tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67414758046543653922024-03-13T11:16:11.039-07:00Kerie cooksKeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-49492402500986296572015-03-26T22:06:00.003-07:002015-03-26T22:06:59.603-07:00Sticky BBQ Ribs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KiR5sZsh1s/VRTkd5yKGCI/AAAAAAAAAvs/NdGE7W7aCPk/s1600/WP_20150326_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KiR5sZsh1s/VRTkd5yKGCI/AAAAAAAAAvs/NdGE7W7aCPk/s1600/WP_20150326_001.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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My love for spare ribs started in secondary school (in Nigeria) when one Sunday, a classmate brought in some ribs from her mom's restaurant (Pintos) for us to share. </div>
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Many a restaurant rib later (although somehow I live in Texas, the land of bbq and haven't had any here) plus many 'so-so' attempts at making mine; I discovered a method of making 'sticky' wings after watching a unique method by an Asian chef on Food Network's Diners, Drivers and Dives.</div>
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The method is a simple 2 step process.</div>
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<b>Step One</b>: Boil ribs (I used pork ribs) in a saucepan with your favorite spices and enough water to just about cover the ribs. My choice spices were curry powder, thyme, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, salt (seasoned salt), black pepper and a dash of maggi sauce. Once softened to your liking, drain boiling liquid/stock.</div>
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<b>Step Two:</b> Turn oven broiler on. Place ribs in a single layer in a baking pan lined with foil and brush favorite barbecue sauce over them. Place under the broil and keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Turn over to the other side and brush sauce on the other side and repeat broiling. Each side should take about 5 minutes to brown/char.</div>
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The result is a deliciously sticky and tender rib. Next time, I'm going to try teriyaki sauce instead of barbecue sauce. I'll let you know how it turns out.<br /><div>
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Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-19587716514335912362015-03-05T15:35:00.002-08:002015-03-05T15:35:14.811-08:00Oatmeal-Apple Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aDdHjOeGgY/VPjoBbNWS8I/AAAAAAAAAvU/WpUCpDRdthE/s1600/WP_20150228_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aDdHjOeGgY/VPjoBbNWS8I/AAAAAAAAAvU/WpUCpDRdthE/s1600/WP_20150228_002.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today's recipe is semi-homemade (whatever happened to that show on food network?). These days in an effort to be healthier but not necessarily completely give up foods I love, I look for ways to make them more nutritious and filling.<br />
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All you<b> need</b> for this one is 3 simple ingredients:<br />
1) Pancake mix (a simple, just add water mix is perfect)<br />
2) Quick oats or minute oats<br />
3) Chopped up apples (peeled)<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl with water to desired thickness (use box instructions and add water to adjust for the added oats)<br />
- Heat up skillet, or griddle, spray with cooking spray and scoop pancake mix unto it<br />
- As soon as the bubbles start to appear on the surface, flip and cook on the other side for about a minute or two (until no longer runny when pressed with a spatula).<br />
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Enjoy hot alone, with syrup or like I did with cut up fresh strawberries and sugar-free syrup.<br />
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Filing and delicious!Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-76165665450005388272015-02-02T12:14:00.006-08:002015-02-06T16:30:35.505-08:00Not your mama's Banga Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Banga soup is a staple in West African culture. In Nigeria it has now become a nationwide staple, but originally it was a Niger-Delta delicacy. My people (Isoko wado) usually eat this soup with starch, but being a Lagos-Isoko chic and one who's mum doesn't care much for starch, I have no idea what that tastes like - but love it with poundo yam or poundo plantain.<br />
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I attribute the love of the poundo plantain to my Abidjanaise days - Sauce Graine avec foutou banane. Delicious!!!<br />
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Also, I am not one to wash palm kennels like my mama used to when I was a kid.Thankful the stuff is being done by machines and canned, for a modern/easier twist to the process.<br />
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Anyways, here we go!<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
- 1 can of palm nut concentrate (Trofai, Ghana Fresh or whatever brand)<br />
- 1 large can of tomato sauce<br />
- 1 pack of chicken gizzards<br />
- 1/2 a red bell pepper (thinly sliced)<br />
- 1/2 a large onion (thinly sliced)<br />
- 3 whole frozen Tilapia fish each cut into 3 or 4 pieces depending on size<br />
- seasonings - salt, ground red pepper, ground ginger, ground garlic, maggi(boullion cube)<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Place gizzards in a large pot with onions and seasonings (minus red pepper), add water and boil until tender.<br />
- Add sliced red bell peppers and can of tomato sauce and boil for about 15 minutes.<br />
- Add can of palm nut concentrate and about a can full of water and boil for about 5 minutes.<br />
- Salt Tilapia fish and add to the sauce.<br />
- Add ground red pepper and salt to taste (add another maggi cube if necessary).<br />
- Reduce heat to a simmer and boil until clear palm oil floats to the top.<br />
- If you like, do like I do and scoop excess oil from the top.<br />
- Turn of heat and enjoy!<br />
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I love Banga soup with pretty much anything. I had it with poundo plantain one day, boiled plantains on another, and can't wait to have it with rice.<br />
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-76793626859971781612015-01-30T19:20:00.004-08:002015-01-30T19:24:47.149-08:00Super Easy (and kinda healthy) Pigs In A Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Like most of my recipes, I am usually inspired by a good sale at the grocery store. About a week ago, I found some turkey sausage with cheddar cheese (on the inside) on sale for $0.99. They were close to their expiration date and immediately pigs in a blanket came to mind. It seemed like the perfect way to cook them all at once and experiment a little as well.<br />
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I decided I wanted to use biscuit dough rather than crescent roll dough like most recipes call for - in my mind biscuit dough is less greasy and dough-ier. I didn't quite buy the dough that day but I did today for $0.83 (store brand).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(so sorry for the empty packs :-))</span></div>
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With only two ingredients, it is super simple. There are 10 biscuits in the pack and they are pretty small, so I used 2 biscuits for each pig in a blanket. The pack of sausages was 6 but I used only 5 for obvious reasons (the left-over one would make a perfect part of tomorrow's breakfast :-))<br />
