Dinner Archives - Page 3 of 3

Day 15: Whole30 Results and Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

July 31, 2014 by Susan 14 Comments

I have tried to NOT talk about my current whole30 too much on the blog. I really struggle with this whole concept of “lifestyle blogging” and what it really means. Do I have a niche? Not really. Is it okay for me to talk about makeup one day and foodie things the next? Arg! It’s an extreme inner mind battle that I go through almost every day. As I try to grow this blog {because it’s a passion, a great outlet, and let’s be real - I’d love to make a little extra moolah with it!} I really worry that I will lose people when I talk about random things and don’t consistantly post the same theme/topic/idea. All of that being said… I really haven’t tried to talk too much about the #2catsWhole30 on here - as I don’t want it to appear that I’m preaching about clean eating when the people around me {my sister has flat out told me not to talk about food with her - ever} barely want to hear it.But for those of you who appreciate my recipes, my clean eating, and something that is truly becoming a passion and a way of life for me {I have extreme gluten, sugar and dairy intolerances} keep reading because I have created a recipe for THE BEST clean, whole30 approved, paleo, gluten free Turkey Meatloaf you will ever eat. Today is DAY 16 of this whole30. It’s my third {whole-hearted} whole30. Guys - not to throw it all out there for you - but I snapped the picture on the left on day one, the picture on the right was yesterday - day fifteen.

Y’all. In TWO FREAKING WEEKS! I don’t know how much weight I’ve lost {as, per the rules of the whole30 program, you aren’t allowed to weigh yourself until the end of the 30 days} but even if I’ve only lost a couple of pounds - I’m okay with it. My exercising hasn’t changed {because I passionately hate exercising… another day, another issue} but I’m simply getting more strict with my paleo roots. I’m eating clean food. All the time. And I’m feeling good. We had about 30 people signed up to do the #2catsWhole30 - and from what I gather via the group emails, there are about 10 people who made it beyond day 11. My heart was broken. Seriously, ask the husband. I was in tears over this on Saturday. I know this isn’t easy, and that the program is built on tough love - but I so want everyone to feel as good as I do. {And day 11, for some reason, is one of the toughest days.} Even though this isn’t my first rodeo, to receive texts from people on Day 11 saying “I’m out. We are off to get margaritas!” killed me, on a day that I was struggling also. But I kept pushing on. The reason I eat this way is to get healthy for myself {and my future, hypothetical kids} but for no one else. I don’t do this to make others feel better or worse. I do this because I know I need it. I had to remind myself that “It’s just 30 days! You’ve got this!” And seeing these pictures - at just a mere 2 weeks on track - I know I’m doing EXACTLY what my body needs.With that huge, rambling paragraph expressed - how about I share with you the most delicious Meatloaf I’ve ever made. {And considering I’ve hated meatloaf my entire life - this is huge.} I decided to wing it with a few ingredients and I was thrilled at out the final version turned out. I hope you enjoy it as well!2 Cats & Chloe Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients:2.5 pounds of ground turkey1 cup of frozen diced peppers and onions {I purchase the fire roasted ones from Trader Joes}1/4 cup of Sun Dried Tomatoes {diced}2 Eggs2 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder1 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder3 Tablespoons of Coconut AminosSalt and Pepper to tasteDirections:Preheat Oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dice up your frozen pepper/onion blend, as well as your sun dried tomatoes.Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Be sure everything is evening blended.

In a baking dish {i cover it foil to make for an easy clean up} form the blended ingredients into a loaf shape.

Bake the meatloaf for one hour. It’s done when the temperature is 160 degrees. Don’t eat the fattiness that oozes out of the meatloaf. I’m not really sure what that is actually, other than something I didn’t eat.

And dinner is served y’all! I paired the turkey meatloaf with a side of zoodles topped with fire roasted diced tomatoes. It was a tasty and filling meal.

So let me know what you think! It’s gotta be one of the easiest meals I’ve created in a long time. And it’s 100% paleo and whole30 approved! Can’t go wrong with that!

Do you have any comfort foods that you wish were gluten free? I am think about doing a little experimenting in the kitchen this weekend and I’m looking for suggestions!

