Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili ~ HEALTHY!

It is a cool, raining day that just makes you want to cuddle in.  Of course this got me to thinking about yummy warm comfort foods :), so what can be more comforting than warm bowl of chili!  I've made this now a few times, and as always I have to have it family approved....and it has qualified!  My hubby and girls have all asked for it, and have usually had more than one bowl at a meal.  I hope you and your family enjoy it too!

• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each0 white kidney or cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups fat free chicken broth
• optional garnishes: low fat shredded cheese, plain greek yogurt

Directions:
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper then place it in the bottom of the Slow Cooker.  Then add the onion, jalapeno, garlic, oregano and cumin on the top of the chicken.  Next add white beans and pour the chicken broth over everything.  Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or 4-6 hours on high.
Shred chicken and stir before serving.  Sprinkle with cheese or greek yogurt in you desire.

How is being a Christian like being a pumpkin?

For the past 5 years my husband and I have had a pumpkin carving party. It has grown to where we have over 100 kids and parents come share in the fun. A special friend shared this picture with me, and I just had to share it too. It gave me a new perspective on carving pumpkins.
"Let His light shine inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Pumpkin Pancakes

I LOVE fall and the beautiful weather that comes with it.  Cool mornings and evenings, along with unbelievable colors that seem to explode on the trees and landscaping.
I don't know why I wait until this time of year to make these.....but I'm always glad I do.  I generally make a double or triple batch, fridge or freeze the extras, and have them ready for a quick breakfast by warming up in the microwave or toaster oven.
Pumpkin Pancakes:
1/2 C canned pumpkin
1/3 C liquid egg whites I use Egg Whites International
1/4 C almond flour
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Few drops of liquid stevia

Combine ingredients and cook on a skillet with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
I like to eat my plain, however a little peanut butter, fresh fruit or sugar free syrup is tasty too:)
ENJOY!

Mind Power!

When it comes to your weight loss goals, keep your word to yourself and others. Have your actions match your words. It starts with disciplining your mind. You can control your thinking and direct your thoughts where you want your body to go.
If you keep your eyes on the prize, you will win and stay qualified for the purpose to which God has called you!

Egg White Quiche ~ CRUSTLESS!

I know what you might be thinking ~ how can a quiche taste good without its crust? Well, this dish is so yummy that you won't even miss it!  It is also packed full of good nutritional benefits with all the healthy veggies you can opt to add in...the variations are endless.  You can also bake it in a pie pan or as individual muffins.  When making muffins, I like to use the silicone pans for easier removal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced asparagus or broccoli or spinach
• 1 1/2 Cups Egg Whites ( I use Egg Whites International)Click here to ORDER!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes and/or mushrooms

Directions

Combine ingredients, and pour into greased quiche pie pan or muffin pan.

Bake at 350° for 45–55 minutes (pie pan), or 30-35 minutes (muffin pan)

Another BONUS is if you choose to use the Egg Whites from Egg Whites International, you can order this weekend directly from here and save $$$.  Enter these Codes from this Thursday evening 8PST (August 29) until midnight Monday September 2 and receive your discount!
COUPON CODES--- ENTER AT CHECKOUT:
* 4 gallon case normally $144 now $112 Enter Code: ESACLAG
* 2 gallon case normally $72 now $56 Enter Code: SNOLLAG
* 6 half-gallon case normally $126 now $96 Enter Code: ESACFLAH
Here is the direct link to place your order:  Click here to ORDER!

These egg whites are the BEST! My entire family LOVES them.  I use them in everything and they cook up so fully and light.  Here is some more information about the product:
 "Egg Whites International supplies all natural 100% pure liquid egg whites - USDA and Kosher approved. Our product is pasteurized, salmonella tested, and avidin neutralized. Pure liquid egg whites are the purest form of protein known to man in the entire world and are 100% bio-available, which means none of the valuable Amino acids are wasted.

They are great for cooking and because our liquid egg whites are completely tasteless and odorless, 90% of our customers use them in place of water or milk when mixing their protein powders.  Eight ounces of our liquid egg whites supply 26 grams of pure protein that is 100% bio-available so you only need to use half the amount of protein powder that you would normally mix with water or milk... your protein powders will last twice as long - saving money while achieving a better result!"

Wishing you a HAPPY and SAFE Labor Day Weekend!
~Deb

 

Holy Guacamole!

Yummy yummy yummy! I LOVE avocados and I LOVE guacamole:)
Although avocados are a fat, they are considered a good fat...monounsaturated fat.  These fats promote the health of your heart, and have been proven to help speed your basal metabolic rate (BMR).  This is the rate at which calories are burned at rest! Eating food that increases your metabolism....WOOHOO!
One cup of sliced avocado has 234 calories, 21 grams of fat, 12 carbohydrates, 10 fiber, and 3 protein.  Add these fresh ingredients and you have a healthy dip.....if you don't eat a bag of chips with it:) LOL

3 Large Hass avocados ~ peeled, seeded and mashed
1 lime ~ fresh squeezed
1 minced garlic clove
1 jalapeno ~ seeded and finely chopped
1/4 C. fresh chopped cilantro
1 tsp. salt
1/4 C. red onion ~ finely chopped
Mix all ingredients and ENJOY!

Recipe time....Cowboy Caviar

The hot days of summer are here!  Great grilling time with a party pool, patio or lake time is what our family LOVES:) Here is an easy appetizer you can make quickly, or ahead of time that is yummy....and it has some veggies too!  It is also a great dip to bring to parties that usually gets gobbled up.  Serve with the chips and Enjoy!

Cowboy Caviar

• 1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup frozen, fresh or canned corn
• 1 small can of black olives, sliced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 small bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced

Dressing:

•  3 TB. olive oil
• 1 TB. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, and mix all the other dip ingredients in a separate large covered bowl.  Add the dressing to the dip and toss gently.  Served chilled with chips or as a side to your favorite grilling dish!