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<b><i>Preparation</i></b> is super simple:<br />
- Going by the directions on the biscuit pack, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.<br />
- Grab 2 biscuits, press them together and flatten out to about 1/2 an inch thickness.<br />
- Roll each sausage in the flattened biscuit dough<br />
- Place on a baking sheet - folded side down<br />
- Place in oven and bake for about 10 minutes<br />
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Enjoy on it's own (like I did) or with your favorite dipping sauce.<br />
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-66383201190221711722015-01-23T16:03:00.000-08:002015-01-23T16:03:33.385-08:00Puff-puff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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My go to quick pick me up snack is puff-puff. I used to think it was so hard to make and it probably is when making a large batch. But for me and my quick mix to satisfy a sugar craving, here's what you do.<br />
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I make 2 versions, one with or without bananas. The bananas make it more nutritious but let me warn you - they are addictive.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
All purpose flour<br />
Granulated sugar (to desired sweetness)<br />
Instant yeast<br />
Warm water<br />
Cooking oil<br />
Bananas - optional<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Mix flour sugar, sugar and instant yeast and warm water until you get a sticky consistency and all ingredients are properly incorporated.</li>
<li>Cover in a bowl with a cloth and leave to rise at least an hour.</li>
<li>If using bananas, mash and incorporate into the mixture.</li>
<li>Heat cooking oil and drop spoonfuls of the mixture in the hot oil</li>
<li>Fry, flipping until browned on both sides and cooked on the inside (a few minutes)</li>
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It is best enjoyed hot but still delicious when cooled down.</div>
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-41847221155356385852015-01-07T11:09:00.001-08:002015-01-07T11:10:52.473-08:00Spicy Gizzards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Happy New Year y'all. Here's a quick yet yummy one perfect for any occasion. </div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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A pack of chicken gizzards (turkey is fine as well)<br />
Garlic powder<br />
Ground ginger<br />
Light soy sauce<br />
Chili garlic sauce (or sweet chili sauce)<br />
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<b>Instructions</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Season cleaned gizzards with a generous amount of garlic and ginger powders and place in a sauce pan.</li>
<li>Place on mid/low heat (gas mark 4) and allow to cook in own liquid stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until soft. Add little amounts of water from time to time if needed.</li>
<li>When soft and most of the liquid is done, add soy sauce and chili garlic sauce to taste.</li>
<li>Stir continuously for about a minute until gizzard if fully coated.</li>
<li>Take off heat and enjoy!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp-z8oNptwQ/VK2C7uKIb8I/AAAAAAAAAtE/EA0FkNuCPsw/s1600/WP_20150106_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp-z8oNptwQ/VK2C7uKIb8I/AAAAAAAAAtE/EA0FkNuCPsw/s1600/WP_20150106_002.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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This delicious protein on its own as a snack (skewer or stick in toothpicks) or along with your favorite sides.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCLyaiLxGGg/VK2C2XJ7Q3I/AAAAAAAAAs0/MeRpCj72h2o/s1600/WP_20150107_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCLyaiLxGGg/VK2C2XJ7Q3I/AAAAAAAAAs0/MeRpCj72h2o/s1600/WP_20150107_001.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pictured here with a mixture of greens and boxed broccoli rice to which I added chopped carrots)</span></div>
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Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-39177305069601924822014-12-05T11:34:00.002-08:002014-12-05T11:40:09.772-08:00Ham, Potato and Egg CasseroleI am always looking for interesting ways to cook potatoes. Given that they are starchy and high carbohydrate vegetables; and usually fats like butter and cheese are added to make them taste delicious, doing the diet thing, I tend to want to stay away.<br />
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When I do get a craving, not wanting to go for a mash or use them in my go to shepherd's pie, after a little recipe research, I came up with this. It is in some ways like a frittata but I skip the stove top portion and go straight to the oven.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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One large russet potato (baking potato)<br />
3 large eggs<br />
Deli sliced ham (or whatever protein you have)<br />
1/3 cup of shredded part skim mozzarella cheese<br />
1/4 cup of skim milk<br />
1/3 of a large red onion<br />
1/3 of a large green pepper<br />
salt and black pepper to taste<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
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- Peel and thinly slice potatoes and boil in water until tender<br />
- Dice up onions and green pepper finely<br />
- Whisk eggs and milk together and season with salt and pepper<br />
- Slice up ham<br />
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F once potatoes are done<br />
- Grab a baking dish and spray with cooking spray<br />
- Layer potatoes<br />
- Scatter diced up onions and green peppers over potatoes<br />
- Pour over egg mixture and place dish in oven<br />
- After about 15-20 minutes the eggs should have almost completely come together<br />
- Scatter shredded cheese over the top of the casserole<br />
- Place in over for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the casserole start to brown.<br />
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Allow to cool and enjoy! Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-2923733543659029392014-11-24T16:21:00.002-08:002014-11-24T16:24:56.094-08:00Quick n Easy Brunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It was around 2pm and I was just starting my day (don't judge me yo!). I wasn't really feeling like a typical breakfast but I wasn't ready for a full meal either.<br />
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So... I came up with sort of a frittata. I dug through left-overs in the fridge and came up with this.<br />
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You could probably use whatever left-overs you like and come up with something just as delicious.<br />
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<b>Here's what I used: </b><br />
2 eggs<br />
Oven roasted sweet potatoes/yams<br />
Cooked spinach<br />
Breakfast sausage<br />
Caesar dressing (odd but delish)<br />
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<b>What to do:</b><br />
Place a skillet on the stove top on medium heat<br />
Whisk eggs and caesar dressing in a bowl<br />
Chop potatoes into bit size and add to heated pan sprayed with cooking spray<br />
Saute for about a minute then add chopped up breakfast sausage<br />
Saute for about a minute and add cooked spinach<br />
