Fast, Fit Family Valentine Dinners – Mix and Match Menu

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Has your week of work, working out and kids’ activities been more jam-packed and crazy than a floral shop filled with frantic husbands and boyfriends fighting for the last bouquet? Well, don’t fret that you haven’t made a menu for Valentine’s Day, I’ve got you covered! Check out my ideas for quick-to-make, kid-friendly dinner ideas that provide the quality nutrition you love! I have three ideas each for salads, entrees and desserts — plus a bonus baked heart fries recipe– feel free to mix and match!

SALADS:

Strawberry Spinach Salad – This beautiful berry salad will get any spinach avoider to start eating greens!

Simple Green Salad with Cucumber Cutouts – Dress up a simple green salad with cucumbers punched out in the center with a small heart cookie cutter.

Grapefruit and Hearts of Palm Salad – Fall in love with the sweet-tart zing of this salad from Cooking Light. If you think the kids won’t like the slightly nutty, semi-firm texture of palm hearts (but I think they will), simply swap for another veggie.

ENTREES:

Give Me Amore Pepperponi Pizza

Give Me Some Amore Pizza with Quick Homemade Sauce – The kids will be begging for one more slice of this super-quick, convenience crust pizza that features homemade sauce made quickly in the blender (no simmering required).

Herbed Cod with Vegetables in Papillote – This recipe I made for Litehouse foods sounds like it should be learned in a French culinary school, but it’s really super easy! Just wrap up ingredients in parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes!

Spice Crusted Tenderloin Steaks – You can’t fail with a filet – and caramelized with spices and grilled to perfection, you will win Valentine’s Day dinner hands down. Oh, and not only is tenderloin super tender (duh), it’s one of the leaner cuts!

DESSERTS:

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Tart – This better-for-you dessert features a grain free crust, creamy filling made with stevia-sweetened Greek yogurt, and lots of lush berries on top.

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Topping – I love this fun idea from friend Emily at the Litehouse Foods blog, she transformed Green yogurt fruit dip into a frozen “bark” to use as garnish on a favorite flavor of ice cream.

Berries with Chocolate Dip – Simple, sensible and a real sanity saver if you haven’t anything planned for dessert

These were a popular recipe from last week — Herb Lover’s Oven Potato Fries

Fast, Fit Family Dinners – Mix and Match Menu for #ValentinesDay #Recipes #Fitfluential

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Run, Workout and Yoga with Happy Legs | Compression Sock #Giveaway

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed I love knee-high compression socks. Compression socks keep my legs fresh when running fast or long, they help this cold-weather wimp stay warm, they assist in muscle recovery by keeping blood moving around, and they keep my shins from getting scuffed up doing deadlifts or rope climbs. Folks who travel frequently or have to stand all day on the job also rave about the benefits. I’ve blogged about all these wonders before and I’m giving a pair away at the bottom of the post.

I just went in my closet and counted up 18 different pairs of knee-high compression socks – there may be more, but I’m not saying. I’ve tried a variety of brands and I really don’t have a hands-down favorite — I have more than enough love to go around. For example, Vim & Vigr makes compression stylish and sophisticated enough to wear to the offices, Pro Compression and Swiftwick both have a really nice “squeeze,” while Bondi and Zensah have some super-wow style – oh, and a shout out to the Altra Running brand that has extra room in the toe area (really great for ultra running, trust me).

One-stop shopping for so many of my compression sock needs – could it be true?! BrightLifeGo.com is a great online store that has an amazing and diverse collection of compression socks (knee-high, sleeve and low-cut) and stockings, both for athletic use and everyday wear. They have several of the brands I’m familiar with – and some new ones I’ve never tried. Looking for the adventure of a new-to-me company,

CEP Progressive + Night Run Compression Socks

I ordered the CEP Progressive + Night Run Socks 2.0 and took them for a spin. CEP has been around for decades and they have some great compression technology – I loved the socks and thought they fit true to the sizing chart. After a brisk 6 mile morning and lunch workout at the gym, my legs were still fresh for home yoga in the late afternoon thanks to these socks. The flashy neon colors (pink, green or orange) are fun and will help your friends and family spot you on the race course – and a reflective design will make you more visible while running at night.

YOGA: What you need to know about the yoga photo is that I’ve combined “Tree” and “Cow Face Arms” into one pose. This is a challenge in balance and shoulder mobility! Assume Tree pose by shifting weight to one foot and bringing sole of foot up to inner thigh, with toes pointing toward ground. Keep pelvis in neutral position and parallel to floor while raising arms overhead. Remain in Tree pose but add Cow Face Arms by bending one arm at elbow and allowing hand to fall between shoulder blades. Reach up behind back with other arm and clasp hands. If this is too hard, try to touch finger tips or use a towel or strap to gently work your hands as close as comfortably possible. Hold for 5 breaths and then alternate leg on tree pose and arms on Cow Face arms.

