

-1 medium avocado

-plum tomatoes

-garlic heads

-basil leaves

-olive oil

I drizzled olive oil in the skillet and heated on medium till hot, added 2 garlic heads and cooked down for a few minutes. When the garlic was tender I added the cucumber pasta. I moved it around a few times so all the strands would get a good coating.

As that cooked I cut up the avocado and tomatoes. I used 1 medium avocado half for me other half for my daughter and 2 plum tomatoes 1 for each of us as well. Set it aside.

I cooked the Veggetti for about 5 minutes tossed it around and cooked for another 2 minutes. Done

I transferred it to a plate, sprinkled some basil leaves, added the avocado and tomatoes, dinner was served.

All under 30 minutes start to finish and as always easy clean up.

The options this little gadget offers is great so I plan on trying many different meals in the next few weeks. You can even make dishes with potatoes!

The meal was a success, we loved the taste, the texture and variety of it.

I am including link to site for a peek and it does come with a mini recipe book.

veggetti.com

Now back to me lol. 

Again thanks for visit hope you enjoy the share. Today I plan on enjoying a nice Sushi dinner with my loved ones AND of course some type of Red Velvet treat. This was a mini preview of what is to come given to me by my sweet friend!

to ME!!!

Always stress free xo

Tilapia w/ Honey and Mustard sauce garnished with Mango

Thursday's treat!!!

You didn't think because I was doing the September challenge I would neglect my Thursday treat did you?

Good...because here it is!

First I have to admit this was put together as I went along. Another one of those days I got home and was like huh? What are we going to eat?

Ingredients:

-Tilapia fish

-honey

-mustard

-olive oil

-mango fruit (sliced or cubed)

-tomatoes

-lettuce

-small potatoes (optional)

Start to finish this took me about 40 minutes tops.

In a medium bowl I added 3 tbsps of mustard and 2 tbsps of honey, you can play around with amounts to your liking. I took 3 pre-packaged Tilapia pieces out of the freezer, ran them under some water for a few then I just rinsed them lightly and placed them in the bowl mix until fully coated. The fish weren't totally frozen like a brick since I had bought the bag day before so that was help with defrost process lol.

I added 2 tbsps of olive oil to flat skillet I was using turned up to medium heat. Flipped fish around a few more times when oil was ready, added the fish.

I cooked them about 10 minutes on each side or until turned lightly brown in color and light crisp.

While that was going on I made a side salad of lettuce and tomatoes, coated with remainder of sauce from the Tilapia.

I bought earlier in the week a pre-cut package of mango so that saved me some time.

For myself I baked 2 small red potatoes my daughter opted out.

Fish lightly brown and crisp and ready to serve.

Topped with my cubed mango pieces, yummy.

The salad was awesome with the sauce too!!!

I thought to myself...hey not bad for thinking off the top of your head.

Healthy, quick, fun and easy.

Enjoy.

Always stress free xo

Grilled Chicken Salad

Thursday's treat!!!

Why do I feel like this summer is just going by so quickly? I am not ready for Fall yet!!!

I am sick of hearing about Back to School blah blah blah...
I am even more upset about these Christmas in July posts, sorry ladies love your stuff but no. I don't want to get ready for Christmas in July.
Now August rolled in and surprised the heck out of me so I guess I have to get my butt in gear and go out and enjoy whatever is left of this Summer in NYC.

One way to do that is to continue to cut my time in the kitchen.

So here is another quick meal so I could go out and enjoy a few hours in the park.

-2 large chicken breasts
-1 large carrot
-Monterey Jack cheese
-mixed green salad

Since I didn't use my George Foreman grill, too lazy to clean the plates I used the flat pan I use to make my pancakes.
Sprayed with Pam grilling spray and set on medium heat.
Cut my chicken breast down the middle thin slice, pounded down some and seasoned.
I washed prior for a few minutes in cold water and lemon juice.
Anyway, so I seasoned it with some lemon pepper and Sazon Accent for coloring.
I Let it marinate for a few minutes while pan got hot.