After about another minute add whisked eggs<br />
Cook until the bottom is done and flip - no worries if it breaks up. You can sort of put it back together.<br />
Once fully done, slide onto a plate and grab a fork.<br />
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Crave worthy and satisfying!Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-59926114902846611642014-11-24T16:03:00.003-08:002014-11-24T16:05:26.199-08:00Semi-homemade Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Inspired by half a box of left-over dark chocolate brownie mix and a family member fixing for a snack, I came up with this.<br />
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I am not sure why I was convinced I could make cookies from brownie mix, maybe I had seen it on one of the many cookie shows I'd watched and really what is the real difference between cakes, brownies (blondies) and cookies!</div>
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I did a little internet search, tweaked a bit to suit my taste and ingredients I had at home and voila!</div>
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<b>What you need:</b></div>
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<div>
1/2 a box of brownie mix (Pillsbury 18.4oz)</div>
<div>
1 egg</div>
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1 Tbsp of water</div>
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3 Tbsps of canola oil</div>
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1/4 cup of flour</div>
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Handful of chopped pecans</div>
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<b>Preparation:</b></div>
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<div>
Mix egg, water and canola oil in a bowl</div>
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Add flour and brownie mix</div>
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Add chopped pecans</div>
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Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined</div>
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(Add 1 more Tbsp of water if needed)</div>
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Scoop onto a cookie sheet/baking pan and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10 - 15 minutes</div>
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Allow to cool and enjoy!</div>
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I made these cookie along with my oatmeal cookies (see recipe on blog) and they went a whole lot faster.</div>
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Simple, a little healthier than the brownies if made according to directions and much more delicious!!!</div>
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Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-75319448086668631172014-11-16T19:04:00.003-08:002014-11-16T19:05:02.398-08:00Beans with a twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUiRUCL6fV4/VGlgUhxfO-I/AAAAAAAAArI/STsCE00yqCY/s1600/WP_20141014_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUiRUCL6fV4/VGlgUhxfO-I/AAAAAAAAArI/STsCE00yqCY/s1600/WP_20141014_003.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Today folks, I have two delicious beans recipes for you.<br />
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First, the one in the picture on the left - kidney beans and shrimp and a little later, black-eyed peas/beans with hot dogs (sort of a play on pork and beans).<br />
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Each can be served alone or eaten with rice; or bread like I love to do. I make sort of a bread sandwich lol.<br />
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<b>Kidney Beans and Shrimp</b><br />
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<i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />
<br />
Uncooked kidney beans<br />
Raw shrimp<br />
Tomatoes<br />
Onions<br />
Cooking oil - olive or canola is excellent<br />
Your favorite spice combo - e,g. adobo, salt, pepper (black and cayenne), shrimp bullion cube/seasoning<br />
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<i><b>Preparation</b></i><br />
<br />
Soak the beans in cold water for a few hours<br />
Boil over medium heat in a pot until soft<br />
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In a separate pan, sautée sliced onions and sliced tomatoes in cooking oil<br />
Add softened kidney beans raw shrimp and spice mixture<br />
Simmer on low heat for about 10-15mins<br />
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Enjoy in a bowl over brown rice. Delicious!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaeusHFjIPY/VGlgUfp5DZI/AAAAAAAAArE/N6kvIlIWwCw/s1600/WP_20141014_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaeusHFjIPY/VGlgUfp5DZI/AAAAAAAAArE/N6kvIlIWwCw/s1600/WP_20141014_006.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<b>Black-eyed peas and Hot dogs</b></div>
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<i><b>Ingredients</b></i><br />
<br />
Uncooked black eyed peas<br />
Hot dogs<br />
Tomatoes<br />
Onions<br />
Cooking oil - olive, canola, vegetable or palm oil<br />
Your favorite spice combo - e,g. curry powder, thyme, pepper (black and cayenne), bullion cube/seasoning<br />
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<i><b>Preparation</b></i><br />
<br />
Soak the beans in cold water for a few hours<br />
Boil over medium heat in a pot until soft<br />
<br />
In a separate pan, sautée sliced onions and sliced tomatoes in cooking oil<br />
Add softened kidney beans, sliced hot dogs and spice mixture<br />
Simmer on low heat for about 10-15mins<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnYajkHiUrU/VGlgUgYmuyI/AAAAAAAAArM/zRpjWxRKFYc/s1600/WP_20141112_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnYajkHiUrU/VGlgUgYmuyI/AAAAAAAAArM/zRpjWxRKFYc/s1600/WP_20141112_004.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see, both recipes are essentially the same - just substitute the type of beans you use and choice of meat (or processed meat :-)) I'm thinking I'll try these out with black or pinto beans and see how they turn out.</div>
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Beans are already an excellent source of protein. Adding the extra protein simply gives it a pleasant & delicious twist. </div>
<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-88590240628990888342014-10-29T14:45:00.005-07:002014-10-29T16:39:09.358-07:00Spring Rolls: 3 Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnRDDiF5W4/VFFf0x9RJZI/AAAAAAAAAq0/iXO8_ci2nSo/s1600/WP_20141029_005%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnRDDiF5W4/VFFf0x9RJZI/AAAAAAAAAq0/iXO8_ci2nSo/s1600/WP_20141029_005%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Pictured: Strawberry and Cream Cheese Spring Rolls)</span><br />
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<b>Samosa-ish</b><br />
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I have this awesome recipe for vegetable samosas but I didn't have all my ingredients. So... I did a 'version' of it, and it was delicious.<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">Ingredients</span></i><br />
- Boiled and coarsely mashed potatoes<br />
- Fish masala mix<br />
- Finely chopped onions<br />
- Finely chopped green peppers<br />
- cayenne pepper<br />
- spring roll wrappers<br />
- frying oil<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">Preparation:</span></i> Allow potatoes to cool and then combine all ingredients in a bowl. Wrap about a tablespoon of mixture in a spring roll wrap and deep fry.<br />
