Sunday, February 28, 2016

Cloud Bread

I have seen several of my friends on Facebook sharing links of clean eating recipes that they would like to try.  This one seems to show often.  Wanted everyone to know that this had been Feldman tested and proves to be worth the effort.

Cloud Bread
2 Eggs
2 ounces of cream cheese
1/8 tsp of cream of tarter

Put one bowl and the beaters for your mixer in the freezer for 10 minutes.  Separate the eggs.  Whites in the bowl from the freezer and the yolks in the bowl with the cream cheese.  Add the cream of tarter to the egg white.  Mix on high until stiff peaks form.  The mix the yolk and cream cheese mixture until smooth.  It is important to follow this order to ensure that the whites form the stiff peaks that are required.  Put parchment paper on your baking stone and drop the mixture forming 6 rounds.  Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.  I will flip and cook for another 5 minutes to golden brown both sides.  But this is not necessary.
Feldman Quick Tips

We have found that the whites stiffen up quicker if the bowl and beaters are cold.  Please note that if you reverse the order of beating...yolks first you must clean your beaters or the whites will not stiffen.  We added Italian seasoning to the top of these clouds but they are great plain as well.  I have tried toasting them in the morning and it will work but they must be watched so they do not burn.





Monday, February 22, 2016

Twice Baked Cabbage

We love cabbage at our house but haven't found it to be very versatile.  So I was thrilled when I stumbled across this recipe.
  
Twice Baked Cabbage
1 green cabbage
1/2 white onion
6 slices of bacon
Olive Oil
1 cup sour cream
Mozzarella cheese
Paprika/Sea Salt/Cracked Black Pepper

Crisp bacon in a large saute pan.  Once crisp remove and set to the side.  Add olive oil to the pan.  Saute onion until just browning.  Add thinly sliced cabbage. Add seasonings.  Cook until just tender.  Crumble bacon and add to the cabbage/onion mixture.  Transfer to a casserole dish.  Top with sour cream.  Finish with mozzarella cheese.  Cook at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is browned.
Feldman Quick Tips

Be sure to remove the core of the cabbage when slicing.  I used smoked paprika because that is what we have in the house and it was delicious.



Sunday, February 21, 2016

Fluff Salad

Wait a second...there is protein hiding in my fluff salad....AND only 2 carbs per serving!  I'm sure once in your life you have been fooled into taking this type of salad at a family reunion.  You know it's the one that looks like a dessert and you take the first bite and turn to the person next to you and ask .... what did they put in my whip cream!  I will admit at first I was one of those that was pissed every time I was fooled by this salad but now knowing it is hiding a little bit of protein but not hiding the large amounts of carbs that other recipes might have I say....yum, give me some more fluff salad.

Fluff Salad
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup shredded colby jack cheese
1/3 cup chopped pecans
2 T artificial sweetener
1 box of black cherry sugar free jello

To quicken the whipping process put the bowl, heavy whipping cream and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes.  Combine cottage cheese and jello well.  Add cheese and pecans to the cottage cheese/jello mixture and stir well.  Whip heavy whipping cream on high just until soft peaks start to form.  Add the sweetener and continue to whip until firm peaks form.  Gently fold the whipped cream into remaining mixture.  Chill before serving.



Feldman Quick Tips

Do not be fooled by the ingredients, this salad is nothing but delicious.


Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara

I guess over the last two years I have found that I don't really miss pasta.  People ask me about pasta and bread. Never about how many veggies I eat or how much fruit or the great lean meat but about pasta and bread. BUT I do like the dishes that are usually made with pasta which is why I have found wonderful ways to continue eating them just without the pasta.  Spaghetti squash is one that easily fills this pasta void but we all have found we could...and do...eat by itself.


 Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara for Two
1 Spaghetti Squash
Mushrooms
Shrimp (1 pound)
4 Strips of Bacon
1 egg
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup of chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Sea Salt/Cracked Black Pepper

Slice the spaghetti squash in half, remove the seeds and roast at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender.  Using fork strip the flesh from the squash creating "spaghetti".  Put the empty shell to the side to use as a serving dish.  Saute mushrooms and shrimp in a small saute pan.  Crisp bacon in a large saute pan.  Remove bacon and set to the side.  Add chicken broth to the bacon drippings and simmer for 3 minutes.  Combine eggs and cheese and stir until smooth.  Slowly combine the egg and cheese mixture with the simmering broth stirring nonstop.  Once combined add squash, mushrooms and shrimp stir to incorporate all ingredients. Divide mixture into the two squash shells and top with bacon.


Feldman Quick Tips

We buy the cooked shrimp frozen at Aldi's and warm by sauteing.  Plus, when I say slowly I mean slowly add the egg/cheese mixture.  You hate to end up with scrambled eggs for supper instead!

Moussaka - Cheesy Eggplant Bake

Tired of the same old same old veggie?  This cheesy eggplant bake will help break up the veggie blahs.  The original recipe was a complete vegetable dish but uses a lot of separate bowls and pans creating a lot more clean up so I was inspired to limit my number of dirty dishes by one and decided to add my protein straight to the dish....oh lordy....what a great decision.

Moussaka1 medium eggplant
Ground Turkey
1 small white onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 14oz can of diced tomatoes
2 heaping handfuls of spinach leaves
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese|
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Brown ground turkey (seasoned Feldman style...see earlier posts).  Thinly slice your eggplant.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.  Roast for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.  In medium sauce plan saute onions until tender. Add garlic and tomatoes to the onions. Fill the remaining space in the sauce pan with spinach.  Cook until the spinach has wilted.  Add the turkey to the sauce pan and stir well.  Combine all three cheeses in a separate bowl and mix well.  In a 9x13 pan layer the ingredients as in this order...roasted eggplant, turkey/veggie mixture, cheese.  Cook until bubbly and cheese is starting to brown. 


Feldman Quick Tip

Invest in a mandolin....doesn't have to be an expensive one but the right tool really does make life easier.

French Fries?


French Fries? French Fries! Ohhh French Fries. Well not the type we are accustomed to but they do work!  We all know that along with clean eating comes substitution and that is what this recipe is all about.  Now how did I do this...turnips.  

Turnip Fries
2 medium sized turnips
Olive Oil
Paprika (I used smoked...because that is what I have on hand)
Italian Seasoning
Sea Salt/Crcked Black Pepper

Peel and slice the turnips to resemble french fries.  Put sliced turnips in gallon bag.  Drizzle with olive oil then add seasonings.  Shake bag to coat evening. Spread out evening on a baking sheet.  Do not over crowd the fries.  Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until tender.  Set oven to broil and continue to cook until outside of fries are a bit crispy.

Feldman Quick Tip

Do note that I am not trying to fool you into thinking these are potato french fries.  Especially those that are deep fat fried.  But they are another way to get your vegetables and they works great along side a grilled burger.



Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a quick and easy weekday meal? This recipe has you covered.  It has your veggies and protein all in one so clean up is fast.

Stuffed PeppersAssorted colored peppers
Browned ground turkey
White onion
Diced Tomatoes
Chopped Mushrooms
Mozzarella Cheese
Sea Salt/Cracked Black Pepper

Brown ground turkey.  Add other veggies to turkey and continue to cook until tender.  Over stuff the peppers with the meat mixture.  Roast at 400 degrees until peppers are tender.  Top with mozzarella cheese returning to oven just long enough to melt.







Feldman Quick Tip

Have extra cauliflower for the week or missing rice?  Look for my future recipe for cauliflower rice.  This is a great addition to throw the veggies into overdrive in this recipe.

