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

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 Chicken w/ Grilled Sweet Potatoes & Cilantro Vinaigrette

Happy Thursday everyone hope all is good. Came across this recipe while at the office on Tuesday. I wanted to make something tasty for me and lil mama to have before our Summer Pretty Little Liars season premier. I tweaked to my liking and what was available here goes...

Thursday's Treat...Baked Chicken w/ Grilled Sweet Potatoes & Cilantro Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
-chicken breasts
-sweet potatoes
-olive oil
-cilantro
-lemon juice
-honey
-garlic powder
-sazon accent
-sea salt
-oregano
-adobo

I was so excited to try this I didn't take a full picture of tray with all of what I used but list def provides the info I started by prepping the meat as usual. In a large bowl with my 4 pieces of chicken breasts I added 2tbsps honey, 2tbsps adobo, packet of Sazon accent, 2tbsps oregano, 1tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and I mixed it very well making sure every inch of the chicken pieces were coated. I set it aside.

I boiled some water in a medium pot added another pinch of salt and 4 pieces of medium size sweet potatoes and boiled for 25 minutes. At the same time I turned on my toaster oven and set to 350 degrees for an hour. I used a baking tray, aluminum foil and sprayed some Pam on sheet layed out the pieces and got those going. Once the sweet potatoes were soft I removed them from the water and let cool for a few minutes before I cut them into 1/4 inch circular slices.

In a medium boil I mixed 2 tbsps of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt mixed well and used a cooking brush to coat all the slices of sweet potatoes so they would not stick on the grill. I turned my George Foreman grill on, spray some Pam and set to 325 for 8 minutes or when grill marks are visible.

By this time my chicken was done, I had checked with my meat thermometer and had it set on warm.
In a medium plastic cup I mixed 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2tbsps honey, 1tbsp lime juice, 1tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp garlic salt. This was my vinaigrette. Removed my sweet potatoes, served and done!

The blended flavors were music to my mouth, the cilantro and honey mix was delish! The sweet potatoes were tender and also very flavorful was happy I had leftovers for a salad to take to work the next day. A hit with lil mama and just in time for another exciting episode of PLL. Enjoy.

Always stress free xo,

Mari

Not really a Cobb Salad Salad

Happy Thursday!

As the weather gets warmer I spend less and less time in my kitchen and when I am there I try to get out fast. I really look forward to my walks in the park after a full day of sitting in front of a screen and talking on the phone with clients. It feels nice to just stroll and people watch and listen to some music. The other night I came in and decided to go with a salad. No meat, no poultry, no fish no hassle.

Thursday's Treat...Not really a Cobb Salad Salad

Ingredients: 

-sweet corn

-spinach leaves

-plum tomatoes

-cucumbers

-eggs

served 4

In a large bowl I added 1 can of sweet corn, handful and a half of spinach leaves already washed, 1 1/2 cup of plum tomatoes cut in halves, 1 large cucumber sliced 1/4 inch pieces, 6 eggs hard boiled cooked for 12 minutes.

Mixed all together and done! I didn't add any herbs or seasonings or dressing to the actual bowl I let everyone serve themselves and add what they wanted. I had some left over chicken thighs that one of my guests decided to use as well. I used pinch of sea salt and 1 tbsp of Balsamic Vinaigrette on mine. Enjoy!

Delish, quick & easy and most important...

Always stress free xo, 

Mari

Baked Corn on the Cob

Happy Thursday!

I got home on Monday to find the building had shut the water off! What! Why?! The notice said it was to repair the water flow. SMH I didn't care I just wanted to make dinner and eat, I was hungry. So because I had no access to water I made the simplest thing I could put my hands on.

Thursday's Treat...Baked Corn on the Cob!

Ingredients:

-corn on the cob

-olive oil

-lemon pepper

-basil

-sage

-parsley

I had three large pieces so I cut each in half. In a bowl I added 2 tbsps olive oil, 2 tbsps lemon pepper, 2 tbsps basil, 2 tbsps sage and 2 tbsps of parsley. The fun part was using my hands to rub the cobs down thoroughly. I used these great precut pieces of aluminum foil I found at my local Dollar store and wrapped each piece placed on baking tray. Turned my toaster oven to 425 degrees for 25 minutes.

That was it. I served them with Avocado, plum tomatoes and cucumber slices. Delish! The corn was so juicy and Lil Mama doesn't like biting into the cob so she sliced the kernels of and it was super quick. Clean up was easy and the water returned just in time too. 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

Eggplant Pizza

Hey! Hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to share a quick recipe I came across a short time ago and wanted to try. I just grabbed what was in the fridge and went to work.

Thursday's Treat...Eggplant Pizza!

