Tex Mex Zucchini Boats

Ever get the craving for a good old fashioned Sloppy Joe, but you don't want to wreck your diet? Looking for a new dinner idea? These Tex Mex Zucchini Boats will give you the familiar flavors of your favorite sloppy sandwich, without the bun, and with added vegetable servings. This zucchini boats are an everyone-pleaser in the Messy House. Added bonus: they are grain-free, gluten-free, and if you omit the cheese topping, its even dairy-free! And let me tell you, if you do choose to lose the cheese, the meat filling gets extra crispy and delicious!

 

 

I've mentioned these zucchini boats in my weekly meal plans a few weeks ago, and they are always a hit in our house. I based the recipe off of another family favorite: Sloppy Joe Pizza. In fact, any extra filling would be amazing baked onto a pizza. Or you can top nachos with it. Or tossed into pasta for a southwestern-style cheeseburger macaroni. Double the filling recipe and use leftovers as a base for homemade chili, and the possibilities go on...



 

Tex Mex Spice Blend

With this easy spice blend, there is no more need to purchase those packets of taco seasoning. My Tex-Mex Spice Blend goes great on taco meat, fajitas, and is my secret weapon in my Tex Mex Zucchini Boats.

When you start with a well-stocked spice rack, there is no need for pre-mixed spice blends and pricey packets of seasoning. Creating your own spice blends also mean that you can customize the spices to meet your flavor palette.

Tex Mex Spice Blend
(get printable recipe)

Ingredients - for one pound of meat

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for mild) -OR- ground chipotle chili pepper (for hot)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Simply mix all the spices together and season as desired! This recipe makes 2 tablespoons of seasoning, which seems to be perfect for about one pound of meat.

 

 

Try this spice blend with my Tex Mex Zucchini Boats!



Meal Plan Monday - A Special Week of Gluten-Free Crockpot Meals

My goal is to please. When my girlfriend asked me for a meal plan that could work with her dietary restrictions and her busy schedule, I jumped on the challenge. Her needs: a working mom with 3 young children. She wanted meals that could be prepared in the crockpot to easily be able to feed her family when she got home from work. And they had to be gluten-free.

Many people with Celiac disease can't just run through the drive-thru when they are in a rush for dinner. Gluten, even in the smallest amounts (say, a brief cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients) can cause distress. Thankfully, there are some amazing gluten-free food blogs in internet land! Between recipes from blogging friends and searching through Pinterest, I was able to come up with a plan that would suit both my girlfriend's needs, and follow my food philosophy.

When I think about cooking in the crockpot, I want more than just soups and stews. I want variety in colors, textures and flavors. I went in search of recipes that the whole family could enjoy, with just a little prep, including flipping the switch on the crockpot to "on". These recipes are so good, even people without dietary restrictions will love them!

Chipotle Garlic Marinade

 

This Chipotle-Garlic Marinade is delicious and so versatile. It is excellent on steak and pork, or use it to liven up your chicken or shrimp! A few simple ingredients and a zip through the blender is all you need to create a zippy, south-of-the-border flavor to any grilled meat. After you try this marinade, you may never go back to bottled marinades again!

We use this marinade multiple times a month, it has become a staple in our house for our steak tacos. We use it to add zip to roast chicken and shrimp kabobs.

Strawberries and Cream Rice Krispie Bars

Strawberries and cream rice krispie bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert for Valentine's Day. Not only are there only 5 ingredients, but these can be made in less than 15 minutes. They contain no artificial colors or flavors, making these treats fun and kid-friendly! Freeze-dried strawberries give these treats their pink color and an intense strawberry flavor.

 

Sweet, delicious and naturally red and white, strawberries and cream is the perfect pairing for Valentine's Day. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips are added to the classic recipe of rice krispie treats to create this festive dessert. To make it super-special and a little extra decadent, drizzle some chocolate over the top. You could stop there, but I tossed on a dash of colorful sprinkles to add to the Valentine's theme! Of course, if you are trying to avoid artificial colors, avoid the sprinkles.

Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds

Sticking with game day snack theme, these Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds are the perfect snack to enjoy with company (or not) while watching sports, hiking, or just kicking back. A few staple ingredients is all you need to create a sophisticated snack that will please just about everyone. These Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds aren't just great for game day. Try them for snacking on mid-day, instead of reaching for the chips or cookies. Package them up, they make perfect gifts for holidays, housewarmings, and hostess gifts.

Don't think you need to stop at almonds, though. Try making Spiced Rosemary pecans, walnuts, cashews, or a mixed blend. Once you are comfortable with the method, the possibilities are unlimited! Make these ahead and store for up to one week in a cool, dry location. These make for excellent additions to a cheese platter, or toss in some dried cranberries for a tempting fruit and nut blend. Instead of reaching for pretzels or the chip and dip, grab a handful of these nuts and snack smarter.

 

Spiced Rosemary Candied Almonds
Get printable recipe here

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw almonds
• ¼ c sugar
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp dried rosemary, finely chopped (3 sprigs)
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus pinch
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Pizza Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

The Superbowl is just around the corner, signaling the end of football season and the wait to spring training has begun. Did your team make it this year? It did - congratulations! It didn't - yeah... neither did mine. Whether you are hosting a Superbowl or a Supperbowl, these Pizza Stuffed Portabellas are guaranteed to win you some points!

So often, sports-watching parties are filled with our favorite game-time foods: buffalo wings, nachos, pizza... you get the picture. Our husbands love the freedom of eating greasy, fattening foods that go easy with beer.  These stuffed mushrooms have the flavor of your favorite mushroom pizza, without the crust and without the guilt!