Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

Fitness

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CUCUMBER SOUP

This week enjoy cucumber soup! This refreshing dish is a great summer dish. Made with simple, fresh ingredients like cucumbers and grapes makes this recipe perfect for the warmer weather!

Prep Time: 10 Mins    Chill Time: 2 hours    Total: 2 hours 10 Mins     Servings = 8 

Calories: 143.9 kcal Carbohydrates: 28.2 g  Protein: 4.1 g   Fat: 3.4 g  

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2slices sandwich bread
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ½ pound English cucumbers
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes, plus more for garnish
  • 1/3 cup blanched, slivered almonds
  • 1/3 cups extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, plus more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • Finely chopped chives for garnish

Directions:

  • Trim the crusts from the bread and cut the bread into 1- inch cubes. Place the cubes in a small bowl, mix in the water, and set to soak for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, peel the cucumbers. Cut into large chunks and place in a blender. Add the 1 cup grapes, almonds, 1.3 cup oil, garlic, 2 teaspoons vinegar, and salt. When the bread is ready, add it and any remaining soaking liquid to the blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth, scrapping down the sides of the blender as needed, about 2 minutes total.
  • Cover and refrigerate in the blender jar if it can fit, or transfer to a bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate until chilled and the flavors meld, about 2 hours.
  • Taste and season with more vinegar as needed. Pour or ladle into serving bowls and top with the chives, sliced green grapes, and a drizzle of olive oil. 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

This week enjoy white chicken chili! This super easy high protein meal is great when you want that perfect cozy tasty dinner!

Prep Time: 15 Mins    Total: 50 Mins    Servings = 6-8

 Calories: 416kcal   Carbohydrates: 29g   Protein: 37g  Fat: 14g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 Tbsp. neutral oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (4.5-oz.) cans green chiles
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (15-oz.) cans white beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced, for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips, for serving
  • 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and cumin and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken, broth, and chiles; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until chicken is tender and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and shred with 2 forks. 
  2. Add beans to pot and bring to a simmer. Cook, smashing about one-quarter of beans with a wooden spoon, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Add corn and shredded chicken and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
  3. Ladle chili into bowls. Top with avocado, cilantro, chips, and cheese.

Original recipe can be found at delish here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: GRILLED FENNEL- RUBBED PORK CHOPS & APRICOTS

This week enjoy grilled fennel-rubbed pork chops. This flavorful dish is a quick and easy meal to make, especially as the weather gets warmer!

Prep Time: 25 Mins  Total: 25 Mins   Servings = 4

 Calories: 272kcal   Carbohydrates: 13g   Protein: 27g  Fat: 13g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 4 thin-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
  • 8 firm ripe apricots or 4 nectarines, halved and pitted
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Directions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Toast coriander and fennel seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Coarsely grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oil, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Coat both sides of pork chops with the mixture.
  3. Oil the grill rack. Grill the pork chops until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers 145 degrees F, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Grill apricots (or nectarines) on the coolest part of the grill, turning occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes total. Transfer the pork chops and fruit to a serving dish and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with feta and mint.

Original recipe can be found at eatingwell here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH OLIVE, ORANGE, & FENNEL

This week enjoy braised chicken thighs with olive, orange, and fennel. This low-carb, high protein, healthy meal is a nutrient dense dish that tastes great too!

Prep Time:25Mins Additional Time: 40 mins Total:1hr 5 Mins Serving = 4 Servings 

Calories: 311kcal    Carbohydrates: 14g    Protein: 30g    Fat: 15g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 4 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 4 large bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (1 3/4-2 lbs. total), trimmed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ? teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata olives

Directions:

  1. Place fennel seeds on a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small saucepan. Set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning as needed, until browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add onion to the pan and cook, stirring often, until softened and starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, crushed red pepper, and the crushed fennel seeds; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add orange juice and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and bay leaf; return to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, mashing the tomatoes with a potato masher.
  4. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Partially cover the pan; cook until the chicken is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers at least 175 degrees F, 40 to 45 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in olives and orange zest.

Original recipe can be found at https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/279117/braised-chicken-thighs-with-olive-orange-fennel/

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER QUINOA ENERGY BALLS

This week have a no bake peanut butter quinoa energy balls. A quick healthy perfect snack that requires zero baking!

Prep Time: 10 Mins   Total: 10 Mins   Makes 12 Servings  1 Serving =1 Ball  

 Calories: 132kcal    Carbohydrates: 16.3g    Protein: 4.2g    Fat: 6.2g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa1 cup rolled oats
  • 3 Tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter, or nut butter of choice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

  • Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl or process in a blender until well combined.
  • Form dough into balls using your hands (about the size of a golf ball) and place on a cookie sheet or small pan (something that will fit in your freezer). Chill for about 2 hours until firm. Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at eatyourselfskinny here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: SPRING CHICKEN SALAD

Start your spring off right with some spring chicken salad. A fast easy meal packed with protein and flavor!