Ingredients: 

-eggplant

-pasta sauce

-mozzarella cheese

-plum tomatoes

-parsley

Cut 2 small Eggplants circular side about 1/2 inch thick each piece. Spray PAM or drizzle some olive oil in a baking sheet and lay out the pieces. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove and add 1 tbsp of pasta sauce to each slice followed by 1 tbsp mozzarella cheese shredded or small cube and a slice or 2 of a plum tomato. I sprinkled some parsley for added flavor. Returned to my toaster oven set to broil for 12 minutes done. Super easy super fast and delish!!! All the greatness of a Pizza without the heavy bread. 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

Seafood Pasta

Happy Thursday! 

Working on some fun DIY projects can't wait to share in the meantime lets enjoy a nice meal.

Thursday's Treat...Seafood Pasta!

Ingredients:

-bag of Shrimps

-bag of Seafood Medley

-box of spaghetti

-plum tomatoes

-sweet peppers

-butter

-salt

-parsley

-garlic powder 

I always try to make things simple and quick so when I do use bags of Seafood I grab the ones that are already cooked and ready to go. I washed half bag of shrimps and half of medley in cold water then in a large pot I added seafood and pinch of salt and placed on medium heat. Cook for 10/12 minutes or until shrimps and seafood start to turn pinkish in color, add 3tbsps of butter, 11/2 tbsp of garlic powder mix and cook another 5 minutes adding handful of plum tomatoes cut in halves and handful of sweet peppers cut in slices mix well till tender.

As this is cooking prep your pasta (I used Spaghetti #8 this time but you can use what you like or what you have already in your pantry) as you normally would 10/12 minutes, drain water and add to seafood pot, mix well and done. Depending on how many servings of course is amount you use from your box I used whole box I had several people over.

Quick & easy tasty treat plates were bare when everyone was done. Semi healthy I'd say if you turn blind eye to the butter part lol, enjoy! 

Always stress free xo

Mari 

Stuffed Eggplants

Love stuffed shells? My lil mama loves them they are one of her favorite dishes. Today I am sharing another variety I came across on a great dish.

Thursday's Treat...Stuffed Eggplants

Ingredients:
-medium size Eggplants
-ricotta cheese
-olive oil
-parm cheese
-mozzarella cheese
-sauce
-parsley
-pepper

I used 2 medium sized Eggplants to serve 3 people. I cut the ends then sliced a little less than 1/2 inch
set aside and in a large skillet added 3tbsps of olive oil the placed my slices of eggplants for about 5 minutes on each side enough for them to be soft enough to roll. Half way through I had to add a little bit more oil to cook because I always find that eggplants soak up the oil pretty quickly.

As that was cooking I took a large bowl added 1 24oz tub of ricotta cheese,  1/2 cup parm cheese,

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese(cut into small slices) and a pinch of pepper. I mixed it all together and set aside. I turned my toaster oven to 350 degrees and set timer for 30 minutes. Took baking tray and poured 1/2 jar of my fav Ragu sauce you can of course use your own fav. Set aside, took my slices of Eggplant out of skillet and placed on plate to prep for rolling.

I scooped 1 tbsp of ricotta mix in the center and folded 1 end and rolled over to the other end. I did this with about 12 slices then topped with mozzarella cheese and a little more ricotta (we just like cheese lol). Placed each roll on tray and 30 minutes later...Viola!                  

This was so delish I wish I had made more but it was totally filling and it wasn't totally a just healthy dish but once in a while a cheese party isn't so bad not to mention you can always substitute some things to work for you and your fam. That's the joy of cooking right plus moderation is key no need to deprive yourself of what you love. I find that if you have a tough customer with Eggplant taste this is good starter because the texture is soft. I'm glad I found this recipe and gave it a try, 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 

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

Shrimps w/ Mixed Veggies & Roasted Cauliflower

Happy Thursday!

This has to be one of those meals that you put together when you are debating Take Out or staying on track with your health needs and budget.

I chose the later...Thursday's Treat...Shrimps w/Mixed Veggies & Roasted Cauliflower!

Ingredients: 

-shrimps

-cauliflower

-mixed veggies (can or bag)

-lemon juice

-olive oil

-garlic powder (or knots minced)

-black pepper

-parm cheese

1tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp of garlic power (more if you like stronger garlic taste), 2tbsps of parm cheese ( I used Italian flavor), 2tbsps olive oil mix in a bowl and add chopped cauliflower till fully coated. Set aside and turn toaster oven on to bake at 425 degrees.

Spray your baking pan and lay out your florets and bake for 25 minutes. I turned them once midway just to be safe.

3 cups large shrimps (cleaned obviously :), 3 cups frozen mixed veggies. I thawed these out in around 5 minutes by running cold water on them in a bowl. 

1tbsp garlic powder, lite sprinkle of black pepper, sprinkle of parm cheese coated thoroughly and added to medium pot with a little bit of water to cook for about 10 minutes. Adjust your cooking time to desired tenderness.

Done!!!

