Complete BBQ Chicken Dinner in a Jar! #FullnRichFlavor

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Life got you jumping like grease on a hot skillet? My schedule is sizzling (that’s a good thing), but I’m often so busy that forgetting to eat (or grabbing something bad right before bed) could be a real issue if it weren’t for my three teen boys asking “what’s for dinner” as soon as we roll in from after their school activities. Geeze, all I want to do is take a quick nap.

But, that’s when the panic can start to set in about making nutritious and flavorful dinners, knowing I don’t have anything simmering all day in a slow cooker or thawing and ready to throw on the grill. I don’t want my boys to be one of the estimated 20 percent of Americans who eats at least one fast food meal a day in the car. But, now I can get my nap and still make quick flavorful dinners in a snap thanks by keeping fresh produce and healthier convenience foods on hand like Birds Eye® Flavor Full vegetables and Farm Rich® Smokehouse high-quality, high protein cuts of meat. Both of these time and sanity-saving products are recipe ready, straight from the freezer.

I have a super quick and easy recipe to share today for BBQ Chicken Dinner in a Jar – it’s hearty yet nicely-balanced, perfect to serve my whole passel of hungry boys in under 15 minutes! All the yummy things you’d find on a barbecue dinner plate – like corn, coleslaw, beans, smoked chicken and pickles are piled up with love in a glass mason jar.

Another perk of these healthy flavorful dinners in a jar is that they can be eaten on-the-go and in the car (gasp)! Just layer them up warm (or reheat premade jars) and the kids can eat them right out of the jar on the way to or from tutoring, sports games, band practices or what-have-you. When done, screw back on the lid and deal with the “dishes” when you get home. This quick and easy dinner recipe can also be prepped and eaten cold – it’s actually quite good on top of a bed of lettuce!

If you need a comprehensive tailgate recipe or hosting an outdoor hoedown or some other fall-season festivity, these BBQ Chicken Dinners can be assembled in plastic glasses – guests can still see the beautiful layers of barbeque ingredients, but clean-up is super easy-breezy.

Making a healthy, balanced meal like these Barbeque Chicken Jars does not have to be difficult if you have products from Birds Eye® and Farm Rich® Smokehouse. The high-protein, high-quality meats from Farm Rich® Smokehouse can be prepared in minutes; the hours of flavor-infusing smoking have been done on your behalf! I also appreciate how Birds Eye Flavor Full vegetables deliver the flavor my family wants (Buffalo Cauliflower, Ranch Broccoli, Sour Cream & Onion Potatoes, Teriyaki Broccoli and Barbecue Sweet Corn) with the nutrition they need. Find both these brands in the freezer aisle at Walmart.

For a limited time, earn $0.75 on Birds Eye Vegetables and unlock $1.00 off one Farm Rich® Smokehouse product with Ibotta while supplies last. Note: If you haven’t used Ibotta, you have to download the app available on iOs and Android. Before you shop, be sure to unlock the rebates for both Birds Eye Vegetables and Farm Rich® Smokehouse. Then, shop! Buy the products that you’ve unlocked at major retailers. Finally, verify your purchase by scanning your barcodes and submitting a photo of your receipt!

Make dinner easy, quick (and to-go) BBQ Chicken Dinner in a Jar @BirdsEye @FarmRichSnacks. #FullnRichFlavor #Ad #Pmedia

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What night of the week is craziest for you? How do you deal with dinner with only a few free minutes? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Birds Eye®, and Farm Rich® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #FullnRichFlavor http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

BBQ Chicken Dinner in a Mason Jar

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

Make a complete BBQ Chicken Dinner in 5 minutes, layer ingredients up in a jar to eat on the go, at a football game, tailgating or other outdoor parties.

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern, Southwestern

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

1 10 ounce bag Birds Eye Flavor Full BBQ Sweet Corn, thawed
1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces rainbow slaw mix
12 ounces Farm Rich Smokehouse Dry Rub Chicken from 20 oz package, thawed
1/2 cup reduced fat ranch dressing
1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce
pickles and grape tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

May be served warm or cold. To prepare warm, heat beans, corn and chicken in separate containers according to instructions on packages. Skip this step if preparing cold.
Using 16-ounce glass mason jars or 12 - 16 ounce "squatty" clear plastic glasses, layer ingredients in each container in this order, starting at bottom -- approx 4 oz beans, 2.5 oz corn, generous handful rainbow slaw, 2 tbs. dollop of ranch dressing, 3 oz chicken and 2 tbs. dollop of BBQ sauce.
Skewer pickle slices and grape tomatoes together on toothpick and add as garnish. Serve immediately.
May be prepared cold and stored in refrigerator (with lid or cover) for up to 3 days.

