“Almost Instant” Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup, Just Add Hot Water

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thefitfork jennifer fisher paddle boardLife is an adventure and many days, I’m so worn out from my adventuring that I just don’t want to make a meal – especially, if my husband and boys are gone doing their own thing, and it’s just me! But, a nourishing meal is a must to keep me fueled up for the next epic event – be that training for an obstacle race, stand up paddle boarding all day, or hurdling over parking lot puddles on my way into the store!

Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Soup with Marzetta Marinara

Today, I’m sharing a single-serve lunch or dinner solution that is, I must say, quite genius! It’s a “Just Add Hot Water” Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup that is perfect for an almost instant fix when you’ve got the hangries.  The idea is to fill up a glass jar about halfway with fresh ingredients (like marinara, veggies, brown rice and cooked shrimp), stick in the fridge until ready to eat, and then add boiling hot water and shake, shake, shake before slurping up! When you have to work at your desk through lunch, this almost instant soup recipe is 100x better than peanut butter crackers out of the vending machine and can be made just as fast by nabbing hot water from the break room. picy Shrimp Spinach Soup - just add hot water! The perfect meal for lunch at your desk on nights when kids have to make their own!

Mezzetta Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup

Just pour in 1 1/2 cups of water heated in microwave, coffee pot or hot water spigot!

But, it’s not only for eating outside the home. If you fancy yourself a meal prepper, multiply this single-serve soup recipe and feed the family all week! Keep loaded in the fridge and your kids can make their own on those busy nights when no one is (unfortunately) sitting down for dinner at the same time. Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup

I can always count on Mezzetta® Marinara to help me whip up a quick and easy meal, whether it simple zoodles with sauce or an egg poached in marinara (yum)!  I’m all about the #MarinaraSauce . . . every jar of Mezzetta® Marinara is packed with the world’s best tomatoes hailing from the rich soils of Italy’s San Marzano region. Mezzetta® believes in using the fewest, freshest and finest ingredients in their marina sauces (which also contain no added sugar, unlike many other brands).There are six delicious flavors of Mezzetta® Marinara including the Calabrian Chili & Garlic (used in my recipe), Italian Plum Tomato, Whole Garlic & Sweet Basil, Caramelized Onion & Butter, Truffle, Porcini & Cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano

Mezzetta Pizza SauceMezzetta® also makes a pizza sauce that is out of this world!

Use it on pizza or spread it on a panni!

 

Mezzetta Win 11 day trip to Italy

You know what would be a great break from all this business of life? A fabulous Italian adventure!!! I have always dreamed of this trip, it is on my bucket list!  Mezzetta® is giving away an 11-Day Italian Vacation to Italy, you need to ENTER NOW!  One winner (and one guest) will attend culinary experiences (including cooking class and farm tour) in the San Marzano region of Italy and explore other cities of Italy. The Grand Prize trip consists of the round trip coach air transportation between the major commercial airport nearest winner’s residence and Rome, Italy, the culinary experience and tour of Italy. CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Shrimp Spinach Instant Soup #MarinaraSauce recipe + Enter to win 11 Day Italy Trip https://ooh.li/ba0850b

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What adventure is at the top of your bucket list? What are your everyday adventures? Have a creative use for marinara sauce? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer

Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup
Print
"Almost Instant" Spicy Shrimp Spinach Soup, Just Add Hot Water
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 min
Total Time
11 mins
 
Add boiling hot water to a jar full of fresh ingredients, shake, pull out a spoon and . .. viola, you've got a quick and healthy meal solution for lunch or dinner! Yay for portable instant soup!
Course: Appetizer, Condiment, Main Dish, Pasta, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Mezzetta® Marinara- Calabrian Chili & Garlic
  • 1 teapsoon egetable stock base paste (I like Better than Bullion brand)
  • 1 teasponn soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup packed chopped fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 4 ounces pre cooked shrimp
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling or very hot water
Instructions
  1. Layer all ingredients in quart-sized jar with sealing lid. Keep chilled for up to four days until ready to eat. When ready to serve, add 1 ½ cups boiling water (from microwave, tea kettle or coffee pot) and pour into jar. Add lid and shake well to combine, open and enjoy! Serves !

Good Morning! Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake (gluten free)

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Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake Today I’m sharing a mouthwatering and marvelously moist (apologies haters of that word) cake that’s approved (by me) to eat along with your cuppa Joe at breakfast . . . or at lunch or dinner, for that matter. It’s a Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake! No, I’m not pulling your LEGume, but I did use legumes (that is, lentils from Farmer Direct Co-op) to keep my quick-to-fix cake tantalizing tender as well as boost up the nutrition.

Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake is free of refined sugar and the lentils add extra protein and fiber!