I placed chicken breasts on pan about 10 to 15 minutes making sure juices ran clear, turned to the other side until juices did the same (time varies depending on where you are grilling).
Removed pan from flame, set aside.
Shredded the carrot, cut 3 medium slices horizontal on cheese bar then cut again into smaller cubes and set aside, got the plates set handful of the greens.

Sprinkled the cheese, cut the chicken into slices, placed on top of the cheese, added the shredded carrot and done.
I drizzled a little balsamic vinaigrette for extra kick but you can use any or no dressing if you wish.
After all we are trying to eat well, reduce kitchen time and have some fun!

Enjoy, always stress free xo

*Note: I got to enjoy my walk in the park for a few hours and help my digestion lol!

Macaroni Salad

Thursday's Treat, enjoy!!!

Two weeks ago this was my Saturday.

So I'm home it's Saturday afternoon, I've been up since 9am.

I practiced Yoga, I cleaned the house, Lil mama and I were gonna head to the beach for some sun but she is still taking her meds and healing is coming along but her sleep is a bit off so we opted out.

Instead I geared myself up for dealing with the Grandma and seeing how the home attendant changes are coming along.
Visit was loud, repetitious and a patience tester. She was and has been very irritated about the changes to the women who care for her and all the new arrangements. She let me know the moment I turned the doorknob, not that I haven't been hearing about it for the past 6 days.
Anyway, I bared with it put the groceries away, spoke to the woman who will be there 2 days out of 7, prepared her medications, attempted small talk, gave her a kiss goodbye and called it a wrap.

Got home Lil mama was up and cheery by now it was around 6:30, I was not in the mood to tackle any heavy meals. As it turns out a friend was dropping over for a visit wanted to see how Lil mama was coming along.
What can I put together quickly that won't interfere with our visit time? And maybe watching a movie?
I decided on a Macaroni Salad.

Now as I said this was thought of quickly so I didn't take my usual prep pics but I took pics of finished product.
So here goes, you will need:
-3 cups of dry elbow pasta ( more or less depends on amount of people)
-1 large cucumber
-2 tomatoes (plum size, again adjust according to what available)
-Montarray Jack Cheese
-dried Cranberries
-2 tablespoons Mayo
-large bowl

We boil the pasta about 10 minutes, drain the water, set aside.
On cutting board we remove skin from cucumber and chop. Use whichever method you like circle, slices, etc... Just as long as the pieces are not chunky, you want them to blend in, especially if you have a picky eater.
The same goes for the tomatoes and cheese.
Grab the bowl pour in the pasta, add the cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, sprinkle in the cranberries to your taste and drop the tablespoons of mayo.
Mix well, I like to use the folding method so everything gets covered with the mayo.
Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour and serve.
Done!!!
Quick and easy, Lil mama gave it 2 thumbs up bandage and all ❤️.
Btw...movie was also awesome, we finally saw The Woman in Black with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter).

Always stress free xo

Tomatoes with Mozzarella garnished with Carrot strips & Cranberries

Had a trying day yesterday. 

Still working out the bumps with my grandma's new home attendant issues, mother coming along from what my sisters tell me and then the one thing a parent never wants to get...a text from their child that says "mom had accident at work, the Paramedics are here, I will be ok." What???!!!

To make long story short my sunshine hurt herself on a machine at work, will need reconstructive surgery on her left hand thumb but she is doing ok, we got home from the hospital late last night.

Best believe I am just going with the motions and breathing. Full plate indeed but taking one bite at a time.

I didn't want to have my little bumps stop my share of a... 

Thursday treat!!! enjoy :)

Came home a few nights ago after much running around.

Left my office in Queens to go visit with my grandma in Brooklyn and run errands for her then headed back to Queens to get dinner ready and settle down..finally.

It was way past 7pm so I didn't want to get into anything heavy, I opened the fridge and took out

-tomatoes

-carrots

-mozzarella cheese

-Craisin bag (I always try to keep one of these around, can add to just about anything)

I did my plate first because my daughter was not home yet so that's picture share you see.

I cut up the tomato, a slice of cheese, stripped the carrot.

I placed tomatoes on the plate, began to layer with cheese slices cut into squares, carrot strips and sprinkled some cranberries...done!

