Chicken Sausage Soup

This was definitely not my own recipe, I got it from the maximized living cookbook. But, I have altered to what my family likes the best! This recipe is quick and easy and tastes great!

1 package chicken sausages sliced (without casing-check ingredients)
1 package organic-free range chicken stock (or homemade)
Several large organic carrots-diced
Several large organic celery stalks-diced
Large organic Zucchini-diced
Mushrooms-diced
Organic Spinach
Garlic
Sea Salt
Coconut Oil

1. Begin by browning the chicken sausages in one pan (I usually find pre-cooked so this only takes a few minutes to heat them).
2. Start saute'ing the carrots, celery, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic in the coconut oil.
3. After a few minutes of cooking, add the chicken stock, cook chicken sausage and lots of ground sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, add several handfuls of spinach and continue simmering for another 15 minutes (or more, it will taste great anytime).

The original recipe called for onions and soup beans, but I prefer it this way! You could always add or subtract veggies and change it up. This is another family favorite of ours! Next time I think I will make a double batch since it goes so fast! Enjoy!

Chicken Fajitas w/ Rice

I can't believe I haven't posted this one yet, this is one of my family's favorite meals! It's simple, really, just chicken fajitas served over rice and beans but we love it!

1 pound hormone-free chicken sliced thinly
1 sweet onion-sliced
1 pepper (I usually use green peppers, but yellow or red make it more fun and colorful)-sliced
1 pound diced mushrooms
Coconut Oil
1 pack organic fajita mix (MSG free of course-It's easy to season it yourself with cumin, chili powder, paprika, tumeric, salt, and salsa)
1 cup jasmine rice (basmati rice also tastes great)
1 can organic black beans

1. Saute' the chicken, pepper slices, and onion sliced with coconut oil in a large skillet...after about 5-10 minutes, add the mushrooms and continue saute'ing on medium heat.
2. While the meat mixture is cooking, prepare the 1 cup or jasmine rice according to package directions.
3. Once the meat mixture is cooked to your liking, add the seasoning and water and simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
4. Place the cooked rice in a casserole pan (I use a 9 x 9 pan usually).
5. Spread the black beans evenly over the top of the rice.
6. Pour the meat mixture and the remaining liquid over the top.
7. Bake the entire dish at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes to really soak the flavors together.

This is sure to be a family favorite! We usually all have seconds and fight over the leftovers!

Banana Bread

In our family, we enjoy banana bread, so I came up with a healthier version. This is gluten and sugar free, and I can't even taste the difference!

1 cup ground oats/oat flour-or gluten free flower blend (brown rice would also work)
1/4 cup coconut flour/chia seed combo
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp sea salt
*Stir dry ingredients together
1/3 cup olive oil
3-4 mashed bananas
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey (agave also works)
*Mash wet ingredients together
*Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir well
*Add 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips/carob chips and stir
*Place into a greased loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes

Usually when I make this, it is gone within a day! Enjoy!

Tasty websites!

I just wanted to share a couple of websites that have some yummy, healthy recipe ideas for you and your family! I have gotten a lot of ideas from both of these sites, and many times I take their ideas and alter them to fit my family! I am planning on trying some desserts from the cooking God's way site as soon as possible-yum!

http://www.cookinggodsway.com/

http://biteoflifeblog.com/

Enjoy!!!!

Pancakes

My family and I love eating a big breakfast on a weekend morning, so a friend of mine shared her pancake recipe with me. These pancakes are gluten-free and tasty with pure maple syrup (or raw honey as my hubby loves)!

1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
1/2 cup rolled oats (ground or whole)
1 cup almond meal/flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 organic eggs
1 cup greek yogurt (I am thinking of trying applesauce instead)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup almond milk

Optional Extras:
dash of vanilla
dash of cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries

Mix together and cook in a hot skillet with coconut oil or butter. Top with syrup (and butter if you like). These also taste great with organic chicken breakfast sausages! Enjoy a hearty, yet healthy breakfast!

Fruit Salad

In our house, we love fresh fruit so this is a perfect salad to go along with any meal...or just as a snack.

2 sliced bananas
2 diced apples
1 can organic mandarin oranges (in water, not syrup)
Several handfuls of grapes
2-3 diced and peeled kiwi fruit
1 cup diced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon or 2 small)
1 tsp peppermint extract (gives it a kick)
1/4 cup orange juice (juice of 1 large orange)

Stir together and chill. This keeps for several days in the refrigerator (but in our house it only lasts a day). This is also a nice, light fruit salad to accompany a large holiday meal! I usually make it with Thanksgiving dinner so we have a healthy addition to the meal!

Sponcho-Cowboy Caviar

Well, I'm a sucker for all Mexican foods...they are usually what I choose for a vacation meal. This 'salsa-like' snack could be eaten with chips (homemade from sprouted tortillas or store bought organic-in moderation), put on top of taco salads, eaten plain, or pretty much any other way. I got this recipe from my sister, and we loved it! You could also add or take things out to suit your tastes.

1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground pepper
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp organic cumin
1 can organic black beans
1 can shoe peg corn, drained (I don't really care for corn in mine so I left it out)
3/4 C chopped fresh cilantro (from the Farmer's Market-yum)
3/4 C chopped red onion (I like mine diced very finely)
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 avocados, chopped

Stir all ingredients together and chill in the refrigerator. If you like things spicier, you could always add jalapenos or peppers to your taste! I can't wait to make this again...I am thinking it'll be a perfect football snack!

Spicy Chili

Well, the weather is starting to cool down a bit, so last night I decided to make some homemade chili. I like things spicy, but you could make it however you want it.

1 lb grass-fed ground beef (or turkey)
1 can chili beans (you could also use dried beans, but I had a can in the cupboard, so I chose that)
5-7 medium, fresh tomatoes-dice
Sea Salt
Basil
Garlic
Onion Salt
Chili Powder
Chili 9000 seasoning (Penzeys Spices makes some yummy mixes-http://www.penzeys.com/)
Shredded Organic, Raw Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1. In one pan, brown the ground meat with a bit of chili powder on it.
2. While the meat is browning, dice and saute' the tomatoes with some basil, garlic, onion salt, and sea salt until the tomatoes are soft and break apart easily.
3. Add the chili beans (kidney, black, and pinto beans) to the tomato mixture.
4. Once the meat is browned, drain it and add to the tomato mixture.
5. Season with 2-3 TBLS of Chili 9000 and anything else you like to add for flavor.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for at least 1 hour. Top with shredded cheddar and enjoy!

I am already thinking this will be great on a Sunday watching some football! You could add or take away any spices depending on your taste. You can also use canned diced tomatoes, but we have been buying such tasty fresh ones at the farmer's market that I couldn't resist. Of course, you could add diced onions and peppers if you want a little more flavor as well. I like it simple and fresh! Unfortunately, we liked it so much that there wasn't much left over so next time I think I'll make a double-batch!