This yummy, quick-to-fix cake is a healthy solution for those sweet breakfast or snack cravings. Free of high-gylcemic sugars and overly-refined flours and grains, this recipe relies on the wholesome goodness from plantains, lentils and a gluten-free baking mix. I used a one-to-one measure sugar replacement to keep the calories and carb count down – my go-to is Ellyndale Naturals™ Sugarless Sugar™ from NOW Foods. But, you can also swap in a different sweetener, like coconut sugar, if you prefer.

Farmer Direct Co-op Lentils

I use Farmer Direct Co-op as my source lentils, these little green gems are organic, non GMO and fair trade.  In the past, I had a hard time thinking of uses for lentils past soups or stews . . . or keeping a jar of cooked lentils in the fridge to sprinkle on my salads. But then I had a light bulb moment –why not use pureed lentils (or beans) in recipes for baked goods to add moistness with less oil – plus more fiber and protein!

slice plantain lentil cake toes

I knew my kids would be suspicious if I told them we were eating a cake made of plantains and lentils – so I didn’t say a word. When they gobbled it up and asked for more “banana bread,” I knew this recipe was a winner! While I have cooked it in a 10” pie dish, it also bakes up well in an 8” x 8” brownie pan or as 12 standard-sized muffins.

farmer direct logoWhen it comes to being organic, farmer-owned and fair-deal, Farmer Direct Co-op is 100-percent all of the above and more. Their mission is to promote their co-op farmer’s organic products while building and promoting a healthy environment and socially just food system. When you purchase from Farmer Direct Co-op, you’re buying more than a pea, a lentil or a bean . . you’re buying into part of an evolution of eating aimed at truly nourishing the mind, body and soul.

Head on over to Farmer Direct Co-op to learn more about their awesome company and products like 1lb. shelf bags of Pinto Beans, French Green Lentils, Split Green Peas, Regular Rolled Oats and Quick Rolled Oats. STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY!  They also have a nice collection of healthy recipes on their blog made with whole foods.

Well gooood morning! Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake @farmer_direct #spon

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Have you ever used beans or lentils in a a baked recipe, how so?! Please share in the comments, XOXO — Jennifer 

This post is sponsored by Farmer Direct Co-Op, however all opinions, comments and enthusiasm are my own.

Plantain Lentil Coffee Cake
Print
Plantain and Lentil Coffee Cake
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked organic French green lentils from Farmer Direct Co op
  • cup peeled and chopped very ripe plantain (about 1 medium)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large eggg
  • 1/2 cup one-for-one sugar baking substitute (like Sugarless Sugar)
  • 1 1/3 cup gluten free baking mix your favorite brand
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup raw sliced almonds or tiger nut slivers
  • Coconut oil cooking spray
  • 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
  1. Cook lentils in water according to package instructions, let cool to room temperature. Drain cooking liquid.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  3. Add cooked lentils to food processor along with chopped plantain and almond milk. Process until reasonably smooth. Pulse in one egg oil and coconut oil until combined.
  4. Remove work bowl from processor and add sugar substitute, stirring in to combine. Add baking mix and mix until just combined, scraping down sides of bowl with spatula, as needed.
  5. Pour batter into baking 10-inch round or 8" x 8" square baking dish coated with coconut oil spray. Sprinkle top of batter with shredded coconut and sliced almonds (or tiger nuts).
  6. Bake at 350 F degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center pulls clean. Let cook and cut into nine slices served with a drizzle of honey over the top.

My Old Dog is Smarter than Your Pet (Just Sayin’)

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND. The opinions and text are all mine.


jen and lucy pranaWhile I have three of my own human babies (who are now all bigger than me!), my “furbaby” holds a special spot in my heart – she’s easy-going but very athletic, friendly but enjoys her alone time, wakes up early and is always ready for an adventure.lucy ears flyingHeck, I’d even go as far as to say she’s the canine version of me . . .but, then I’d be calling myself a dog (haha).  Another thing that Lucy, an 11-year old Brittany Spaniel, and I have in common is that although we are both well in to our middle years, neither one of us likes to slow down or be off our game due to fuzzy thinking.

bright mind chicken and riceI eat foods to help me feel, think, and recover better – so why shouldn’t she?! That’s why I was very excited about having her transition over to Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+dog food and having her participate in the Dognition program.

I’ve been feeding her the chicken and rice formula and she’s been gobbling it up — however, I transitioned her by adding a little to her regular kibble (giving her a little less of that) and gradually tinkering with the ratios until she’s was 100% on the new feed.

Brittany Spaniel

Lucy is totally focused when it comes to “hunting” in the backyard — she’s a pointer by nature!

