Mini Mexican Bowls

I have a love of spicy mexican food that I can never give up. In turn my other half is not a lover of the spice but still loves mexican food so here I have come up with my Mini Mexican Bowls.

Here is what you will need:

4-5 flour tortillas 

1lb cooked ground beef or turkey

2tsp taco seasoning

1/2 cup Salsa- I like mine chunky

1/2 cup shredded Mexican style blend cheese

1/2 cup re fried beans- I like pinto but you can use black beans as well

peppers in adobe if you date

Combine all of the above in a small bowl and set aside. 

Heat oven to 350 and grab your cupcake pan!

Using a cookie cutter or round glass etc cut out circles of the tortillas to fit down into the cupcake pan. It does not need to overhang it just needs to fit. About a 3" circle should do it. 

Place rounds in cupcake tin and fill with the mixture. You should get 12 from the batch. Top with a sprinkle of cheese. I like to put a couple tiny pieces of  peppers in adobe on top of mine. Bake about 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 

Remove from pan and enjoy!

I had mine last night with a little cooked Kale from my garden...

These are so good you have to try them. They are healthy, quick, and freeze well!

~Jenn

Tater Tot "Zucchini" bites!

Thanks to my new obsession Pinterest I came across a really great recipe for zucchini bites. I didn't like most of the ingredients that particular person used so I have messed with the recipe and have come up with a simply delicious recipe I could honestly eat at every meal.

These tasty nuggets taste like tater tots. Yes the tater tots you loved as a kid and maybe loved even more as an adult...I know I loved them. You don't get to be my "previous" size without a few tater tots in your past.

I hope you love these as much as I do.
Here is what you will need:

2 cups shredded and "squeezed" zucchini
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded cheese (whatever you like) I use sharp cheddar
1 egg
Salt and Pepper to taste

Make you sure really get the water out of the zucchini...some is not bad but sometimes mine is really drenched by the time I am done shredding it. 

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. 

Spray a mini muffin tin with pam. Put a small ammt in each tin and bake at 400 until golden brown and delicious, about 10-15 min. 

Let cool slightly and remove from pan.  I typically get about 24 mini size. 

I like to eat a couple and then put the rest in a freezer bag for the rest of the week. 

This is one of my favorite recipes. If you try it I hope you love it!

~Jenn

Very Berry Protein Shake

Post WLS I still love my protein shakes. I am always trying new combinations of powders, fruits, add in's etc. Since I am working on recipes for the center newsletter I have been taste testing some new creations. Here is one of my favorites: Very Berry Protein Shake!

Here is what you need:

1 scoop Vanilla protein powder- any kind you like

3 strawberries - I use Fresh fruit but you can always use frozen!

1/4 cup blueberries

1/2 medium size Peach 

1TB Sugar Free Vanilla Torani (optional)

3-4 Ice Cubes

Squirt of Sugar Free Whipped Topping (optional)

Put all ingredients into your blender except for the whipped topping and blend until combined.

I like to put mine in a pretty glass and top with some whipped topping and a few pieces of fruit. If I am making it a meal, I want it to not only look good but taste good too. You do eat with your eyes first after all!

If you try this recipe let me know.... and if you have any combo ideas pass them along, I am willing to try just about anything!

I think next up will be something chocolate, peppermint, and ....?

You can also follow me on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/jenniegrl