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<b>Ground Lamb</b><br />
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Oftentimes, I'm inspired by food I've tasted before and sale items at the grocers. This time is no different. There was this amazing cheese steak egg rolls I used to get from this place in Philly and I've just been dreaming about it since I remembered it. Being on the healthier tip, I decided to skip the cheese but not the flavor. Also, I used lamb rather than beef. It was on major sale!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">Ingredients</span></i><br />
- Ground 85/15 lamb<br />
- Sliced onions<br />
- Sliced green peppers<br />
- Adobo seasoning<br />
- Ground black pepper<br />
- Ground ginger<br />
- Maggi sauce (optional)<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">Preparation:</span></i> Brown the ground lamb, add onions, green peppers and all seasonings to taste. Drain liquid and allow to cool. Wrap about a tablespoon of mixture in a spring roll wrap and deep fry.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"><i>Now it's desert time. Woohoo!</i></span></b><br />
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<b>Strawberry and Cream Cheese</b><br />
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This one was a complete experiment - a crapshoot that turned out pretty yum.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">Ingredients</span></i><br />
- Chopped strawberries<br />
- Strawberry cream cheese<br />
- Light brown sugar (to taste)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>Preparation:</i></span> Combine all ingredients. Wrap about a tablespoon of mixture in a spring roll wrap and deep fry.<br />
<br />
The wrapping can be really tricky and every time I make these I forget how to roll them. The easiest is to place the wrap sort of in a diamond shape. Place mixture in the middle and then bring side closest to you over the mixture in the middle. tuck and roll, bringing in the sides halfway through.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yw59huj-JM/VFFemKbAmXI/AAAAAAAAAqk/rGaRkhJhjAg/s1600/WP_20141029_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Yw59huj-JM/VFFemKbAmXI/AAAAAAAAAqk/rGaRkhJhjAg/s1600/WP_20141029_002.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">(Pictured: Ground Lanb Spring Rolls)</span></div>
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-43264834941314219832014-10-29T14:16:00.001-07:002014-10-29T14:17:02.646-07:00Simply Broccoli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIOZU_ZFFQw/VFFXyPRCMOI/AAAAAAAAAqM/CxD7Ujrv6t0/s1600/WP_20141022_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIOZU_ZFFQw/VFFXyPRCMOI/AAAAAAAAAqM/CxD7Ujrv6t0/s1600/WP_20141022_001.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
I have the best recipe for broccoli ever!<br />
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It's so simple, yet so tasty no one ever believes how easy it is.<br />
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Even more good news... you can use it for any vegetable (asparagus, green beans, etc)<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Broccoli (fresh or frozen)<br />
Low sodium soy sauce<br />
Chili garlic sauce<br />
Extra virgin olive oil<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Grab a wok or large frying pan and place on high heat<br />
- Add a little olive oil<br />
- Add broccoli and stir fry until tender<br />
- Add chili garlic sauce and low sodium soy sauce (to taste)<br />
- Stir fry for about a minute<br />
<br />
Et voila! Simply delicious.<br />
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<b><u>Make It A Meal</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Grilled Jerked Tilapia : </b>Marinade some cleaned fish with store bought jerk chicken mix and grill under the broiler.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KkdFLbC-5K8/VFFYoGs3cQI/AAAAAAAAAqU/iNhq4qn_xEo/s1600/WP_20141022_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KkdFLbC-5K8/VFFYoGs3cQI/AAAAAAAAAqU/iNhq4qn_xEo/s1600/WP_20141022_002.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-13657617995199939242014-10-21T12:54:00.002-07:002014-10-21T12:55:01.494-07:00Semi-home made low fat brownies<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5126w%2BUzRRL._SY300_.jpg" height="200" width="152" /> <img src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/articles/2011/04/GreekYogurt_main.jpg" height="127" width="200" /><br />
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There are millions of recipes online on how to reduce the calories when making cakes, brownies and cookies from a box mix. They usually involve substituting the oil/butter and eggs for diet soda, apple sauce or pumpkin pie filling/puree.<br />
<br />
I came across a recipe (via hungry girl) that used non-fat greek yogurt instead. She suggested using a chocolate cake mix. She said the cake came out with sort of a brownie feel to it. It decided to take it up a notch and use low-fat brownie mix instead.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 box of low fat brownie mix<br />
1 5.3oz cup of non-fat greek yogurt<br />
1 5.3oz cup of water (just use the empty cup of yogurt to measure)<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
Grease pan and pour mix into pan<br />
Follow box instructions<br />
<br />
Brownies are ready once a toothpick or knife comes out clean or the sides start to pull away from pan.<br />
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<b>Verdict </b>- tastes delicious, perhaps a little too sweet even (artificial sweeteners maybe?). The brownies were a tad too gooey and hard to take out of the pan. Perhaps I needed to allow to cool much longer. The box suggested lining the pan with foil - which perhaps helps this problem.<br />
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All in all, it is a nice treat and a kinda guilt-free.<br />
<br />
<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-36563694374627196452014-10-04T11:01:00.003-07:002014-10-04T11:01:42.666-07:00Eggs, eggs and more eggsToday, I want to talk a little bit about breakfast food - eggs to be specific. I love eggs. Not just because they taste good and can be used in many different ways, but because they are also pretty darn nutritious and filling. Sometimes, I even have em for dinner. Shhh...<br />
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What I've got for you here is not much of a cooking lesson; but two delicious breakfast plates and how you too can enjoy them.<br />
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First, I've got an <b>Egg and Turkey Bacon wrap</b>.<br />
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It is super simple. Whisk two eggs with your favorite seasonings and fry in a non stick pan (or in a regular pan sprayed with cooking spray), cook three slices of turkey bacon as you like and warm up a wholewheat wrap. Layer the egg and bacon with a little (or lot) bit of ketchup and roll it up. </div>
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Et Voila!</div>
