Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

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Recipe of the Week: Lemon Chicken Piccata

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2” thickness (or purchased thin-sliced)
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 Tbsp blanched almond flour
  • 2 Tbsp tapioca flour
  • 3 Tbsp ghee divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon about 2 Tbsp
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream blended before using (the cream is the thick part of a chilled can of coconut milk. It can also be purchased separately
  • 1 1/2 tsp stone ground mustard (optional, flavor boost only, omit if you don’t like mustard)
  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pound your chicken breast to 1/2” thickness, if necessary, and cut into cutlets. Season with sea salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium/medium-high heat. In a shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour and tapioca for dredging. Add 2 Tbsp of the ghee to the skillet.
  3. Once the ghee is heated, lightly dredge the chicken, one cutlet at a time, in the flour mixture, shake off the excess, and place in the skillet. Cook about 4 minutes on each side to cook through. The outside should be golden brown – adjust the heat if you need to avoid over-browning. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium low and add the remaining ghee. Add onions, cook for a minute until translucent, then add the garlic. Cook and stir another minute, until softened. Add the broth and lemon juice, then raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  5. Cook for 3 more minutes, then stir in the coconut cream and the mustard (if using). Cook and stir another minute, then stir in the capers. Add the chicken back to the skillet, lower the heat to a simmer and simmer another minute. Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice or veggie noodles. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 308 calories, Fat: 19g, Sodium: 365mg, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 28g

 

 

Original recipe from Paleo Running Mama can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Paleo Slow Cooker Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes                 Cook Time: 4 hours                      Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

  • 1 3/4 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
  • 3/4 tsp fine grain sea salt divided
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
  • generous pinch crushed red pepper adjust for spice preference
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – optional

For the sauce:

  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes with basil***
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes with basil and garlic***
  • 1 – 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh garlic
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • sea salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, 1/2 tsp of the sea salt, onion and garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, add the ground beef and sprinkle evenly with the remaining sea salt. Add the egg and almond flour mix (and optional parsley) and gently mix with your hands until the mixture binds and is evenly distributed. It’s important not to work the meat too much or it becomes tough.
  3. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your broiler. Form the meat mixture into 20 meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet.
  4. Broil 2-4 minutes just to lightly brown and release a small amount of fat (this avoids an overly greasy sauce) and remove promptly.
  5. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, leaving behind any rendered fat. Top the meatballs with all sauce ingredients and give a gentle stir (careful not to break the meatballs!)
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through****
  7. Serve when ready to eat with anything you want and garnish with your favorite fresh herbs. Sweet potato noodles, zucchini noodles, or simply your favorite roasted veggies, potatoes, or even eggs. Use the leftovers and sauce for variety in breakfast and lunch the next day!

Notes

***Add extra basil and garlic if you use plain tomatoes.
****Each slow cooker is a bit different. Check at 3.5 hours if you can and adjust cook time from there, if necessary. Cook time should not be longer than 4.5/5 hours or meatballs will be overcooked and dry.

Nutrition:

Calories: 327kcal, Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 11g, Sugar: 6g, Protein: 20g

 

Original recipe from Paleo Running Mama can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Farmers’ Market Veggie Enchiladas

Prep Time: 40 min          Cook Time: 25 min          Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes              Yield: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small yam, diced small (or zucchini)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ear of corn, kernels cut off (about 1 cup)
  • teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 14 ounce can black beans rinsed, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 cups homemade enchilada sauce (or store-bought)
  • 8 x 8-inch whole wheat tortillas (or sub corn)
  • cups grated cheese (8-10 ounces pepper jack, Mexican blend, cheddar, Mozzarella)
  • Optional garnishes: sour cream, avocado, pickled red onions and hot sauce.

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients:

  • 5 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices) preferably fire-roasted tomatoes
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or 2 garlic cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or smoked paprika for smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 2 tsp fresh)

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 400 F
  • If making the homemade enchilada sauce, place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. The Enchilada sauce will cook as it bakes with enchiladas
  • Make the filling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and stir 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Lower heat to medium, add bell pepper, yams, garlic and salt. Saute this until yams and peppers are tender about -7-9 minutes. If mixture gets dry, add a splash of water, lower heat and cover and gently steam until yams are fork-tender. Fold in the fresh corn and cumin, coriander and oregano. Saute 3 more minutes. Remove from heat. Add the black beans, taste for salt, adding more if you like. Stir in half the cilantro.
  • Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and spreading around so the bottom of the pan is nicely coated.
  • Assemble your Enchiladas: Place 1/2 cup filling down the center of the tortilla add 2-3 tablespoons grated cheese over top and wrap it up tightly. Place enchilada seam side down over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas nestling them side by side. Pour the remaining Enchilada Sauce over the enchiladas, leaving the edges exposed if you like (for crispy edges). Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese.
  • Place in the hot oven, foiled for 20 minutes then uncover for the last 6-10 minutes until cheese is nice and melty. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving (tented with foil). Scatter the remaining chopped cilantro over the enchiladas.

Note: You need a total of 3-3 1/2 cups of diced veggies (in addition to the onion).

 

Original recipe from Feasting at Home can be found here!

