Category Archives: Recipes

Mojito Mint Iced Tea & Pure Via Giveaway

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Another holiday to report — did you know June is National Iced Tea Month! Oh how I love to sun brew a big container of tea and flavor it with ginger and lemon – or sometimes I’ll mix my pitcher of refreshment with a fruit puree. Or, how about a tall glass of Mojito Mint Iced Tea, that’s what I have for you today! Sit back on the porch and enjoy, y’all!

mint lime sun tea

 Mojito Mint Iced Tea Recipe

  •  2 quarts water
  • 4 – 6 black tea bags (depending on strength preference)
  • 2 limes
  • 1 bunch of mint
  • Liquid stevia to taste

Directions: Pour water into a large glass container with lid. Add tea bags and hang tags over rim. Zest limes into tea container, taking care not to zest bitter white pith. Reserve limes, for use later. Massage and twist mint with hands to activate oils; immerse into container. Top with lid and set in sunny part of yard for 4 – 5 hours. Take tea bags out of jar and pour tea through strainer to remove zest and mint leaves. Squeeze flesh of zested limes into tea, add liquid stevia to taste – -stir and enjoy!

Remain calm, this is just a Stevia plant!

Remain calm, this is just a Stevia plant!

I’ll be first to come clean that I have a major sweet tooth and can’t drink my iced tea plain – yet that sweet tea that’s served down here in the south is way to sugary. My compromise is to use stevia, a natural and zero-calorie extract derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. I still get the satisfaction of “sweet” without the calories, carbs or that sickly saccharine taste that comes with many other sugar substitutes.

I’ve tried many brands of stevia and I really like Pure Via®, the company has a wide range of products including non-GMO stevia packets that can be sprinkled in beverages and used in recipes along with liquid stevia that comes in a handy little squirt bottle that fits in my purse – I love to sweeten my on-the-go coffees and smoothies with the vanilla – the sweetness of stevia is very concentrated, so just a few drops will do ya!

sugar free berry lemonade

If you like to cook, bake or mix up drinks with stevia, check out Pure Via’s collection of yummy recipes.  I can’t wait to make this Blackberry Lemonade – as I’ve mentioned before, blackberry is totally the hipster berry of the year!

Pure Via and Iced Tea

Win this Pure Via Summer Fit Kit!

One of you lovely readers will soon be even sweeter — that’s because I’m giving away a Pure Via®  Summer Fit Kit that includes:

  • Box of Pure Via® non-GMO packets
  • Bottle of Pure Via® stevia liquid
  • Bottle of Pure Via® vanilla stevia liquid
  • Container of instant iced tea
  • Pure Via mason jar & straw
  • Pure Via pedometer (get in your 10,000 steps!)
  • Pure Via SPF 15 lip balm

To enter the giveaway, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter app – also, please note that this review and giveaway is sponsored by Pure Via®, however the opinions are my own. Entrants must be limited to the U.S. only and only one winner per household (eg: you can’t win the same prize from another blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grate Expectations – Seared Steak Thai Salad – #GrillIt #WinIt

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There’s something special about summer grilling – relaxing in the great outdoors, keeping the grill master company with good conversation and a cold beer, and enjoying the season’s bounty sizzling off the grates.  It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day, except for when it isn’t.  When the thermometer is hovering over 100 degrees, the mosquitos are as big as dragonflies, and dirty barbeque smoke is making your eyes water, it’s time to head back indoors!

Man Grilling

Dean on grill duty, getting a little smoke in his eyes!

But, how can you get that that grilled outside flavor from the cool comfort and convenience of your kitchen? Well, I have had some luck with a grill pan that sits right on your stove top, but even better is the Searing Grill from Hamilton Beach – it heats to a really high temperature to lock in the natural juices in the lean protein or produce you are grilling. The grate marks it makes are gorgeous, food looks like it has been flipped around by Bobby Flay. Clean up is easy, the grates can go in the dishwasher and slide-out drip pan washes easily in the sink – no more standing out in the backyard with your grill disassembled and for a spray nozzle hose blasting.

healthy grilling recipes thefitfork.com

I’ve tested a few of my favorite grilling recipes on this awesome indoor grill –- from my Tuscan Grilled Eggplant to Mojo Chicken Breast with Citrus pictured above.

seared beef mango thai salad I also created a delicious recipe for Seared Beef & Mango Thai Noodle Salad Recipe for Hamilton Beach’s blog, EverydayGoodThinking.com. This easy recipe keeps things cool, the lean beef and mango sear quickly on the grill while the rest of the veggies don’t need any cooking – even the thread-thin noodles only need to soak it hot water from the sink. Head over to EverydayGoodThinking.com right now to get the recipe and more!

win it searing grill

So, yay! Thanks to Hamilton Beach, I get to give away one of these Searing Grills so you can #GrillIt !  Enter via the Rafflecopter app below and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you are the winner!

