CLEAN CHICKEN CHILI SALAD

1Can Tomoatoes with Jalepenos
1Can Chili Tomatoes
1Can Northern Beans
1 Tbsp EVOO
1Cup Onions diced
1lb Chicken Tenderloins - cut into pieces
3 dollops Greek Yogurt - 0% fat (FAGE pronounced "fa-yeh")
1 Cup Raw Spinach

Spices - Garlic, chili powder, red pepper flakes*, white pepper, Paprika (I do it to taste - when in doubt - make it a tsp then add more or less as you decide what you like)
*Unless you like it pretty spicy don't put as much red pepper flakes.


GARNISH
1 tbsp Fat Free Sour Cream
1tsp chives
1 tbsp reduced fat feta


In a deep skillet or stock pot, add onion and lightly brown, then add EVOO & cut up chicken, let it brown well together.  Add spices & stir to coat well, then add all tomatoes, & beans, stir well.  Add in Greek Yogurt, stir it will begin to get thick and creamy looking, let it simmer on low for about 10min.  Right before serving, add in 1cup raw spinach. Stir well to coat, let it wilt some but just enough to soften. It adds texture, bit of brightness and bring the together the dish like a taco salad would taste without being dry. 

Garnish with sourcream, chives, & feta crumbles.

Prepared exactly as directed including garnish the nutrition breakdown per serving below:

TUNA VERA CRUZ

1 SERVING

TTL CALORIES 321

TTL FAT - 16G (14g Of that - come from1 Tbsp evoo)

...

Cholesterol 50mg

Sodium 371.8 mg

Potassium 170.1 mg

Total Carbs 9.2

Fiber 2.4g

Sugar 5.9

Protein 35.6g

Vitamin A 16.4%

Viitamin C 26.2%

Calcium 11.3%

Iron 10.8%

Cooking Grains

Use these guidelines to prepare grain varieties for a simple side dish or in place of pasta or white rice in your favorite recipes.

Quinoa

* Has more protein per serving than any other grain

* Is considered "complete" because it contains all eight essential amino acids

* Can be easily added to soups, salads, and baked goods

* To cook: Rinse in cold water before cooking. Bring 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups broth or water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed. Yields 3 cups.



Barley

* Has a chewy, mild taste

* Is protein-rich and contains a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol

* To cook: Bring 1 3/4 cups broth or water to a boil. Add 1 cup barley; reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes. Yields 2 cups.



Polenta

* Is made from ground yellow or white cornmeal and is traditionally a slow-cooked grain

* Its high starch content makes it smooth and creamy when cooked

* To cook: Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Stir while adding 1 1/3 cups instant polenta in a steady stream, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Add water as needed. Cook for 5 minutes or more. Yields 4 cups.



Brown Rice

* Rice that is stripped of its inedible outer husk but retains its vitamin-rich bran layer

* Has a nutty flavor and a chewy texture

* Takes longer to cook than white rice but is available parboiled or precooked

* To cook: Bring 2 cups water or broth to a boil and add 1 cup of rice. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes; fluff with a fork. Yields 3 cups.



Bulgur

* Is made from wheat kernels that have been steamed, dried, and crushed

* Has a tender, chewy texture, is versatile and cooks quickly

* To cook: Add 2 1/2 cups boiling water to 1 cup bulgur. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Yields 2 1/2 cups.



Whole Wheat Couscous

* Made of granular semolina flour

* Staple of North African cuisine; cooks in 5 minutes

* Can be made to be sweet or savory as it has a mild flavor

* To cook: Bring 1 1/2 cups broth or water to boiling; stir in 1 cup couscous. Cover and let stand off heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Yields 3 cups.

Originally published in the October 17, 2008, issue of Family Circle magazine.

Defeat Poison Ivy With Tea Tree Oil

How to cope with the itchy, bubbling rash that you do have? Wash the oil off your hands and clothes after you come in contact.


There are many topical creams like Calamine lotion that can keep the itchiness at bay, but when it comes to poison ivy, the quicker it heals, the better.  My son was given steroids after I took him to the doctor, but as they grew it seemed my kids used to get this when the wind would blow... Tea Tree Oil is the answer!!


                  THIS                                         +                              THIS                               

= RELIEF/HEALING

You can find Tea Tree Oil these days at many places, health food stores, Like Susan World, or Whole Foods.

Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water first. Let the area dry completely and then sprinkle a few drops of the tea tree oil directly on the infected areas. Use a Q-tip to spread it around. Apply twice a day, and you should see the blisters disappearing and the rash clearing up.

Tea tree oil has drying properties, that's why it's also used to treat acne. It also has antifungal properties, so it's also used to heal minor cuts and scrapes

FYI:  You can get a little paranoid when you get this, because you don't want it anywhere else!
Just Remember, the liquid that oozes out of the blisters isn't contagious.

Zuchinni Fritters

Getting ready to plant my garden. Can't wait, as soon I will begin making these a lot. 

1. 1 pound zucchini, stems removed 
2. 1 egg lightly beaten 
3. 1/4 cup parsley, chopped or Green Onion (either optional - if using both reduce to 1/8 cup each) 
4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago (for lighter version try reduced-fat)
5. 1/2 cup flour 
6. 1/2 tsp baking powder 
7. 1/4 cup tarragon, chopped (optional) 
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper to taste 

Combine all of the ingredients except for the zucchini in a large bowl. Whisk to form a batter, removing large lumps, about 1-2 minutes. Grate the zucchini and add it to the bowl. The moisture from the zucchini will produce a thick batter as you stir. Use the batter immediately.

Heat olive or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using a 1/4-cup measure, pour out 3-4 cakes. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Drain on paper towel.

BEST FOODS.........

• FOR YOUR BRAIN                     Eat Blueberries
• FOR ALL DAY ENERGY            Quinoa
• FOR AFTER A WORK OUT       Greek Yogurt
• BOOSTING YOUR BRAIN         Salmon
• HEALTHY SKIN                          Almonds
• SURVIVING FLU SEASON        Red Bell Pepper
• FIGHT CAVITIES                        Cheese
• SEXUAL HEALTH                       Dark Chocolate
• KEEP YOU JOINTS FLUID        Spinach
• SQUASH STRESS                        Strawberries

For more packed info on all of the above facts as to why these foods are the best. I suggest buying a copy of the book COOK THIS NOT THAT.   Its a great resource that can really help your waistline while you still eat good!

Hot Cocoa Bath

Special spa like moment at home in the midst of winter.


Have a child that got good grades, a special award, or maybe feeling a little under the weather, & you just want to cheer them up? Nothing says love like Chocolate!


Treat you or your loved one to a little special time...  Milk baths are classic beauty basics. 


They are effective because the lactic acid in milk helps soften and soothe the skin. Chocolate milk is equally effective; combined with the power of honey, this yummy bath refreshes the skin. 

  2 cups chocolate milk
  1 tablespoon honey
  2 tablespoons mild liquid soap

Stir together all ingredients.   Pour under the running water as you fill your tub. 

Bathe and relax for 15 to 20 minutes.

Make your loved one feel extra special & serve a cup of hot cocoa to sip while bathing. This is especially relaxing in the evening before going to bed.