Smoked Cauliflower Bites

If I counted correctly this is my third different cauliflower recipe and I'm still not done!  As I mentioned before this is such a versatile veggie and definitely one of our favorites to keep the veggie scene anything but boring.  How heavy your hand is will determine how spicy this recipe ends up....I have a heavy shake but then we do like our food spicy hot.

Smoked Cauliflower Bites
1 head of cauliflower
Olive oil
Smoked Paprika
Chili Powder
Sea Salt
Cracked Black Pepper

Put the cauliflower in a gallon bag, drizzle with olive oil.  Add seasonings to taste.  Shake to cover.  Bake until tender at 425 degrees stirring every 10 minutes.
 







Feldman Quick Tip

If you are looking for cheap spices try Menards.  That is where I initially found the Smoked Paprika at a reasonable price. 

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Moscow Mule

My dear Gary hates to drink alone and unfortunately married a girl that doesn't drink much.  But he knows I am a sucker for a good Moscow Mule and even more so for a pretty looking mug.  During our weekly trip to the market we found that HyVee has DIET GINGER BEER.  Do you hear me people, DIET GINGER BEER!  So get yourself a copper or stainless steel mug and enjoy.

Moscow Mule
1.5-2 oz of Vodka
1/2 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
Ice
Top the mug off with Diet Ginger Beer

Cheers!

Roasted Veggies

This is our all time go to vegetable recipe.  My dear friend, Teresa Schmidt, first made these for us and we now honestly will have these at LEAST once a week.  They are a quick way to use the last of your veggies for the week or a perfect impressive looking side dish to any protein. This picture was a "cleaning out the fridge" day so it has only cauliflower, mushrooms and broccoli.  The recipe below will list all veggies that we have used in this recipe.  Again....use this as inspiration for a wonderful dish.

Roasted Veggies
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Assorted Peppers
Red Onion
Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Drizzle with Olive Oil and season with garlic powder, sea salt and cracked pepper to taste.  Cook at 400 degrees until tender (30-40 minutes).  Stirring every 10 minutes.









Feldman Quick Tips

The cauliflower and broccoli will take a bit longer to cook. If you are finding that your other veggies are too mushy before these two are tender try separating them from the other veggies and drizzle with olive oil and seasoning separately. Add the rest of the veggies (remember to season and drizzle these with olive oil as well) after the first 10 minutes of roasting.

Roast Chicken Pizza

Roasted Chicken Pizza...mmmm just the same makes my mouth water.  Ella stumbled across this pizza crust recipe and while it is not a recipe that is on our "normal" rotation it was the perfect way to celebration National Pizza Day on February 9th!

Roasted Chicken Pizza
2 Chicken Breast (Roasted and sliced)
Mushrooms
Spinach
Red Onion
Olive Oil/Garlic

Pizza Crust
1 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese
4 T of melted butter
1 egg
Garlic Powder/Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)
4 T Almond Flour
3 T Coconut Flour

Melt butter, add cheese and seasonings to the melted butter then return to microwave to melt.  Stir well.  Add egg and flour again stirring very well. Parbake crust for 8-10 minutes.  Top crust with the Olive Oil/Garlic mixture, add pizza toppings.  Bake at 350 until crust is done.  Broil for another 3-4 minutes to brown cheese.


Feldman Quick Tips 

Spray a piece of wax paper with nonstick cooking spray. Roll your dough out on this piece of wax paper.  Once it is at the desired thickness and shape flip it over onto your backing stone and remove the wax paper.  Perfect crust every time.




Sunday, February 7, 2016

Ice Water

Water, agua, vatten, woda, vatn, eau....doesn't matter what language I say it in it is still just plain old water and you need to be drinking LOTS of it and let's face it...it is boring. While I do enjoy spicing up my food, I am not a fan of veggies or fruit in my water so I decided to look at my water intake  the same way that the reality "make-over" shows do their subjects.  You know....they take something and pretty it up or trick it out and all of a sudden the same old thing you were not so sure of became GREAT again.  So I challenge all of you to drink your water and LOTS OF IT...just pretty it up!