I really don’t like to a accept that dogs (especially mine) are considered “senior” around age seven – but about this stage in life, the glucose metabolism in a dog’s brain starts to change, which can affect alertness and mental sharpness. As owners, we may start noticing little issues in our pet’s memory, learning speed, overall awareness and ability to make appropriate decisions, but we also may quickly dismiss them or even overlook them in the business of life.

lucy fishing 1All these little age-related changes can sneak up, it’s like finally coming to the realization that your child has grown 6 inches in the past year when an infrequent visitor exclaims  very loudly on their new height! It can be hard to see these small incremental changes in your dog when you live side-by-side, day-by-day – that’s why I really appreciated the giving my dog the Assessments at Dognition.com.

My 17 year-old son played games with Lucy that tested her Empathy, Communication, Cunning, Reasoning, and Memory.  Now I can use this data as a benchmark against other dogs of her age and breed and to also monitor her mental sharpness as she continues to get on up there in years. And side note, Lucy LOVED these games and stayed on task with the games for nearly 2 hours – it was impressive!

charmer dog badgeThese tests showed that Lucy is a “Charmer,” that means she is very smart and adept at problem-solving, but likes to use her exceptional social skills and ability to read our body language to recruit us as partners! She’s no dummy, every things more fun when you get the family involved! On the individual tests, she scored the very highest in Empathy and Memory, above average in Cunning and Communication and average in Trustworthiness (haha, she’s a little impulsive)!

purina infographicI’m so thrilled and grateful that Lucy’s as smart and focused as she is for her age – nearly 80 in dog years! I’m planning on keeping her on Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+ formula dog food, a dry kibble introduced last year that contains enhanced botanical oils that have been show (after 30 days) to promote alertness and mental sharpness in older dogs. Lucy’s doing even better than she normally is and definitely wanting to play and interact more – I’d say 11 years old is the new 5 years old for her! I’m beginning to wonder what eating this dog food would do for my forgetful, fuzzy, stressed-out middle-age brain!

I found this infographic on canine cognition and the amazing things dogs can do very enlightening (and cute)!

Learn more about this great cognitive health dog food for senior dogs at BRIGHTMINDEFFECT.com.  You can also enter my giveaway to  Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+ formula dog food

I’m also giving away a free code for a Dognition Assessment (a $19 value) on my Instagram Post – not only are these tests very eye-opening when it comes to the status of your pet’s cognitive health, they are a very fun and bonding activity for you and your older pooch! You might even find out you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! ENTER HERE through 11:59pm on 8/21/2016.

#MySmartDog is speedy & mentally sharp at 11yrs. Find out more @ProPlan BRIGHTMINDS + #Giveaway #Ad

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Do you have a senior dog? Are you noticing any changes with cognition or mental function? Or, just physically?  What is your dog’s favorite game to play? Please share in comments below – XOXO, Jennifer 

3 Companies Keeping Me Happy, Healthy and Running!

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1) MilestonePod Running Wearable

Milestone Pod wearable gadget for runners

I’m fairly low tech when it comes to running, oh how I do love a good pair of shoes and cute outfit, but sometimes all that data at my fingertips pushes me over the edge. In the past, I was a die-hard stat tracker, but today (although I do check in with my running benchmarks now and then), I don’t always record every lap, loop and interval of every run (but when I do, a good GPS watch can’t be beat). Recently, MilestonePod sent me their brand new wearable that provides easy access to “just enough for me” activity data to keep me in touch with my general performance (like overall distance, pace and calories burned that I can check at the end of my run but not every insufferable second), along with insights on my personal running style and how to improve it.  What I REALLY love is how MilestonePod also tracks an assortment of additional metrics such cadence, foot strike and stride length. For example, I’m always trying to keep my cadence between 180 and 200 and this easy to wear gadget keeps the count for me – it also breaks out the percentage of time I strike with heel, forefoot or toes – it makes your shoes smart! Very interesting and useful feedback!  Very reasonably priced (under $30) with a free user app that is downloaded for both Android and iPhone, there is no reason for a runner to give  MilestonePod a go! #GoBeyondPace

2) POPSUGAR Must Have Box

I love LOVE getting these POPSUGAR Must Have boxes in the mail every month – it’s like having twelve birthdays a year!  There are usually around six to eight “gifts” that sum up the season perfectly
(sometimes more)– the July subscription box included sunscreen for your hair, darling emoji fabric cocktail napkins, a lightweight scarf, a cute pineapple pin, an inflatable drink holder that looks like a swan (how cute is this for the pool?), yummy old-school style potato chips, brow highlighter (ooh, middle-aged me needs the lift) and a gift card for $20 towards customizable jewelry from an online boutique!