Whole30 Approved Taco Seasoning (and Salad!)

July 17, 2014 by Susan 15 Comments

As the #2catsWhole30 Train pushes through Day 2, I really wanted to try to get some of my favorite recipes out here for y’all. I can’t wait to show everyone how GOOD clean eating really can be. Mexican-American food {i.e. TexMex} is unfortunately an extreme comfort food of mine. Give me some chips, salsa and guacamole and I’m a happy girl. 97% of our date nights revolve around Chipotle. And when it comes to spicy food, the hotter the better.Now, just because you’ve jumped head first into the paleo world with the Whole30 doesn’t mean you have to give up your Mexican food. {Well, those chips, tortillas, and queso sauces - yes. But give me this one recipe to convince you that you can still enjoy a good Taco Salad (minus the chips) and eat clean at the same time!}2 Cats & Chloe: Whole30, Paleo Taco Salad

Ingredients:

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder

1 Teaspoon of Cumin

3/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon of Smoked Paprika

1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1 pound of Grass-Fed Ground Beef (you could always do ground turkey or chicken also)

1/2 Cup of Water

For the Salad Fixings I use:

Sliced Cherry Tomatoes

Lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine are the best for a Taco Salad, but I just use whatever we have in the fridge)

Peppers and Onions (I use frozen ones from Trader Joes)

Salsa (no added sugar)

Guacamole

Feel free to add any other taco salad essentials that you love - but to keep it whole30 and paleo, stay away from the chips, cheese, and salsa with added sugar.

This is going to be one of the easiest paleo meals you will ever make. Basically you need to collect the necessary seasonings and brown the meat. Once the meat is browned, you are going to pour the seasoning blend onto the meat. Add the 1/2 cup of water. Mix everything up really well so that the seasoning is blended throughout. Put the seasoned taco meat on low and let the water simmer out. Continue to check in on it though, stirring and mixing it every couple of minutes.

At the same time, in a different skillet, it’s time to start cooking the peppers and onions! Like I said - this is a go-to easy meal for me. To help keep it simple, I use the frozen Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Peppers and Onions. Toss them in the pan and let them cook right up. Again, flip them around every now and then until they are not frozen and appear soft. (You could definitely use fresh peppers and onions as well! This bag of tricks is much quicker and less expensive than fresh peppers are right now though.)

I like to put my lettuce on the bottom of the plate. For Taco Salad, I prefer iceberg or romaine lettuce. But we had neither. So I used whatever was in the fridge. On top of the lettuce went my peppers and onions. On top of that the beef and any other “taco toppings of choice.”

I always wonder if pro-foodie bloggers’ kitchens end up as messy as mine does… Don’t let the pretty food pictures fool you. My kitchen is a hot mess!

To me, the salsa and guacamole are the cherry on top of this taco sundae. Pop a few spoonfuls of each on top of your taco salad creation and then dig in!

Give it a shot and let me know what you think! What taco toppings do you love?

Happy clean-eating!

Holy Zoodles! Whole30 Paleo Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

June 23, 2014 by Susan 3 Comments

For those who follow me on instagram, in the midst of the onslaught work related June wedding and event pics, recently y’all have seen several posts where I’m stark raving mad over my new favorite toy: my zoodle maker.

{via}Seriously! Why in the world was I eating normal, straight-edge sliced veggies when I could be eating veggies that remind me of:A. Real noodlesB. Curly friesC. or My All-Time favorite, french fry making, play-doh set I had when I was a kid.

play-doh french fry and burger maker via amazon

{via}

Never in my life have I experienced oh so much joy while eating vegetables! This “machine” has even tricked me into wanting kids {like yesterday} just so I can try tricking them into eating their vegetables! I sure know that “6 year old me” never would’ve turned down veggies that are more fun to make than play-doh french fries. Just sayin.

With all of that nonsense being said, I want to share a zoodle recipe with you today. Not only am I sharing this because you NEED a Zoodle Maker in your life, but because I am going to be leading another group Whole30 Challenge {#2catswhole30} next month. And I would love for you to join us! And you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be zoodles on my meal plan this go round!