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Secondly, I've got a family favorite - <b>Sardine Eggs</b>, and I've made it a meal by adding a side of homemade roast potatoes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO0a3Sp1-U/VDA01O0utOI/AAAAAAAAAp4/prgPbjfcIH4/s1600/WP_20140925_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVO0a3Sp1-U/VDA01O0utOI/AAAAAAAAAp4/prgPbjfcIH4/s1600/WP_20140925_001.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whisk up two eggs, add one (or two) mashed up canned sardines, salt and pepper (to taste). If you like, add a little cayenne pepper to give it some kick. Fry in a non-stick pan just like above and pair with some roast potatoes or hash browns. If you are like me, ketchup completes the dish :-)</div>
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Also simple, and delicious!</div>
Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-11161820720315370552014-09-27T12:37:00.002-07:002014-09-27T12:40:04.081-07:00Ground Pork Pockets<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBkAxOFGBcE/VCcNTXztx-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/uZZzY5EcunQ/s1600/WP_20140926_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CBkAxOFGBcE/VCcNTXztx-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/uZZzY5EcunQ/s1600/WP_20140926_011.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a>This beautiful afternoon, I've got for you a nice hors d'oeuvre or snack. I made them just because, but I can definitely see them going down well for a party or get together.<br />
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They are basically a semi-homemade/quick take on the traditional meat pies that are common in England and other countries that have some sort of British influence like Nigeria or Jamaica. I guess in some sense it is also similar to an Italian calzone.<br />
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Anyways, it's really simple.<br />
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<b>Step 1</b>: Brown some ground pork (beef, turkey, chicken or even pork sausage) in a pan. Add chopped onions, chopped bell pepper and chopped carrots. Season as you like (I used adobo, black pepper and a little salt) and cook until all is tender and delicious. Take off heat and allow to cool.<br />
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<b>Step 2</b>: Grab a can of biscuit dough and flatten each one to about 1/2 inch thick.<br />
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<b>Step 3: </b>Scoop about a tablespoon of the cooled down meat mixture unto one side of the flattened biscuit. Gently cover the meat side with the meatless side and use hands to seal the ends.<br />
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<b>Step 4:</b> Use a fork to seal the ends properly by pressing down on the edges - all around and place on a baking sheet. Poke little holes on each one by piercing with a fork once (this lets out steam from the inside in the baking process).<br />
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<b>Step 5:</b> Place in a 350 degree preheated oven and cook according to the instructions on the biscuit dough packaging (12 -15 minutes in this case). The pockets are ready when they begin to brown at the top.<br />
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Allow to cool and enjoy! </div>
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It's not your traditional flaky short crust or filo dough which you might be used to, but, it is no less delicious :D</div>
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<i><u>Note</u>: Got some left over meat mixture, add some tomato paste, and spice it up with some garlic powder or whatever seasoning you like and you've got great pasta sauce. That's exactly what I did!</i>Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-46598270133579844512014-09-25T08:07:00.000-07:002014-09-25T08:07:12.240-07:00Fish curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSB9-Qzd71Y/VCQvMOfq1_I/AAAAAAAAAno/-DpaCdyZfbE/s1600/WP_20140906_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSB9-Qzd71Y/VCQvMOfq1_I/AAAAAAAAAno/-DpaCdyZfbE/s1600/WP_20140906_005.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
Today, I've got for you a very simple yet delicious fish curry dish. As usual, there is an inspiration of sorts story lol - the catfish cutlets on sale at the local grocery store.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Catfish (or any other fish you like) cutlets<br />
Sliced onions<br />
Sliced green and red bell peppers<br />
Sliced carrots<br />
Curry powder<br />
Canola oil (olive or any other is fine too)<br />
salt<br />
cayenne pepper (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>What to do</b><br />
- Heat about 2 tbsp of canola oil in a wok or deep frying pan (or pot)<br />
- Add sliced onions and cook until tender<br />
- Add sliced bell peppers and cook till tender<br />
- Add sliced carrots<br />
- Add curry powder (about a hefty table spoon, depending on quantity of fish)<br />
- Add fish cutlets<br />
- Add enough water to almost cover the cutlets and cover pan<br />
- Reduce heat and leave to simmer about 5 minutes<br />
- Turn cutlets over to ensure it cooks all the way through and allow to simmer another 5 minutes<br />
- Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste<br />
- The sauce should have thickened by now (adjust with water according to preference)<br />
- Simmer another 2 minutes and it is done<br />
<br />
Serve over brown rice for a healthy but delicious meal!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBjxQMRqx1g/VCQvMPx_PtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/TFi_n6iwMOI/s1600/WP_20140906_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBjxQMRqx1g/VCQvMPx_PtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/TFi_n6iwMOI/s1600/WP_20140906_008.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a>Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-16201228698673349642014-09-19T17:53:00.001-07:002014-09-19T17:53:47.573-07:00Plantain Porridge (pottage)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09dknZb0mTc/VBzPvX0xKdI/AAAAAAAAAnU/zZwEOBoQCtc/s1600/WP_20140913_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09dknZb0mTc/VBzPvX0xKdI/AAAAAAAAAnU/zZwEOBoQCtc/s1600/WP_20140913_006.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Today's addition y'all, is a happy co-incidence.<br />
<br />
We bought some green plantains from the grocery store, hoping they'll ripen overnight like they usually do but lo and behold, a week later, they were as green as ever.<br />
<br />
I'd seen a couple of latin American recipes on cooking shows over the years and was thinking I'd try one. In my quest to find a recipe, I actually stumbled upon a Nigerian recipe (go figure). It was basically a typical yam porridge/pottage recipe, which I know like the back of my hands but instead of yam, you use green plantains.<br />
<br />
So, here we go!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
- green (unripe) plantains<br />
- spinach<br />
- onions<br />
- ground shrimp<br />
- palm oil<br />
- ground red (cayenne) pepper<br />
- salt<br />
- crayfish or shrimp maggi (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Peel and chop up green plantains into 1-2 inch rounds<br />
- Place in a pot on medium heat with enough water to almost cover the plantains and cook until almost done (about 10 minutes)<br />
- Slice onions and add to the pot, cook until the onions soften<br />
- Add ground shrimp (or crayfish) and cayenne pepper and stir in<br />
- Mash a little bit of the plantain to thicken the boiling liquid (this will naturally happen as the plantain softens)<br />
- Chop up spinach and add to the pot, along with palm oil. Leave to cook for about 5 minutes.<br />
