Caprese Chicken

Caprese Chicken

I used the balsamic vinegar reduction from the link at the bottom. I accidentally reduced it a TAD too much, haha. But it still worked. I also waited a few minutes to take a photo, so the crisp fine lines of sauce had spread. But it tastes a lot better than it looks. And I think it looks pretty good!

This was amazing. I salt and peppered the chicken then seared each side, then baked it. I did the typical mozzarella and tomato topping and broiled them the last 3-5 minutes.  I kept it pretty simple, the only change I did from the traditional recipe is instead of fresh basil leaves, I used dried. I try to cut up our meals for our toddler and I thought it would be easier for him to eat and still get the taste. Anyways, it was great and will be on our meal rotation! I paired it with a simple tossed salad with Parmesan, no dressing. You're able to use the sauce from the chicken. I also toasted some cut bread with olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, pepper, and garlic powder to serve sort of like a crouton.

Alana's Review

Ease: 4.5/5

Taste: 5/5

Comments: No changes needed! I can't wait to make this again!

http://damndelicious.net/2015/05/02/baked-caprese-chicken/?m

Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Recipe: https://lasvegasfoodadventures.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/pasta-with-garlic-breadcrumbs-pasta-con-pangrattato/

I'm always looking for new ways to eat pasta, it is my number one food group after all. I stumbled upon the recipe above and though, "Oh how fancy!" and had to give it a try. Pasta with toasted bread crumbs, parmesan, and garlic? Sounds like a match made in heaven! I substituted whole wheat pasta and whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, and also used only about a tablespoon of oil. 

I took the first bite: Mmm, delicious! I could taste the garlic, parmesan, and the toasty breadcrumbs. This recipe is getting a 5/5, for sure! Then I took the next bite: Alright still pretty good! And then I took a few more: Wow my mouth is getting awfully dry, I need some water with this. A couple more: So I'm not tasting much besides bread crumb anymore. And I'm so thirsty! Aaand a few last bites: Well, I had to drink a glass of water to get through it, and the bread crumbs started getting stuck in my throat while also flying everywhere as I ate....maybe 5/5 is a little generous.

So what I thought would be a winner turned out to be a dud. The first few bites are great, but then you should just stop because all of those bread crumbs really dry you out. It's quite messy as well, and I'm not a messy eater. As you twirl your fork, those bread crumbs really fly! I think it would be better to make another type of pasta and then sprinkle some of these bread crumbs on top. The texture was nice, there was just too much of it.

Sarah's Review

Ease: 4/5

Taste: 2/5

Chocolate Chip Scones

Chocolate Chip Scones

Recipe: http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/05/05/clean-chocolate-chip-scones

This morning I wanted a special treat for breakfast, so I decided to try my hand at making scones. Not just normal, fruity scones, CHOCOLATE CHIP scones. Can you tell I'm a chocoholic? I found a clean eating recipe on Pinterest and figured I'd give it a shot. They were pretty easy to make, although they were a bit smaller than I was imagining they'd turn out. The scone dough itself isn't a sweet one which provided a yummy contrast with the sweet milk chocolate. (I know, still not using dark, but I have to get rid of these chocolate chips on hand!) The only thing I'd recommend is baking these at 400 degrees instead of 425 like the recipe suggests. I baked them at 425 for 17 minutes (the shortest amount of time the recipe said) and they came out very browned and some of the chocolate chips on top had scorched. They still tasted good after I scraped off the burnt chocolate, but scones aren't meant to be as brown as they turned out so next time I'll turn down the temperature and watch them more closely. Otherwise, a tasty recipe to make!

Sarah's Review

Ease: 3/5

Taste: 4/5

Homemade Chocolate

Homemade Chocolate

Recipe: http://www.bakerita.com/paleo-chocolate-chunks/

I've done it. I have found the most amazing recipe ever. Nothing can ever trump this recipe. It's two wonderful words: chocolate. chunks. And not only is it delicious chocolate chunks, it's CLEAN chocolate chunks! Whaaat?? 