I didn't add any dressing or salt but if you wish you could.

I didn't want to disturb the flavors already present. I love the sweet of Cranberry with the Tomatoes.

So here you have it another quick and easy meal with just 4 ingredients.
Its healthy for you and refreshing for a nice summer break from heavy kitchen duties, Enjoy

Always stress free xo

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

I love coming home thinking about what I am going to cook as I walk through the door.

I especially enjoy when my meal takes as little effort, time and ingredients as possible.

Stress free and healthy...how can you beat that!

So today I am sharing a meal I prepared the other night that took me just 25 minutes start to finish.

Ingredients for two people 
-2 potatoes (nice size for stuffing)
-cheese (whichever you favor)
-salt
-pepper
-olive oil
-sour cream
-broccoli

I started by washing my potatoes, poking them several times with a fork and then rubbing them with oil, salt and pepper.
I placed them on a dish and set aside.
I then took handful of broccoli and added them to my pot boiled water light salt till tender to the bite not to hard not to soft. That was about 10 minutes.
During last few minutes of cooking my veggie, I placed potatoes in microwave 5 minutes each side.
Remove them carefully, sliced in the middle added my sour cream and choice of cheese. Placed back in microwave for about 30 seconds enough to melt the cheese.
When done added the broccoli and served.

My daughter added avocado to her dish you can add what you wish or just leave as is. It is an amazing filling dish and healthy.

I am trying to add more greens in my life and stay away from foods that take long prep time. I will share some of that journey with you, wish me luck.

Happy Wednesday!

Make sure to come back on Sunday. I am working on something that touches Single parenting. 

Stress free xoxo

Adventure to Fitness Giveaway!!!!

Attention all Mommies & Daddies, I have a great treat for you.

I am very particular about what I share as far as tools for stress free parenting but I think you will find this tool a great enjoyable treat.

Zach over at Adventures in Fitness is offering my followers and even those who just pop in every now and then a FREE 6 MONTHS membership to adventuretofitness.com
This is a children's educational fitness program, the prize is valued at $60.00 per membership.

Some of their key features are:
- Interactive Fitness: Short, engaging 30-minute videos and activities to encourage kids to exercise while learning important health facts
- Education: Each “Adventure” integrates academic material including math, science, social studies, language arts, and history
- Kid-Friendly Recipes: Healthy recipes to ensure that kids are getting the nutrition they need to stay fit

I myself went on there page to test it out, had a blast. Also shared it with a friend and her six (6) year old they loved it.

Here is all you have to do...

-comment on this post and how you would best use Adventures in Fitness. Would you incorporate it in your daily routine with the kids, would it be the kick you needed to get the kids away from video games and regular tv watching, would you give it as a gift to someone else who needs the motivation?

The best response will win! Simple as that.

So go take a look, let me know what you think. Have some fun and most of all...

Best of luck :)

adventuretofitness.com

Banana Mango Smoothie

I had a late start today, woke up past 11. Was up late last night watch two (2) new programs I have become addicted to. I never say guilty pleasures because I rarely feel guilt about anything I do. I think I have established how I feel about moderation.

Anyway, so these shows I am speaking of are Black Ink Crew on VH1, reality show about the lives of Tattoo Artist in a shop in Harlem, NYC and Dracula on NBC, a show of course about Dracula with Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Two (2) things I love Tattoos and Jonathan, it was a great night.

So needless to say when I got up today I wasn't in the mood to get all deep into any specific topic. My vibe was mellow and carefree and carried on to what I wanted to make as late breakfast early lunch. I decided to keep it simple and use as little ingredients and clean up time as possible.

Here it is:

2 Bananas
1 medium or large Mango
2 16 oz. or larger cup (easier for hand blender to fit into)
4 to 6 oz.’s of milk in each cup depends on consistency you prefer
1 knife to cut the fruits into slices
1 Hand blender

Optional additions can be few sprinkles of cinnamon or sugar if not sweet enough for you.
This is also recipe for two (2) people so of course add or subtract to your need.