- Add salt to taste and simmer another 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
This recipe is great for lunch. It can be eaten alone or with a protein like fish on the side.<br />
<br />
I was a little skeptical about how this would taste since I really don't like unripe plantains. This my friends was surprisingly yummy. I definitely plan to make this again soon.<br />
<br />
You should too! Enjoy :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXQN5yvXjEQ/VBzPuBgbFzI/AAAAAAAAAnM/VAVVbDgS4cs/s1600/WP_20140913_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXQN5yvXjEQ/VBzPuBgbFzI/AAAAAAAAAnM/VAVVbDgS4cs/s1600/WP_20140913_002.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-8676647114181038422014-09-06T11:55:00.001-07:002014-09-06T11:55:13.905-07:00Honey Coconut Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olRljsoI7PE/VAtXytnHNgI/AAAAAAAAAk8/aieo4AzQYSk/s1600/SDC10992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olRljsoI7PE/VAtXytnHNgI/AAAAAAAAAk8/aieo4AzQYSk/s1600/SDC10992.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Nigerians don't have a lot of dessert recipes, but this one right here is a favorite. It is probably more like a snack and mostly consumed by kids, but of course that doesn't stop me :-)<br />
<br />
Typically the recipe is made with white sugar but I decided to experiment with honey (healthier) and also attempt to 'adultify' it a bit.<br />
<br />
I actually made this about a year ago with intentions of posting it but I guess it skipped my mind.<br />
<br />
Anyways, here it is.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Unsweetend coconut flakes/dried ground coconut (easily found in the baking aisles of most grocery stores)<br />
Honey<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Place coconut flakes and honey in a pan and stir continuously until incorporated and it turns golden brown and sticky.<br />
- Take off heat and allow to cool slightly<br />
- Use a tablespoon to scoop about a spoonful of mixture<br />
- Roll in wet palms into balls<br />
- Allow to cool on the counter-top or refrigerator until it hardens a bit (to toffee/caramel candy like consistency)<br />
<br />
It doesn't taste as sweet as the sugar based coconut candy I grew up with - I think it is actually better!<br />
<br />
Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-83259206873297189762014-09-06T11:40:00.001-07:002014-09-06T11:41:55.911-07:00Spicy Turkey Meatballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbGZBs-8CFQ/VAtTVtfZ9QI/AAAAAAAAAkw/B7UsvCfGW-c/s1600/WP_20140831_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbGZBs-8CFQ/VAtTVtfZ9QI/AAAAAAAAAkw/B7UsvCfGW-c/s1600/WP_20140831_010.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
I was at the grocery store and as usual browsing the meat aisles for a good deal.<br />
<br />
There was some ground turkey (85-15 - a little more fat than I like) at a great price.<br />
<br />
I have a few recipes I've used ground turkey for before - chilli, lasagna, shepherd's pie; don't think I've done a meatball one yet.<br />
<br />
Anyways, here we go. It's super easy and has just 5 ingredients.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 family size pack of ground turkey, an egg, 1/2 a large red bell pepper, 1/4 of a large white onion (both finely chopped), Adobo seasonings (salt and black pepper optional)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63JRcM-eZRE/VAtP-EAL1sI/AAAAAAAAAj8/SdRVrhB1hjU/s1600/WP_20140831_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63JRcM-eZRE/VAtP-EAL1sI/AAAAAAAAAj8/SdRVrhB1hjU/s1600/WP_20140831_003.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What to do</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Step 1: </b>In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together with a wooden spoon<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7xpGvZl3H4/VAtP97jfjNI/AAAAAAAAAj4/k7A0kNsk-wo/s1600/WP_20140831_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7xpGvZl3H4/VAtP97jfjNI/AAAAAAAAAj4/k7A0kNsk-wo/s1600/WP_20140831_004.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2: </b>Divide mixture into 12 equal parts. An easy way is to divide in four by running a line both horizontally and vertically and dividing each quarter into three. The mixture will be a tad sticky so wet fingers and palms lightly.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp5lKjFpUSE/VAtQAa3qKUI/AAAAAAAAAkM/2_YK9V821Yo/s1600/WP_20140831_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp5lKjFpUSE/VAtQAa3qKUI/AAAAAAAAAkM/2_YK9V821Yo/s1600/WP_20140831_005.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3: </b>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Then mold into rounds (meat balls) and place in a baking dish. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEfK28ZI-BI/VAtQD3iLTaI/AAAAAAAAAkU/GEfbvdPMH3s/s1600/WP_20140831_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEfK28ZI-BI/VAtQD3iLTaI/AAAAAAAAAkU/GEfbvdPMH3s/s1600/WP_20140831_006.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4: </b>Bake in oven until brown and cooked all the way through (you can spray a little bit of cooking spray on the meatballs if you like). At about half way through, pour out the liquid and place back in the oven until done. It takes about 35 - 45 minutes.</div>
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Et Voila!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaVwpkY-jDw/VAtQGVKOspI/AAAAAAAAAkk/TElJ9fD0FFs/s1600/WP_20140831_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaVwpkY-jDw/VAtQGVKOspI/AAAAAAAAAkk/TElJ9fD0FFs/s1600/WP_20140831_008.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
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Serve with a little bit of ketchup and enjoy as a snack (like I did in the above picture) or serve along with pasta, rice or whatever you like.</div>
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Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-72233500173100156642014-08-27T15:33:00.001-07:002014-09-27T12:42:19.854-07:00Oven baked Moin-Moin (Black-eyed peas/Beans cake)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlXI9Mb7jO4/U_5bId8BKsI/AAAAAAAAAjk/mQ7yMUWYJeU/s1600/WP_20140819_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlXI9Mb7jO4/U_5bId8BKsI/AAAAAAAAAjk/mQ7yMUWYJeU/s1600/WP_20140819_002.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
Moin-moin is a West-African staple. Oftentimes it is eaten for breakfast or as a side dish to rice dishes like jollof rice or fried rice.<br />
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The process involved in preparing this dish can be tedious as it involves removing the skin from the beans. This usually involves soaking the beans for the right amount of time for the skin to start separating and then repeatedly 'washing' the beans to remove the skin. In my younger days, as much as I loved eating moin-moin, I hated 'washing' the beans.<br />
<br />
Once the beans are washed clean, they need to be ground to a smooth as possible paste and then other ingredients are added.<br />
<br />
Today, international food exportation and the modern day cook, has brought about an 'easier-almost-same' variation to the process. In almost any store that sells ethnic foods, you can find beans flour. This eliminates the washing and grinding and is instead mixed with water to create the said paste.<br />