So check out my impromptu recipe below {excuse the crappy iphone photos - I seriously wasn’t planning on this being one of the most amazing meals I’ve had in months!} and then get your butt in gear and order your own Spiral Vegetable Slicer (aka Zoodle Maker!)

*Please note: I usually just “wing it” in the kitchen. Measurements below are not exact. Use ingredients that you and your taste buds like.*

Whole30 Approved - Paleo Shrimp and Veggie “Lo Mein”

What you need:

2-3 Medium/Large Zucchinis

A Bell Pepper

An Onion

Carrots

Mushrooms

Pre-Cooked and Peeled Shrimp {or other protein of your choice}

2 Eggs

Approx. 1/3 cup Coconut Aminios {A wonderful replacement to soy sauce! It contains no sugar and no soy! Amen!}

A dash of onion powder

A tablespoon of Minced Garlic

A dash {or more if you like things spicy!} of Red Pepper Flakes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I know it sounds like a lot of things, but honestly, I just cleared out the veggie drawer in my fridge. Use whatever veggies and seasonings suit your appetite.

Now! Get our your brand spankin’ new Zoodle Maker!

You know how Ty Pennington would say Move! That! Bus! at the end of Extreme Home Makeover?

Well, it’s time for you to Make! Those! Zoodles!

{seriously. have fun.}

Chop and prep all the veggies {other than the zucchinis, because those are now noodles!} Toss the the veggies into your skillet with half of your coconut aminos, and seasonings. Once they start cooking, add your pre-cooked shrimp.

Saute {how in the world do i get the ´ over the e??} them up until the carrots are almost soft.

Put your zoodles into a separate skillet. I put them into my heavy duty wok. Add some EVOO and let them start cooking. Add your veggies {and sauce that as developed in the pan} to your zoodles. Continue to cook everything all together now. Stirring and Shufflin’ everything around so nothing burns to the bottom of the pan.

Once the veggies have all been merged, I used the original veggie skillet to fry two eggs. Then I chopped them into smaller pieces.

Add the egg pieces to your zoodles, veggies, and shrimp. Add any left over seasonings or coconut aminos to your wok. Once your zoodles are soft, you’re a good to go!

Oh, and Salt and Pepper to taste.

Again, sorry for the crappy pictures. This dish was unplanned but spectacularly delicious.

Again, this dish is whole30 approved, paleo, and gluten free. Hallelujah! Whether you are new to the paleo world, you are trying to cut carbs, or you’re a mom desperate to get her kid to eat veggies… you need to get your paws on this zoodle maker. If you want more information on the whole30 or to simply see why I’m a huge proponent of restarting your eating habits - you can see my results here.

By no means do I consider myself an expert, but shoot me an email if you have questions, or if you want to join us on the July #2catswhole30 Challenge! {It will be starting on July 16.}

I’m linking this post up with the Naturally Sweet Tuesday Linkup!

Burger Bar & Birthday Celebrations!

June 12, 2013 by Susan Leave a Comment

I wanted to do a quick post before I head out to share with you the excitement that was yesterday and all the birthday festivities that went down!

The day started with a sprinkle donut from my godmother slash painter, followed by a crap ton of tunnel traffic on my way to try on my wedding dress! Yes, the dress is in! Yes, it is early! And yes, it fits! We may have a little bit of altering in the future but thank goodness it’s nothing major!

I happily stopped by Home Goods (since it is 3.4 seconds from my dress shop and about 1.3 hours from my new house…) I picked up a few more goodies for the wedding at a bargain deal!

After swinging by the office for some cake I headed back to the Peninsula to get the house ready for the party! I was so excited to have people come by the new place to see all the work that has been done to it and to grill out for my birthday!

I decided I needed to have a Birthday Burger Bar! Honestly, I wanted steak and veggies for my birthday but when I realized how many people were coming I knew I couldn’t afford to feed everyone delicious steak… so burgers it was! And to be quite frank - burgers are rarely my thing. I needed to think of a way to make them awesome… and let me tell you… having a DIY Burger Bar with a ton of toppings was quite awesome!