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win! #MeatlessMondayNight

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This blog post was sponsored by Silk but the opinions are all my own.

What happens when professional football and feeding the family a vegetarian meal collide – its #MeatlessMondayNight !! So, if your stomach is growling, get ready to rumble, there are so many meal and dessert options that don’t feature meat or dairy products. I’ll get to the entrée later, but let’s talk dessert first!

While I eat with my health in mind and look at food as a way to fuel my body for running, yoga and Crossfit, I also think it should taste fantastic – and should include room for the occasional sensible snack and dessert. To satisfy my sweet tooth after a Meatless Monday dinner, I’ve whipped up these easy Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings that my whole family loves.

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings make the perfect, light addition to your football game night spread – especially if everyone has been filling up on heavy dips and appetizers. I’ve also served the individual-sized portions in clear plastic cups for easy clean up at tailgating parities. Just fill the disposable cups up with pudding, cover with plastic wrap and then place in a cooler along with a can of dairy-free topping for that special touch.

Great in recipes, but Silk Vanilla Soymilk is also yummy by the glassful!

These Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Puddings can be served in 2 ounce shooter glasses for a fancy presentation at a cocktail parting or holiday gathering. I’ve made the recipe with Silk Vanilla Soymilk, but you can easily swap in Silk Almondmilk, Silk Cashewmilk or Silk Coconutmilk. Compared to traditional cannoli made with full-fat ricotta cheese, heavy cream and lots of oil from frying the shells, my pudding version will keep you light on your feet!

If you’re a meat-eater (and I unapologetically am), why not join in the #MeatlessMondayNight challenge along with me? You don’t have to give up your meat every night of the week, just incorporate a vegetarian meal once a week, like for Monday night football games this season! Personally, I am never going to give up meat all together, I’m just into a varied diet with lean proteins including meat, poultry, fish, and plant-based protein along with colorful produce in season – my personal hashtag should be #AllTheFoods ! The products from Silk work so well in all my recipes and make it easier to attain this once-a-week change.

Check out my meatless recipes above, and also visit Silk to for their collection of plant-based protein dishes. .

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding sweet end to #MeatlessMondayNights @LoveMySilk #ad

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Any vegetarian football game appetizers or desserts in your repertoire? Who are you rooting for this football season? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win!

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

35 mins

End your Meatless Monday on a sweet note with this quick and easy dairy-free dessert option that uses Silk soymilk. #MeatlessMondayNight

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 4-serving box sugar-free chocolate pudding mix
2 cups Silk Vanilla Soymilk may substitute cashewmilk, almond milk or coconutmilk
1/2 cup diary-free ricotta substitute I used "Tofutti" brand
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
2/3 cup non-dairy whipped topping
2 tablespoons non-dairy chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shelled, chopped pistachios
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
4 wafers, waffle cone wedges, etc I used 34 Degrees Original Crisps

Instructions

Add pudding mix, soymilk, ricotta substitute, cinnamon and allspice in bowl. Whisk together for several minutes until well combined and beginning to thicken.
Pour into ramekins or shooter glasses and let chill for at least 30 minutes.
To serve, top with whipped topping, chocolate chips and pistachios.

Steak, Fig and Blue Cheese Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Looking for an easy yet elegant salad — a gorgeous plate of early fall flavors that will have co-workers peeking over the cubicle or neighbors knowing at the door? My Steak Salad with Fig, Blue Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette will have you running to the grill for some last minute steak-making before Jack Frost rears his ugly head. Honestly, in Austin, the fall is the BEST time of year for grilling!

And, time to break out the compression socks, finally!

Check out my favorite brand, Vim & Vigr — I’m an ambassador for this fun, quirky and super stylish sock company! Their Instagram profile also equally energizing!