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Typically, the added ingredients to the paste are :- water (to achieve a paste consistency of a light cake batter), ground scotch bonnet peppers, ground red bell peppers (tatashé), ground onions, oil (vegetable or palm), dry ground or small pieces of fish/sardines or hard boiled eggs (I have actually used canned corned beef) and salt to taste. Bouillion cubes such as maggi, curry and other spices can also be added.<br />
<br />
I personally play around with the ingredients each time I make it - sometimes depending on what I have at home. Traditionally, moin-moin is cooked in banana leaves, or special aluminum ramekins and stemmed in a water bath sort of like a cheesecake, but instead of in the oven, on the stove top. These days, I make mine in the oven, it takes a lot less cooking time and tastes pretty darn good.<br />
<br />
Here are the ingredients for my last moin-moin treat.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Beans flour<br />
Green bell peppers<br />
Onions<br />
Water<br />
Chopped red onions<br />
1 can of sardines<br />
Olive oil<br />
Salt<br />
Boullion cube (maggi)<br />
Curry powder<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Mix beans flour in water to cake batter-like consistency and leave to rest for about an hour (read instructions on the package, not all require resting time)<br />
- Blend green peppers and onions in a blender with some water<br />
- Once beans mixture is rested, add blended onions and peppers and mix<br />
- Add chopped onions, can of sardines (mashed up a bit), olive oil, salt, maggi and curry powder (taste for salt) and mix to ensure even distribution of all ingredients<br />
- Pour into an oven safe dish (glass or aluminum is fine)<br />
- Place in a 350 degree oven until a toothpick or knife comes out clean when pierced (just like you would a cake). This should take about 30-45 minutes.<br />
<br />
And voila! Enjoy on it's own or with oatmeal (or Akamu/Ogi Naija folks) for breakfast or as a side dish.Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-27646459483882744662014-08-25T20:19:00.001-07:002014-08-25T20:19:09.745-07:00Bolé<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4HsTksrG4E/U_v6ryaR4II/AAAAAAAAAjU/ePU7IHIG9qY/s1600/WP_20140818_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W4HsTksrG4E/U_v6ryaR4II/AAAAAAAAAjU/ePU7IHIG9qY/s1600/WP_20140818_002.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
Today's treat is a roadside favorite in Nigeria... Bolé, which to those who don't know, is roasted plantain.<br />
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If I am not mistaken, it originates from the Niger Delta area of Nigeria and in those areas there's variations on how best to eat it. Deltans may tell you it goes best with dry roasted groundnuts while Port Harcourt folk may say it has to be eaten with fish (and a palm oil based sauce).<br />
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The plantain is usually roasted on an open charcoal fired grill not that much different from a barbeque grill, but being out there and in an apartment without a balcony or a grill even :-), I've come up with a way to get the same effect using my oven broiler.<br />
<br />
I'm not a big fan of bolé and groundnut; and that fish concoction they do (and I tried) in Port Harcourt gave me a stomach ache. So, in typical fashion, I came up with a gorgeous sauce - inspired by the fish sauce, to go along with it.<br />
<br />
<b>Bolé</b><br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
-Turn on your broiler<br />
-Once ready, place peeled ripe (but still firm) plantain under the grill<br />
-Pay close attention to the plantain and keep turning to prevent burning and to make sure cooked on all sides.<br />
<br />
<b>Sauce</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
1/2 a chopped red onion<br />
2 chopped tomatoes<br />
2 tbsps ground crayfish or shrimp<br />
2 tbsps of palm oil<br />
1 boullion cube (maggi, knorr, etc)<br />
Salt and cayenne (optional) to taste<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
-Place a small saucepan on medium heat<br />
-Add palm oil<br />
-Add chopped onions and cook until tender<br />
-Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened<br />
-Add crayfish or shrimp, boullion cube and salt and cayenne pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Serve while hot and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-86409629319874207912014-08-18T14:25:00.001-07:002014-08-18T14:25:11.529-07:00A new found love for Hummus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKjuu58PYMM/U_JvHCc7_5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/8XcQ_yCi1Gw/s1600/WP_20140813_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKjuu58PYMM/U_JvHCc7_5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/8XcQ_yCi1Gw/s1600/WP_20140813_013.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
I've developed a new found love for the old time party favorite - Hummus. Not only does it taste good, but it is good for you.<br />
<br />
I spoke about the delicious edamame hummus I tasted at a grocery store in DC and was on the hunt for when I got back. I've been having so much fun creating recipes around it.<br />
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Today's feature is a flat bread hummus pizza. There are only 3 ingredients (flat bread, hummus and turkey bacon) and 3 steps to it.<br />
1) Chop up two strips of turkey bacon into bite sizes<br />
2) Spread 4 tbsps (or as much as you like) on flat bread, and scatter bacon around it<br />
3) Place in a 425 degree F oven on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes (or until crisp)<br />
<br />
Cool for a few minutes then cut up into 6 slices (or as you like).<br />
<br />
Enjoy on it's own or with a side salad for a light but delicious dinner (or lunch)!Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-37810973717647179072014-08-18T14:09:00.002-07:002014-08-18T14:15:06.931-07:00Healthy Seafood Fried Rice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqoy5YPjfno/U_JousPFukI/AAAAAAAAAi0/-MQ3b_4_vxk/s1600/WP_20140813_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqoy5YPjfno/U_JousPFukI/AAAAAAAAAi0/-MQ3b_4_vxk/s1600/WP_20140813_011.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
A trip to the grocery store for me is usually something like this - half the time spent finding the stuff on my list, and the other half browsing for items (meats especially) on sale. The other day, lobster tails were on sale at about 25% regular price. I picked up two and then I started thinking how best to use them.<br />
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Sitting on the couch a few days later, I had my eureka moment! There was some shrimp and squid at home, so... along with the lobster, I came up with a healthy brown rice seafood fried rice.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qc_5LSGFYAo/U_Jnzre3ajI/AAAAAAAAAiA/_dcJnccoqbQ/s1600/WP_20140813_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qc_5LSGFYAo/U_Jnzre3ajI/AAAAAAAAAiA/_dcJnccoqbQ/s1600/WP_20140813_001.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Brown rice (partway cooked)<br />
Lobster tails (chopped to bite size)<br />
Shrimp (I used pre-cooked)<br />
Squid (ringlets chopped to bite size)<br />
Red onions (diced)<br />
Green bell pepper (diced)<br />
Mixed vegetables<br />
Olive oil (about 2 table spoons)<br />
Garlic powder<br />
Ground black pepper<br />
Soy sauce<br />
Shrimp or crayfish maggi seasoning (or any other brand you prefer)<br />
Salt (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Preparation</b><br />
