dinner made easy (and healthy!)

In case you don't know this about me already, I am a major foodie. I love good food, I love great restaurants, and I love desserts. I'll be the first to admit though, I'm not the greatest cook in the world. Baking - I love. Cooking - not my strong suit. I'm trying to get better though & find more recipes that are healthy and easy!I recently found this turkey burger recipe (from The Pioneer Woman) and thought it looked simple and delicious. I tried it last night and both my husband and I loved it! The goat cheese/pesto spread was amazing, and the entire meal took less than 30 mins to make. (The Pioneer Woman recipe has the turkey burger on a toasted everything bagel. My husband had his on a toasted bun, and I did mine just on a bed of spinach! She also put more butter in her's than I used. So, the recipe below is my version of her original) Enjoy!

Ingredients (This is for 8 servings - if you have a big family or just want lots of leftovers!)

• 8 whole Everything Bagels (Again, I used a bun for my husband, just spinach for me!)
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 ounces, weight Goat Cheese (chevre)
• 2 Tablespoons Pesto
• 2 pounds Ground Turkey
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (more To Taste)
• Plenty Of Black Pepper
• 8 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 whole Egg Yolk (optional)
• 1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 4 whole Roma Tomatoes, Sliced
• 3 whole Avocados, Sliced
• 16 whole Large Basil Leaves

Preparation Instructions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and grill the cut side of the bagels until golden brown and slightly crisp. Set aside.Stir together the goat cheese (or cream cheese) and the pesto until smooth. Add more pesto if you'd like!Combine turkey, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk (if using) in a large bowl. Stir or knead together with your hands, then form into patties.Heat canola oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties on both sides until totally done, with no sign of pink in the middle, at least 4-5 minutes per side.To serve, spread a good amount of the pesto spread on each bagel half. Place the burgers on the bottom half, then top with tomato slices and basil leaves. Lay avocado slices on the top half, using the spread to make them stay put. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the avocados, then place the top half on the bottom half, smush it together...and dig in!

Sippin’ on Smoothies!

Homemade antioxidant smoothies to blast this summer heat!

Avocado Kiwi Smoothie

In a blender, purée until smooth --

1 avocado, peeled with seed removed2 kiwi fruits, peeled and halved2 cup green grapes1 granny smith apple, peeled and cored1/2 cup ice, crushed1/2 cup water1/4 cup mint, loosely packed

Other Suggestions: You can also add banana to sweeten the smoothie. Great with protein powders, too! Divide into 4 glasses and serve.Servings: 4Serving Size: 10 ozSource______

Green Tea Blueberry

1 & 1/2 cups strong, chilled green tea (made with 6 standard tea bags)2 cups frozen blueberries1 frozen banana, sliced into 1" chunks3 tablespoons honey

In a blender, whirl chilled green tea, frozen blueberries, banana chunks and honey on high speed until smooth and combined. Top with fresh blueberries, a sprig of basil or mint if desired, and serve immediately.Yield: Makes 3 (1-cup) servings.Source______

Strawberry Watermelon

2 cups watermelon, cubed1 cup fresh strawberries5 ice cubes

Place the watermelon, strawberries and ice in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds, or until ice is completely broken up. Serve immediately in a tall glass. Enjoy your delicious watermelon strawberry smoothie.Prep-time: 5 minutes Yields: 1-2 servingsSourceTell us your favorite!

Delicious but Not-So-Ordinary Substitutes

Little tweeks to recipes can make a major difference in your health. My challenge to you: try these before you look at this article like it’s crazy. The kitchen is only fun when you mix things up. So, I dare you to incorporate these substitutes in your next batch of whatever is cookin’! The real test: don’t tell the partakers of the change, and see if they notice the taste.

• BUTTER (when baking): Avocado
• SOUR CREAM: Greek yogurt
• SUGAR: Maple syrup or agave nectar
• WHITE FLOUR: Stone ground whole wheat, coconut, or buckwheat flour

Avocado: The Green Fruit that Keeps on Giving

Avocado is equivalent to a summertime dream. Why? It makes your hair shine, your skin glow, and your body burn fat while simultaneously fighting disease. In first thought, it is often known as the culprit in Mi Cocina’s addicting guacamole or otherwise referred to as the substance that sticks to your thighs. Take note: yes, avocado is high in calories, but when consumed in moderation, it is a powerful fat-burning agent.Is it just me, or does this fruit have an element of refreshment? Maybe it's just the lime green color, or the fact that it aids in forming a heightened internal metabolism to keep your body in bikini shape. For all it's worth (AKA a source of GOOD fat), this superfood deserves some attention. Here are fun new recipes to sneak into your diet that ignite the health benefits of this yummy treat. It's time to take use of this dynamic source of omega-3. Are you on board?

To jump start the morning:

Avocado Breakfast Pudding (Serves 2)

1 ripe avocado1/2 c. 1% milk1 Tbsp. honey3 Tbsp. slivered almondsBlend first three ingredients until smooth. Garnish with granola or almonds.

Source & nutritional ingredients: Vital Juice______

For a mid-day meal:

Simple SaladHere we have (with absolutely no measurements, as usual):

Roasted Brussels Sprout and Avocado SaladMixed garden greensRed onionAvocadoRoasted brussels sprouts: cut in half. toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. roast until toasty brown.

For extra pizzaz and protein, throw in an egg fried in a bit of olive oil.Honey mustard dressing:

One part white wine vinegar to two parts olive oilA dollop of dijon mustardA large drizzle of honeySalt and pepper

Add dressing ingredients to a small jar and give it a good shake.  Toss with salad and enjoy!Source_____

For dinner-time:

Try this dip with grilled skewers. Choose your favorite meat and veggies!Avocado Cilantro Dip (Makes about 1 cup of dip)

1/2 cup thick greek yogurtJuice from 1 lemon1 avocado (average Haas size is good – about 6-8 ounces)1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed1 tablespoon capersPinch of black pepperPinch of garlic saltPinch of smoked paprikaOptional: If you love garlic you can add a clove, extra cilantro leaves

Source_____

To top off the day with a sweet treat:

Avocado Chocolate Pudding

2 ripe avocados½ cup of unsweeted cocoa powder½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar2 teaspoons vanilla

Cut open 2 large avocados and spoon them out into a bowl. Beat well until the avocado is a creamy mouse-like consistency. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla. Beat until all ingredients are mixed evenly. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve later.