Yes, I was as shocked as you are when I found it. I always thought, "I guess I'll have to either give up chocolate altogether or cheat on my diet" (which of course I chose the latter.) But then I stumbled upon paleo chocolate chunks, and my life has been changed. Now, a disclaimer, I don't know if you can really cook with this recipe. The gal I got it from says she does, but the recipe she took inspiration from says not to (plus it being oil based is telling me not to). So, feel free to attempt it, but don't hate me if it doesn't work. I warned you! 

I was afraid while I was making it that it would have a weird, possibly oily taste. Well, thankfully it does not. It just tastes like delicious dark chocolate! The recipe also couldn't be easier, all you do is melt the coconut oil in a sauce pan, whisk in all of the other ingredients, and chill in a mold in the fridge (I used a small baking pan lined with wax paper.) 

I have many plans for these yummy delights (some of which I'll post soon), but they're fabulous just on their own. I portioned some in small plastic cups to pop in my lunch bag for a delicious, perfectly portioned snack to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Sarah's Review

Ease: 5/5
Taste: 5/5

Product Review: Back to Nature Chocolate Delight Granola

Alana's Product Review: Back to Nature Chocolate Delight Granola

After all the fruit I stuck in my yogurt last week, I was looking for a change. Enter the above granola. Now... I'm not going to lie, I chose this one because it was on sale, but I'm glad I did.  It was delicious. Serving size is half a cup, but I used 1/4 cup and it was perfect. I put this in nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt. Not too sweet which is what I was afraid of; I'm not a huge fan of chocolate for breakfast (weirdo, I know). But it pretty delicious, I kind of want to eat some more!

Bottom Line: Yummy, I recommend.


The content of this post is the opinion of the blogger and no compensation was received for this review.

Chopped Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Corn Quinoa

Chopped Cajun Chicken with Cheddar Corn Quinoa

Ok, so this was kind of a cheat. Before I had fully committed to clean eating I purchased this meat.  Kroger had a super sale on meat, and there was a huge package of pre-seasoned Cajun Chicken, seriously it was like 4 bucks! I know this had more seasoning and other things I wouldn't have put on it, but I didn't want to keep it frozen forever! So I cooked it ahead of time and tasted it. It was, as I expected, super sodium packed. So to diffuse the situation, I decided to pull all the meat off and chopped it up.

I paired it with some "plain" sides. I cooked quinoa (aka my new favorite thing) in chicken broth and water. I cooked frozen corn, and then mixed the corn, quinoa, and chopped cheddar from a block together, then placed everything on some remaining romaine hearts I had. It may not look pretty, but everything tasted really good together.

I guess the moral of the story is, even though there was part of the meal that was not the best you can take actions to lessen the blow to your diet or program. Again remember, this isn't a hit or miss challenge, this is your life, it's a journey. We're slowing progressing to our goal of a healthier lifestyle and I'm pretty happy with this meal. 

Alana's Review

Ease: 5/5

Taste: 3.5/5

Comments: The side was perfect, the chicken was too salty, next time, I'll do my own seasoning! 

Breakfast Repeat

Many times when we don't post, we're either remaking a simple meal or we are eating leftovers that are exactly the same with no add-ons.  This morning that is the case for me. I made the eggs described in this post: http://sofresheatclean.blogspot.com/2016/02/cinnamon-fried-bananas-with-almonds.html?m=1

In the previously posted recipe I only used olive oil,  spinach, egg whites, and salsa (no milk, no butter). Today I did the same thing, but this time I knew I'd be sharing with my son so I did 7 eggs, 2 of which the yolks were used also, my son likes the yolks. Anyways it looked exactly the same as the one in the old post (old pic also posted below), but you could definitely taste the yolk. My son LOVED it. Me, not so much. I much prefer only the egg white, but seeing as how he loves breakfast time and I don't really care for breakfast (don't ask me why!) I'd rather make something he'd enjoy! 

Anyways, that was my morning meal! Now I need an embarrassing amount of coffee. Being the mom of two kids under the age of 2.5yrs (one who is under 2 months old!), there's no hope of sleeping past 6:30am. Today, they decided 6am was better, but boy does that extra 30 min make a difference! *yawn!* I think mana will be joining in on naptime today!

Alana's Review

Ease:5/5

Taste: 3.5/5 // toddler's review: 5/5

Comments: egg whites only please!