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Amazing Oven Baked Sweet Plantains

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8  servings, ½ each/Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 very ripe plantains ( when the skin is yellow with spots of black they’re perfect)
  • cooking spray

This recipe couldn’t be easier. And it’s hands down delicious. Plantains are terrific with beans and rice, which make a tasty, easy and healthy meal for the whole family.

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Coat a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray.
  3. Cut the ends off of the plantains and peel.
  4. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices.
  5. Arrange in single layer and coat tops with cooking spray.
  6. Bake, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until plantains are golden brown and very tender.

    Nutrition Information: Per serving, >½ plantain

    Calories Protein  (g) Carbohydrate  (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
    110 2 28 0.3 2 3.5

Raving About Red Beans and Rice

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Red beans and rice is a fantastic one-pot meal. A little goes a long way — and can easily feed a big group. This recipe is also a great way to get lots of vegetables onto the plate without turning off the picky eaters at the table.

6 Servings/Total Time:  2 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dried small red or kidney beans, picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
  • 6 1/2 cups water 3 bay leaves
  • 1 1/4 cups assorted brown rice, rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon each  ground allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper and ground bleep pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable stock or broth 1 tomato, cored and diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander)

Preparation

  1. In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the beans, 4 cups of the water and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the beans are tender, 60 to 70 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaves.
  2. While the beans are cooking, combine the rice, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  3. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  4. In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery; saute until the vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute.
  6. Add the allspice, cloves, cayenne, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the cooked beans, the vegetable stock, tomato, thyme and hot-pepper sauce.
  8. Cook until the vegetable mixture is heated through, 6 to 8 minutes.
  9. Divide the rice among warmed individual bowls. Top each serving with beans and sprinkle with the cilantro.

Nutritional Information: Per Serving

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
382 14 63 9 11 517

Recipe Alert! Best Jerk Chicken

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Everyone loves jerk chicken and we love this jerk recipe. It’s tasty, it’s easy and it’s sure to please everyone at dinnertime.

8 servings, 1 breast or drumstick /Total Time: (excluding marinating chicken): 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
  • 1½ teaspoons allspice, ground
  • 1½ teaspoons black pepper, ground
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper, crushed, dried
  • 2 teaspoons oregano, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons thyme, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion, pureed or finely chopped
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 8 pieces chicken, skinless (4 breasts, 4 drumsticks)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Wash chicken and pat dry.
  2. Combine all ingredients except chicken in large bowl. Rub seasonings  over chicken and marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours or longer.
  3. Space chicken evenly on nonstick or lightly greased baking pan.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30–40 minutes or until the meat can easily be pulled away from the bone with a fork.

Nutritional Information: Per Serving

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
145 4 10 5 1.8 202

The Best Mac n’ Cheese on the Block

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Mac n’ Cheese is always a dinnertime winner. But, it’s often heavy on the fat and thin on the nutrition. This recipe cuts down on the fat, so your kids will get all the tasty mac n’cheese they love while making healthier choices.

10 servings, about ½ c each; | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute
  • 1 teaspoon no-salt seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup light or reduced fat  cheddar cheese (about 4 oz/cup)
  • 1 cup shredded light or reduced fat American cheese
  • 3 teaspoons light margarine (made from liquid vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups skim milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt substitute

    Preparation

    1. Bring 1/2 gallon water to a boil, Add macaroni noodles and stir. As soon as the water comes to a rapid boil, cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender. Turn off heat, drain noodles and immediately rinse with cold water to cool the noodles. Drain and set aside.
    2. Combine egg substitute with the milk, then add all seasonings. Mix well.
    3. Mix all cheeses and margarine with the macaroni.
    4. Spray a four-quart casserole dish with vegetable spray.
    5. Pour macaroni-cheese mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the egg-milk mixture over the macaroni.
    6. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

    Nutrition Information: Per serving

    Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
    218 14 22 8 1 355

Real (and divine) Cornbread

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Cornbread is a great side with everything from chili to eggs to bbq chicken. Although it’s often made with heavy, fatty ingredients, you’ll never miss them with this tasty recipe. It’s a traditional cornbread that is made without flour, it isn’t sweet and it has a crumbly texture. If you’re looking for a more muffin-like texture, substitute flour for half of the cornmeal.

