Sweet and Spicy Noodle Soup

Easy to make, and perfect for the colder months! 

• 1 Package of Noodles (I used whole wheat spaghetti here, but soba and rice noodles are wonderful also)
• 1-2 Cups of Mushrooms
• Scallions
• Cilantro
• Eggs
• 4 Cups Chicken Stock
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 1/2 White Onion
• 1-2 Tablespoons Chili Paste
• 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Mince the garlic and slice the onion into thin strips.  Saute with chili paste until golden brown.  In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, mushrooms, garlic and chili mixture, and onion.  Bring to a boil, then add noodles and turn off heat.  In another pan, fry an egg for each bowl of noodles.  Stir in the remaining indgredients into the large pot.  Top each bowl of soup with a fried egg, scallions, and float a bunch of cilantro to finish.  If you like it spicier, add more chili paste and for a sweeter flavor, add extra brown sugar.  Enjoy!

Monkfish and Voodoo Sauce

Monkfish is so savory and sweet flavored naturally that it pairs well with the subtle rutabaga fries and a mild peppery sauce.

• Monkfish about 1/2-1 lb
• 1 Rutabaga cut into sticks
• 3 Tbsp Italian Seasoning 
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon Salt
• 1/2 Tablespoon Pepper

Voodoo Sauce

• 2 Red Peppers
• 2 Tomatoes 
• 1 Mango
• 1 Orange or 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
• 1 Onion
• 2 Green Chilies

Remove the outside of the rutabaga and chop into long sticks.  Toss in Italian seasoning, crushed garlic, and olive oil.  Place on a pan covered in foil, then bake for about 45 minutes on 375.  Make sure to turn the fries every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent burning. 
For the sauce, deseed the pepper and mango, removing the mango peel.  Place pepper and onion in a pan and saute until onions are translucent.  Add the sliced mango, onion and pepper mixture, tomatoes, and Orange Juice to food processor until well pureed.  Return to pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce and simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
Season fish with garlic powder, pepper, and salt.  Lightly brush with oil and place in oven on broil until internal temperature reaches 145.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

These yummy pancakes are dairy and flour free.  They make the perfect protein packed healthy breakfast for my long running days and are a nice treat for brunch!

• 1 Small Sweet Potato
• 3 Eggs 
• 1 Egg White
• 1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Almond Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons Walnuts
• 1 Banana
• Sugar Free Syrup

Peel the sweet potato and cut into small squares.  Place the pieces into a microwave safe dish and cover with water.  Microwave for about 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes to check for softness.  Once the potatoes are tender, drain the water and whip with a whisk.  Add the eggs, almond butter, baking powder, and spices.  This can be refrigerated overnight if necessary.  Heat the pan to low-medium and coat with cooking spray.  Pour the batter on the pan once hot.  When bubbles form in the center of the pancake, loosen edges with a spatula then flip.  Cook for another 30 seconds.  Top with sliced bananas, walnuts, cinnamon, and syrup.  This makes enough pancakes for 2-3 servings.

Crab Stacker

Try this creative way to enjoy a fresh crab meat salad in a sandwich stack!  Served with a bit of ginger and rice vinegar, the subtle Asian flavors are a great complement to the dish.  I learned of this chi energy dish from Feng Shui Food...

• 1 Cucumber Sliced in Long Rectangles
• 1/2 Cup Sherry Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Marinate the cucumbers in the ingredients above for at least 30 minutes.  The mixture can be kept overnight for early preparation.

• 1 Lb Cold Cooked Crab Meat
• 1/2 Cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Ground Ginger
• 3 Tablespoons Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chopped Cilantro

Combine the ingredients above in a mixing bowl.  Sometimes I add some chilled cod or tilapia to for some extra substance if you are planning on making a meal out of this.  Layer the crab meat mixture in between the cucumber rectangles, keeping the shape as you stack.  Take 1/2 cup of the vinegar mixture from the cucumber marinade and add a few tablespoons of olive oil for the dressing.  Drizzle over the top of the stack and garnish with cilantro and srirachi.

Ginger Cod and Grilled Eggplant

This Asian inspired dish is so simple and satisfying...

• 2 Fillets Cod 
• 2 Large Garlic Cloves
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger
• 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar or Splenda
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Flakes

Mince the ginger and garlic, then add the rest of the ingredients into a plastic bag.  Let the fish marinate for 1-2 hours.  Place on 450 in oven, bake for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reads 145.

For eggplant, slice into large medallions, brush with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  Grill until tender.

Lean Seafood Chowder

Surprisingly, this chowder recipe has no dairy or flour and is all about vegetables and seafood!

