A few weeks back, along with the Stuffed Baked Potatoes, we had Southwest Veggie Nachos, an excellent low fat dish.

6 oz backed tortilla chips
1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed/drained
1 diced green pepper
1/2 cup corn
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup sliced black olives
3 tbl pickled jalapeno slices
1-1/2 cups low fat shredded cheese (Mexican blend if available)
4 large plum tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp lime juice
1/2 sliced avocado

Heat Oven to 425F coat cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spread chips. Combine beans, pepper, corn and cumin, spoon over chips, top with olives jalapenos and cheese, bake 5-6 minutes till cheese melts. Combine tomato, onion, cilantro and juice, mix in avocado, serve with salsa.

Note – this dish lends itself to any changes you’d like. Add turkey, chicken, or ground beef if you’d like. Leave out the peppers if you don’t like hot. Have fun, and enjoy! This was served as a main dish, but would make a great appetizer or game day snack in front of the big screen.

written by admin \\ tags: mexican, nachos

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Here are some Valentine’s Day Treats I was inspired to make after looking through Real Simple’s Pinterest.

What you will need:

1/2 stick margarine

1 10 oz. bag of marshmallows

6 cups rice Krispies cereal

red and blue food coloring

Directions:

1. Melt margarine in pan.

2. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.

3. Mix in 10 drops red food coloring and 4 drops blue for a dusty rose color.

4. Turn flame off and stir in rice krispies.

5. Lay mixture on wax paper, about one inch thick. Use a heart (or other) cookie cutter to cut into whatever shape you like.

6. Icing is optional. ENJOY

Comment below, and let us know  what you’re going to cook up for Valentine’s day!

written by rachel

Today’s stuffed baked potatoes were part of a Mexican themed dinner we recently had.

2 lbs baby red potatoes
4 slices center cut bacon
12 oz lean ground turkey
1/2 cup salsa
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup whole milk
2/3 cup shredded cheddar

Wash and cut potatoes in half, then simmer in boiling water until tender. Set aside to cool. Cook bacon and set aside. Cook turkey in pan, adding salsa, chili powder, and other spices above.

Scoop out potato, careful not to break the skin. Mix in the turkey and bacon, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Spoon into the potato skins, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.

Bake at 400F about 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown.

Next up – SouthWest Veggie Nachos, so come look for it next week!

written by rachel \\ tags: mexican, potato

This recipe was a request from a friend….my family’s biscotti recipe! These chocolate chip biscotti are super easy and fun. I bet you will have all, if not most, of the ingredients in your house already.

Here is what you will need:

4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla on low speed. Then add flour and baking powder. Mix until blended. Fold in chocolate chips.

Separate dough into 4 loaves on cookie sheet. Bake (at 350F) for 15 minutes. Take loaves out and let cool.

Once loaves have somewhat settled, slice and turn on an angle. Bake until golden brown, about another 10 minutes. Enjoy!

written by rachel \\ tags: biscotti, dessert