Have fun practicing this yoga pose – if you are like me, you will find one side much more challenging than the other. And, don’t forget to enter the CEP compression sock giveaway in the Rafflecopter app below.

This post and giveaway is sponsored by BrightLifeGo.com. I received product in exchange for my review, however all comments and opinions are strictly my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

7 Heart-Healthy Salads | Raspberry, Feta and Wheat Berries Salad

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

I have a fondness for salads . . . actually maybe an addiction. Cooked veggies are pretty darn good, but if I don’t get my salad every day, better get out of my way! What I love about salads is that they are easy to make, can be made-ahead of time to pack in a lunch or wait in the fridge until I get done running. Many of my salad creations are impromptu, made with pre-cooked lean proteins, healthy pantry staples and whatever produce I find in the bin. Of course, another benefit of eating salads (that is, if you don’t douse with fattening dressing) is that the ingredients are naturally low-fat and packed with important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are so important for the maintenance and protection of your heart and body. But, don’t just eat salad, exercise too – wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Raspberry & Feta Salad with Wheat Berries – This salad features cooked grains atop a green salad to provide loads of minerals and soak up flavors from the dressing of your choice. This is a favorite salad from the Racing Weight Cookbook (Lean, Light Recipes for Athletes) — a great resource with more that 100 flavorful, easy recipes for athletes that will help you hit (or stay at) your ideal weight without compromising performance.

Raspberry and Feta Salad with Wheat Berries

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

Bright and beautiful, this salad features cooked grains atop a green salad to provide loads of minerals and soak up flavors from the dressing you love best.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 people

Ingredients

6 cups mix salad greens about 5 ounces
1 cup cooked wheat berries or barley pre-cooked
1 cup raspberries
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled about 4 ounces
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Divide salad greens between two plates, and top evenly with cooked grains, raspberries, feta and onion.

Recipe Notes

Republished with permission of VeloPress from Racing Weight Cookbook. Try more recipes at www.racingweightcookbook.com.

Blueberry Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Chicken – Delicate, sweet yumminess – there is no other way to describe this entrée salad recipe. As a kid, we used to grow sugar snap peas in the early summer garden – so happy to have them year-round today my market.

Tropical Fusion Salad with Spicy Tortilla Ribbons – This pretty salad of mine is a cover girl, appearing a few years back on the COVER of Taste of Home magazine. Colorful fruits and veggies topped with oven-crunched tortilla strips make this salad a show-stopping stunner – that is until you announce “dig in!”

Seared Beef & Mango Thai Noodle Salad – The succulent flavor of seared beef pairs exotically alongside sweet mangos – toss in some other veggies and thin rice noodles for a balanced and beautiful meal.

Black Bean, Avocado & Corn Salad – This salad has been a family favorite for years and is actually been declared a contest winner by the California Avocado Commission. A healthy side dish for a BBQ or taco night, but I’ve been known to serve up a big bowl and call it dinner!

Strawberry Cucumber & Spinach Salad – I have a hankering this lush and lovely salad is the one you’ll want to cut out hearts in the cucumbers and serve up to your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. Serve as a side or top with the lean protein of your choice . . . .might I suggest scallops?!

Skinny Cranberry Pecan Salad – I love chicken salad. Cool, creamy and packed with lean protein, chicken salad is a go-to meal on my family’s overscheduled evenings. This makeover-recipe salad uses Greek yogurt for a healthier (and more protein-packed) meal.

7 Heart-Healthy Salads to #LOVE – Raspberry, Feta and Wheat Berries #Recipe #Fitfluential #RacingWeight

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How many times a week do you eat salad?

Describe your favorite salad (homemade or eating out)?

Herb Lover’s Oven Fries for Valentine Steak Dinner + Chocolate

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Valentine’s Day is sneaking up . . . do you have big plans? I doubt my husband and I will battle the crowds (or be willing to pay the bill) for a fancy dinner out, so I’ll be preparing a memorable meal at home. Plus, there are the kids . . . .and, I’m sure those non-stop eating machines will want to be fed as well!

With so many boys and men in the house (oldest son in almost 18 years!), there’s not a lot of appreciation for decorating food in shades of pink for Valentine’s Day. But, I did find the way to their hearts with these darling (oh, I mean “manly”) Heart-Shaped Oven Fries. Oven fries are so easy and inexpensive to make and my guys gobble up this healthier dude food with “amoré” – give me “amoré,”Mom!

I used a heart-shaped cookie cutter and baked both the hearts and the remaining potato “circles” with the cutouts missing. I wish I would have taken a photo of those as they came out of the oven, but I was just so focused on the hearts! If you want to make these baked fries “regular,” simply slice into think wedges for the same result.