- Prepare all ingredients and then grab a wok and place on high heat<br />
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- Add oil to the pan, heat for about a minutes</div>
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- Add onions, brown and then add green peppers, until tender</div>
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- Add mixed vegetables and stir fry</div>
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- Add chopped up squid (since raw, it need a few minutes to cook)</div>
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- Add shrimp and chopped up lobster tails (doesn't need much time to cook), stir fry for a minute or two</div>
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- Add garlic powder, black pepper, crayfish seasoning, to taste and stir fry a couple minutes</div>
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- Add cooked brown rice, and soy sauce (as much as you like but be careful so that the rice doesn't get mushy), stir fry for about 2 -3 minutes</div>
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- Adjust seasoning to taste (optional salt can be added here)</div>
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Et... Voila! Home-made Chinese fried rice never tasted so good.</div>
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-26572477947714004082014-08-08T13:32:00.001-07:002014-08-08T13:32:16.792-07:00Flat breads, pitas and wrapsHello y'all... it's been about 2 years since I last updated this I think.<br />
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I have been cooking, but I've been away in Lagos, Nigeria and it was a little harder finding fun inexpensive ingredients to work with so although not impossible, it did cramp my style.<br />
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I'm back in the states, back on my Weight Watchers diet, and back to fun times with foods.<br />
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Today, I want to discuss flat breads. Flat breads range from your pitas to wraps to naan bread to tortillas to whatever y'all call it or are used to.<br />
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I was in a whole foods type grocery store the other day and I stumbled on some pretty healthy flat bread. Being on the WW diet, I brought out my handy point calculator and seeing as one wrap was just 2 points, it came home with me. The flat bread is just 90 calories, whole wheat and high in fiber. And most importantly, it actually tasted good.<br />
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<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws13hOVHWzw/Udr31imbpHI/AAAAAAAAga8/h09Lv_ukQeo/s1600/planet-weidknecht-flat-out-3.JPG" /><br />
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It's a little thicker than your average tortilla which makes it pretty perfect for a thin-crust pizza - which was all that was on my mind once I got home. Trying not to consume too many calories/points that evening, I set about finding ideas on how to make a cheese-less pizza. Being an avid food network, cooking channel, etc watcher I knew that pizzas don't necessarily have to have cheese to be good. In the end, here's what I came up with.<br />
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<b>Chicken, red onions and green peppers cheese-less pizza</b><br />
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<b><i>Ingredients</i></b><br />
1 flatout flat bread<br />
1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken<br />
1/4 of a red onion (or as much as you like) sliced thinly<br />
1/4 of a green bell pepper (or as much as you like) sliced thinly<br />
2 - 3 tbsps tomato sauce (as much as you like)<br />
1 tsp of olive oil (extra virgin if you prefer)<br />
Garlic powder, salt, parsley, thyme, sage , black pepper (to taste)<br />
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<i><b>Preparation</b></i><br />
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F<br />
Spray surface of baking sheet/pan with your favorite cooking spray<br />
Lay flat bread on the pan and brush with olive oil<br />
Spread tomato sauce with a spoon leaving about a 1/4 inch of space around the edges<br />
Sprinkle seasonings all over bread<br />
Randomly arrange the onions, peppers and chicken all around the flat bread<br />
Sprinkle addition seasonings (optional)<br />
Place in over for 12-15 minutes until toppings are as cooked as you like and crust is as crispy as you like<br />
Make sure to check every few minutes to prevent from burning<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA8SI7zS6jU/U-UwAq5l3ZI/AAAAAAAAAhc/1QhxRvIfymE/s1600/WP_20140806_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA8SI7zS6jU/U-UwAq5l3ZI/AAAAAAAAAhc/1QhxRvIfymE/s1600/WP_20140806_005.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Total WW points = 5 points</span><br />
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Yes, it was as delicious as it looks :-)<br />
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The next day, in the mood for a snack, I called upon my flat bread again. This time I made some pita chips to go along with some amazing edamame hummus I found at the store.<br />
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<b>Preparation is pretty simple</b>. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray, cut up 1 flat bread into sections. Place in pan, toss with a little olive oil and whatever seasonings you like. I just used salt as I was planning to eat with the already flavorful hummus. Place in a 425 degree F for about 5 mins. I ate with 2 tbsps of edamame hummus. Make sure to keep an eye on this cause it burns quickly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Total WW points = 3 points</span><br />
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I'm totally loving this flatout flat bread. Try it out and you would too.<br />
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Bisou xxx<br />
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<br />Keriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6741475804654365392.post-82798620437554643692012-08-19T08:57:00.001-07:002012-08-19T08:59:42.720-07:00Stir fried Shrimp Egg NoodlesThe other day (more like months ago), at my neighbourhood supermarket, I stumbled upon packs of egg noddles. Gladly, they were being sold at a reasonable price, so I threw one into my basket.<br />
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A few days later, I whipped out the pack, rummaged through my cupboards and refrigerator and here's what I came up with;<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hm9MB0SGC0w/UDEKNSSpGiI/AAAAAAAAAVw/m4pBsBN19lc/s1600/SDC10312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hm9MB0SGC0w/UDEKNSSpGiI/AAAAAAAAAVw/m4pBsBN19lc/s320/SDC10312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
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I chopped up some red onions, tomatoes and green beans and stir fried them in a heated, lightly greased pan - adding in that order. I then added the noodles (which had soaked in hot water until tender), as well as some pre-cooked shrimp. Finally, I added a couple of dashes of soy sauce and 'garlic and chilli' sauce, as well as salt and black pepper to taste.<br />
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The result was the simple yet delicious meal above. Not a bad substitute for a Chinese take away :DKeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16268542164652473018noreply@blogger.com0