Great for a clean eating diet, and I really was blown away by the taste.  I got motivated to make a healthy chowder from http://thehealthyfoodie.com/creamy-seafood-chowder/ recipe where creamy soups can be made from whipped cauliflower.

• 1/2 Red Pepper
• 2 Stalks of Celery
• 1 White Onion
• 1 Package Mushrooms
• 1 Large Cauliflower 
• 1 Cup Fresh Spinach
• 3 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
• Cracked Pepper
• 8 Ounces Fresh or Frozen (Defrosted) Cod
• 8 Ounces Fresh or Frozen (Defrosted) Scallops
• 1 Can Baby Yellow Clams
• 4 Cups Water
• 4 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme
• 3-4 Star Anise
• 1/2 Juice from Lemon

Bring the water and chicken broth to a boil, then add roughly chopped cauliflower.  Boil for 10 minutes or until very soft.  While the cauliflower boils, chop all the vegetables and saute them over medium heat until onions are translucent.  

Once cauliflower is soft, scoop out with a slotted spoon and puree with a food processor or blender.  Whisk back into the water and add the rest of the ingredients, including the cooked vegetables.  Bring to a boil for 7 minutes, then let simmer for another 15.  Top with hot sauce and enjoy!

Posole -Spicy Slow Cooker Pork

This slow cooked recipe is certainly tender and has plenty of delicious add-ons to spice things up!

• 4 Roma Tomatoes Diced
• 1 Shoulder of Pork
• 6 Cups Chicken Broth
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Onion Coarsley Chopped
• 1 Can Hominy
• 2 Chipolte Peppers Chopped Finely
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Coriander

Garnishes: Sliced Radishes, Sour Cream, Chives, Chopped Cabbage, Avocado, Shredded Cheese

Optional: Serve with Flour Tortillas

Add everything except for your garnishes to the slow cooker and set on high for 4-5 hours.  The meat should easily fall apart, shred with a fork to evenly distribute in the sauce.  Divide into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes!

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes with Honey Wheat Buns

Substituting mushrooms for ground beef keeps this dish meaty, and the ton of vegetables will make you full!

• 1 Package of Sliced Mushrooms
• 1 Onion
• 1/2 Green Pepper
• 1/2 Red Pepper
• 1 Can Tomato Paste
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 Juice from Lime
• 1 Packet Sloppy Joe Seasoning

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.  Roughly chop vegetables and add to oil until lightly browned.  Stir in seasonings and the remaining ingredients.  Simmer until mixture thickens.  Fill buns (see honey wheat bun recipe below) with sloppy joe mix, top with cheese, garnish with pickles, and serve with your favorite salad.

Honey Wheat Buns

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 1/4 Cups Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 Cup Honey
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 1/2 Cups White Flour
• 2 Cups Wheat Flour
• 1 1/4 Teaspoons Yeast

Warm milk in microwave, then add honey and stir well.  Place one tablespoon of white flour in the mixture, then add yeast.  Let the sponge sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.  Add the remaining ingredients except for one egg.  Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.  Roll out dough and punch with round cookie cutter or top of glass.  Place on greased baking sheet and let rise for another 20 minutes.  Set oven to 375.  Separate egg and brush the tops of the buns with only the white.  Bake for about 13-15 minutes.

Edamame and Garbanzo Salad

This healthy salad has plenty of flavor and pairs well with seafood.  I served this with crab cakes for a fresh twist!

• 1/2 Cup Steamed Edamame
• 1/2 Cup Cooked Corn
• 1/4 Cup Canned Garbanzo Beans
• 1/2 Chopped White Onion
• 1 Large Tomato 
• 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Crushed Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning 
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• Cracked Pepper

Slice the tomato thinly and place on a wire rack in the oven.  Roast at 450 degree for about 20 minutes.  Once finished, dice and combine all other ingredients.  Serve warm or chilled.

Thai Beef

Marinate thinly sliced beef in this heavenly mixture for only 20 minutes and you are ready to cook!

• 1/2 Lb Steak, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Fish Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Chopped Ginger

Tenderize the meat and add all ingredients to a bag or pan to marinate for at least 20 minutes.  Heat a skillet on high coated in oil.  Pan fry for a minute on each side.

• Garnish with Scallions and Fried Onions

Macaroni and Cheese Waffles with Ham

What a melty, fun breakfast treat!  Well, I suppose it's good anytime...especially those breakfast for dinner nights.