Cook Time: 6 Mins     Prep Time: 14 Mins    Total: 20 Mins   Servings: 4

 Calories: 331kcal    Carbohydrates: 19g    Protein: 27g    Fat: 17g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1/2 pound small red-skinned potatoes, halved
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 romaine hearts, torn
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and meat shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced
  • 4 radishes, cut into wedges
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. Place the potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Season with salt, cover and boil until fork-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. Meanwhile, pulse the chives, tarragon, vinegar, yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and pulse to make a thick dressing.
  3. Toss the romaine, potatoes, chicken, cucumber, radishes and bell pepper with the dressing in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Original recipe can be found at the foodnetwork here!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: AVOCADO TOAST WITH EGG

This week enjoy avocado toast in four different ways! This super healthy fast meal is a great way to kick start your day and keep you energetic throughout!

Cook Time: 5 Mins     Prep Time: 5 Mins    Total: 10 Mins   Servings: 1 Toast

 Calories: 229kcal    Carbohydrates: 23g    Protein: 12g    Fat: 10g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

  • 1 slice whole grain or gluten-free bread, toasted (I love Dave’s Killer Bread good seed, thin sliced)
  • 1 oz mashed, 1/4 small haas avocado
  • cooking spray
  • 1 large egg
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • hot sauce or red pepper flakes, optional

Directions:

  • Mash the avocado in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.

For Sunny Side Up Egg Option:

  • Heat a small nonstick skillet over low heat, when hot spray with oil and gently crack the egg into the skillet. Cover and cook until the egg sets and the yolk is to your liking.

Hard Boiled Egg Option:

  • I have several methods to make hard boiled eggs, you can make hard boiled eggs on the stove, air fryer hard boiled eggs, or instant pot hard boiled eggs.

Scrambled Egg Option:

  • Beat the egg in a small bowl with a fork and season with a pinch of salt. Heat a small nonstick skillet over low heat, when hot spray with oil and pour the egg into the skillet. When the edges start to set, gently fold the eggs until the eggs are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.

Poached Egg Option:

  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Crack the egg into a small bowl. When the water is boiling stir 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into the water and stir in a circular motion to create a vortex. Lower the heat then carefully add the egg to the middle of the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the yolk is cooked to your liking. Remove the egg with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel.

To finish the avocado toast:

  • Place mashed avocado over toast, top with egg, sprinkle with salt and pepper and/or hot sauce or red pepper flakes, if desired!

Original recipe can be found at https://www.skinnytaste.com/avocado-toast-with-sunny-side-egg/

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE

Getting ready for St. Patrick’s day? This classic corned beef and cabbage recipe is a perfect recipe for you and your family to enjoy this holiday!

Prep Time: 1 Hr 30 Mins   Cook Time: 3 Hr 30 Mins  Total: 5 Hours  Servings: 6-8

 Calories: 576kcal    Carbohydrates: 29g    Protein: 38g    Fat: 34g    

Ingredients/ Equipment:

For the Corned Beef:

  • 3- to 4- pound Corned Beef Brisket homemade or storebought
  • 1 tablespoon pickling spice*
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled

For the Cabbage & Vegetables:

  • 2 cups water
  • 4 medium carrots chopped on a bias into 2” pieces
  • 1 pound Gold Potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion peeled, halved, with halves cut into thirds
  • 1 medium head cabbage cored and cut into wedges
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions:

  • Rinse the brisket all over, then pat very dry. If applicable, trim off excess fat carefully with a paring knife, being careful not to cut away any of the meat itself.
  • Place the brined brisket into a large stockpot (6 quarts or larger) and cover with at least 1 inch of water above the brisket. Add garlic cloves, bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon pickling spice.
  • Bring liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cover and let simmer for about 3 hours or until the brisket registers 180 degrees F to 190 degrees F on a meat thermometer and is fork tender.
  • Once the meat is ready, turn off the heat and let cool 10 minutes. With kitchen tongs, carefully remove the corned beef from the cooking liquid and transfer it to a cutting board. Remove 2 cups of liquid from the pot, then strain it into a bowl to remove any pieces. Set aside. Discard the remaining liquid from the pot and lightly rinse the pot to use later.
  • Let the corned beef cool for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  • While the corned beef cools, place the 2 cups of the strained liquid and 2 cups of water into the now-empty pot.
  • Top with carrots, potatoes, onion, and cabbage. Bring liquid to a boil, then use a soup ladle to baste the vegetables at the top of the pot. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook until vegetables have softened, about 25 to 30 minutes. Baste the vegetables with the hot liquid 2 more times as they cook.
  • While the vegetables cook, slice the corned beef against the grain into 1/4” inch strips.
  • When the vegetables are ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a large serving platter that has a lip to prevent liquid overflow. Top the cooked vegetables with the sliced corned beef.
  • To the pot of leftover liquid from the vegetables, add the mustard and mix together until combined. Spoon the liquid over the platter. Enjoy!

Original recipe can be found at wellplated here!