Miracle Meatloaf Makeover

I am so excited to share my Miracle Meatloaf Makeover!  I have never been a huge fan of meatloaf but Isaac and Gary both are huge lovers of meatloaf.  I can't stand the grease it sits in and it never seems to cook  effectively in the oven.

So as I was searching for a good, lean meatloaf recipe that I could easily Tastefully Simpl-ize, I also kept an eye out for ways to decrease the grease!  And wouldn't you know, the answer was already in my cupboard...my crockpot!

I use my crockpot at least once a week.  I love that sweet smell of success when you walk through the garage at 4 pm and realize dinner is already done!

I took my original recipe from here, but of course I had to add my own Tastefully Simple twist. 

Here is what I created.  The best part, too, is that I actually made it all up the night before, so the flavors really had time to marinate!

Italian Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients

1 lb. ground turkey

1 cup grated zucchini (or more if you have some left over – throw it all in there!)

1/2 cup oats

2 egg whites

1/3 cup chopped green onion

1 Tablespoon Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic

1 Tablespoon Tastefully Simple Italian Bread seasoning

1 teaspoon salt (or TS Seasoned Salt)

1/2 teaspoon pepper (or TS Garlic Pepper)

1/2 cup ketchup 

2 Sweet Potatoes

2 Tablespoons oil

2 Tablespoons Tastefully Simple Sweet & Smoky BBQ Seasoning

Mix first 9 ingredients and form into a loaf. Cube potatoes and toss with oil and BBQ seasoning. Put in bottom of crockpot. Crisscross 2 long pieces of enforced foil so that the edges of the foil lay over the edge of the crockpot. place loaf on top of the foil. Spread ketchup on top. Cook on low 4-6 hours.

If you notice, I have crisscross-ed foil above the sweet potatoes.  As I was looking for my perfect meatloaf recipe, I came across this and was totally inspired.  What it allowed for is the meatloaf to not be greasy!  It was a Miracle Meatloaf Makeover!!

 If I did this recipe again, I might try wrapping the sweet potatoes whole or halved entirely with foil, too, but either way, this was a HIT at the dinner table!

"Wow, this is really good!" exclaimed my pickiest of eaters, PJ.

And even Evelyn had something to say...

Wahoo Corn & Black Bean Casserole

In our quest for high protein, high fiber meals, Gary and I created a Tastefully Simple casserole that is quiche-like and meatless!

Say Hello to our little friend: Wahoo Corn & Black Bean Rice Casserole!

Wahoo Corn & Black Bean Rice Casserole

 We started with 3 eggs and scrambled them all up.

I then added Tastefully Simple's Corn & Black Bean Salsa.

(This recipes has so much color!
            More colors = more vitamins!)








I then added more flavor with Tastefully Simple's Wahoo Chili Seasoning, chopped bell peppers, and my homemade hummus.

Then mix it all up!

While this was mixing up, I had going in my rice cooker 2 cups of brown rice. (Have I mentioned how much I love my rice cooker?)

Finally plopped it in the oven at 375 for about 3-35 minutes.

I was pleasantly surprised how the casserole bound together with the egg and it cut so well into squares.  Even my kids enjoyed it!  This could be a main dish or a side dish, too!  I increased the protein a little extra, too, by dolloping a scoop of Greek yogurt.

Recipe:

2 cups, cooked, Brown Rice

3 eggs

1/2 cup of Corn & Black Bean Salsa

1 capful Wahoo Chili Seasoning Blend

1/2 cup hummus

1/2 cup chopped bell peppers

salt & pepper to taste

Greek Yogurt for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.  Scramble 3 eggs.  Combine eggs with salsa, chili seasoning, hummus, and bell peppers.  Mix until well combined.  Add brown rice and stir until coated.  Place in 8x8 or 9x9 baker and bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool about 5 minutes before cutting.  Top with Greek yogurt if desired.

Easy Homemade Hummus

A couple of years ago, I tried making my own hummus.  It turned out ok, but I hated that I had to buy this whole big jar of Tahinni and then it would go bad before I need to use it again.  I resorted to buying my hummus again.

Then a good friend gave me a recipe that was a Tahinni-Free recipe!  I jumped for joy and put my Tastefully Simple products to work.  The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adjusted to your favorite tastes!  If you like garlic flavor, add Garlic Garlic.  If you like a spicy hummus, add Fiesta Party Dip Mix.  Play around with your favorite spices and get fresh hummus for your family!