This salad features top sirloin steak, a lean cut of beef that packs a great nutritional punch for athletes and active individuals with only about 150 calories and 6.5 grams fat for a 3 ounce serving plus 26 grams protein and lots of iron and other essential vitamins and minerals. The beauty of sirloin is it’s versatility, convenience and (duh) taste – it’s a weekday AND weekend go-to for me. Because sirloin is already a fairly tender cut, there is no need to marinade except to add flavor — my simple pomegranate marinade adds a slightly sweet, super delish dose of that! But, if you are rushed and need to skip marinating, the recipe will still be yummy.

Figs have been so great lately, you may want to make a few more fig recipes before the season is over. Check out the 5 Ways with Fresh Figs from the Simmer and Boil blog at CookingLight.com

Steak, Fig, Blue Cheese Salad w/ Pomegranate Dressing #FallFlavor #CLblogger

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What is your take on fresh figs, love ’em or hate ’em? What are you doing this weekend, anyone have a race? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

Steak, Fig and Blue Cheese Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Total Time

37 mins

Enjoy the ripe, rich fruits of fall on a delicious steak salad that is kicked up with the aged tang of blue cheese and salty Spanish Almonds.

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For Marinade and Steak:

1 cup 100% pomegranate juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons molasses
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Dressing

1 cup 100% pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon quality aged balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 to 1.5 lbs top sirloin steak

For Salad:

6 to 8 cups baby spring mix
1/2 cup pomegranat arils
12 black mission figs, halved
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/3 cup Marcona almonds

Instructions

Add pomegranate juice, oil, molasses, vinegar, pepper, salt, and thyme to non-reactive boil and whisk together until ingredients are incorporated. Pour into heavy-duty zip-top bag and add sirloin steak(s). Seal top and gently toss a few times to coat meat. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare vinaigrette by simmering the pomegranate juice in non-reactive saucepan until reduced to 1/3 cup, approximately 9 or 10 minutes. Remove from heat. While still warm, stir in the honey, salt, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil; set aside to cool.
When ready to prepare steaks, heat grill to 400 F degrees. Drain and discard marinade from steaks. Grill steaks for approximately 5 minutes per side, flipping once. Remove from grill when instant read thermometer reaches 135 F degrees when inserted at thickest part of meat. Let rest for at least 5 minutes while prepping salads. To prepare salad, divide spring mix evenly among four plates. Top with halved figs, pomegranate arils, almonds and blue cheese crumbles. Slice steak thinly across grain and top each salad with 3 to 4 ounces of beef. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Orange Chicken Love + $25 Giveaway to Panda Express

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Orange. Chicken. Love. #OrangeChickenLove. Do I have your attention? If you’ve never eaten at Panda Express, you really need to try it out ASAP. Panda Express has been a tried-and-true, busy-day meal option for my family – and with so many delicious menu items, there is always something everyone – even my pickiest eaters. While the healthy mama in me appreciates that a “side” option is steamed veggies instead of fried rice or noodles, the universal, hands-down family favorite classic Chinese dish is the Orange Chicken.

Yup, The Orange Chicken love is strong with the three hungry teen boys and he-man in my house, and I have to personally admit, the recipe is definitely chopstick lickin’ good. Inspired by flavors and culinary style of the Hunan Province in South Central China, Panda’s Original Orange Chicken is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites, and wok tossed with Panda’s secret sweet and spicy orange sauce – it’s Panda’s most beloved dish.

There are so many other dishes to try out at this quick-stop restaurant, you’ll never get bored – some of my other favorites are the chicken and green beans and the broccoli and beef. Plus, as an athlete who is mindful about what she eats, I appreciate that Panda Express puts all the calorie counts right on the menu so you can make an informed choice. For example, the Orange Chicken isn’t one of the lightest, lowest-fat options – but I crave it, so I pair it up with the steamed veggies. It’s all about balance.

I love how you can get steam veggies as a side at Panda Express, rather than fried rice or noodles.

If you’re in one of the lucky cities, you can get your fix on the Orange Chicken Love Truck Tour – it just came through Austin last weekend at the UT vs. Rice game. Head over to OrangeChickenLove.com to get the Panda Express Food Truck stop schedule and shop for orange chicken swag (seriously some cute stuff)!