Add all the ingredients together in your cup, blend carefully not to spill. I try to do this inside the sink or gently on a counter on top of a washable tray. Blend few seconds and you’re done. You have a great tasting treat, filling, healthy, no guilt and stress free!!!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!! Practice mellow and carefree xoxo

Picky eaters

One thing that was bought to my attention most recently by my daughter is her evolution in regards to food. This was on an ordinary mommy and daughter having dinner together night.

For the past year her eating habits have changed drastically. It started with replacing all beverages with water. We both decided to make additional changes to our eating habits at the same time but hers have just continued to move her in a whole different direction.

The eye opener comment was a simple “mami I love water”.

Now just to give you some back ground we have never been a household to indulge in processed foods, sweets or any other things in excess. I raised my daughter with the usual first year of milk (whichever form worked best) and water, then the foods in stages as well as other items and drinks. Once the teeth came in and she was a toddler  we went onto our typical Dominican dishes( my family comes from the Dominican Republic) which include but don’t just stop at rice, beans, meats, salads, plantains, fresh fruits and veggies and then the staples of certain pasta dishes, burgers, franks, shrimps, soups, the usual cereals, and other breakfast items. I never allowed her too much sugar, everything in moderation. We also never had soda in the house; we only drank soda at party’s or BBQ’s. McDonalds and any other fast food places were treats (yes I know, treat? Not). I never made it a normal thing to have fast food as a means for dinner. I always packed her school lunches up until sixth grade (when she decided she wanted to see what “school lunch” was like), they included jello, yogurts, fruits, milk, sandwiches, Polly o string cheese sometimes it was a Lunchable. By the age of 8 our house changed to no red meats only on special occasions that was her father’s input. He felt we were consuming too much red meat and it was contributing to our digestive issues; once we began to reduce our intake we noticed a huge difference. We then switched to turkey or chicken for our burgers and franks. We found that as we made these changes we also ate less and less outside the home or called for takeout.

So now we get to present day and where she once didn't like anything whole wheat or grain she loves. Where most veggies were at some point an enemy now they are her daily friend. She even cuts her own carrots! She continues to love her yogurt but now adds granola to the mix.

Among the dos and don’ts she is no longer eating any type of fast food, no ketchup, no type of juices just water or water with slice of lemon. No cereals with added sugar, no ice cream, rarely any cookies, no candy except for an occasional bag of m&m’s and never any chips. This is where I am on a different road; I am in the mindset of moderation, not yet ready to give up some of those things.

So back to our dinner, Salmon (grilled) and a green salad with cranberries, she commented to me that the reason perhaps she did not care for certain things as a child was because the flavors were masked with the juices or other beverages she was drinking. That certain food together don’t allow for the full flavor to be enjoyed. That perhaps had I enforced more of the water more often as I introduced certain food items, she would have been more open to the suggestions.

Which led me to stop and think.....just how much masking of flavors we all do on a daily because we may not drink enough water? WATER!!! Who would have thought?

Honey-mustard Chicken Cutlet Salad

Yesterday I had one of those days where I just wanted to come home and not have long fuss in the kitchen. I was hungry too so that didn't help. I had left some chicken out from the morning so that part was covered. Here is what it turned into.....

3 pieces of chicken thin sliced or strips
1 egg
1/2 cup or 1 cup (depending on amount of pieces) honey
1/2 cup or 1 cup mustard depends on your taste and amount of pieces
1 cup of plain bread crumbs
Any type veggie you like tomatoes, lettuce etc...amount depends on your serving needs
Optional:
Parmesan Cheese
Croutons (although chicken is already breaded sometimes I like the added crunch)

Beat egg in a bowl add the honey and mustard. Drop the chicken pieces in let marinate for about 20 minutes (sometimes we can't spare 20 minutes so I just make a few slits on chicken so it grabs flavor)
Dip in bread crumbs, coat evenly.
Heat skillet on medium, light coating of olive oil enough to cook and give some color.
Places pieces in when oil is hot, cook each side about seven to ten minutes use your judgment.
Remove, let sit and when manageable cut into bit size pieces
In a separate bowl mix in your veggies
Add the chicken pieces to bowl of veggies season to your liking
Serve