You need to try out a subscription to POPSUGAR Must Have Box yourself, I’ve never been disappointed!  Get $5 off your first #MustHaveBox box (no expiration date) with code SHOP5 at http://bit.lt/2ao52ns 

3) EverlyWell

everlywell logo

I also just mailed in my Sleep Balance Profile and Home Collection Kit from EverlyWell to identify hormone-related sleep imbalances. Yeah, I am not a champion sleeper and am at my breaking point. I need to know what is going on with my body and EverlyWell makes it simple and convenient to #KnowYourNumbers and I hope the results well help me work with my pharmacist and/or doctor to find the right seep relief I need. They have all sorts of home tests including Food Sensitivities, Cholesterol & Lipids, Heavy Metals, and more. I’ll be posting a full review and the findings from my Sleep & Stress Test in a week or two – but, in the meantime, if you want to save 10% use the code EVERLY10 at checkout.

Please note: EverlyWell offers laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, the tests are not meant to diagnose or treat disease, or to take the place of a physician’s consultation. Testing is not available in NY, MD, RI, or NJ due to regulatory restrictions. EverlyWell does not provide medical advice and always suggests sharing your results with your primary care physician. 

3 Companies that are keeping me happy & healthy! @EverlyWell @POPSUGARMH @MilestonePod #Ad

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Disclaimer: I was provided products and/or compensation to review these products and give my honest feedback – all comments, feedback and enthusiasm are my own!

Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast Bowl

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Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast Bowl

One bite of my Brazilian Beef & Plantain Bowl (with egg, honey and toasted coconut) and you’ll happily say “Tchau” to a tower of pancakes, waffles or buttered toast in the morning!  Loaded with protein, quality complex carbohydrates, iron, potassium and other essential nutrients, this easy breakfast made with leftover steak will fuel you for a full morning of demanding activities! The flavor combination may sound weird, but trust me, it’s so delicious! Pra caramba!

Brazilian Beef & Plantain Breakfast Bowl is a healthy way to start the day, packed with 28g protein and quality complex carbs for energy.

The protein in the recipes is a combination of 3-oz. left over lean steak (like top sirloin, strip, tenderloin, flat iron, etc.) and a single, sunny-side up egg. Along with a little bit from the plantain, you’re getting about 28 grams of protein with this meal – the ideal amount to consume in a single sitting.

Each Day is a New Start! It’s the perfect morning meal for a Protein Challenge!  Each day is a new start, so beat yourself up if your diet wan’t exactly “on point” yesterday — you get a new chance to eat well today!

I always feel best when I’m eating 25g – 30g protein evenly spaced at each meal. Plus, it helps prevent snacking!

 

 

If you’re not familiar with plantains, you can typically find them in most grocery stores in the “exotic produce” area. This “vegetable-banana” is a less sweet and a little more starchy tasting than a regular banana – but so yummy when baked, microwaved or sautéed! They are a common ingredient in the cuisine of Mexico and Central / South America and in Brazil go by their Portuguese name of “banana-da-terra.”

Oh, and now for something crazy beef & bananas that isn’t actually food! It’s me planking until failure the other day before teaching a Grilling 101 class at the Texas Beef Council. 

pinners conference pic 1I’ll teaching a class on “Empowered Meal Prep – Protein for Fitness”  at the Pinner’s Conference in Dallas on Sept 9 & 10th. I’ll be sharing this Brazilian Beef & Plantain Breakfast Bowl along with a delicious Molasses & Pepper Flat Iron Steak recipe and Super Iron-Boosting Steak Spinach Salad. Sign up for my class, I’ll also have beef swag and lots of tasty samples!  Use the discount code FITFORK at online registration to save 10% on the very reasonable cost that allows you access to 100+ classes on food, fitness, crafts, home décor and more! Or, if you just want General Admission to shop and see the sights (no classes), you can get a free pass ($7 at door) using FREESHOPPING. RESISTER HERE

Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast Bowls – Protein for Athletes #Fitfluential

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Have you ever used plantains in a recipe? Do you have a planking hashtag for me?  Are you watching the Summer Olympics? What has your favorite moment been so far? Please share in comments, XOXO – Jennifer

Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast Bowl
Print
Brazilian Beef and Plantain Breakfast Bowl
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Power up your day in savory-sweet South American style with this hearty, protein-rich steak breakfast bowl featuring plantains, coconut, honey and an egg!
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: South American
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 2 medium plantains, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup strips of yellow bell pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 12 ounces leftover cooked steak (tenderloin, sirloin, flat iron, strip, etc)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut raw or toasted, if desired
  • 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
  1. Add coconut oil to medium skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Sauté chopped plantains and yellow peppers for approximately 6 to 7 minutes, or until plantains turning golden brown and peppers softening.
  2. In the last 90 seconds or so of cooking, stir in steak chunks to gently reheat without overcooking. Slide the steak mixture into 4 cereal-sized bowl and set aside.
  3. Immediately poach or fry eggs to your preferred level of yolk “doneness.” Slide a cooked egg on top of each bowl of beef mixture and season with salt, pepper, sprinkle of coconut and a drizzle of honey!