The concept was quite simple… pick your bread, pick your protein, pick your toppings, stuff your face. Done and done.

We had a ton of options for burger toppings. Pickles, Cheeses, Lettuce, Tomato, Pineapple, Onion, Bacon, Jalapeno, and Guacamole. I had two types of buns: the norm and then the delicious potato rolls. We had four types of protein to suit everyone’s different diets: Chicken, Veggie Patties, Turkey Patties and Beef Patties.

We definitely had quite the spread! I think everyone could find SOMETHING they liked. AND the best part - if you wanted to eat Paleo you totally could! Since it was my birthday I caved and had cake and a potato roll. It happens.

Michael surprised me all the way from Japan with a cute little patio set! I added some color and we had everything ready! With a couple of tables and a bunch of chairs there was plenty of space for everyone!

These two lovely ladies came from RVA to have dinner with me! The silver lining of now living in Newport News, Richmond is only an hour away! I have a feeling that will lead to some fun dinner dates more often!!

My sister baked one of my favorite cakes. It a Mandarin Orange Pineapple Cake. I will have to share the recipe one of these days. And yes - there are 29 candles on that cake. Frankly I was surprised the smoke detector didn’t go off! Why the sideways look? Here’s what you don’t see in this picture…

Little Kinsley really wanted to get some cake for herself!!

We stayed up drinking and eating and socializing past my bedtime but it was well worth it! This morning I had the last of the cake for breakfast (it has fruit in it so it’s a-ok right?!) and skyped with Michael as my body kicked into too-much-sugar-recovery-mode.

Time for me to pack up and head to the southside because tonight Leslie is taking me to see the Lumineers! I’m pretty pumped! Talk about an awesome birthday!

Hope you all had a lovely June 11th as well. xoxo

What I Tasted Tuesday - Cajun Tuna!

November 29, 2011 by Susan Leave a Comment

A couple of summers ago a friend and I went to this restaurant down at the beach that had swinging tables and chairs. That’s right. They were like porch swings, but the table in the middle would swing along with you. Pretty sweet… I know. BUT - believe it or not that wasn’t the best part of the evening.

The plate of food that we ordered (sadly to split because we got - an also oh so delicious - appetizer) was a cajun tuna steak over a bed of rice, a spicy yet sweet tomato salsa and black beans. Let me tell you, I was excited about the swings, but the meal was the real party! Sadly the meal was on special so it wasn’t something I could go back to eat again and again. However it made a great addition to my new Tuesday posts… What I Tasted Tuesday!

I collected all the fixin’s for a meal of this sort… Some jalapeno peppers, diced up tomatoes with chili peppers, black beans, tuna and then whatever seasonings I could find in the cabinet that seemed fitting. This time I went with crushed red peppers, garlic, and cajun seasoning of course.

Many times I have tried to recreate this meal. Only a few times have I successfully delivered all the original splendor that we tasted at the swinging restaurant. Since I am trying to cut back on rice and grains I decided to skip that part this time. Instead, I made my own mix of salsa, sat it on some beans, and cooked up the tuna to an amazing reproduction of the memorable swinging-restaurant’s blackened cajun tuna. While the blend of tomatoes, hot jalapenos, and seasonings are heating up and doing their thing… I was blackening the tuna one burner over! It’s super easy (and quick depending on how you like your tuna cooked) to make this meal. I served everything hot, meaning the temperature and the seasoning. (Don’t forget the beans - toss them in the microwave for a few seconds to heat them up and put them underneath the tomatoes and tuna.) Pair it with a small side salad and you’re good to go!

Okay, so the picture below doesn’t do it justice at all. This combination is to die for! AND it’s healthy. I have made it for my mom (who doesn’t really like spicy things) and for my roommate, both of which raved over it! Next time I think I will mix it up a bit more with the tomato salsa medley…. maybe try adding other peppers and more onions.

Give it a shot and let me know what you think! Are you a fan of spicy foods or not so much?

*In terms of paleo friendly foods - most of the products I used were organic. The beans, however, are not on the preferred paleo list but I snuck them in their this time. I figured it was a bit better than a large bed of rice.