‘Take Shape For Life’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

September 11, 2013 · Clean Eating, Narrative

I could happily eat mushrooms every day. Unfortunately, the kids have yet to jump on that bandwagon.

But I have hope. After all, it wasn’t until my mid-to-late 30s that I started to like salmon.

I don’t buy into the hype that mushrooms taste beefy, and can fool you into thinking you’re having a burger. Because that’s just ridiculous. Mushrooms taste like … mushrooms.

True, they taste heartier than some of their vegetable counterparts, but to say it tastes like meat is a bit of a stretch.

IMHO.

Hear that, Rachael Ray?

When you hear of a stuffed mushroom, it’s usually with a crab stuffing, or other sometimes heavily breaded, often unhealthy, filling.

This is not that.

Filled with a mixture of chopped, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cheese, it’s a perfect bite that you can feel good about. It takes 10 minutes to make, start to finish, which is perfect because it allows me the time to make something else for my resident mushroom haters, without running around feeling like a short order cook.

And really, after that, what else do you need?

Hungry for more mushroom goodness?
These Portobello Cap Pizzas are equally super simple to make and quite filling.
Mushroom-Crusted Chicken Burgers were a delicious way to sneak a few mushrooms past the kids.
And lastly, these pan-fried chicken thighs with mushrooms were a total win, and appearing on our table this weekend as we entertain friends.

*If you’re on MediFast, this is perfect, and makes two servings.

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Recipe: Cauliflower Bread Sticks

September 4, 2013 · Narrative

Cauliflower has always been one of those take-it-or-leave-it kind of vegetables for me. I love it roasted (both plain and this version). And I love when it’s smothered in cheese sauce. But outside of those two ways? I’m not really looking for it.

But as a way to eat something that is normally carb-heavy, but instead, make a mock version that’s not?

Well, that just might work too.

After all, it’s worked with this mock risotto. Good stuff.

And this cauliflower crust pizza. Also good stuff.

Ohhh. And I almost forgot about the cauliflower mashed potatoes.

So why not bread sticks, right?

Super simple to make. Very few ingredients. Low cauliflower taste and even lower on the guilt scale.

But it makes me think I’m kind of having carbs.

And it’s satisfying.

And filling.

And tasty.

Now that’s what I consider a win.

Does it taste exactly like bread sticks? No. Is it the next best thing to that indulgence? Quite possibly so.

I recently caught a glimpse of cauliflower tortillas. I am so on that.

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Recipe: Cauliflower Crust Pizza

August 27, 2013 · Narrative

When you’re trying to stay away from eating carbs, it seems like it’s exactly THEN that you suddenly want them. Even when I was straight 100% clean eating, I rarely had pasta or pizza. And since I’ve been doing Medifast, I am definitely not having pasta or pizza.

But that doesn’t mean you have to completely do without.

It just means that you have to get a little creative instead.

Like how about using grated, raw cauliflower to make your pizza crust?

I know.

A totally radical idea, no?

But yet … it worked.

The only drawback to the recipe is that it’s a little on the time consuming side. Because after grating the cauliflower and mixing it with a few simple ingredients, you have to bake it, then flip it and bake some more, and then top with tomato sauce and cheese, and then bake some more.

Maybe an hour start to finish?

In the grand scheme of things, not terrible, and, well, if it satisfies your pizza craving without carb loading … that’s a good thing.

And honestly, you couldn’t get healthier. Zero guilt. High vegetable intake. Math was never my strong suit, but that’s the kind of equation I like.

Whether you happen to be avoiding carbs, are eating gluten-free, or just want the taste of pizza without the side of remorse, give this one a try. You just might get hooked too.

Hungry for more cauliflower fake-out dishes?
This Mock Shrimp Risotto is a must-make. And coming next week? Cauliflower Bread Sticks. Yep. For realz.

Tomorrow? We visit Baltimore.

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Recipe: Greek Turkey Burgers

August 19, 2013 · Narrative

When I made these Greek Turkey Burgers for dinner last week, Nick took one or two bites and promptly told me he didn’t like them. I swore up and down that I had made these before and he loved them, and came here to look up the post so I could prove it to him.

And, unfortunately, it looks like he was right.

I know I have made a million and one turkey burger recipes before, but the last one that he loved turned out to be the Thai Turkey Burgers from a few months ago.

Which basically means this wasn’t his most favorite dinner ever.

But also that I hadn’t yet shared the recipe here.

And since *I* happened to really like the burgers, I’m sharing.

(For the record, his objection is the feta. No matter how much I think he should love it as much as I do, he doesn’t).

Turkey burgers are a great go-to when you’re looking to satisfy a burger craving, but you don’t quite want all the fat that a “regular” burger might deliver. And this one? Where some vegetables are snuck in? All the better.

The roasted red peppers bits really help deliver moistness, which is a key to having a flavorful turkey burger, and I promise you, you won’t even know the spinach is there if you’re anti-spinach (so, sneaky vitamins!). And the feta? Well, that just puts it over the top, in my opinion. It gives the burger that nice strong tang that helps it pack a serious flavor punch. If you don’t like feta, substitute your favorite cheese in its place.

Serve it up with a side of roasted vegetables and you have a pretty awesome, complete, healthy Greek-inspired meal that is perfect for summer time … or any time.

Although I’m currently not eating carbs, this would be amazeballs with sliced avocado, a runny egg, and a nice crusty bun.

Making my mouth water just thinking about it.

Make it, you won’t be disappointed.

*If you happen to be on TSFL, this is totally approved.

Tomorrow? A visit to the air show.

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