Easter Eggs

Happy Easter Weekend!  With Easter comes Easter eggs in our family.  Here is a cute idea as well as a healthier version of making deviled eggs too.  I hope you enjoy!

Healthier Deviled Eggs:
6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut lengthwise
1/4 C. nonfat plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp salt
paprika to garnish

Place eggs in a pot, add just enough cold water so that they are fully covered, and put on high heat.  Add a little salt to the pot too ~ makes them easier to peel.

Cover and bring them to a boil, then turn off the heat and let them sit, still covered, for 12 minutes.  Then they are ready! Rinse with cold water and let them sit a bit to cool down.

Once they have cooled, peel them and cut lengthwise.  Place whites on a plate and the yolks in a bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients (except for the paprika) to the yolks in the bowl, and mash it all together.  Place the mixture back into the egg whites and top with a sprinkle of paprika....ENJOY!!

Wishing you a BLESSED EASTER!!!
Holy Hugs,
~Deb

SHOES

I just received a favorite birthday gift....new running shoes! My feet are so happy too.:) I really try and change my shoes about every 6 months.  This depends on how much wear and tear I am putting on them, and what type of training I am doing. 

Right now I am really doing a lot of cross training with weights, running, elliptical, step mill and plyo~metrics.  There really is not a "best" shoe for everyone, just like there is not a fitness plan for everyone, you need to find the best for you and your activity.  Even if your shoe doesn't look worn out, it should be replaced anyway.  Shoes will lose their support and protection for your joints and body.  A good pair of shoes will probably cost between $75 to over $175.  What you need to remember is you are worth it! Every time you forgo the fast food, put that money towards a good pair of shoes and see how fast your savings will grow!

Mexican Shrimp

I think I am going through Mexican food withdrawals from my vacation,  so I had to try this shrimp dish I found! It is clean and super easy!! A win ~ win!!!

I LOVE shrimp because it is so convenient for a quick fix, healthy dinner....and you can get large bags of it frozen to have on hand all the time.  I like getting the cooked, ready to go with only tails on version.  All it takes is a few minutes thawing in some water and you are ready to eat or cook them up and create something different very easily.

Here is a quick fix idea:
(Makes 4 servings)
HEALTHY CLEAN MEXICAN SHRIMP 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large, pre-cooked shrimp – thawed if frozen
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade)   ingredients:
  
      *2 tablespoons ground cumin

      *1 teaspoon paprika
      *1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
      *1/2 teaspoon onion powder
      *1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
      *1/4 teaspoon black pepper
      *1/4 teaspoon chili powder 
     1. Blend all spices in a bowl and use to season any taco meat ~ or shrimp~ you are cooking.   Use approximately 1 tablespoon per pound of meat.

     2.  Note: This mix has a small amount of “kick” to it. Nothing that will set your mouth on fire, but definitely noticeable. If you want something without the kick, leave out the cayenne and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any oil you prefer)
• Juice of 1 lime

Directions:

1. In a skillet, cook the shrimp in the olive oil and sprinkle on the spices in the last few moments of cooking.
2. Mix well and serve.
3. Sprinkle the lime juice over the shrimp just prior to serving.

Nutritional Content:
(Data is for 1/4 the recipe)
Calories: 162
Total Fat: 5 gm
Saturated Fats: 1 gm
Trans Fats: 0 gm
Cholesterol: 170 mg
Sodium: 167 mg
Carbohydrates: 4 gm
Dietary fiber: 0 gm
Sugars: 1 gm
Protein: 23 gm

THANK YOU Tiffany at Gracious Pantry!

"Mock" Mashed Potatoes

Tonight I made "Mock" Mashed Potatoes. These were very tasty and I really couldn't tell they were not potatoes....they were made out of cauliflower. I did tweak it with omitting the butter. I adjusted the nutritional facts minus the butter.
Hope you ENJOY!

Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower (I used frozen and micro)
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bullion (may substitute 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (I DID NOT USE IT AND DID NOT MISS IT)
Directions
Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.
Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well; do not let cool and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth.
Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter ~OMIT
Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh
rosemary for a whole new taste.

Per Serving: Calories: 52.2; Total Fat: 3.1 grams; Saturated Fat: 1.7 grams; Protein: 3.8 grams; Total carbohydrates: 2.6 grams; Sugar: 1.6 grams; Fiber: 1.4 grams; Cholesterol: 9.2 milligrams; Sodium: 170 milligrams
Chef: George Stella from Food Network