8 servings |  Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 cups yellow or white cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk or nonfat buttermilk

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Place oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or similar-size glass baking dish and transfer to the preheating oven.
  2. Mix cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg and milk (or buttermilk); stir until just combined.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and swirl the oil to coat the bottom and a little way up the sides.
  4. Very carefully pour the excess hot oil into the cornmeal mixture; stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the hot pan.
  6. Bake until the bread is firm in the middle and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips & Notes  Make Ahead Tip: The cornbread can be made up to 3 hours in advance. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a warm oven.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
172 5 24 7 3 228

Recipe Alert! Yummy Cheese Grits

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Who loves cheese grits? We do! They’re delicious and creamy and, if prepared with low-fat, nutritious ingredients, can be a wonderful, healthy meal. We found this terrific cheese grits recipe. Make it with the kids, you’ll be surprised by how quickly it’s gone!

2 servings, about 1 cup each | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup quick grits
  • 1/4 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (light, reduced fat or low fat) , divided

Preparation

  1. Combine milk, water and salt in a saucepan over medium heat; heat until almost boiling.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, whisk in grits and cook, whisking constantly, until they start to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons cheese.
  4. Cover and let stand until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the grits are creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Divide between 2 bowls, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese and serve.

Note:

Try using regular grits rather than instant grits, as they are more nutritious. This would require about 20 minutes of cooking as compared to 2-3 minutes.

Nutritional Information:  Per serving, 1 cup each

Calories Protein  (g) Carbohydrate  (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
183 9 26 5 1 217

 

10 Ways to Live Healthier Everyday

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A healthy lifestyle starts every morning and lasts all day long. It’s about eating right, exercising more, and taking good care of your body from morning to night. Here are 10 ways to get started.

  1. Get plenty of sleep.  A good night sleep is extremely important.  Your body recuperates during sleep.  Between 7 and 8 hours is most ideal.
  2. Never skip breakfast.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It revs ups your body’s engine to keep it fueled well all day.  Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast with whole grains or protein.  This will keep you fuller longer and help with digestion throughout the day.
  3. Walk to school.  Many children live within 1 mile of the school that they attend.  This is a great time to get in 15 -30 minutes of exercise first thing in the morning.
  4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Make sure half of your plate is filled with vegetables when eating any meal.  This will help in digestion, as well as, keeping you full longer.  Pick the vegetables that you like, or that are in season, steam them or gently stir fry with minimal olive or canola oil.
  5. Stay hydrated.  But not with juice or soda!  It’s important to drink throughout the day, but what you drink will determine your weight and your health.  Drinking lots of sugary juices or sodas add lots of calories.  Many times it could be 100’s of calories that just wait to be snug around your belly, thighs or buttocks.  Pick up a nice cold water or seltzer.  Make homemade tea at home with just some fruit tea bags, ice and a big jug of water.
  6. Mind your friends. You are known by the company you keep.  If you surround yourself with negative people there is a very good change you will pick up negative thoughts and behaviors.  This is not a recipe for success in health.  Keep yourself surrounded by positive thinking people, with you being the ring leader!
  7. Make dessert a physical activity.  Nothing wrong with having a little ice cream once in a while.  However, why not make yourself and your family exercise for it.  Walk together to the local grocery story and pick out a dessert that you could all share within the correct portions.  Then walk back home and enjoy!
  8. Turn off the TV, phone, DVD, IPad, Blackberry, IPod.  When eating any meal try and eat as a family.  Bonding together will help cure some of the mindless eating that tends to occur when family members are focusing more on their electronics than their eggs.
  9. Xbox, Wii – no problem.  You just want to sit on that couch and play video games?  Why not turn your gaming into a healthy activity.  On your next purchase, instead of the newest shoot up game why not try bowling, dancing or baseball as your next game.  You can play the game as a family and you’ll be exercising and bonding at the same time.
  10. Learn to cook healthy.  Check out a local community center and see if there are any low cost or free healthy cooking classes for you and your children.  Empower your children to take control of their own health destiny by educating them about healthy cooking. Many times local parks and recreations centers will offer these types of classes.  Be proactive about your health. The best way to start is in your own kitchen.