Crockpot Maple Sugared Pork

This is my new favorite pinterest inspired recipe! I love sweet meat, especially pork, and this has enough sweetness without being TOO much.

Ingredients: 2 lbs pork tenderloins, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp grade b maple syrup (the darker, the better), 1 tbsp corn starch, 1 tbsp water.

Directions: Mix all ingredients and pour over pork in the crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hrs on low for 7.

Almond Crusted Tilapia

As a new mom I still want to cook gourmet but now lack the ability to make repeated trips to the store for special ingredients and the time. So I've returned to my oldies but goodies...apologies if this is a repeat post, I'm working off limited sleep these days (and yes, I'm going to use that card as an excuse for everything from now on!)

Ingredients: 3 tilapia fillets (I use 3 to feed 2 since they're small and thin, grey poupon or other similar mustard, chopped almonds.

Directions: Chop almonds until fine but still have good sized nut chunks and place in a dredging dish. Squirt mustard, usually about 1/4- 1/2 cup in a dredging dish. Dry talapia fillets then salt and pepper them. Dredge in the mustard covering both sides completely, then dredge in the almond mixture covering completely. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes each side. Be careful, these cook fast!

Adapted Version of Chicken Cordon Blue

I prefer gorgonzola cheese to blue and prosciutto to ham so I made up this version of chicken cordon bleu. Baking instead of pan frying, using less cheese, and panko crumbs instead of bread crumbs make this a healthier alternative to the regular recipe.

Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts- fat trimmed and pounded until thin, 4 slices of prosciutto, 2 tbsp gorgonzola cheese crumbled, 4 tbsp panko crumbs,  4 tbsp flour, 1 egg beaten.

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay the chicken breast flat and top with prosciutto and 1 tbsp cheese then roll it up like a jelly roll. Make separate dishes of flour, egg, and panko crumbs. Roll chicken in the flour, then in the egg, then dredge in panko crumbs. Repeat with second chicken breast. Spray a olive oil on top for a nice browning. Place on a cookie sheet or oven safe plate and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken half way through. Cut through the center to make sure chicken is cooked all the way through. MMmmmmm!

Boston Cream Strata

I have to admit, this was a pinterest inspired recipe but the recipe had a complex and fattening, probaby more boston cream like center. This one has 3 ingredients, well 4 counting the milk to make the pudding, and is easy (and fun) enough for kids to make!

Ingredients: graham crackers, box of vanilla (sugar-free if you want to limit the sugar in this recipe) pudding, cup of milk to make pudding, chocolate frosting (I prefer dark chocolate frosting, but use whatever you like).

Directions: Make pudding according to instructions on box. Line a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9X13 dish (or feel free to use any size dish to add or shorten the amount). Layer half of the pudding on the graham crackers then top with a second layer of graham crackers. Layer the rest of the pudding then top with a third layer of graham crackers. It's easiest to put the frosting on the crackers before adding the last layer so spread the frosting on the graham crackers evenly then top. Place in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before serving, the pudding softens up the graham crackers for a delicious layered Boston Cream-like dessert!

Meatball Stroganoff

Sorry no picture on this one!

It's a quick, easy, and healthier version of one my husband's favorite dishes. Pre-made meatballs saves time, greek yogurt substitutes heavy whipping cream cutting fat without losing flavor, and using turkey meatballs cuts even more fat off the recipe.

Ingredients: Package of meatballs (beef or turkey), 1 package of egg noodles (I used the ones from Trader Joe's), 1-2 c of mushrooms (optional- added vitamin D), 2 c low sodium beef broth, 2/3 c sour cream, 1 c plain greek yogurt, salt and pepper to taste.

Directions: Brown meatballs and mushrooms in skillet on medium heat until cooked through. You can use a tbsp of olive oil or 2-3 tbsp of water to cook these in. While they're cooking, boil water and cook noodles according to package. Remove meatballs and mushrooms from pan and boil beef broth then reduce it til it thickens. Whisk in the sour cream and greek yogurt on low heat. You can add a small spoonful of flour if you want the sauce thicker. Add meatballs, mushrooms, and sauce to noodles and salt and pepper to taste. I topped with a sprinkle of parmesean cheese but herbs such as oregano are nice too.

Healthy Power Cookies

Cookies without flour, sugar, and eggs?! Cookies that give you long lasting energy not just a spurt before a crash?! Since our new baby boy arrived time is of the essence and I can barely find time to make a smoothie, let alone a good healthy breakfast. But I'm breast feeding and getting enough nutrients is a must so this recipe has become my new quick breakfast or 3am power snack.

Ingredients: 2/3 c of unsweetened applesauce, 1/3 c of peanut butter, 2 mashed bananas, 1 1/2 c of rolled oats, 1/4 c favorite nuts (optional), 1/4 c. chocolate chips (optional), 1 tbsp flax seeds (optional- I just sneak these in whenever I can), 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix peanut butter and bananas together well. Add apple sauce. oats, vanilla, flax seeds, nuts, and chocolate chips. Let sit 10 minutes then scoop spoonfulls onto cookie sheet and press with a fork. Bake 30 minutes.

Light Chicken Saltimbocca

I have an extremely high standard when it comes to Italian food, thanks to growing up with frequent access to Boston's North End. This is one of my faves, with way less fat and still the amazing tastes.

Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (pounded to make a little thinner and more even), fresh sage leaves, at least 2 oz of prosciutto, 4 tsp olive oil, about 3 garlic cloves chopped, 1/3 c low sodium fat free chicken broth, 1/4 c fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp corn starch.

Directions: Rinse and dry chicken, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in skillet on medium heat with crushed garlic. Place sage leaves on the chicken then wrap prosciutto around the chicken. Add chicken cooking both sides about 3-4 minutes or until cooked all the way through (depends on thickness of chicken). Remove chicken and add broth, lemon juice, corn starch, and 2 tsp olive oil to the pan. Stir constantly until sauce thickens. Pour over chicken.

So light and fresh this is going to be a new regular.