Today I made a recipe that called for hummus, so instead of buying it, I went ahead and made it below - today's recipe is plain with no mix-in.

First Evelyn and I gathered the ingredients.  Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, Greek Yogurt, Can of Chick Peas, Garlic Pepper Seasoning

Then I drained and rinsed the chick peas and placed them in the blender.

Next, I added to the blender the remaining ingredients (oil, garlic pepper, and yogurt).

Puree until it is a nice, smooth consistency.  This may take a couple of minutes.

That was it!  Super easy and tasty!!  I had to take one for the team and taste-test it, so I topped some cucumber slices with the hummus.

What do you like to dip into your hummus?

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 can chick peas

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 Tablespoons Roasted Garlic Infused Oil.

1 Tablespoon Garlic Pepper

2 Tablespoons of favorite flavor (Garlic Garlic, Fiesta Party Dip Mix)

Directions:

Drain and rinse chick peas.  Place chick peas along with all ingredients n blender.  Puree until it is no longer chunky.  Enjoy!

Valentine's Day 2014

Happy Valentine's Day 2014!

I used to hate this holiday, until I realized it wasn't about ME.  So many times we get so self-absorbed and sad that we are alone, when we are truly rich in so many things.  Love is everywhere!  It's not just about finding a "true love."  It's about family, friends, and time together!

That being said check out our awesome Valentine's Day!

Isaac as Darth Maul, "I like you will Maul my heart!"

PJ as Darth Vader, "You light up my life."

Breakfast of Valentine Champions!

Our elf on a shelf returned for a surprise visit!

Evelyn was very interested in Scoob!

Sweet gift delivered to me at work from Gary! 

Feeling the LOVE at school!!!

Family Selfie

The White Family!

                               

Super Food Meatballs

As we continue our journey of high protein, high fiber meals, we have to be sure to keep the kiddos happy in their meals, too.  One thing they have always loved to eat is meatballs.  Whether on a sandwich, on spaghetti, or just plain, it is an easy go to!

So, in an effort to keep the meatballs healthy, I found a recipe that was easily tweaked to include some of my favorite Tastefully Simple Spices and used one of my favorite super foods, quinoa!

to order: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/cwhite6

Baked Super Food Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup of quinoa (use left overs!)
1 capful Onion Onion
1 capful Garlic Garlic
1/4 cup of chopped spinach leaves
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Capful Italian Garlic Bread Seasoning
1 Tablespoon Flaxseed

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 and spray a cookie sheet.  In a medium bowl mix all ingredients until they are well combined.  Form meatball with your hands or cookie baller.  Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.  Rotate halfway through.

The best response was from my pickiest eater, PJ, who exclaimed as soon as he took one bite, "MMMM, these are good!"

Quick tip! 
I made extra and put them in the freezer.  Anytime we need a quick supper or easy meatball sandwich, they are ready to go!!

Olympics in the Kitchen

I was doing a Tastefully Simple party early in January and we were discussing the up-coming Olympics.  This women fondly recalled throwing all rules related to the dinner table out the window and setting up TV trays to eat dinner and watch the games.
As I listened to her recall these precious family memories, I thought, I can help!  I love how food can bring people together; whether it is through cooking, baking, or eating!  Food creates conversation, comfort, and creativity!
I set a goal for myself to create a fun food menu for the Olympics that families can engage in cooking/baking together and enjoying on their coffee tables or TV trays.

I wanted to be sure to include themes of general Olympics, Sochi, Russia, and the United States.  These foods can spark great discussions related to the vocabulary of nationalism, diversity, pride, and unity.

Watching the games may even ignite excitement in a little one's dream of working towards a goal.  Whether that goal be the next Super Star Snowboarder or a future Figure Skating Champion, teaching our children about dreaming and hard work can all start in the kitchen!

Below find my calendar of "events" and all the recipes to match!  I would love to hear how you were able to incorporate the Olympics in your Kitchen!

