cran-chili tenderloin with maple vegetables

this is a perfect fall dinner. the house smells amazing and the tenderloin is flavorful and tender. easy, low-cost meal the whole family will love.

1 pkg pork tenderloin
1 onion
2 sm potatoes
2 sm sweet potatoes
3tbsp maple syrup
1/3 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/3 bottle of sweet chili sauce
ground pepper

pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. grease bottom of 9x11 pan.

chop veggies into large pieces. place on bottom of pan and drizzle with maple syrup.

place pork atop the vegetables and season pork with pepper and salt, if desired. gently spoon cranberry sauce on pork and pour chili sauce on top. bake for 1 hour covered in foil.

for smaller portions, or for freezer ready dinners, distribute pork into ziplocks with the cranberry & chili sauces. Freeze until needed. Thaw and and roast.

tres diablo chocolate

translated from devil's three chocolates, this drink was inspired by the drinking chocolate favored by the aztecs. i created this recipe to mimic the chantico beverage starbucks used to sell. it's sinful. also try it with brandy or peppermint schnapps.

1/4 C milk chocolate chips
1/4 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp raw sugar
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 C whole milk
1 C nonfat milk
a few grains of seasalt
a slight sprinkle of cinnamon

in a sauce pan on med-high heat, melt chocolate chips with whole milk, whisking to avoid burning. when chocolate is melted, add powder, sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. whisk to combine.

add nonfat milk to chocolate mixture and whisk frequently to avoid scalding the milk. bring to just a boil and remove from heat, pouring over marshmallows, if desired.

a perfect smoothie

it took me awhile to get the perfect smoothie ratio. now that i have it, we whip up this tasty treat often. also great if kids are sick and need some nourishment. they love it and they get some vitamins too!

1 C juice (100% juice is best)
1 container of yogurt
1 banana
1 C frozen berries (or ice)

add all items to a blender with ice/frozen berries on bottom. blend until smooth. serve.
the possibilities of this smoothie are endless. try different juice & yogurt flavor combo or different berries. opt for a healthier version by using plain non-fat yogurt.

chicken parmesan

i love this recipe! easy, quick and a huge crowd pleaser.

chicken tenderloins, thawed
1 egg
seasoned bread crumbs
parmesan cheese, finely shredded
spaghetti sauce
mozzerella cheese

preheat a pan with olive oil. add shredded parm to breadcrumbs.

dredge chicken tenderloins in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. add chicken to pan and saute for approx 4 min each side.

when chicken is browned on both sides, spoon sauce all around chicken, and top chicken pieces with sliced mozzerella cheese. cover for approx 1 min to allow cheese to melt.

serve with cooked spaghetti.

spinach feta wrap

inspired by starbucks, this is an easy, adaptable recipe.

egg whites
frozen spinach, thawed
feta cheese, crumbled
red bell peppers
minced garlic
South Beach wheat wraps

cook egg in a pan, omlet style.

before removing from the pan, add spinach, sprinkle of cheese, peppers and garlic (to taste). keep in pan long enough to heat throughout.

wrap egg to enclose all ingredients and transfer to the wrap.

fold and cut to serve.

this recipe is intended to be a low cal, low fat breakfast option but can also include salsa, sausage, bacon, etc.

this wrap can also be assembled and frozen for quick morning meal prep. toss in micro wrapped in paper towel for 1 min.

my favorite guacamole

this is a super easy, adaptable recipe full of nutrients. can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or as a side with chips.

1 ripe avocado
1/2 tomato
2 tbsp corn, canned or fresh cut
1 tbsp salsa
cilantro

cut and peel avocado, mash into a bowl.

add tomato, corn, salsa and desired cilantro, mash together.

serve!

bacon sauteed green beans

a great way to use up the season's produce. easy and tasty.

1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1/3 lb bacon

cut up raw bacon into bite sized pieces.

saute bacon until near done, add cut & trimmed green beans.

saute until beans are tender and bright green in color. serve.

diy marinara

of course you don't have any when you need it. here is a quick recipe i mixed up on the fly.

1 can diced tomato
garlic salt
black pepper
dried thyme
dried oregano

combine all ingredients into a food processor, pulse until smooth. add spices to taste, starting small. you can always add more. also great with fresh or dried basil. red pepper flakes add extra kick.

add garlic and chopped onion if using for spaghetti.