• 1 Cup Small Pasta Shells or Elbow Macaroni
• 1 Cup Cheese (Any kind is fine, I used Cheddar)
• 1 Slice of Ham
• 1 Egg
• Italian Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon Parmesan
• 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs
• Chives to Garnish, If Desired

Boil water to cook your pasta as directed, or using leftover mac n' cheese works too.  Once pasta is tender, drain water and add the cheese.  Slice the ham into small cubes and add to mixture.  Stir until the mixture is well combined.  Let the pasta cool for at least 15 minutes in fridge.  

Make 4 small balls of pasta, rolling each by hand.  In another bowl combine Parmesan, Italian seasoning to taste, and breadcrumbs.  Dip each pasta ball into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumb mixture.  Heat waffle iron and coat with non-stick spray.  Place one pasta ball in each quadrant, then press and cook for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Sushi Without Rice - Avocado and Crab Rolls

Try using lettuce and a spring roll wrapper instead of rice!  These amazing avocado and crab rolls are both healthy and delicious.  Plus, they easier to make than the traditional method. 

• 2 Spring Roll Wrappers or Rice Paper
• 1 Avocado
• 2 Leaves of Romaine Lettuce
• 5 Sticks of Imitation Crab
• 1/2 Cucumber
• Chopped Green Onion
• Roe or Tobiko
• Sriracha & Mayonnaise Sauce

Cut the edges off the cucumber and slice into sticks.  Split the avocado in half and remove the seed.  Using one side, slice the avocado into sticks. Wet the rice paper by running water over the sides, then place on a non-stick surface or plate.  Place a piece of lettuce in the center, then two slices of crab, avocado, and cucumber pieces.  Fold the edges inward, then roll very tightly.  Using a sharp wet knife, slice the roll into pieces.  Repeat to make a second roll if desired.

To decorate the roll, take the other slide of your avocado and slice very thinly while still in the shell.  Scoop with a large spoon.  Fan the avocado out, placing two thin slices to cover each roll.  Chop one crab stick in three pieces, then shred over the top of the rolls.  Mix 1 part sriracha to 2 parts mayonnaise and drizzle on top.  Finish my sprinkling the tobiko and green onions.  

Slow Pokes -Escargot Wrapped in Puff Pastry

If you enjoy escargot, try this unique fusion by wrapping the snails in puff pastry and serving with garlic pesto.  They look elegant, melt in your mouth, and are very easy to assemble.  Even if you are not a fan of snails, try a variation mentioned below.

• 1 Package Escargot (I buy my snails on Amazon.com in the can...classy, I know!)
• 2 Sheets of Frozen Puff Pastry
• 3 Tablespoons of Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley
• 3 Crushed Garlic Cloves
• 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
• 1 Tsp Cracked Pepper

While your puff pastry defrosts for 30 minutes, heat butter in a skillet.   Prepare your chopped herbs and garlic, then add to the butter and cook for 3-4 minutes.  Add the drained can of snails, lower the heat, and simmer for a few minutes until the flavor has infused with the snails.  Once the pastry has defrosted, use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into small squares.  Place a snail and a bit of the garlic butter sauce in the center of each square.  Then pinch the both ends into a wrapped candy shape.  Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.  Garnish with leftover butter sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan. 

You will usually have a little puff pastry leftover.  Almost anything is delicious in pastry...I love to stuff the extra with spinach, cheese, and sausage!  Try your hand at leftover fridge items, or something creative and zesty like smoked salmon and dilled cream cheese.  Cheddar and broccoli bits are a favorite of almost anyone, or stuff some mozzarella and bacon in the center.  There are endless possibilities, have fun!

French Vegetable Soup

Need to use up those veggies in the fridge? This recipe combines the classic flavors of French onion soup while making use of your leftovers.

• 4-5 cups of onions or other vegetables (I used 2 onions, cabbage, carrots, and celery)
• 5 cups beef stock
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp butter 
• 1 cup red wine
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp flour 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Heel of bread, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, gruyer, and parmesan work well)
• Chopped green onions

Melt butter in saucepan, then add onions or other vegetables.  Stir in seasonings and garlic, let cook for 3-5 minutes.  Mix in flour and add the wine, bringing mix to a simmer for 20 minutes.  Add beef stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.  Ladle soup into bowls and top with cubed bread, then add a layer of shredded cheese on top. Place under broiler until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.  Garnish with green onions, cracked pepper, and nutmeg.

Avocado Mold

I created this spin-off on a traditional Caribbean avocado mold by adding some zest and heat with chipotle sauce.  