So, let’s talk fortune cookies. The irony of fortune cookies is they aren’t even eaten in China, historians say they were actually invented in Japan and popularized in America. More than three billion are gobbled up a year, that’s a lot of predictions. What’s the funniest or most spot-on message you’ve ever cracked open a cookie to find? Please share in the comments! How about finding “There is such a thing as a free lunch.” That would be awesome, and it may come true if you enter my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Panda Express. However, I hope you’ll understand if the message doesn’t actually arrive in a fortune cookie! Oh, and please get you some Orange Chicken Love whether you win or not! To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter instructions below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Run, Workout, Eat, BCAA 2x Day, Repeat! + Med Ball WOD

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Running comes naturally to me, it always has and I am so thankful for that. Being a runner is part of who I am (been running strong for 25 years), and God-willing, I’ll be competing at some level for many more decades. But I don’t just wake up and assume my body will perform like my ego thinks it should. I’ve eaten crow too many times for that. Staying where I want fitness-wise takes a holistic, whole-body approach which includes training smart along with eating and sleeping well. While real estate tycoons capitalize on location, location, location – we athletes make our gains on recovery, recovery, recovery!

Now, as hard as it is to admit, my gains look a little different. I’m no longer that runner in my late 20s who can train hard and play hard and still pull of a 2:50 marathon. Flash forward 20 years (and it was a flash), and I’ve slowed some . . . while that’s a hard pill to take some days, I remind myself that I perform at a higher level on an age-graded scale and, overall, I’m a stronger, more well-rounded athlete. I actually workout now– not just run! I just have to pay more attention to rest and nutrition as part of my recovery strategy. Today, I’m recovering from a run and this Med Ball Workout.

Sleep is so important for recovery and a problem area in my life, but I’ll get to that later. Nutrition is the other main component, and thankfully I can more easily control how goes down with my workout recovery! I optimize my performance for the next day by eating a colorful, wholesome diet with plenty of muscle-making protein balanced with healthy complex carbs. After an intense effort, I have a 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio snack or shake within 30 minutes (typically a whey protein isolate in the form of a shake or bar), followed up by a good meal within a couple hours. Personally, for my size, I’m eating about 100 grams of protein a day to support my active lifestyle – that’s quite a bit, but not undoable if choosing lean proteins or super-clean protein powders.

Still, I sometimes have trouble with achy joints, dead legs or delayed onset muscle fatigue (damn you CrossFit). I’ve started taking a great new lean amino acid protein product immediately after I exercise (in addition to my protein snack)– Isopure® Aminos. If you think amino acids are for hard-core bodybuilders only, look at me and think again. This forward-thinking formula supports comprehensive body and mind benefits with BCAAs combined with Tart Cherry (to reduce inflammation and thusly next-day soreness) and L-Theanine for a relaxed, calm feeling. There are studies that suggest both tart cherry and LTheanine also help to promote better sleep – yay!

Research shows that the biggest surge of muscle-making growth hormone happens while we sleep, so it’s important to get enough quality snoozing time and have adequately eaten before bed. To fuel my body through the night, I always have a slow-digesting protein snack before bed such as Greek yogurt, almonds or a protein powder shake – if I don’t, I’ll wake up before 4 am hungry! Adding a BCAA product like Isopure® Aminos can also help with the night-time muscle recovery and building process – plus, the Tart Cherry brings on the elusive Zzzzz’s!

So, are you wondering — how do you use this stuff? Just put a full scoop of Isopure® Aminos into 10 – 12 ounces of water – I appreciate that it dissolved really easily into my water bottle, no shaker or blender required. Isopure Aminos also tastes really good and refreshing after a sweaty workout or run and comes in yummy flavors including Cranberry Grape, Alpine Punch and Cherry Lime.

With only 10 calories per serving, there’s no worry about busting your daily allotment – it’s just a great booster to pair up with a whey protein isolate or other protein-rich food.

Come back on September 29th – I’m sharing a yummy bedtime snack using Isopure Aminos. Meanwhile, check out ISOPURE to get more info on how it can help you bring your strongest fight to a workout every time!

Run, WOD, Eat, Drink @IsopureCompany, Sleep, Repeat! #BehindTheMuscle #Ispoure #Ad

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Do you take any post-workout supplements? How many hours of sleep are you logging per night? Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

This post sponsored by ISOPURE. All opinions and experiences are my own.

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The Fit Fork

Complete BBQ Chicken Dinner in a Jar! #FullnRichFlavor

Skinny Chocolate Cannoli Pudding for the Win! #MeatlessMondayNight

Steak, Fig and Blue Cheese Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Orange Chicken Love + $25 Giveaway to Panda Express

Run, Workout, Eat, BCAA 2x Day, Repeat! + Med Ball WOD