Clean Eating: BBQ sauce

Good Morning! Today's recipe is a simple one: Homemade BBQ sauce! I am the type that usually buys one (especially when they go on sale) but thought for this challenge I'd give this a shot!! It wasnt too hard (just had to mix to a right combo that both hubby and I enjoyed). We put it on thin cut chicken breasts...and it was delicious!
Clean eating bbq sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce – no sugar added
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste – no sugar added
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
4 tablespoons unsulfered molasses
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.

Clean Eating: Raspberry Oatmeal Cookies

Last night I was craving a sweet. I really wanted a DQ blizzard...but I am really trying to stay disciplined in my diet (and obviously that DQ blizzard isn't a part of it). So when I got up this morning I knew I was going to need something to curb those sweet attacks! Luckily we went to Costco and bought a big ol' container of raspberries so this fit the bill. They are light...full of flavor..and super easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 c instant (quick-cook) oats 

¾ c whole wheat flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1 egg, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ c honey

6 tbsp fresh raspberries, diced

Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the honey until thoroughly incorporated. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the raspberries. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
3. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops on the baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 13-15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.

Now let me tell they do not look at all appetizing when in the fridge chilling:

 

But once they are cooked and cooled they were beautiful delicious cookies!!!

My husband enjoyed as did our 15 month old!! This will more than likely become a summer time favorite sweet!

 

 

Hello Fresh: Panned Seared chicken

This was our third meal in the hello fresh box we received. This was probably my least favorite of the three. The broccoli was fine...but I had never cooked barley before....I don't know if I cooked it properly but just didn't do much for me. The other two had more of a bold taste, which my taste buds really like. I wouldn't say it was a bad meal...just not for me. I ate it (better than having a snickers bar...LOL), but if offered again wouldn't order it.

Hello Fresh Review: Argentine Spiced Steak

Out of my three meals through Hello Fresh...this was my favorite! The combination of spices and all the ingredients just made this one very appetizing.

 

 

 

The above picture is all the ingredients used in the meal. It also came with a side of couscous.

 

I really loved the recipe cards. Made it super simple to follow along. I am a total visual person so this helps in the process.

After a bit cooking time...under 30 minutes this was my final dish:

Like I said...really appetizing. I had some for dinner and there was enough left for me to have some at lunch the next day.

Clean Grillin' summer

Is anyone as excited as I am that summer is right around the corner? While I do live in Florida, we are getting super close to the end of the school..which totally symbolizes SUMMER for this kindergarten teacher.
As a beachbody coach I always try to think of fun and exciting ways to keep my friends engaged and wanted to extend this to you all. I have started a Facebook group that will feature various recipes to make sure you keep on track nutrition wise while grillin' out.
Here is a link to my summer grillin' clean group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471286679828517/members/

Hope to see you there!! Starts on May 23rd!
If you are having any problems contact me directly!

Hello Fresh Review: Pork

On Sunday we had our first of our three Hello Fresh meals: The pork one.
I loved how they provided easy to read recipe cards:

The front side showed everything that you are going to need to prepare the meal. The backside provided all the nutritional information as well the steps to prepare the meal.

I went into the fridge to get the correct bag that matched my recipe:

I loved how everything was laid out and ready to. They measured the spices for you as well. The little jar of orange jam was a nice touch as well for this recipe. Obviously you still have to cut all your veggies and cook the meat...but hey you didn't have to go shopping nor really measure anything out.
I found the ease of the recipe to be easy. I didn't feel like it took long...30 minutes tops. I didn't feel overwhelmed or anything.
This meal also came with a side of basmati rice.
Here is the complete meal:

In my opinion: VERY tasty. It was  meal that I don't think I would have really prepped on my own if it weren't for the box. I usually don't cook with yellow peppers...or even with the orange jelly that made a topping...(which by mistake put on top of the rice and not the pork...but still tasty).
So far very satisfied.
Ready to try yours??? Head to hellofresh.com and use this code:                              5FWX7S to get a great discount on your first box.

Hello Fresh!!!

I decided to break down my review of Hello Fresh into four different reviews: the delivery and each of the 3 meals.
Today's review starts off with the delivery.
You are able to go onto the Hello Fresh website and pick 3 meals and also the serving size. I figured just Tom and I would be interested in the meals, so I set up ours for 2 people. I selected the pork, steak, and chicken entrees they offered for the week. You also set up which day you want your food delivered. I had selected Thursday May 14th so we could have some over the weekend.
When I got home on Thursday I see this on my door step and was soo excited to open it:

 

 

Not going to lie...I was excited to open this baby up! I was a little nervous as it had been delivered at 10:30 in the morning and now it was 4:30 in sunny (hot) south Florida. But I figured they'd have it also packaged safely and was ready.
When I opened the box, I was correct They did have it nicely packaged as you can see here:

There were plenty of ice packs in the cooler to keep the food nice and cold. My four year was really excited to get into this box and see what was going on.

Here is a lay out of all that was provided. Each of the bags you see is set up for each meal. It is really nice just to grab the correct bag and everything is right there.  everything was also very fresh looking!
So far so good...just hoping they all taste as well as all the ingredients look.
Are you interested in getting your first box for $20? Use this coupon code:                              5FWX7S
when ordering on Hellofresh.com