Sunday, June 24, 2012

Simple Spinach Salads





Simple Spinach Salads are my favorite side dish.  They are quick, easy to prepare and delicious.  Spinach is my favorite salad green by far.  Not only does it taste great, but it is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet.  One cup of spinach has more than 20 vitamins and mineral with only 40 calories.  I like it fresh and wilted.  You just can't go wrong with Spinach!







The simple salad shown above only contains sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese and spinach.  Why spend time cooking veggies when you can make a delicious, fresh salad in less than 5 minutes.  This salad is great by itself or with several dressings including balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette.

Most kids like the taste of spinach, because it is not bitter.  I started my children on simple spinach salads made with berries, grapes (cut in half) or cherry tomatoes. Now they prefer spinach over other less health choices of greens.   

I challenge you to have a simple spinach salad as a side dish at least twice per week.  Not only will you save time, but you will improve you health.  Let me know what combinations you and your family enjoy!

What else is to like about Spinach?
  • Spinach contains at least 12 cancer fighting antioxidants.
  • Fresh spinach is know to improve cardiovascular health.
  • Spinach contains nutrients that are known to fight prostate and ovarian cancer.
  • Spinach has been shown to improve brain health and slow down the aging process.

    

Monday, June 18, 2012

Almond Chicken with Strawberry - Balsamic Sauce


If you prefer a sweet-tart sauce with your crispy chicken, then look no further. This is very easy to make and is wheat/dairy free. Your family will think you've spent hours on this quick and delicious meal served with a wilted spinach salad!


 Ingredients

1/2 cup of McCann's Quick Cooking Rolled Oats
1/3 cup of Trader Joe's Almond Meal (or coarsely ground almonds)
8 Chicken Breast Tenderloins
Coconut Oil
1/4 cup of chopped green onions
1/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup of strawberry preserves
3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
1 package of baby spinach
Salt & Pepper to taste

  • Combine the Oats, Almonds, Salt and Pepper in a large ziplock or tupperware.
  • Add chicken one piece at a time and shake to coat evenly.
  • In a large skillet coated with coconut oil, cook over medium heat until done.
  • Remove chicken and keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, cook green onions until tender.
  • Stir in broth, preserves, vinegar and bring to a boil. 
  • Reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes)
  • Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan, bring 1/2 inches of water to boil . 
  • Add spinach, cove and cook for 3 minutes until wilted, then drain.
  • Serve chicken and spinach with the sauce and Enjoy!
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Monday, June 11, 2012

Farm Fresh Purple Hull Peas & Green Beans

Gretchen and I took a trip to her Mother's farm in Dallas last week while I attended a convention for Realtors, Banks and Loan Servicers.  We had some great meals while we were there' and even brought home some farm fresh veggies: including purple hull peas and green beans.  They are so delicious, and easy to cook. It made me wish I lived on a farm...but only for a minute.
 
Ingredients

4 cups of shelled purple hull peas
4 slices of Trader Joe's Uncured, Fully Cooked Bacon
Crazy Jane's Mixed Up Salt
Filtered Water

  • Shell the purple hull peas and rinse.
  • Add peas to a sauce pan and cover with water plus one inch.
  • Cut the bacon into 1 inch strips and add to the pan with some salt.
  • Boil for 45 minutes on medium heat until tender.  Enjoy!



Ingredients


4 cups of green beans
1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Crazy Jane's Mixed Up Salt








  • Rinse the green beans and snap off the ends.
  • Saute the green beans in a skillet under medium heat for 15 minutes or until tender-crisp.
  • Add salt to taste and enjoy!
We ate these veggies with My Favorite Meatloaf.  What a perfect pairing!