Feldman Quick Tips

The glass is just a clear tumbler from Walmart and the other of course is a Bubba Keg.  A trip to Hobby Lobby to grab a tube of E600 glue and colored gems and you are set.

Happy drinking....

Berry Muffins


If you have checked out our other blogs Keeping up with the Feldman's and A Summer to Remember you will see that we do enjoy our outdoors. I initially tried this recipe so that we would have something that we could grab and go for breakfast or as a snack. Almond flour replaces the refined grain in this recipe so it has a nice nutty flavor.

Berry Muffins
4 eggs whipped until frothy
2 cups almond flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp of vanilla
3/4 cup artificial sugar
Pinch of sea salt
Blueberries/Raspberries

Mix well and spoon into muffin tray (12).  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until golden brown


Feldman Quick Tips

As mentioned in an earlier post, I encourage you to look at all of these recipes as more of inspiration than direction.  We know we love the above recipe but by accident while making this one afternoon my daughter grabbed the coconut flour but didn't realize it until the first cup had been added. After a few minutes of giggling we decided to do a half and half of coconut and almond flour.  It did require one more egg and some heavy whipping cream but found that we still ended up with a great end product.  So if you haven't yet, start experimenting!

Happy Eating.....








Crustless Pizza

Clean eating doesn't have to mean no pizza.  But when you have removed refined grains from your clean eating lifestyle it does take on another meaning.  Plus, if we are honest with ourselves we will all agree that it is the toppings that make our favorite pizza anyway!

Crustless Pizza
Browned Ground Turkey (See Ground Turkey Zucchini Boat recipe to see how we spice up ground turkey)
Small can of pizza sauce
Pepperoni
Red Onions
Mushrooms/Assorted Peppers
Spinach
Tomatoes
Mozzarella Cheese

Brown your turkey.  Once brown add 1/2 a bag of mozzarella cheese and stir well. Place in your favorite dish and press to form your "crust".  Top the "crust" with half of the can of pizza sauce.  I use very little...really for flavor only. Now top with your favorite pizza toppings (it is your choice if you saute the mushrooms and sliced peppers...we do). Finish your masterpiece with a layer of mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 degrees. 
Feldman Quick Tips 

 As you can see this is large enough that everyone gets their favorite toppings and there is not a topping that is off limits.  Such a crowd and kid pleaser!  BUT for those that are missing crust...stay tuned, the recipe is coming and it is DELICIOUS!



    

Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

One of the most common complaints that people mention when we are talking about eating clean is that they are bored with vegetables.  This is why I am always looking for new ways to use the same old veggie.  I have found the cauliflower is the most versatile veggie and we use it often.  This recipe is the perfect solution for when you are hungry for something a bit heavier.  There are several recipes out there with some being much more "clean" but sometimes you just need something clean but "rib sticking".

Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"
1 head of cauliflower cleaned, cut into florets and steamed until tender
4 oz of cream cheese
2 tablespoons of butter
Cracked pepper and sea salt to taste
Garlic Powder to taste

Variations
Add shredded smoked Gouda while processing if you want a real treat

Put all ingredients in food processor and blend until you reach your desired texture.

(Warning...I have been told this smells like a dead animal when left overs are warmed up at school...but don't let that deter you from enjoying!  Just remember to bring a fresh Scentsy block with you to melt that afternoon) 

Happy Eating....











Feldman Quick Tip

Fun fact about me...I once sold Pampered Chef.  I have several pieces and use them all to this day.  My all time favorite is still to this day the Micro Cooker.  I have two of each size and use them daily.  I cannot explain the difference that this little cooker can make to your clean eating habits.

Roasted Cabbage

Sometimes it's the simple things in life.  Roasted cabbage is one of those things.  It is so full of flavor that you will ask yourself each time you make it...Why don't we eat this more often?....Don't be afraid to shake things up. Make this your go to when you are in a vegetable rut.