1/2 packet of gelatine

1 1/4 cup boiling water

3 tbs cold water

2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp sugar

2/3 cup mayonnaise

4 tbs heavy whipping cream

4 avocados

1 can chipolte peppers in adobo

salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste

Mix the gelatine and cold water together and let stand until fully dissolved.  Bring water to a boil, then add to mixture with sugar.  While mixture cools, place mayonnaise, cream, and avocado in food processor.  Blend until creamy, and add the cooled gelatine mixture.  Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.  Spray a small bread pan or mold with cooking spray, then distribute the mixture evenly.  Refrigerate about 3-4 hours or until firm.  Once ready to serve, dip the bottom of your mold in warm water for 30 seconds to loosen.  Invert on plate drizzled with chipolte sauce.  Garnish with chili powder.  I like to serve this with salsa, adding one chopped chipolte pepper to the mix of onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.  Add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy with chips.

Vegetable Masala Soup in Instant Pot

A flavorful combination of vegetables with some Indian flair!

• 2 potatoes chopped roughly
• 1 cup carrots
• 1 chopped onion 
• 1 can chickpeas 
• 1 can diced tomatoes 
• 1/4 head chopped cabbage
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tbls masala
• 2 tsp marjoram
• 2 tsp ginger powder
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Add all ingredients to instant pot and set timer to cook for 10 minutes.  Once finished cooking, spoon out vegetables with a slotted spoon and place in blender or food processor.  Pulse until desired consistency it met, then return to pot and stir.  Garnish with hot sauce, spinach leaves, and plain yogurt.  Perfect when accompanied by basmati rice or naan bread. 

Spicy Pork and Bok Choy Soup

This soup is the perfect combination of savory and spice.  Healthy, delicious, and very filling!

• 6 oz pork tenderloin
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 tbls soy sauce
• 4 tbls srirachi
• 1 tbls minced ginger
• 1 tbls minced garlic
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 bunch of bok choy
• 6 oz chinese noodles

I use the instant pot for this one, just 20 minutes on the meat setting and it's ready!  Feel free to use the stove top, just make sure to temperature test your pork so it is not undercooked.  

 Shave the pork tenderloin very thinly, then combine all the ingredients except bok choy and noodles. Pressure cook with the instant pot for 20 minutes on the meat setting, or bring to a boil on the stovetop and simmer until meat is tender.

Once meat is cooked, slice the bok choy and add with noodles to the pot.  Let stand on low heat for about 15 minutes until noodles are done.  Top with hot sesame oil if desired for an extra punch!

Potato and Leek Soup in Instant Pot

It only takes about 20 minutes to make this warming winter soup.  For a healthy meal, it has a wonderful creamy flavor.  A weekday favorite in my house!

• 3 potatoes roughly chopped
• 3 leeks
• 2 celery stalks
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 5 cups of chicken or beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbls oregano
• 2 tbls parsley
• 2 tbls thyme
• 2 tbls marjoram
• salt and cracked pepper to taste

Roughly chop the potatoes, leeks, and celery stalks, then add to instant pot.  Cut the dark part of the leeks off, or leave an inch or two for more flavor.  Add the stock and seasonings, then switch on the soup setting for the instant pot and set the time to 15 minutes.  Once the soup is finished and the pressure is released, scoop out the potatoes, leeks, celery, and garlic with a slotted spoon into blender or food processor.  Puree and return to pot.  Simmer to desired consistency or enjoy right away!

If you do not have an instant pot, follow the same steps using the stove top.  Bring your soup to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are soft.  Then puree and return to pot.  

Quick Oscar Sauce for Fish or Steak

 This velvety sauce is perfect to whip up in a snap.  A great topping for steak or fish (seabass is above).

4 tablespoons finely chopped onions or shallots

4 tablespoons chopped tarragon leaves

salt and pepper to taste 

4 egg yolks

1 clove crushed garlic

1/8 cup good white wine

1/8 cup white vinegar

1/8 cup milk

2 tsp oil oil or butter

Bring your pan to medium heat, then add oil, onions, and garlic.  Saute mixture until onions until translucent, then add seasonings, white wine, vinegar, and milk.  Bring to a boil then whisk in egg yolks.  Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then pour over steamed asparagus and crab meat while still hot.

Perfectly Cooked Lobster

Preheat your broiler and defrost lobster tails if frozen.  To loosen the meat from the shell, gently separate with your finger.  Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the top of the shell lengthwise.  Pull the shell apart slightly, then lift the meat through the slit.  Place on a baking sheet and season.

• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp melted butter

Broil lobster tails until lightly browned on top,  about 10-15 minutes. Internal temperature should be 140.  Do not overcook, lobster will become rubbery. Brush with melted butter and garnish with lemon wedges and dill.