				6 Olympic Ring  Fruit Pizza TS Product: Key Lime Cheeseball	7 OPENING CEREMONIES Olympic Ring Pepperoni Pizza TS Product: Mama Mia Marinara	8 America Flag Taco Dip TS Product: Fiesta Party Dip Mix
9 Cabbage Rolls: Sochi Russian Recipe TS Product: Onion Onion	10 Red, White, & Blue Potatoes TS product: Bacon Bacon	11 Russian Katleti (Turkey Burger) TS Product: Onion Onion, Seasoned Salt, Everyday Grilling	12 American Apple Pie TS Product: Nana’s Apple Cake Mix	13 Olympic Ring Veggies & Dip TS Product: Your Favorite Dip Mix!	14 Olympic Torch Appetizer TS Product: Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip	15 Absolutely American Trifle TS Product: Absolutely Almond Pound Cake
16 Russian Turkey Cherbureki (Turkey Turnover) TS Product: Seasoned Salt	17 Olympic Onion Rings & Dip TS Product: Fiesta Party Dips Mix	18 Olympic Fruit Ring Buffet & Fruit Dip TS Product: Key Lime Cheeseball	19 Patriotic Taco Dip TS Product: Fiesta Party Dip Mix	20 Bagel Ring White Pizza Bites TS Product: Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip	21 Olympic Torch Popcorn Cups TS Product: Your Favorite TS Seasoning!

To order any of the Tastefully Simple Products, go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/cwhite6

Key Lime Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

Crust

4 cups Bisquick

1 cup Water

Mix the above ingredients together and then roll out to 5 1/4 inch thick circles. Use parchment paper or a Silpat on your cookie sheet to avoid sticking to the pan.  If it is too sticky add extra Bisquick. It will rise during baking. 

Bake at: 350 for 15 minutes

This makes 2 large crusts

Cool completely

Topping:

2  8 oz  Cream Cheese or Light Cream Cheese (Fat Free Cream cheese doesn't work well)

Key Lime Cheeseball Packet 1

Blend the above 2 ingredients together.  Spread evenly on the cooled crust.

Sprinkle 2 Packet 2

Fruit Layer:

Arrange Fruit around circles into rings - Grapes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Pineapple, Blackberries,

Adapted from nateandchristine.blogspot.com

Olympic Ring Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. Mama Mia Marinara Sauce
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 Pilsbury Pizza Dough Can
3.5 oz. sliced pepperoni
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions: Combine first 2 ingredients; stir to blend. Preheat oven as directed on pizza packaging. Stretch dough to fit in a cookie sheet.  Spread Mama Mia Marinara Sauce mixture over crusts; top with pepperoni, olives if desired and cheese. Bake as directed on pizza packaging.

Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
10-12 Cabbage Leaves (Depending on their size.)
1/2 Cup No Salt Added Tomato Sauce
1 Capful Onion Onion
¾ Teaspoon Seasoned Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 Pound Lean Ground Turkey
1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
2 (16 Ounce) Cans Tomato Sauce
1 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
Directions: In a large pot, boil cabbage leaves until soft (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup tomato sauce, Onion Onion, Seasoned Salt, pepper, turkey, and rice. Lay cabbage leaves out flat and place around 1/4 cup turkey mixture into each leaf. Roll the cabbage leaves around the turkey mixture, being careful to seal all sides so that the mixture doesn’t fall out. Once assembled, place the cabbage rolls into your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour sauce mixture evenly over cabbage rolls. Cook on low 7-8 hours. Serve and enjoy!
Adapted from food.com

Red, White & Blue Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 bag of red potatoes, cubed
½ -3/4 Cup Blue Cheese Dressing
1 Tablespoon Bacon Bacon (or more!)
Crumbly Blue Cheese
Directions: Boil potatoes until soft.  Smash potatoes to desired thickness.  Add Blue Cheese Dressing and Bacon Bacon.  Garnish with Crumbly Blue Cheese.

Katleti  Turkey Burgers
2 pound ground turkey
1 capful Onion Onion
1 carrot, grated
1/2 cup white bread crumbs
2 eggs
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon Everyday Grilling Seasoning (optional)
Olive Oil
Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.   Fry the onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil until lightly browned and soft (7 to 8 minutes). Set aside.  Fry the carrots in 2 tablespoons olive oil for about 5 minutes until lightly browned and soft.  Mix all of the ingredients together until evenly combined.  Form patties with your hands about 1/4″ thick (don’t try to flatten them once they are on the skillet or juices will seep out).  Heat about 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium/high heat. Saute the patties (adding more oil if necessary) until browned on both sides, flipping twice so they don’t burn.  Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 10 minutes.
Adapted from famousfashionista.com

American Apple Pie
Nana's Mock Apple Pie
Tastefully Simple recipe submitted by Michelle Lasure (NY) 
Ingredients
Nana's Apple Cake Mix^®
1 can apple pie filling
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1
Directions Combine first 3 ingredients. Spread into greased 8 x 8 baking pan. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. 
Combine cinnamon and brown sugar; mix well. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mix over cake and bake additional 10 minutes. Let cool completely

Olympic Ring Veggies & Dip

Arrange colorful veggies in bowls to form the 5 Olympic Rings.  Provide your favorite Tastefully Simple dip for the veggies!