 

 

Recipe of the Week: one skillet, greek sun-dried tomato chicken and farro

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 366 kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or small thighs
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked farro or quinoa
  • 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, the chicken, balsamic vinegar, dill, oregano, paprika, garlic, and a large pinch of both salt and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
  3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large dutch oven or cast-iron skillet, set over medium high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
  4. To the same skillet, add the farro. Cook 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir. Slide in the chicken and any juices left on the plate back into the skillet. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the farro becomes soft.
  5. Serve the chicken topped with feta, dill, and pine nuts.

 

Original recipe from Half Baked Harvest can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Winter Vegetable Bowl

Prep Time: 15 mins      Cook Time: 23 mins    Total Time: 38 mins              Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked short grain brown rice
  • 1 large beet
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
  • 4 cups kale
  • Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Dressing

  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup
  • ¼ tsp ground thyme
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • Green onions chopped
  • Roasted cashews chopped
  • Basil leaves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. Peel and cube the beets and butternut squash (remove seeds) into bite size pieces. Slice the ends off of the Brussels sprouts and slice in half.
  3. Evenly spread the vegetables on a large rimmed baking pan. Use two pans if you run out of room. Lightly drizzle the olive oil (see note) over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for approximately 45 minutes (toss the vegetables half way through roasting), or until they are caramelized and fork tender.
  4. While the vegetables are roasting, cook the rice according to the instructions on the package.
  5. While the rice is cooking, make the dressing.
  6. In a blender, add the water, garlic, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, thyme and salt and pepper and blend until smooth and creamy, approximately 1 minute.
  7. Put the rice in a large bowl and put the vegetables on top. Toss with the dressing and divide into four bowls. Garnish with the green onions, cashews, and basil leaves.

 

Original recipe can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: KALE AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6 people
Calories: 232 kcal

 INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bunch kale chopped
  • 10-12 brussels sprouts thinly shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage shredded
  • 1/2 butternut squash peeled and cut in thin slices
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 navel orange peeled and segmented
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 1/4 cup hazelnuts toasted and chopped

Citrus Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice

 INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or jar, and mix together well.
  2. De-stem kale, and then very thinly slice. Add to a salad bowl.
  3. Use a mandolin or food processor to very thinly slice brussels sprouts, and add to the kale.
  4. Pour dressing over kale and sprouts, and massage in to completely coat, and then cover the salad and allow to soak for 4-5 hours, or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  6. Peel butternut, cut into quarters lengthwise, and then thinly slice squash. Add to a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and lightly season with sea salt and black pepper.
  7. Roast squash for 25 minutes.
  8. Prepare pomegranate by removing arils
  9. Prepare the orange by slicing the skin and pith off around the orange, then cutting out the segments.
  10. Thinly slice red cabbage.
  11. When ready to serve the salad, toss the red cabbage into the kale mixture, then top the salad with warm squash, pomegranate, oranges, and nuts.

NUTRITION

Calories: 232kcal

Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 31mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g

 

Original recipe can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Quinoa Peanut Brittle

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins

Servings: 12
Calories: 123 kcal

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 3/4 cup raw peanuts, chopped
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats, uncooked
  • 2 tbsp. chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
  • 2/3 cup pure maple syrup

 Instructions:

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked quinoa, chopped raw peanuts, rolled oats, coconut sugar, chia seeds, and sea salt and then stir to combine.
  3. Add melted coconut oil, pure vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup, and then stir again until everything is fully mixed.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
  5. Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching it carefully near the end to avoid burning.
  6. You’ll know the brittle is ready when the color becomes evenly golden brown and the edges begin to darken, get bubbly, and spread out across the pan.
  7. Let cool completely before breaking into bite-size pieces with your hands.

 

Original recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef can be found here!

Making Yourself a Priority this Holiday Season

Making time for exercise and prioritizing your life is not always the easiest thing to do; and during the holiday season it is even more difficult. Let’s face it, eating “healthy” this time of year also feels almost impossible! Let’s work together to help make this “Mission Impossible” very possible!

Let’s start by planning ahead – whether it’s your day, week, meal plan or fitting in a workout. This can be applied year round, but it’s vital the holidays when planning around events. Start by looking at your work and social calendar then plan out your meals and set time to workout. The most successful people are those who plan ahead and continue to proactively workout more leading up to the holiday parties. You know the one “where you eat way too much unhealthy food”… Avoiding that holiday weight gain comes from consistency – both exercise and nutrition – instead of trying to make up by burning off the party calories. If time is not on your side, try making your workouts shorter, but more frequent by exercising 4-5 days a week or more if you can. If the family is getting together, maybe even invite a friend or family member to workout with you. A healthy, holiday challenge can keep you on track even through the busiest time of year.

Try planning out your meals for the week ahead of time – start by looking at which meals are dinners out or parties then fill in the rest. What do I need for lunch at work? Which nights am I getting home late? Plan out the week’s menu and try to prep meals ahead when you have free time. Consistency with healthy eating allows you to stay on track between holiday party foods. Remember, one meal is not the end, its repeat offenses over time which can steer you off track.

3 Holiday Health Management Tips:

  • Plan meals ahead of time
  • Schedule in your workouts
  • Remember our health and happiness is what the holidays should be about

Take the time to be proactive as the parties start poppin’. By avoiding playing catch up after the holidays, your future self will thank you. Your health is the most important gift you can give yourself. Make the time for you.