For Valentine’s Dinner, I’ll be serving this cute side dish with the Pan-Seared Tenderloin Steak with Roasted Balsamic Tomatoes I developed for BeefLovingTexans.com. This steak dinner is a surprisingly easy way to beef up the romance on Valentine’s Day and won’t bust your budget – meaning more funds for wine, chocolate and other treats for your sweet!

If steak isn’t in your budget, these baked fries would be adorable with a romantic burger!

I still haven’t decided what to serve for dessert yet – it will have to be something wonderfully chocolaty. After all, dark chocolate is a superfood that provides important nutrients that protect the heart! Cooking Light has a collection of 100 Lightened Chocolate Dessert Recipes that will make your heart skip a beat — swoon-worthy but not sinful!

Personally, I’ve been stalking the recipe for Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes . . . warm, gooey and individually portioned to prevent “accidentally” eating the whole cake. For Valentine’s Day dinner, I think I would add some lush raspberries on top!

Heart Fries #recipe + Steak + Chocolate = Easy #ValentinesDay Dinner @beeflovingtexans @cooking_light #CLblogger

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Herb Lover's Oven Potato Fries

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

55 mins

Pair these daring heart-shaped, oven-baked potatoes with your Valentine's Dinner -- simply spudtacular and spiffed up with herbs!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 Lbs. Russet potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp salt divided
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp rubbed sage
1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

Heat oven to 450 degrees F and with rack in top.
Wash potatoes and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide planks. Use small cookie cutter to punch out the center of each potato circle.
Put cut potatoes in bowl and fill with hot tap water, let sit for 10 minutes. When potatoes are done soaking, drain, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
Add potatoes back to dried bowl and toss with olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the salt, pepper, parsley, sage and rosemary.
Spread fries out evenly across baking sheet and bake on top rack until fries are starting to turn golden brown, about 25 minutes. Use a spatula to turn fries and continue to roast until crisp on outside, about 15 - 20 minutes longer.
Remove fries from oven, sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and serve while still warm.

Recipe Notes

Cut into 1/2-inch wedges, if preferred.

Beef, Egg and Potato Bake + Make Ahead Meals for Busy Days

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Welcome! If you are stopping by via Taste of Home Feb / March 2015 Issue or my cooking segment on the Home & Family lifestyle show (Hallmark Channel), the Beef Egg and Bake recipe is featured below. I invite you to take a look around my blog, I have lots of other family-friendly recipes and meal solutions that will make your life easier and healthier! In fact, I’ve rounded up a collection of “Double Batch Weekend Cooking” recipes that are ideal for stockpiling during weekend, freezing and thawing out for quick meal on those days when your to-do list just keeps growing.

This is the video link to the cooking segment if you have 7 minutes to spare 🙂

Back to the Beef, Egg and Potato Bake — this down-home, country-inspired breakfast casserole has been lightened for today’s hungry yet health-conscious go-getter. What tastes like sausage is actually super-lean ground beef that has been specially seasoned — but that’s not where the health swaps stop! Added dairy products are reduced in fat and nutrient-rich veggies are incorporated to round out your morning meal.

I originally made this breakfast casserole recipe as a way way to incorporate more protein into breakfast — and ended up demonstrating it all over the state of Texas at the American Heart Associations “Go Red for Women” events last year. I never had a scrap of samples left, so I think it was a hit! When making this at home, you can save precious time my preparing it the night before and baking in the morning. Leftovers may be frozen in single-serve portions and reheated in microwave for the busiest of busy mornings. If you need to eat it while walking out the door, just wrap it in a whole grain tortilla!

Beef, Egg & Potato Bake | #MakeAhead for Busy Days @tasteofhome @HomeAndFamilyTV @HallmarkChannel

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This post is sponsored by Foodie.com — however, all commentary and opinions are my own.

Beef, Egg and Potato Bake

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

50 mins

Total Time

1 hr 15 mins

To keep my family going all morning, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed breakfast dish.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or leaner)
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1 10-oz package frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
14 large eggs
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup hredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
11/3 cups grape tomatoes halved lengthwise

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef with onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, sage and pepper flakes over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking up beef into 3/4-inch crumbles; drain. Stir in spinach. Remove from heat.
Spread potatoes in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with beef mixture.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, ricotta cheese, milk, pepper and remaining salt; pour over top. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with tomatoes.
Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes

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Author Archives: Jennifer FIsher

Fast, Fit Family Valentine Dinners – Mix and Match Menu

Run, Workout and Yoga with Happy Legs | Compression Sock #Giveaway

7 Heart-Healthy Salads | Raspberry, Feta and Wheat Berries Salad

Herb Lover’s Oven Fries for Valentine Steak Dinner + Chocolate

Beef, Egg and Potato Bake + Make Ahead Meals for Busy Days