Easy

Asparagus with Lemon and Feta

This is a bright take on asparagus, a vegetable we serve a *lot* since it’s Shawn’s favorite.  I usually roast it with just a bit of salt and pepper, but this was very fresh and went well with chicken; I think it would do well with fish too.

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • pinch of garlic powder
  • Half a lemon, juiced
  • 1/3 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta

Roast or steam asparagus, whichever you prefer.  Slice into small pieces and toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice and feta cheese.

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Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

This was a very simple dinner in the slow cooker that tasted like it was far more work than it actually was.  We really liked it; I didn’t make any changes to the original except to use split breasts only.  Next time I might throw in some thighs or drumsticks, but just the breasts were excellent – very tender and flavorful.  I think bone in is necessary to the flavor, and we just removed the skin before eating.  I served this with asparagus for a very, very filling dinner.  I originally got this recipe from a website called Recipegirl, and will definitely to back to see what else she’s got!

garlicchicken

Recipe!

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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash

I’m becoming awfully fond of spaghetti squash…I don’t think we’ve encountered a recipe yet that we haven’t liked.  This one was a winner for sure, and definitely satisfied my craving for some good old fashioned comfort food.  I got this one from Skinnytaste, and spiced it up a bit…we loved it.  The original recipe called for two squash, but that was too much for us.  I did not cut the sauce for one squash, and it was still fine (but a smidge soupy).  It was also ridiculously low calorie and made a ton, so there are plenty of leftovers for lunch.

cheesysquash

Recipe!

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Rosemary and White Bean Chicken

This was a recipe from Cooking Light that I first tried a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was…somehow I’ve forgotten about it until recently.  This is fast, easy, and very tasty, and makes a very nice fall/winter dish.  You could substitute chicken breast instead of thighs, but I prefer dark meat.  Recipe is as printed…though maybe with some extra olives. 😉  Great with any green vegetable side.

Recipe!

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Spicy Garlic Roast Asparagus

Great side that’s festive enough for a holiday, but great for a weeknight dinner too!  We love this one and make it a lot…asparagus is one of our favorites.

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400.  Spread out asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and toss with garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper.  Roast for about 20 minutes or until done to your taste.

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Pork Tenderloin and Bell Peppers

This is a recipe I got from Cooking Light a year or so ago, and I’ve made it a couple of times now – it’s a great weeknight meal by itself or you can dress it up with some sides.   The recipe below is as printed, though I do not like anchovies very much and I substitute a handful of chopped black olives in their place with much success.  I served this with sides of Spinach and Tomatoes and Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf.

Recipe!

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Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf

This is a great side dish, and it could be easily scaled if you wanted to make it for a crowd.  I use a brown rice mix to give it some variety, and add additional veggies/herbs that are in the fridge. This could also be done with wild rice, though the cooking time would be longer.

Recipe

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Pumpkin Pie Dip

This is a fantastic treat for pumpkin lovers who may be craving something a little bit sweet.  Very low cal, and delicious with fruit slices – I used apples, but pears or bananas would also be great.  I got this from Skinny Taste, used regular yogurt, and about half of what was called for in the recipe.  I also make my own pumpkin pie spice and tripled the amounts; I thought it could easily take more spice if you like.  Recipe is original measurements.

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Lemon-Olive Cous Cous

A great side for just about anything, but we especially liked it with grilled meats.  This went very well with brined pork chops, and I think it would also make an excellent side for lamb as well.  It’s also great on its own for lunch.

lemonolivecouscous

Recipe!

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Spicy Squash

Easy side dish that goes well with lighter meals like fish or chicken. 

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
  • Pinch salt
  • Cooking spray

Coat a nonstick pan with cooking spray over medium heat.  Toss sliced squash with pepper flakes, dill, and salt.  Sautee until lightly browned and cooked through.

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