School is in

Back to school for the last year!  This means one thing...very little time.  As I come up with or try new recipes I'll post them, but don't expect as much activity for awhile. :)  A few things to look forward to: possible allergy testing for little man after the first of the year, a move to another state, new jobs and new home.  Big changes coming so stay tuned.

BBQ chicken salad

So it's a good think I take pictures of stuff...because I couldn't remember what I made yesterday until I looked at the picture!

So this was an easy chopped salad.  I did my own thing from the recipe on pinterest.  Ideally you grill the chicken and corn, and put chips and whatnot on it.  I just made it my own.

I broiled chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on it (we had sweet baby rays).  When that was cooked I took some canned corn and canned black beans and threw them into a skillet to warm up.  Had some bagged lettuce, chop some red onion, dice some tomatoes, put the chicken and corn/beans on it, top with montyjack cheese.  Done :)

It's Allergy friendly as long as there is a BBQ sauce you like and no cheese.  You'd want to avoid cheese for Advocare cleanse also.  You can top with more BBQ, some ranch or even sour cream, but I thought it was fine as is. 

7 layer salad and my own energy bites

So last night's dinner was a 7 layer salad...except for Eli's...I guess his was technically a 6 layer salad.  Why is it 7 layer anyways?  It has more than 7 layers of things.  Oh well.  Easy to make but supposed to set in the fridge for at least 8 hours...well I didn't make it far enough ahead of time and it only sat for 4 and was good. 

Start by making some crispy bacon to top it, so it can cool off to handle.

Then in a bowl, put a layer of lettuce, then diced tomatoes, and  then sliced cucumbers. Then make a layer of thawed frozen peas and chopped green onions, then a layer of sliced radishes.  In a separate bowl combine 2 cups sour cream, 1 cup mayo, 1/4 cup lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well and spread over radish layer.  Top with shredded cheese and bacon.  

Eli's was the same except no dressing and no cheese.  

Ella wanted a picture with it...weirdo!

 Next I decided we needed some energy bites in the fridge again.  I was too lazy to look up a recipe and felt I've made several and could wing it just fine.  I didn't measure anything, just dumped.  I did some quick oats, ground flax, granola, coconut flakes, and mini chocolate chips.  Then added vanilla, honey, peanut butter and almond butter.  Mixed up, rolled into balls and refrigerated.  Done.  :)

Cauliflower poppers and Chicken with Peaches

So I found a perfect meal!  No alterations for allergies, perfect for Advocare cleanse, easy to do, and very yummy!

Cauliflower poppers:  Cut and wash a head of cauliflower, toss with olive oil (enough to lightly coat), salt and pepper then put on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for an hour, stirring three times.  Yum yum!  It has a nice crunch, sweet taste.  It actually reminded me of the Kale chips I made awhile ago, but this was SO MUCH easier!

Chicken with peaches:  Salt and pepper chicken breasts, put in baking pan (No oil needed :) ) and put a fresh sliced peach (although I bet you can used canned too) on top.

Eli wanted a picture of "his food" even though it was the same!

So reviews-  Lyle and I both loved the cauliflower, the kids ate it but Ella said it had no taste and dipped it in ketchup.  The kids loved the chicken, but wouldn't eat the peaches with it.  Ella said they tasted like chicken.  Lyle and I thought the chicken was okay, but kind of plain.  I'm thinking of marinading the chicken in some peach juice from a can, then eating cold peaches from the can with the chicken...maybe next week since it's easy to do!

Spaghetti Squash Casserole and Chicken Avocado Soup

So first up was spaghetti squash casserole.  This isn't Eli friendly, or technically Advocare cleanse friendly due to the cheese and sour cream.  But it's MUCH healthier than cheesy potatoes and tastes similar!

Cook a spaghetti squash and use a fork to clean out the squash and put into a bowl.  In a skillet, put 2 TBSP butter and add 1 chopped yellow onion and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp thyme.  Cook until slightly browned and salt and pepper to taste.  Put in the bowl with the squash then add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.  Mix together and transfer to a baking dish. Top with another 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.  (I added some chopped up turkey smoked sausage hunks)  Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes till it's all bubbly!    Yummy!

For Eli- I just saved some plain spaghetti squash and sausage and put a little tomato sauce on it :)

Next is Chicken avocado soup.  This is great for everyone!  Pretty simple too.  Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in skillet with 1 tsp olive oil, cover until cooked through.  Shred chicken with fork and set aside.  In a large pot for soup, head 2 tsp olive oil over medium heat, then add 1 cup chopped green onions and 1 tsp minced garlic to pot.  Saute about 2 minutes, then add 1 large diced tomato and saute another minute.  Add 3-14.5 oz cans of chicken broth, 1/8 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well and bring to boil, then simmer on low covered for 15-20 minutes. 

In your bowl, put in some shredded chicken, cut up avocado and pour the hot broth mixture over it.  *You are supposed to put cilantro and a lime wedge but I had trouble finding good produce*

This was good for everyone, but pretty light so maybe after a long day, cold day or a day you had a big lunch.  Or a perfect lunch :)

Dinner List

My meal planning for the next few days I hope will be Advocare diet, and mostly Allergy friendly :)  Once again, the ideas and recipes I found on pinterest!  Just takes a little time to find some creative and tasty foods!
Chicken with peaches- Advocare and Eli friendly
Sweet and spicy salmon- I think both friendly
Zucchini lasagna- all except cheese is Advocare and Allergy friendly
Orange asparagus chicken- friendly to both
BBQ chicken salad- friendly to both
7 layer salad- Advocare friendly, leave out some for Eli
Cheesy spaghetti squash casserole- I've made this already... and in a few minutes I post this recipe :)  Must have been a hit since I have a request for it again :)

I love Advocare!

I just want to say how much I like this company!   I have been continuing to take my Catalyst daily, exercising almost daily, and eating healthy but not as strict as on the cleanse!  I'm continuing to loose inches along my waist- down another full inch since I finished the 10 day cleanse!  Love it!