Roasted Cabbage
1 green cabbage quartered 
Olive Oil 
Cracked black pepper
Sea Salt
Garlic Powder
Bacon (Optional)

Wrap each quarter in tin foil.  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.  Grill or roast until tender.

Happy Eating....

Feldman Quick Tips

Don't let yourself become bored.  I think that if we all take a look at our eating habits we will see that no matter if we are clean eating or not our meals are on repeat.  We know what we like and why try to recreate the wheel!  Sides such as this can be just what it takes to mix it up a bit.  

Fat Bombs

Yikes FAT what!!!  In my opinion to make a lifestyle change it has to meet the three "S's"...Safe, Satisfying and Sustainable.  Find what works for you then research the bejesus out of it.  During my research I stumbled across fat bombs and all I can say is Thank You Google.  Do your own research and if you agree then work these into your daily life and enjoy.

 Pecan Peanut Butter Fat Bomb
1/2 cup of crushed pecans
1/2 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup of virgin coconut oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 T Walden Farms Maple Syrup

Melt peanut butter and coconut oil together in microwave.  Mix well then add vanilla and syrup, again mixing well.  Line 10 cupcake holders on a cutting board for easy transfer to the freezer.  Divide equally among the cupcake holders.  Sprinkle the crushed pecan on top of each bomb. Freeze and enjoy.


Feldman Quick Tips

I use Simply Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Aldi's.  Once frozen these will stack nicely taking up little space in the freezer.  If you like frozen candy bars you can eat directly from the freezer. Otherwise allow a few minutes to soften before eating.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fat Bomb
4 T of Peanut Butter
4 T of Butter
4 T of Virgin Coconut Oil
2 T of Hersey's Cocoa

Melt first four ingredients in microwave and mix well.  Add Cocoa, again mixing well.   Line 8 cupcake holders on a cutting board.  Divide mixture evenly between cupcake holders and freeze.

Happy Eating....







ZOODLES! ZOODLES! OH MY GOODNESS ZOODLES!

At Christmas time I found both of my girls at different times smiling to themselves and then both told me at those moments...Dad really loves you, I can tell by the gifts he keeps buying you for Christmas. So you can image my delight on Christmas morning when I opened the kitchen gadget as seen on TV...the Spiralizer!  It might have been my dancing around the kitchen singing about zoodles but needless to say I will never see a zucchini the same way!  We are in love with the Zoodle.


Zucchini Zoodles

3 medium sized zucchini
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Cracked Pepper
Garlic Powder

Zoodle the zucchini, season then saute.

Happy Eating!

 

Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats

If you haven't picked up on it yet, we incorporate veggies and lots of them into every meal.  Today's star is zucchini.  These make the best boats to hold just about any protein you want....our choice today is ground turkey.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
Ground Turkey
Zucchini
Rotel
Red Onion
Assorted Peppers
Baby Spinach
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream/Salsa

Slice both ends off of each zucchini then slice them in half.  Using a spoon scoop out the middle of each zucchini to create the "boat".  Sprinkle with garlic powder and cracked black pepper.  Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until tender (you should be able to poke with a fork very easily).  While the zucchini are cooking brown the turkey.  Once browned add the can of Rotel.  In a separate pan saute the red onion and peppers.

Spoon the turkey mixture (heaping) into each boat.  Top with veggies and shredded cheese.  Return the boats to the oven to melt the cheese.  Top with sour cream and salsa.


Happy Eating...

Feldman Quick Tips

We switched to ground turkey about a month into our move to clean eating.  We found that our progress had stalled and thought we would try removing red meat for awhile. That short period of time got us hooked on ground turkey.  We buy ours from Aldi's and add sea salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion flakes and cayenne pepper to spice it up.  All of these are by taste but I will tell you that the onion flakes, garlic powder and cayenne are used with a heavy hand...we do like our life a bit on the spicy side.