Absolutely American Trifle
Tastefully Simple recipe submitted by Rebecca Truex (OH) 
Ingredients
Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix^™
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) melted butter
1 cup water
2 lbs strawberries, sliced
2 pints blueberries
2 bananas, sliced
3.5 oz. cheesecake-flavored instant pudding
8 oz. non-dairy whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup milk
Directions: Prepare Absolutely Almond Pound Cake as directed with butter and water; cool and cut into 1 inch cubes. Meanwhile, mix pudding with milk; stir until creamy. Fold in non-dairy whipped topping. In a glass trifle dish layer ingredients starting with strawberries, sliced bananas, pound cake, cheesecake filling, and blueberries. Continue layers until you reach the top. Top with an outer circle of blueberries, then strawberries and banana in the center. Makes 10-12 servings.

 Russian Turkey Cherbureki (Turkey Turnover)

Ingredients for the Easiest Chebureki you’ll ever make: 
2 lb ground turkey
2 lb yellow onion
2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1/2 tsp pepper
38-40 raw tortillas, depending on how much you fill them.
Directions: Peel and chop your onion into large pieces, then puree the onion in a food processor until it has an applesauce consistency.   Add 2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper to the turkey and stir. Add the pureed onion. The amount of onion will frighten you and you might start crying. It will disappear into the meat.   Spread a heaping tablespoon of your meat filling over 1/2 of your raw tortilla, leaving about a 1″ border at the edges to seal.  Brush all the way around the edges of your tortilla with cold water. Fold the tortilla in half and seal the edges by pushing down around the edges with a fork.  Heat a large skillet with enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pan. Heat over medium/high heat. Once the oil is hot (the chebureki should sizzle when you put them in), add chebureki to the skillet 2 at a time and sautee 3 min per side. Adjust the temp if you notice it’s browning too quickly. You need to saute 3 minutes per side for the meat to cook through.  Transfer cooked turnovers onto papertowels to soak up excess oil.
adapted from Natashaskitchen.com

Onion Rings & Fiesta Dip
Simple Wing Dip
Submitted by Kim Rozen (IL) 
Ingredients
1 cup ranch dressing
1 - 2 tsp. Fiesta Party Dip Mix™

Directions
Combine ingredients; chill 1 hour. Use as dip for chicken wings or onion rings. Makes about 1 cup dip.

Olympic Fruit Ring Buffet & Fruit Dip

Arrange bowls filled with colorful fruits in the shape of the Olympic Rings.  Dip into Key Lime Fruit Dip
Key Lime Fruit Dip
Tastefully Simple recipe submitted by Misti Rierson (IA) 
Ingredients
Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix
8 oz. softened cream cheese
7 oz. jar marshmallow crème
Assorted fresh fruit
Directions: Combine Packet 1 of cheese ball mix and cream cheese; blend well. Fold in marshmallow creme; chill 2 hours. Sprinkle top with Packet 2 of cheese ball mix. Serve with fruit. Makes 8-10 servings.

Taco Flag Dip

Ingredients

3 cups sour cream

1 Capful Fiesa Party Dip Mix

1 cup black beans, washed and rinsed

4 cups shredded lettuce

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup sliced olives

Directions: In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, spread the sour cream. Then sprinkle the taco seasoning and black beans on top of the sour cream. Spread the lettuce over top of the beans. Lay out the halved tomatoes in lines to form a flag. Put cheese between the tomato stripes, and then put the sliced olives in the top left corner to look like stars.  .Serve with tortilla chips!

Adapted from tasteoflizzyt.com

Bagel White Pizza Bites

Ingredients:
1 packet Artichoke & Spinach Warm Dip Mix
1 8 oz package of cream Cheese
1 cup Swiss cheese (or mozzarella cheese)
Olives (optional)
Bag of Mini Bagels, sliced
Directions: Combine dip mix, cream cheese, and swiss cheese.  Chill 2 hours.  Spread dip mixtures on top of bagel halves.  Add any other toppings.  Toast in oven at 350 until the cheese bubbles.