Oh and speaking of grilling, it’s not too late to register for my “Live Well, Grill Well” class at the downtown Whole Foods in Austin, Texas. I would love to have a packed house!

live well grill well

a Rafflecopter giveaway

16 Summer Smoothies to Get Your Motor Running

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gallery of smoothies

Ready, get set, blend! I have 16 special smoothies to keep you cool as a cucumber (or frozen banana) through this warm weather season. Whether you’re slurping one up for breakfast, as pool side refreshment or refueling post-workout or run, these healthy frozen beverages will keep you hydrated and help you beat the heat. Plus, smoothies are an easy way to help you meet your daily fruit and vegetable intake goals, so start pureeing your produce, my friends!

healthy frozen beverages 1

Simple Green Smoothie – Avocado gives this straight-up spinach and almond milk smoothie a creamy, dreamy richness.

Mint Melon Smoothie – The fresh mint in this cantaloupe smoothie will give your health and mood a lift!

Cherry Crisp Smoothie –  Nature’s sweetest cherries and oats will have you reminiscing about Grandma’s famous desserts a la mode!

Sweet Beet Smoothie – Beet juice, red berries and cherries make this smoothie perfect for improving athletic performance and recovering afterward.

healthy frozen beverage 2

Pineapple Express Smoothie – The caffeinated tea in this tropical smoothie gives your morning jump start, mon!

Tomato Strawberry Smoothie A tomato is a super nutritious fruit, after all! It’s about time it found its way in a smoothie.

Layer Spring Smoothie – Three layers of yumminess make this smoothie three times the fun – banana, spinach and strawberry!

Blackberry Lemon Smoothie – The blackberry is the trendiest fruit for 2014 and gives this smoothie a hip vibe.

healthy frozen beverage 3

Apple Cider Cinnamon Smoothie – Even in the heat of summer, this sweet and healthy smoothie will have you dreaming of a fall harvest. It’s a bushel of all the best, whirled up in a glass.

Peaches ‘n Cream Smoothie – Sometimes simple things are the best and this straightforward smoothie makes the summer’s best peaches shine bright!

Skinny Elvis Smoothie – Don’t leave the room without this awesome banana, chocolate peanut butter smoothie! Recipe in the photo.

Chocolate Orange Smoothie – Citrus and dark chocolate come together beautifully; this smoothie might remind you of those chocolate oranges popular at Christmas!

healthy frozen beverage 4

Caramel Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Instead of a slice, take a slurp of this holiday-inspired smoothie that is worth celebrating year round!

South of the Border Chocolate Smoothie – A hint of cinnamon and cayenne pepper make this rich but healthy chocolate smoothie practically shout out “Ole!” Recipe in the photo.

Apricot Almond Smoothie – Use fresh apricots or dried ones that have been soaked overnight – a super smoothie that is surprisingly rich in iron.

Creamy Watermelon Protein Smoothie – So refreshing, so hydrating! This sweet smoothie is the perfect post-workout reward. Recipe in the photo.

 

If these aren’t enough smoothie ideas for you, then check out the extravaganza of healthy smoothie recipes from Cooking Light – there are 26 different varieties!

healthy smoothies cooking light

Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet for Father’s Day Breakfast

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beef team superhero run

Me with my dad — he’s always there to support and cheer me on at a race!

Father’s Day is almost here and I’m plan to let my pops know he’s tops with a hearty, healthy breakfast. Although the gesture can’t compare with the endless years of love and support,  I’ve received from my father, it does speak to one of our favorite shared hobbies – eating Mexican food!

Father's Day Beef Omelet

I like to keep my recipes as heart-healthy as possible —  we have a family history issue going on. My recipe for Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet is pumped up with protein from lean beef, eggs and black beans and lower in fat – no cheese was needed thanks to a flavorful assortment of nourishing veggies. I know what you’re thinking though – beef for breakfast?! Actually, lean beef is a much healthier option than bacon, pork sausage and many other breakfast meats. For example, 2 ounces of beef skirt steak has about 124 calories and 6.5 grams of fat compared to 306 calories and 23.5 grams of fat for an equal portion of bacon!  I made this recipe on behalf of Litehouse Foods, and used their delicious Creamy Ranch Dressing – just a little dab will do you on this Father’s Day breakfast or brunch recipe.

