Let me re-introduce myself!

THE WHAT

• The Blog
• The Food
• The Opinions
• The Photographs
• The Comments
• The Restaurants
• The Cocktails
• The Moments
• The Recipes

THE WHO

NJP.Married.Divorced.Mother.Photographer.Aries

Extrovert.Determined.PassportStamped.Stern.

CreaterOfTheTallAlbum.GrannySipper.Qualified.

Classified.46.FoodAficionado.KitKatSnacker

THE WHY

I live, eat, think and breathe food.  But not just any food, the type of cuisine that makes me wanna photograph it and share it with the world.  About 15 years ago, I began photographing  all things food.  You name it; crab cakes, desserts, cocktails, vegetables.

Anything that could be captured and developed into a beautiful piece of artwork.  I have accumulated hundreds of memorable food moments over the years.  Now it’s time to contribute my  food moments. Don’t talk about it; Blog about it!

THE WHERE

Because I dine at various restaurants, I also appreciate the finer cuisine’s as well as the simple meals prepared in a tiny unsophisticated kitchen in the hood.  My food journey takes me to grocery stores, the Farmer’s Market, new restaurants, familiar places as well as my warm and inviting kitchen.  Sometimes it’s about the ambiance. Sometimes it’s about the food. Sometimes WHERE you are doesn’t really matter.

Taco inspired Stuffed Peppers with ground turkey and quinoa

Ok so here is the not so recipe, recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• Bell peppers 4-6
• 1/2 cup cheese (whatever you like)
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups black beans
• 2 cups salsa (Chipotle Salsa Trader Joe’s)
• Trader Joe’s Taco seasoning or other
• 1 -2 cups quinoa (cooked)
• 2 small shallots (or onion)

I only made 3 peppers and I chose red, green and yellow. I have never made this recipe before. It was inspired by another recipe I saw so I just put my own spin on it. I cooked the quinoa in chicken stock instead of water … it taste better that way. I did not blanch the peppers 1st but after reading more recipes, that is what I recommend. Blanch in hot water for 3 minutes. It will help the peppers to cook faster in the oven. Cut off the tops and take out the inside. Leave the top for garnishment.

1. Cook ground turkey and season with taco seasoning and a little salt
2. Add chopped shallots, Stir
3. Add beans (canned are ok), Stir
4. Add salsa, Stir
5. Add quinoa, Stir
6. Add cheese and save a little to sprinkle on top
7. Spray peppers with coconut oil spray or other spray or EVOO
8. Add filling and sprinkle cheese
9. Cook in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until peppers are tender
10. Serve with remaining filling

 

 

300 Calorie Veggie Wrap

Here is the bootleg recipe!

Ingredients:

• Onions
• Yellow, Green, Red Peppers or your choice
• Half zucchini diced
• 1/2 cup pinto beans
• Whole wheat tortilla
• Garlic hummus
• Salsa

Sauté zucchini, onions and peppers in EVOO until desired tenderness. Warm tortilla in skillet with no oil and spread 1-2 TB of garlic hummus on it.  Top the tortilla with the veggie mix, heated beans, and salsa on top.

That’s it! Make it your own by adding cheese, black beans or other veggies. I always season my veggies and beans. We don’t like bland food remember!

 

This meal is packed with fiber and protein and will keep you full for hours!

 

Skinny Shrimp Scampi

SKINNY SHRIMP SCAMPI… The healthy Non-Pasta Dish!

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 pound jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined…
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup white wine
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 medium zucchini, cut into noodles
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions:
Place a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and heat it for 1 minute. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook them for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook them, stirring as needed, until they are cooked throughout and pink on all sides, about 3 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and then using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl, leaving any liquid in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium. Add the white wine and lemon juice to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, cooking the wine and lemon juice for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, garish with parsley and serve immediately

Turkey Meatballs with Black Beans

Basic Recipe:

Preheat oven to 375. Bake meatballs for 22 minutes.

Season ground turkey with everything you have. No one likes bland food. I used garlic, black pepper, salt and Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning.

Sauté  onion, green pepper, red pepper and spinach after spraying the pan with Coconut Oil Spray or whatever you have. I use the fire roasted frozen veggies from Trader Joe’s and added spinach. Use what you have!!

After the veggies have cooled off, I chopped them up very well and added them to the seasoned ground turkey mix. I do not like touching the meat with my hands, so I scoop it up with a TB and place in glass baking dish that I sprayed with Coconut Oil spray. You do not have to because the ground turkey will produce its own fat!

Look for can black beans that contain low sodium. I seasoned the beans with cumin only. I only ate 1/2 cup of black beans

That’s is. Simple, quick, delicious! Modify as you see fit and let me know how yours turned out!

 

 

 

Do It For The After Photo 90 Day Challenge

January 1, 2016 begins a brand new Challenge for me and some of my closest friends. We have affectionately named it Do It For The After Photo 90 Day Challenge because we want to see the benefits (after photo) from our hard work and dedication. Currently we have over 100 Challengers who will participate!

The picture you see is when I thought I was the finest I have ever been! LBVVS. If you have not already hit 40, you have NO idea what I am talking about. There is just something about turning 40. Your metabolism slows down, you have less energy, the things you once cared about are obsolete and your knees start hurting.

It is far more challenging to get fit in your 40’s than your 20’s or 30’s. Am I right? Of course I am. Well in 98 days, I will celebrate my 45th birthday and I want to be in the best shape of my life.

One of the things that I am giving up until April 7th is …… Granny aka Grandma aka Grand Marnier! LAWWWWWWWWWWWWD yes I just said that out loud. So yes you can hold me accountable.

Share a thing or two that you would like to give up in order to reach your goals?