Fish Tacos

Ok, so most people have eaten fish tacos these days. There seems to be some version of them on every menu at every beach restaurant. What I didn't realize is how quick and easy they would be. Here's what I did.

1. First, I put tilapia fillets in a baking dish, sprinkled them with a little garlic powder and chili powder. Then baked them for about 25 minutes @ 375 degrees.
2. Next, I whipped up a fresh batch of coleslaw. Well...I didn't have any coleslaw so I just thinly cut some lettuce and mixed in mayo, salt, & pepper.
3. Last, yes that's right, this is the final step. I put all the fish fillets in a bowl. Took a fork and broke them all up into little pieces. Then used the fish pieces to fill the the taco shells.
4. Taco shell, fish, topped with coleslaw, drizzled with hot sauce!
5. Thirty minutes start to finish!!!! AWESOME & TASTY!

Oh, I forgot to mention that most places use soft taco shells. I used hard shells - there's my twist! :)

Heidi's Candy Cane

This one is another winner. Hmmm...maybe I was a mixologist in another life!?! I used 2 shots of candy can vodka (infused by ME), 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 3 packets of equal sweetener, and ice. I mixed it all up in a shaker and poured it into the glass. So easy and low on calories if you use the unsweetened almond milk.

I crushed some mini candy canes and dipped my glass in those first and then garnished with a whole mini candy cane.

If you don't think you'll like almond milk (my husband doesn't but LOVED the drink because I didn't tell him I used the almond milk - hahahahha), then you can use regular milk or maybe even a bit of vanilla ice cream.

EnJoY!

Portobello Appetizers

This is another delicious appetizer to make for a dinner party, cookout, or to take along to a picnic. It tastes best fresh out of the over, but still tastes good if cooled. These are also very healthy!

Items needed:

• baby portobello mushrooms
• mozzarella cheese (I use part-skim)
• turkey pepperoni slices
• black olive slices

Directions:

Cut stems out of mushrooms.

Fill mushroom cups with mozzarella cheese.

Place a turkey pepperoni slice and black olives over each cheese-filled mushroom.

Bake @ 375 for about 10 minutes.


You could also use large portabellos if desired! These are DELICIOUS and very filling.  If you opt to use large portabellos, you can add a little pizza sauce under the cheese and you have just made yourself the healthiest pizza ever - OR - add it to a bed of pasta and sauce!





Large portabello added to pasta with sauteed onions and spinach on top






The finished product if you're making the appetizer!

These were a hit at our NYE party and a bigger hit with the family when I made the large ones for dinner!

Strawberry - Champagne Slushies

Every year we have a New Years Eve party at our house. Low-key, fire pit, fire works, family friendly, and a good time. I try to make one new drink every year as the signature drink of the night. I found this recipe as I was searching the Internet and thought it would be a good change and it looked yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 quart of fresh strawberries (you could use frozen if you can't get fresh)
• 1 bottle of champagne
• 1 lime (original recipe doesn't call for lime, but I added it)

Directions:

1. Cut stems off strawberries and place berries in blender.
2. Pour 1/2 the bottle of champagne into blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

When ready to make slushies:

1. Remove frozen strawberry-champagne mixture from ice cube trays and place back in blender.
2. Add the remaining 1/2 bottle of champagne to the blender.
3. squeeze in 1 lime.
4. Blend.

YUMMO!

Cucumber & Crab Dip Appetizer

The Cucumber & Crab Dip can serve as a great snack or an appetizer that is quick, healthy, and easy to make for a dinner party, gathering, picnic, or some kind of occasion where you need to bring something.

Items Needed:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese (I used fat free)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (I used light)
• 3/4 cup crab meat
• 1 tsp. hot sauce
• 1 tsp. brown mustard
• 1 tbls green onion
• 3 cucumbers
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper

Here's what you do:

1. Peel the skin off all cucumbers. Then cut 1 in. - 1 1/2 in. pieces.
2. Use a melon scooper & scoop the inside of the cucumber out, leaving only the walls and a thin bottom.
3. Set aside.
4. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
5. After all ingredients are combined, scoop the mixture into a Ziploc baggie.
6. Cut off one corner of the baggie and squeeze mixture into each cucumber cup.
7. Voila!!!! You are done!!!

These little scrumptious bites of goodness were awesome! The only thing I would do different the next time is to add more crab meat to the recipe. But, that's just me - I like the taste of crab and thought it could've had more of a crab flavor than it did. You may like it just the way it is!

ENJOY!

Spicy Grouper

• Place grouper fillets in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, & pepper
• Cover with fresh salsa
• Top with fresh jalapenos
• Back at 375 for about 15 - 20 minutes
• While baking, heat a can of black beans on the stove top and cook a bag of 5 minutes boil-in-a-bag rice.
• Plate rice, then top with black beans, grouper, salsa, hot sauce
• DELICIOUS!!!! If you don't want the added carbs, remove the rice like I did! :)