Creamy Jalapeno Beef Fajita Omelet Recipe

  • Cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup canned black beans that are rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 4 grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
  • 1/4 red bell pepper seeded and cut into ¼” thick rings
  • 1/4 small sweet onion cut into ¼” thick slices and rings separated
  • ½ fresh jalapeno pepper cut into ¼” rings
  • 2 ounces precooked and seasoned beef fajita strips
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg whites (or ½ cup of egg whites from carton)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh red onion
  • 1/4 cup Litehouse Food Jalapeno Ranch dressing

1. Spray medium skillet with cooking spray and add black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, sweet onion, jalapeno pepper, and beef fajita strips. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until ingredients are heated through and vegetables have soft-crisp texture. Remove from heat for use later.

2. Combine salt, egg whites and egg in medium bowl, breaking yolk and combining with a whisk.

3. Coat omelet-sized nonstick skillet with cooking spray and bring to medium heat. Pour egg mixture into skilled let egg mixture set slightly.

4. Tilt pan and carefully lift edges of omelet with a spatula, permitting uncooked egg to flow underneath. Sprinkle cilantro and red onion on top.

5. Cook approximately 3 minutes; carefully flip omelet and cook for another minute. Spoon vegetable, beef and bean mixture onto one side of omelet, reserving a red pepper ring and jalapeno for garnish. Carefully loosen omelet with a spatula; fold in half over filling. Slide omelet onto a plate with reserved veggies.

If you’re feeding a crowd (or a really hungry father) my Healthy Beef & Egg ‘Barn Raiser’ Bake will fuel up dad for whatever adventures the morning brings.

healthy egg and beef casserole

 

By the way, if you are in Austin, come to one of my “Live Well, Grill Well” classes that will be held at Whole Foods on June 22 & June 28. I will be teaching everyone, including Alex, Booker & Sara from MIX 94.7, how to make their summer meals sizzle . . . not fizzle!

live well grill well

 

What do you plan to do with your dad on Father’s day? Does he have a favorite breakfast?

The Hipster Berry | Blackberry Lemon Smoothie Recipe

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blackberryDid you know that professional “flavorists” have named the blackberry as a flavor that will be trending over the next year?  That makes me pretty happy because I love sweet, juicy black berries and I’ve noticed my local grocery store doesn’t yet seem to know just how hip and happening these little brambling beauties have become. Despite the crescendoing cool factor, blackberries are often the cheapest berry in the produce section — shhhh!

 

You may be most familiar with blackberries in jam, syrup or baked up in a country cobbler or atop a pretty little dessert like my Lemon Chia Seed Tea Cakes with Blackberries. But blackberries also pair pleasingly well with unusual flavors such as pepper, ginger or balsamic vinegar. Of late, I’m seeing blackberries used as a feature ingredient with chefs and bartenders crafting delicious drinks, dinners and desserts everywhere from food trucks to fancy-schmancy venues, aren’t you?! It’s time to get creative making both sweet and savory dishes featuring blackberries – here’s a delicious and nutritious smoothie recipe to get you started:

berry lemon smoothie

Place ¼ cup lemon juice, 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blackberries, 8 ounces almond milk and ½ cup cottage cheese in a blender. Pulse on and off for about 1 minute, or until smooth and creamy. Serves 1.

Blackberries aren’t just the cool kids in the fruit basket, they are also super healthy — but you probably already knew that! The seeds of blackberries are rich in Omega-3s and the plump flesh is packed with vitamins and other nutrients including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.Serve them with other berries for a bonanza of healthy benefits — a side perk, the pairing will make strawberries, blueberries  and other (ahem) less fashionable fruits seem suddenly much more interesting.

blackberries

Blackberries make a sweet and simple snack during the summer — remember to hydrate too!

CookingLight.com has a Guide to Blackberries that will help you select the best basket (or bushel) at the market. While you’re there, check out the mouthwatering gallery for Blackberry Recipes for summer entertaining inspiration.

Don’t want to miss the Grilled Pork with Blackberry Sage Sauce:

pork tenderloin with blackberry sage

Wash it down with a Blackberry Margarita! Yee-haw!

black berry margarita