Healthy, quick & easy, fun & tasty. Clean up was no hassle and was able to sit down and enjoy some on demand shows. Have a great day 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

Quick & Easy Pizza is never out of style

Hello my lovelies! I have been slacking on my food shares lately and I apologize. It isn't that we aren't eating because of course we are lol but it just has been a crazy last few months. The holidays always mess with my routine as I am sure it does with most of us. You are making these large meals, visiting friends or eating out so sitting a preparing food posts unless that is truly your routine just isn't a priority.

So I thought I would go back in my vault and share a quick, simple and tasty treat that I go to when I am in a rush but want some Pizza in my life! I shared this some time ago so it will also serve as my Throw Back Thursday!!! Hope you enjoy :)

Ingredients:
-muffins or bagels
-pasta sauce
-mozzarella cheese
-any toppings you like

Thursday Reveal....

So my reveal today is I love Pizza, yeah who doesn't? I love Pizza but I don't want to order it, pick it up or make it from scratch that is unless it is easy and stress free.

When a girlfriend of mine shared with me a way that I could make Pizza  at anytime for under 20 minutes I was hooked. She said she couldn't believe I had never tried it. I explained to her I had never thought of it actually. Can you believe that? Please do, its the truth I never thought of it or even heard of what I am about to share....

Here goes

1- Slices of bread, English muffins or bagels (depends on your liking and amount depends on family size).

2- Sauce, whatever flavor or brand you like. I use Ragu Traditional when I want to keep simple.

3- Mozzarella Cheese already shredded is best saves you time but if you want to cut your on slices go right ahead!

4- Toppings, this time I used Pepperoni for my added topping but as always I say use what works best for you.

Lay out the slices, spread the sauce, add toppings and cheese. Place on a tray toast till cheese is melting and bread is crisp....DONE!!!!!

I got home tonight at 6:15 and by 6:35 we were eating. 

This is my idea of quick and easy. Here are some pics!!

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

Grilled Chicken w/Linguine and Alfredo sauce

Hello my lovelies, I have to get this out of the way...It is cold as heck in NYC and I am not happy about it. Didn't the darn Pope take away my sunshine and warmth? OMG!

I had to scramble in my drawers looking for some socks.

Anyway I shouldn't whine about it I'm a Fall baby so sometimes this does happen. I had baby #2 (my grandma) duties the other night which btw her new meds combo seems to be working 6 nights in a row sleeping well yippy!!! some drinks this weekend for sure and I had left some pieces of chicken out just in case I would have to be quick in the kitchen, which I ended up having to be. I grabbed a few things and here you have it.

Thursday's Treat...Grilled Chicken w/Linguine and Alfredo sauce

Ingredients:

-chicken tenderloins or cutlets

-linguine pasta

-plum tomatoes

-adobo seasoning

-parsley

-roasted garlice alfredo sauce

Seasoned a few strips of chicken with 1 tbsp of parsley and 1 tbsp of Adobo seasoning mixed well and set aside. Started on the pasta and began to cook that for about 10 minutes.

Turned my George Foreman Evolve Grill on preheat 5 minutes sprayed with PAM, then set for 10 minutes at 325 degrees added my pieces of chicken. Both my pasta and chicken were ready around same time. Drained the pasta, placed some on my plate, cut some pieces of chicken added that, added 2 tbsps of Alfredo sauce mixed well and topped with cut pieces of  plum tomatoes. Tasty and quick, Enjoy! 

Always stress free xo.

Mari

Broiled Salmon with Balsamic Vinaigrette & Strawberries

Hello loves what a crazy week I've had I will sum up by saying baby #2 (my grandma) is still not sleeping well even with the 10mg of Ambien and she has caused me to get a whole new gray streak of hair on my left side. She is making it very difficult for me to stick to my commitment to donate for the second time to Locks of Love but that's another story for another time.

Lately I find my days blending together and my time of leisure shrinking but I did manage to squeeze in a nice lunch for myself and some reading time the other day and decided to share.

Thursday's Treat...Broiled Salmon w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette & Strawberries!

Ingredients:

-salmon

-strawberries

-olive oil

-balsamic vinegar

-red onions

-garlic cloves

-sweet peppers

-roman lettuce

-basil

Simple enough I added to my bowl 2 tbsps of Olive oil, 2 tbsps of Balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp of Basil flakes, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 2 small sweet peppers chopped, 1/4 in ring of red onion chopped into small cubes. I mixed well and added my 3 small pieces of salmon, turned once till fully coated. I then placed my coated salmon pieces on a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up sprayed with Pam. Placed in toaster oven on broil at 325 for 10 minutes turned once.

I added my 6 med strawberries cut into cubes to my bowl and mixed well making sure to cover all my strawberries and I set aside in the fridge. I snapped off a few pieces of roman lettuce rinsed and placed on my dish. I like the brownish color the balsamic gave my salmon and after 10 minutes I removed, placed on top of my lettuce garnished with remainder of mix and strawberries. What a great combo of sweet n tart!!!! Loved it, saved some for lunch next day too.

I got in a couple of hours of nice quiet reading and then jumped in to my mommy life. Quick and easy clean up hope you enjoy!
Always stress free xo

Mari